China–Zimbabwe Relations Reach New Heights in Landmark 45th Anniversary Year

China–Zimbabwe relations marked a major milestone in 2025 as the two countries celebrated 45 years of diplomatic ties (image source)

Harare — The year 2025 has been hailed as a landmark in the long-standing relationship between Zimbabwe and China, marking 45 years of diplomatic ties and the formal elevation of bilateral relations to an All-Weather Community with a Shared Future. Officials from both countries say the milestone reflects deep historical solidarity while signalling a new phase of intensified economic cooperation, investment and cultural exchange.

The anniversary year has been characterised by unprecedented high-level engagement. President Emmerson Mnangagwa undertook two official visits to China, while Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira travelled to Beijing on three occasions. Several other cabinet ministers also made official trips, reinforcing cooperation across sectors including infrastructure, energy, education and industry. Diplomats from both sides described the engagements as dynamic, underscoring a shared commitment to aligning development priorities.

China remains Zimbabwe’s largest source of foreign direct investment. Data from the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency shows that nearly 500 new Chinese businesses were registered in 2025 alone, with projected investments amounting to approximately US$2.5 billion. More than one-third of these investments are in manufacturing, a sector central to Zimbabwe’s industrialisation, value addition and beneficiation agenda.

Large-scale projects are already reshaping the country’s industrial base. Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe in Mashonaland East is operating the country’s first lithium sulphate plant, with additional lithium processing facilities under development in Masvingo and Manicaland. In the Midlands province, the Dinson Iron and Steel Company has emerged as a flagship industrial project, alongside new cement and fertiliser plants across the country. These investments are contributing to job creation, tax revenues and the substitution of imports with locally produced goods.

China’s global leadership in renewable energy is also reflected in Zimbabwe’s energy sector. Several Chinese-backed solar power projects currently under construction are expected to add more than 1,000 megawatts to the national grid by 2028, supporting energy security and the country’s transition toward cleaner power sources.

Trade between the two countries continues to deepen. Tobacco exports to China, valued at close to US$800 million annually, sustain the livelihoods of an estimated half a million Zimbabweans. In addition, horticultural products such as citrus, blueberries and avocados are gaining access to the Chinese market. Beijing’s announcement of zero-tariff treatment for exports from 53 African countries, including Zimbabwe, is expected to further expand market access and stimulate local production.

Strategic alignment of development frameworks has also strengthened cooperation. China’s forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) closely dovetails with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2. During the previous planning cycle, bilateral trade doubled from US$1.9 billion in 2021 to US$3.8 billion in 2024, while more than 1,400 Chinese investors registered businesses in Zimbabwe. Major completed projects include Hwange Power Station Units 7 and 8, the expansion of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, NetOne’s National Broadband Phase III, the New Parliament Building and the National Pharmaceutical Warehouse.

Looking ahead, officials have encouraged greater participation by Chinese enterprises and Zimbabwean partners in infrastructure development, energy generation, digital transformation and skills development. The Chinese Embassy has reaffirmed its support for human capital development through scholarships, vocational training and technical cooperation.

As Zimbabwe pursues its vision of becoming a modern, industrialised upper-middle-income economy, Chinese diplomats have reiterated that the two countries remain sincere and reliable partners. With the 45th anniversary marking both continuity and renewal, officials on both sides expressed confidence that the partnership will continue to deepen in the years ahead.