PROSPECT Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ), a subsidiary of Chinese mining giant Huayou Cobalt, marked Africa Day with sports competitions and cultural activities in Goromonzi as part of its environmental, social and governance (ESG) programme aimed at strengthening relations with local communities.
The commemorations, held at Mwanza High School, brought together community members, traditional leaders, government officials and company representatives in celebrations centred on African culture, unity and sustainable development.
Activities included tug-of-war contests, cookout competitions and cultural exchanges showcasing both Zimbabwean and Chinese cuisine under the theme Sports and Culture: Catalysts for Climate Change.
PLZ says it has made Africa Day commemorations an annual tradition since establishing operations in Zimbabwe, with the initiative designed to promote cultural integration between the company’s Chinese workforce and surrounding communities in Goromonzi.
Speaking during the celebrations, PLZ ESG department representative Shaoyi said the company believed development extended beyond mining operations to include investing in people and preserving culture.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today as we gather to celebrate yet another Africa Day — a day that reminds us of who we are, where we come from, and the future we are building together as Africans,” Shaoyi said.
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He said this year’s theme reflected the values of unity, resilience and sustainability which were important for both Africa and the mining sector.
“At Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe, this theme resonates deeply with us as a new energy minerals producer contributing towards a cleaner and more sustainable future for generations to come.
“But beyond mining lithium, we believe in something even greater — investing in people, preserving culture and strengthening communities.”
Shaoyi said the celebrations were also meant to strengthen relations between the company and residents in Goromonzi.
“Today’s celebration is not only about Africa’s rich heritage, but also about the bonds we continue to build here in Goromonzi.
“As a company, we are honoured to have been welcomed and embraced by this community,” he said.
“Our local theme for today’s cookout competition, ‘Where flavours meet, cultures connect,’ perfectly captures the beauty of Africa.
“Across our continent, food has always been more than nourishment — it is identity, history, storytelling, family and unity.
“Through this initiative, we celebrate the richness of African foods and encourage communities to embrace nutritious, locally sourced meals that sustain both our health and traditions.”
He added: “As we celebrate Africa Day, we are reminded that Africa’s future lies in unity, industrialisation, education, innovation and sustainable development.”
Africa Day is commemorated annually on May 25 to mark the formation of the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union, in 1963.
The day celebrates African unity, liberation and the continent’s cultural diversity.
PLZ public relations manager Patience Chizodza said the company had been holding the commemorations for the past three years as part of efforts to integrate with the local community.
“To ensure that our integration as a Chinese entity is accepted by the people of Goromonzi, we have been commemorating Africa Day together with the community,” she said.
“We are proud because the community now looks forward to this event every year where we exchange Zimbabwean cuisine as well as Chinese cuisine.”
Chizodza said the celebrations had become part of the local social calendar in Goromonzi.
The lithium producer also used the occasion to highlight its contribution to Zimbabwe’s mining sector and the broader economy.
Zimbabwe has emerged as one of Africa’s major lithium producers amid growing global demand for the mineral, which is a key component in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies.
PLZ operates the Arcadia lithium mine in Goromonzi, one of the country’s largest lithium projects.
Company officials said investments by Huayou Cobalt in PLZ and Arcadia Technology Zimbabwe were helping position Zimbabwe within the global lithium value chain through beneficiation, employment creation and infrastructure development.
Goromonzi district development co-ordinator Prisca Dube said such events helped preserve African traditions while promoting cultural exchange between communities.
Traditional leader Chief Chikwaka also commended the initiative, saying Africa Day celebrations played an important role in preserving African culture and heritage.