The year 2025, is a year of remarkable achievements for our bilateral relations, a year that marks the 45th anniversary of China-Zimbabwe diplomatic relations and the elevation of our bilateral ties to an All-weather Community with a Shared Future.
This is an opportune moment to reflect on our shared achievements and the renewed opportunities ahead. We take great pride in the robust and dynamic partnership between our two countries. Our high level exchanges have been dynamic. His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa paid two visits to China within one year; Foreign Minister Prof. Dr. Amon Murwira visited China on three different occasions, and a number of Ministers have visited China.
In 2025, Chinese assistance and investment projects continue to benefit communities across Zimbabwe. China remains Zimbabwe’s largest source of foreign investment. According to the Zimbabwe IDA, close to 500 new Chinese businesses have registered in Zimbabwe since January, with projected investments totaling US$2.5 billion. Notably, over one-third of these investments are in manufacturing—a clear testament to China’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s value addition, beneficiation, and industrialization efforts.
In Mashonaland East, Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe operates the country’s first lithium sulfate plant. Lithium plants in Masvingo and Manicaland, alongside the Dinson Iron and Steel Company in Midlands, are solidifying the foundations of Zimbabwe’s industrial growth. Large cement and fertilizer factories，among other key facilities, are being established nationwide, delivering quality products, creating jobs, and generating tax revenue.
As a global leader in renewable energy, China is actively supporting Zimbabwe’s green transition. Multiple solar power projects under construction are expected to add over 1,000 MW of installed capacity by 2028.
On the trade front, tobacco contract farming and exports to China—nearly 800 million USD—sustain the livelihoods of approximately half a million Zimbabweans. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s citrus, blueberries, and avocados are exploring the vast Chinese market.
China has officially announced zero-tariff treatment for all exports from 53 African countries, including Zimbabwe. This policy is a game changer, it will substantially expand the access of Zimbabwean products to the Chinese market, promote local industrial growth, and further stimulate job creation. Both sides are now working diligently to implement the initiative.
Both our nations have formulated our respective development blueprints: China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) and Zimbabwe’s NDS2. The strong alignment between these visions will present enormous opportunities for Zimbabwe and for our ZNCC members.
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During China’s 14th Five-Year Plan and Zimbabwe’s NDS1, the bilateral trade doubled from US$1.9 billion in 2021 to US$3.8 billion in 2024, while over 1,400 Chinese investors registered businesses in Zimbabwe since 2021. Key projects have been successfully completed, such as the expansion of Hwange Units 7&8, the upgrading of Mugabe International Airport, the NetOne National Broadband Phase III, the New Parliament Building and the National Pharmaceutical Warehouse. Looking ahead, we anticipate even more prosperous collaboration in the next five years.
I encourage Chinese enterprises and our chamber members to align their businesses with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Zimbabwe’s NDS2, and to contribute to Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development, power supply, digital transformation, and economic resilience. The Chinese Embassy remains committed to facilitating all forms of exchange and supporting Zimbabwe’s human capital development through training programs, scholarships, and vocational education partnerships.
The Chinese Embassy also looks forward to fostering even closer collaboration with all partners, including government agencies and business organizations, to facilitate the smooth, efficient and lawful operations of Chinese enterprises, to further optimize Zimbabwe’s business environment, to address the challenge weighing on the ease of doing business and to ensure strict compliance by all investors with laws and regulations.
China and Zimbabwe have always been sincere friends. As Zimbabwe strives to build a modern, industrialized, upper-middle-income economy under H. E. President ED Mnangagwa’s mantra of “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,” China will always stand with Zimbabwe and provide our unwavering support.
With Christmas and the New Year approaching, I extend my warmest wishes to you and your families for a joyful festive season and a new year filled with peace, prosperity, and happiness.
