Africa’s future key to global progress, says China

Nqobile Bhebhe-Bulawayo Bureau

GLOBAL modernisation cannot proceed without the full participation of Africa, as the continent’s stability and development are fundamental to the future of humanity, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said yesterday as he urged the world to actively listen to Africa and respond to its concerns.

Under the guidance of President Xi Jinping and African leaders, the China-Africa relationship has reached its zenith.

Within the past three years alone, Chinese enterprises have generated over 1,1 million new jobs across Africa, Minister Wang revealed.

Minister Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, stated that China has forged strategic partnerships with every African nation with which it maintains diplomatic ties.

Minister Wang made the remarks during a meeting with Chinese and international journalists on China’s foreign policy and external relations, held yesterday during the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress.

He reiterated that China and Africa have always been steadfast friends, reliable partners, and close brothers, sharing a common destiny.

“Under the guidance of President Xi Jinping and African leaders, China-Africa relationship is now at its best in history. China has established strategic partnership with all African countries having diplomatic ties with it. The China-Africa community with a shared future has been elevated to an “all-weather” level.

“This year marks the 25th anniversary of FOCAC. Over the past 25 years, China has helped Africa build or upgrade nearly 100 000 kilometres of roads and more than 10 000 kilometres of railways. In the past three years alone, Chinese enterprises created more than 1,1 million new jobs in Africa. China has remained Africa’s largest trade partner for 16 consecutive years. To African brothers and sisters, China-Africa cooperation is visible, tangible and truly beneficial,” he said.

Minister Wang further noted that Africa represents a fertile ground of hope for the 21st century.

“There will be no global modernisation without African modernisation. The stability and development of Africa is vital to the future of humanity, and the world must listen to Africa and heed its concerns. Africa is going through a new awakening, and countries should support Africa in exploring a new development path of self-reliance and self-strengthening,” he said.

The relationship between China and Zimbabwe has deep historical roots, dating back to the liberation struggle of the 1960s, during which Beijing provided crucial military support. This partnership deepened in the early 2000s when Western sanctions were imposed on Zimbabwe, leading China to remain a steadfast ally and a significant trade partner.

Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, trade between Zimbabwe and China has experienced substantial growth, driven by engagement and re-engagement initiatives. China has invested billions in Zimbabwe, particularly in the mining and manufacturing sectors. Notable projects include the US$3,6 billion Palm River Energy Metallurgical Special Economic Zone in Beitbridge, developed in collaboration with a Chinese mining company, and the US$1, 5 billion Dinson Iron and Steel Company project in Manhize.

Other key investments encompass the Afrochine ferrochrome smelters and lithium mining projects through Sinomine Resources, Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, and Chengxin Lithium Group.

China has also supported significant infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe, such as the Hwange Thermal Power Station Units 7 and 8 (US$997 million), Kariba South Hydro Power Station (US$533 million), the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport expansion (US$152 million), and the Victoria Falls Airport upgrade (US$150 million).

In addition to infrastructure, China has contributed to national development projects, including funding the new Parliament building in Mt Hampden through a US$140 million grant.

The two nations have also collaborated in health and agriculture, with China providing substantial support during the Covid-19 pandemic and assisting Zimbabwe’s modernisation efforts through initiatives such as borehole drilling. These robust bilateral ties have solidified China’s position as Zimbabwe’s “all-weather friend,” delivering tangible benefits across numerous sectors and aligning with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 modernisation and industrialisation goals.