Zimbabwe, China bolster strategic all-weather ties

THE long-standing "all-weather friendship" between China and Zimbabwe has evolved into a strategic partnership driving Zimbabwe toward its Vision 2030 goals.

China remains Zimbabwe's top foreign investor, with 2025 invest­ments projected at US$2.5 billion across lithium, steel, and solar sectors.

Speaking to the Daily News Staff Writer Brighton Muronzereyi at the weekend, Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, said key infrastructure projects like airport up­grades and the Hwange power station expansion highlight a commitment to sustainable growth. The diplomat said cooperation is now expanding into green energy, digital transforma­tion, and value-added mining.

Below are the excerpts of the interview.

Q: China's support for Zimbabwe during the liberation struggle laid the foundation for an "all-weather friendship". How does this histori­cal bond continue to shape bilateral relations today?

A: The historical bond forged dur­ing Zimbabwe's liberation struggle remains the bedrock of our bilateral relations - an "all-weather friend­ship" built on unwavering mutual trust and a shared commitment to common development. It stands as a model of solidarity and cooperation, not only between China and Africa, but across the Global South.

Last year marked the 45th an­niversary of diplomatic relations be­tween our two countries, highlighted by active high-level exchanges.

In particular, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa's visit to China in September - as one of only two African heads of state to attend commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War - un­derscored the great importance China attaches to its partnership with Zimbabwe.

Further visits by the Speaker of Parliament (Jacob Mudenda), the Foreign minister (Amon Murwira), and a number of ministerial delega­tions reinforced the strength of our political ties.

Today, China remains Zimba­bwe's largest source of foreign direct investment, playing a vital role in its industrialisation and modernisation. According to the Zimbabwe Invest­ment and Development Agency, close to 500 new Chinese businesses registered in Zimbabwe in 2025, with projected investments totaling US$2.5 billion.

Major projects in lithium processing, steel, cement, and solar energy are creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and boosting fiscal revenues. Bilateral trade continues to grow steadily and is projected to reach a historic high of US$4 billion in 2025.

Our joint efforts continue to ad­vance sustainable development and move us closer toward a shared and prosperous future.

Q: From China's perspective, how would you assess Zimbabwe's current economic trajectory, particularly in relation to the country's Vision 2030 development goals?

A: Zimbabwe is on a steadfast and positive economic trajectory. The year 2025 has witnessed particularly encouraging progress, with robust GDP growth projected to exceed 6.6 percent. Notable progress has been achieved in agriculture, mining, public health, and fiscal stability, alongside transformative strides in infrastructure - from modernised highways and enhanced power generation to expanded digital con­nectivity. These accomplishments lay a solid foundation for realising Vision 2030.

As a developing country, Zim­babwe continues to face various challenges, yet the clear policy direc­tion set out in its National Develop­ment Strategy 2 provides a resilient roadmap forward. As an all-weather friend, China remains firmly commit­ted to our steadfast partnership and will continue to support Zimbabwe's journey toward becoming a prosper­ous, upper-middle-income society by 2030.

Q: In the context of a chal­lenging global economic environ­ment, how is China continuing to support Zimbabwe's economic development and the improvement of livelihoods?

A: China and Zimbabwe continue to translate our profound historical friendship into practical cooperation and tangible outcomes.

This is evident in the construc­tion of large-scale industrial plants, hospitals, schools, boreholes, and irrigation facilities, as well as in the deepening of exchanges through knowledge sharing, technical train­ing, and robust people-to-people exchanges.

In today's complex global landscape, China stands as a force of stability. We remain firmly com­mitted to supporting Zimbabwe in in­dependently pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and in promoting sustained socio-economic progress.

The sustained growth of our rela­tions is guided first and foremost by the visionary leadership of our two heads of state, His Excellency Presi­dent Xi Jinping and His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who jointly announced the elevation of bilateral relations to an all-weather community with a shared future last year.

This progress is further propelled by the strong synergy between our national strategies. Late last year, both countries formulated new development blueprints - China's 15th Five-Year Plan and Zim­babwe's National Development Strategy 2. By aligning our visions for 2026–2030, we are unlocking significant opportunities that directly support Zimbabwe's sustainable and inclusive growth and deliver concrete benefits to its people.

Q: Public discussion often focuses on debt and financing in China–Zimbabwe cooperation. How does China view these con­cerns, and what guiding principles underpin Chinese financing for major infrastructure projects?

A: China views debt sustainabil­ity as a priority in its international cooperation. Our approach to financ­ing is rooted in principles of mutual respect, transparency, and shared benefit.

It is important to clarify that Zim­babwe's debt to China constitutes a modest portion of its external obliga­tions - approximately 16 percent of the total - while across Sub-Saharan Africa, Chinese lending represents only about 7.3 percent of public and publicly guaranteed debt. Recent analyses, including a 2025 IMF report, indicate no direct correlation between Africa's debt challenges and financing from China.

Every project supported by China, such as the expansion of the Hwange and Kariba power stations or the upgrades to Victoria Falls and Robert Mugabe International Airports, is initiated by the Zimbabwean govern­ment and developed through trans­parent, mutually agreed terms. These investments are directed toward productive, long-term infrastructure that fosters growth, creates jobs, and enhances economic capacity.

Additionally, we encourage Chinese companies to operate in Zimbabwe in accordance with market principles, guided by rigor­ous feasibility assessments and independent commercial judgment. This approach ensures that projects are sustainable, financially viable, and aligned with Zimbabwe's own development goals.

Q: Beyond traditional areas such as infrastructure and mining, which sectors do you see as offer­ing the greatest potential for future China–Zimbabwe cooperation?

A: Beyond traditional sectors such as infrastructure and mining, the strategic alignment between China's development plans and Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) offers fresh avenues for win‑win cooperation.

In particular, several high-potential areas stand out. First, trade liberalisation. China's recent announcement of zero‑tariff treat­ment for exports from 53 African countries, including Zimbabwe, is a transformative step. This will significantly expand market access for Zimbabwean products in China, stimulate local industrial growth, and create sustainable employment. Both sides are actively working to imple­ment this policy.

Second, green energy partnership. Leveraging Zimbabwe's abundant solar resources and China's expertise in renewable technology and financ­ing, we can deepen collaboration in solar power generation, energy stor­age, and transmission. Such coopera­tion will enhance energy security and support Zimbabwe's sustainable transition.

Third, digital transformation. With China's experience in digital infrastructure, e‑governance, and smart city development, we are well‑positioned to support Zimba­bwe in building a modern, connected digital economy as envisioned in the NDS2.

Finally, people‑to‑people exchanges. As 2026 has been designated the China‑Africa Year of People‑to‑People Exchanges, we look forward to expanding engage­ment with Zimbabwe through education, culture, tourism, sports, and technology. This includes schol­arships, training programmes, and vocational initiatives that will help cultivate the skilled talent needed for innovation and long‑term growth.

Together, these areas offer a robust pathway to deepen our part­nership and deliver tangible benefits for both our peoples.

Q. As cooperation in the extractive sector deepens, how does China view the importance of promoting local value addi­tion, industrial upgrading, and environmental sustainability in Zimbabwe?

A: We encourage Chinese enterprises to operate on the basis of market principles and commer­cial viability, with the objective of transforming mining into a catalyst for broader economic progress.

A clear example is the establish­ment of local processing facilities - such as the Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO), Manhize Steel Plant, with an annual production capacity of 600 000 tonnes - which create employment, boost exports, and strengthen domestic value chains.

Through technology transfer and targeted vocational training, we ac­tively support Zimbabwe's industrial advancement and human capital development.

On environmental protection, we advocate for strict compliance with local regulations and promote sustainable practices, including investment in renewable energy.

Notably, Chinese investors are advancing solar projects with a com­bined capacity of 1 000 megawatts, which will help address energy challenges and support Zimbabwe's green transition.

It is our firm belief that mining cooperation should yield tangible, clean, and sustainable outcomes, contributing meaningfully to Zimba­bwe's economy and the well-being of its people.

Q. With growing people-to-people and business exchanges, how does the embassy encourage Chinese enterprises to uphold labour standards, corporate social responsibility, and effective cultural communication with local communities?

A: The Chinese Embassy consist­ently urges all Chinese enterprises in Zimbabwe to strictly adhere to local laws and regulations as the funda­mental basis for their operations.

We emphasise conducting thorough due diligence and com­prehensive risk assessments prior to investments, evaluating not only financial returns, but also the broader business environment, local customs, community dynamics, and socio-cultural norms.

This includes understanding and respecting Zimbabwean traditions and practices, and avoiding involve­ment in projects that may generate controversy or disputes.

We actively encourage these enterprises to uphold fair labour practices, maintain high environ­mental standards, engage construc­tively with local communities, and unequivocally reject any form of corrupt activities.

It is important to clarify that, as a diplomatic mission, the embassy does not possess jurisdictional au­thority and is not a regulatory body. Matters of legal compliance and dispute resolution rightfully fall un­der the purview of Zimbabwean law enforcement and judicial institutions, rather than social media or foreign embassies.

We also believe it is the respon­sibility of local authorities to foster a fair, transparent, and enabling business environment that attracts and supports all investors - both local and foreign - operating in Zimbabwe.

Q: Looking ahead, as the global development landscape evolves, what role do you see Zimbabwe playing within China's Global Development Initiative in the com­ing decade?

A: As the global development landscape continues to evolve, Zim­babwe is poised to play a significant and constructive role within China's Global Development Initiative over the coming decade.

As one of China's most reliable and enduring partners in Africa, Zim­babwe stands as a natural and pivotal contributor to advancing the GDI's goals of sustainable and inclusive growth.

Rooted in principles such as prioritising development, adopting a people-centered approach, and fos­tering innovation-driven cooperation, the GDI aligns closely with Zimba­bwe's own National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030.

Within this framework, our col­laboration will focus on translating these shared priorities into tangible outcomes - particularly in areas such as infrastructure connectivity, green energy transition, digital transforma­tion, and deepening people-to-people exchanges. Moreover, through established platforms like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative, China and Zimbabwe can further demonstrate how equitable partnership and mu­tual commitment lead to meaningful progress.