Staff Reporter

China has reiterated its unwavering commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s developmental goals, with a strong focus on youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and agricultural transformation.

The pledge was made by Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, during the International Youth Summit on Land and Economic Freedom hosted by the Africa Youth Congress in Harare.

Speaking recently in commemmoration of Africa Day, 2025, Ambassador Zhou highlighted the continent’s youthful population as its most valuable asset, stressing that Africa’s future lies in the hands of its dynamic youth.

“With half of its population younger than 19, Africa Day also reminds us that the continent’s greatest asset lies in its youth,” he said.

Ambassador Zhou described Zimbabwe as a key partner in China’s broader engagement with Africa, praising the growing strength of bilateral ties and strategic cooperation across key sectors.

He pointed to major infrastructure developments such as the expansion of Harare and Victoria Falls airports and the provision of boreholes in rural areas as prime examples of transformational, not merely transactional, collaboration between the two nations.

In 2024 alone, trade between Zimbabwe and China reached an impressive US$3.8 billion, marking a 23.9% growth from the previous year.

Education and skills development remain central pillars of this partnership.

“Since 2018, more than 3 000 Zimbabwean students have studied in China, and around 500 professionals benefit from training programmes each year,” the ambassador said.

He also praised the impact of Chinese-led agricultural initiatives in Zimbabwe, particularly the Agricultural Demonstration Villages in Mashonaland West and Central provinces.

These projects are equipping local farmers with modern technologies and farming techniques, significantly increasing productivity and incomes, while also offering meaningful opportunities to women and youth in rural areas.

Ambassador Zhou further revealed that Chinese companies operating in Zimbabwe have collectively invested over US$100 million into more than 70 community-based projects.

These initiatives promote technology transfer, youth empowerment, and poverty alleviation—demonstrating China’s holistic approach to development.

Concluding his address, Ambassador Zhou reaffirmed China’s long-term commitment to Zimbabwe and called on the youth to be active participants in shaping the future.

“To our young friends present here, your energy, ideas, and courage will drive the social and economic development of your great nation,” he said.

China’s consistent and expanding support signals a strong partnership aimed at creating lasting impact and shared prosperity for Zimbabwe’s next generation.