HARARE, Mar. 24 (NewsDay Live) – The People’s Republic of China has handed over 5,000 metric tonnes of rice to Zimbabwe, bolstering the country’s efforts to combat food insecurity exacerbated by drought and economic pressures.
The handover ceremony took place on Monday, March 23, at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Aspindale depot in Harare.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, described the initiative as “a tangible expression of friendship and enduring partnership,” emphasizing that food security is the cornerstone of a nation’s stability and prosperity.
“Today, we are handing over the last batch of 5,000 tonnes. This food aid embodies the warm friendship of the Chinese people, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to Zimbabwe’s food security, and reflects our enduring solidarity with Zimbabwe, especially in times of difficulty,” Zhou said.
The ambassador highlighted China’s long-term commitment to strengthening agricultural resilience in Zimbabwe, noting that support extends beyond emergency assistance to include infrastructure development, technology transfer, and capacity building.
“Over the years, China has supported Zimbabwe in building agricultural infrastructure and facilities, including boreholes, dams, and irrigation systems to enhance production. We have also worked with UN agencies to improve sustainable soil management and water resource planning,” he said.
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Zhou added that Chinese experts are involved in initiatives such as agricultural cooperation and poverty reduction demonstration villages, as well as the Juncao technology project, which addresses food security, environmental protection, and climate resilience.
“Guided by the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, we will continue to deepen cooperation in technology transfer, infrastructure development, and capacity building,” he said.
The donation comes amid ongoing food security challenges in Zimbabwe, a situation formally recognized in 2024 when President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a national disaster following El Niño-induced droughts.
The shipment, comprising 100,000 bags of rice, will support households and vulnerable groups in Harare’s Highfield suburb, including children in correctional services, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and flood-affected communities.
Speaking at the handover, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo, praised China’s support.
“This gesture is not merely an act of goodwill; it is a profound testament to the enduring and mutually beneficial relations between the Government of Zimbabwe and the Government of China,” he said.
Moyo confirmed that distribution would be “targeted, transparent, and accountable,” prioritizing vulnerable households and institutions caring for children, older persons, and people living with disabilities.
“This strategic focus reflects our unwavering commitment to social protection and inclusive development, ensuring that no Zimbabwean is left behind in the face of adversity,” he added.
GMB officials, represented by executive Tawanda Zimunda, assured the public of secure and verifiable distribution, emphasizing collaboration with provincial social development officers.
The event was also attended by Deputy Minister Mercy Dinha, government officials, members of the media, and a sample of beneficiaries.
Zimbabwean authorities reiterated that the rice donation will complement ongoing social protection programmes, such as cash transfers and community support initiatives, while contributing to broader national efforts to build resilience against climate shocks.