HARARE, June 2 (NewsDay Live) — China says its new zero-tariff policy for African countries offers unprecedented export opportunities for Zimbabwean manufacturers, particularly women-led businesses, as local entrepreneurs launched the Zimbabwe Women in Manufacturing (ZWIM) association on Tuesday.
Speaking at the official launch of ZWIM in Harare, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the policy, which took effect on May 1, 2026, grants duty-free access to the Chinese market for all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing, including Zimbabwe.
Zhou said the measure would open China’s vast market to Zimbabwean products, creating new opportunities for local manufacturers while attracting investment into value addition and industrialisation.
“What we pursue is down-to-earth cooperation that turns favorable policies into real opportunities and tangible gains for ordinary people, particularly women and young entrepreneurs,” he said.
The ambassador described the formation of ZWIM as a timely initiative that aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2, which place manufacturing, industrialisation and women’s economic empowerment at the centre of economic transformation.
ZWIM brings together women entrepreneurs from sectors including agro-processing, textiles, leather, furniture and paper production.
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Zhou said Chinese investments in infrastructure, steel, cement, solar energy and lithium processing were strengthening Zimbabwe’s industrial base while creating opportunities for small and medium enterprises and women-owned businesses.
He highlighted long-standing China-Zimbabwe cooperation, citing projects such as the new Parliament building, upgrades to Harare and Victoria Falls international airports, power expansion projects at Hwange and Kariba South, as well as investments in health, education and agriculture.
The ambassador said China would focus on expanding skills training, promoting industrial exchanges between businesses from both countries and helping Zimbabwean manufacturers access the Chinese market under the zero-tariff framework.
ZWIM president Ms. Gunguwo and other founding members were commended for establishing a platform aimed at advancing women’s participation in manufacturing and supporting local value addition.
Zhou said the association’s launch marked more than a symbolic event, describing it as a milestone for women’s economic empowerment, industrial growth and deeper China-Zimbabwe cooperation.
