China–Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarships Mark 45 Years of Diplomatic Ties

China–Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarships marked 45 years of diplomatic ties as the Chinese Embassy honoured scholarship recipients and essay winners, highlighting education as a pillar of bilateral cooperation (image source)

The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe last week hosted an awards ceremony honouring recipients of the 2025 China–Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship and winners of an essay contest commemorating 45 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Held on November 28, the event brought together about 150 guests, including 61 scholarship recipients and 19 essay contest awardees. The ceremony underscored the growing role of education and people-to-people exchanges in strengthening bilateral ties between Harare and Beijing.

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding described educational cooperation as a cornerstone of the all-weather China–Zimbabwe relationship, saying it plays a vital role in fostering mutual understanding and long-term partnership. He urged scholarship recipients to maximise the opportunities offered and to use their education to drive Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development while strengthening friendship between the two nations.

“People-to-people exchanges and educational cooperation are vital components of our relationship,” Ambassador Zhou said. “They play an irreplaceable role in deepening friendship between our two nations.”

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Hon. Frederick Shava, welcomed the continued expansion of academic collaboration, saying it aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goals. He noted that education remains central to the country’s industrialisation and modernisation drive.

“Education is at the heart of our industrialisation and modernisation agenda,” Shava said. “These partnerships strengthen our ability to train skilled professionals and innovators who will contribute meaningfully to national development.”

Shava added that scholarships and academic exchanges enhance talent development, research collaboration and technology transfer, all of which are critical for sustainable growth. The essay contest, held as part of the anniversary celebrations, encouraged young Zimbabweans to reflect on the past, present and future of China–Zimbabwe relations, with winning entries focusing on friendship, development cooperation and shared aspirations.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, several recipients expressed gratitude and pledged to use their education to serve Zimbabwe while strengthening Africa–China cooperation. As the two countries mark 45 years of diplomatic engagement, the scholarship programme stands as a symbol of a partnership increasingly defined by knowledge exchange, skills development and long-term cooperation.