Online Reporter
Yolanda Mushoriwa
To build a modern, competitive upper middle-income economy, as envisaged in Vision 2030, Zimbabwe must seize opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution and expand international trade cooperation.
Digital transformation and open markets have become two major driving forces for long-term national growth.
Over the past few years, cooperation between Zimbabwe and China has delivered remarkable results in the establishment of digital infrastructure and growth of bilateral trade, bringing renewed development momentum to the country, as well as building a forward-looking partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared interests.
For quite some time, Zimbabwe faced significant challenges in the digital space.
Internet services were expensive, unstable and limited in coverage.
Rural schools were cut off from global online educational resources, small businesses were unable to access digital trading platforms and Government operations relied heavily on cumbersome paper-based workflows that affected administrative efficiency.
This situation has, however, since changed, especially with support from Chinese enterprises.
Most cities, towns and remote rural districts across the country have since been connected to an integrated digital network through optic fibre cables.
Leading Chinese telecommunication firms Huawei and ZTE have also deployed 5G networks nationwide, enabling high mobile broadband speeds.
Further, Alibaba Cloud has set up local data centres in Zimbabwe, which not only ensure the security of domestic data but also allow local users to access world-class cloud computing services.
The popularisation of digital technology has profoundly changed production, study and daily life across the country.
For instance, farmers in remote areas such as Masvingo can now check real-time market prices through their mobile phones and make more rational sales decisions.
Students in Bulawayo and other cities have access to abundant online learning materials, breaking the limitations of offline education.
Small business owners in Harare and other commercial hubs can complete digital payments and online transactions conveniently, greatly simplifying business operations.
At the Government level, more and more public services have moved online, which streamlines work procedures, improves service efficiency and standardises administrative operations.
Digital empowerment has enabled Zimbabwe to keep pace with the global digital trend and fully participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Beyond basic internet and cloud services, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as the next engine of global technological progress.
And China has been the front-runner in AI, boasting mature technologies, abundant practical experience and a complete industrial ecosystem across AI research, development and large-scale application.
These proven technologies and rich practical expertise from China are well-positioned to fuel Zimbabwe’s digital future.
To unlock greater potential, the two governments and their business communities should conduct in-depth discussions and launch pragmatic cooperation on AI research, talent training and scenario-based application.
Zero-tariff policy
The zero-tariff policy, which officially became effective on May 1 this year in 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China, marked a historic milestone that is expected to boost bilateral trade between China and Zimbabwe.
It is also expected to be a powerful catalyst for Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
This preferential framework grants duty-free access to the Chinese market for over 98 percent of Zimbabwe’s export products, covering processed minerals, various agricultural and horticultural produce, textiles and manufactured commodities.
As one of the most inclusive trade facilitation measures China has offered to fellow developing nations, this policy creates tremendous competitive advantages for local producers in one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
It also strongly encourages the development of local deep-processing industries, as processed products boast much higher-added value than raw materials.
Since the policy has just been implemented, it is too early to quantify its dividends. However, this unprecedented market opening has already sent a positive signal to local producers and traders.
To fully and permanently capture the long-term benefits of this policy, Zimbabwe needs to take proactive and targeted actions.
It is crucial for the relevant authorities to accelerate consultations and negotiate bilateral agreements with China.
Formalising such arrangements will help institutionalise the zero-tariff treatment, eliminate uncertainties and ensure Zimbabwe can steadily enjoy this preferential policy for years to come.
This market opening is based on equal consultation and mutual benefit, not unilateral charity, and it is set to create substantial win-win outcomes for both sides.
All cooperation between Zimbabwe and China follows the principles of mutual respect, equality and common development, with no unreasonable political conditions attached.
From digital infrastructure connecting the whole nation to a fully open trade market, every achievement witnesses the sincerity and solidity of this bilateral partnership.
Looking ahead, the two countries will continue to deepen practical cooperation in all fields.
With joint efforts, Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 will surely be fully realised, and this long-term partnership will keep creating greater prosperity for the people of both nations.
Yolanda Mushoriwa is the national secretary for External Affairs at the Zimbabwe Congress of Students Unions.
