Online Reporter
Lincoln Towindo in HANGZHOU, China
CHINESE automotive giant Geely is looking at Zimbabwe as a potential market for electric vehicles and could support the development of infrastructure covering batteries, charging systems and logistics, as the country seeks to position itself in the emerging electric-mobility industry.
A Geely Holding Group representative said Zimbabwe presented significant potential for the automotive industry, following a tour of the company’s facilities on Monday here by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga.
He said Geely had the capacity to offer more than finished vehicles, with its capabilities extending to batteries, charging solutions and other technologies required to support electric mobility.
“Absolutely, Zimbabwe is a very big potential market for Geely and also for the automotive market,” he said.
He said the company was capable of providing an integrated solution covering electric vehicles, batteries, technology and charging infrastructure.
The representative said Geely would be prepared to support the establishment of logistics and charging infrastructure for customers in Zimbabwe.
The remarks come as Zimbabwe steps up efforts to attract Chinese investment into sectors linked to its vast mineral resources, particularly as the global transition towards electric vehicles increases demand for critical minerals.
Vice President Chiwenga used his tour of Geely to urge the company to consider taking its expertise and technology closer to the source of the raw materials needed by the electric-vehicle industry.
Zimbabwe has significant deposits of minerals considered important to the energy-transition and battery industries, including lithium, nickel, cobalt and other critical minerals.
Dr Chiwenga said the country’s mineral wealth, combined with Geely’s technological expertise, created an opportunity for cooperation that could help Zimbabwe move up the value chain.
“What is of interest to us is that all the EV minerals, Zimbabwe holds, we are at the centre of the EV minerals,” he said.
“And what we are saying to you, Geely, is that come to where your raw materials are. You have got the knowledge, you have got the experience, we have got the resources. And together, the dreams of both of us are greater.”
The Vice President toured Geely’s operations in Hangzhou and was shown some of the company’s leading vehicle brands, while receiving briefings on its electric-vehicle technology and research and development activities.
He said China’s rapid technological development was evident from Geely’s transformation from its humble beginnings into a major automotive technology company.
Geely Auto is headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
The wider Geely Holding Group sold more than four million vehicles in 2025, placing it among the world’s largest automotive groups, while its new-energy vehicle portfolio continues to expand rapidly.
The engagement with Geely is part of Dr Chiwenga’s working visit to China, during which he is leading a high-powered Zimbabwean delegation in engagements aimed at attracting investment across several sectors.
