‘Inclusive education systems the surest path to prosperity’

It is a great honour to join you today at the Inaugural Annual Stakeholder Convention of the Presidential Programme for Professionals (PP4P). 

This Convention is being held at a most opportune moment, as Zimbabwe is mobilising professionals nationwide to advance its National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). PP4P is a flagship national platform established in direct response to H.E. President E.D. Mnangagwa's call of "leaving no one and no place behind." Under the theme "Building a Sustainable Future: Professionals Contributing to Vision 2030", the programme plays a vital role in mobilising professional talents both at home and in the diaspora, fostering closer collaboration between professionals and the government, and jointly addressing socio-economic challenges. 

As Chinese Ambassador, I highly appreciate this forward-looking initiative and stand ready to work closely with our Zimbabwean friends through PP4P to support Zimbabwe's talent development and empower its professionals to contribute to the country's industrialisation and modernisation.

Talent is the foundation of national development and the core engine of innovation and growth. No country can achieve modernisation without a skilled and professional workforce. As the world’s second-largest economy and the largest developing country, China’s achievements in talent development offer valuable lessons for the Global South, including Zimbabwe.

China’s approach to talent development integrates education, vocational training, and national economic planning. China produces over 5 million STEM graduates every year. To expand technical and vocational pathways, China has established 2,500 technical colleges and 30,000 private vocational training institutions. 

Together, these efforts have cultivated a large, dynamic workforce that drives innovation and productivity. Today, talent development is fully embedded in China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), which emphasizes the coordinated advancement of education, scientific and technological innovation, and national talent strength. Beyond domestic cultivation, China is also deepening reforms of its talent system to attract global professionals, thereby powering its sustainable growth.

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I am encouraged to see that Zimbabwe is moving in the same direction. By aligning the cultivation of talent and professionals with long-term goals through its Heritage-based Education 5.0 and NDS2, Zimbabwe is building inclusive systems that unlock and harness potential from all regions and social backgrounds. This people-centered vision for talent development strategy is the surest path to prosperity.

I am especially inspired that, under the leadership of H.E. President Xi Jinping and H.E. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the all-weather friendship between our two nations has become a fine example of South-South cooperation — particularly in talent cultivation, professional training and capacity building. 

Through landmark China-aided projects—such as the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Hwange Power Station Units 7 & 8, the New Parliament Building, the High Performance Computing Centre, and the NetOne National Mobile Broadband Project—as well as long-standing Chinese agricultural and medical assistance programs, tens of thousands of Zimbabwean engineers, technicians, medical and agricultural practitioners have received valuable on-the-job training. They have mastered advanced technologies that directly support Zimbabwe's infrastructure development and livelihood improvement.

Through our comprehensive educational cooperation, China has built schools, upgraded university facilities, provided government scholarships, and promoted university-to-university partnerships across primary, higher, and vocational education. Under the "Future Africa – China-Africa Vocational Education Cooperation Plan", Zimbabwean students are studying at vocational colleges in China. Upon returning home, they will use the expertise and skills acquired in China to boost local development.

Over the past decade, through our training programmes, China has helped more than 6,000 Zimbabwean officials and professionals enhance their management and technical skills through various capacity-building initiatives.

Chinese enterprises investing in Zimbabwe also play a key role in local talent development. Major projects—including the Dinson Steel Plant—have created more than ten thousand skilled jobs and facilitated critical technology transfer. Huawei, China’s tech giant, has advanced digital talent development through its "Seeds for the Future" programme, ICT Academies, and AI competitions, nurturing young innovators and strengthening technical capacity.

Looking ahead, China-Zimbabwe talent and professional partnership enjoys broad and promising prospects. The year 2026 has been designated as China-Africa Year of People- to-People Exchanges, with nearly 600 events planned in education, culture, science and technology, youth, women, media, and think tanks. The "Capacity Incubator" is one of its five key pillars, dedicated to turning talent resources into drivers of modernisation. The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe will actively facilitate these exchanges, enabling more Zimbabwean friends to participate in these programs. 

I would like to take this opportunity to announce that, starting from 1 May 2026, China will grant zero-tariff treatment to 100% of tariff lines for the 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China. This policy is expected to boost Zimbabwe's exports to China, accelerate local processing and industrial upgrading, and generate greater demand and more opportunities for Zimbabwean professionals.

China's talent development priorities under its 15th Five-Year Plan are highly compatible with Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). China stands ready to work with PP4P to give greater priority to professional development, ensuring that talent better serves Zimbabwe's socio-economic progress and people's well-being. 

As you continue your journey toward Vision 2030, China remains Zimbabwe's reliable strategic partner.

Zhou Ding is the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe. He was speaking at the Inaugural Annual Stakeholder Convention of the Presidential Programme for Professionals (PP4P) in Harare on Wednesday.