Chronicle EditorStanford Chiwanga, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE and China share a long-standing relationship that dates back to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. Over the years, this bond has strengthened, with China playing a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s post-independence development. Through various infrastructure projects, China has significantly contributed to Zimbabwe’s social and economic progress, transforming the lives of its citizens.
One of the earliest and most symbolic manifestations of this co-operation was the construction of the National Sports Stadium in Harare. Conceptualised and built with significant Chinese assistance, the stadium was completed in 1987. The iconic structure has served as a vital venue for countless national sporting events, fostering a sense of unity and national pride.
Beyond sports, it has hosted significant cultural and national gatherings, solidifying its place as a landmark of Zimbabwe’s post-independence era and contributing immeasurably to the nation’s social cohesion.
In the crucial sector of transportation, China’s involvement has ushered in significant modernisation. The Victoria Falls
International Airport upgrading project, which commenced in 2013 and completed in 2016, dramatically enhanced the capacity and appeal of the vital gateway to Zimbabwe’s tourism heartland. The expansion included a new international terminal building, a new four-kilometre runway, and upgraded equipment. The development has led to a significant increase in tourist arrivals, boosting the local economy, creating employment opportunities and showcasing Zimbabwe’s natural wonders to a wider global audience.
Similarly, thanks to China, the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, Zimbabwe’s main airport, underwent a US$153 million expansion completed in July 2023, increasing passenger capacity from 2.5 million to 6 million annually. The project included a new international terminal, four new aerobridges (including A380 capability), and modern passenger handling systems. A VVIP pavilion was also built, and the domestic terminal is being refurbished.
Addressing Zimbabwe’s persistent energy challenges has been a paramount area of collaboration. The Kariba South Power Station expansion project was undertaken to increase Zimbabwe’s power generation capacity by adding two new 150 MW units to the existing Kariba South hydroelectric power station. The project, completed in March 2018, increased the plant’s total installed capacity from 750 MW to 1050 MW. Financed through a loan from China Exim Bank and implemented by Sinohydro Corporation, the US$533 million expansion aimed to alleviate Zimbabwe’s power shortages and reduce reliance on electricity imports. The addition of 300 MW significantly boosted the national grid, supporting economic productivity and providing a more reliable power supply for a broader population.
Furthermore, the Hwange Power Station expansion project added two 300 MW units (Units 7 and 8) to the existing 920 MW Hwange Power Station, significantly increasing the country’s electricity generation capacity to 1520 MW. Completed in 2023 with financing and construction by Chinese entities, the US$1, 5 billion project has reduced power shortages, supported economic growth and decreased reliance on hydro-power, while also creating jobs and benefitting the local community through improved water supply and infrastructure. Further expansion with Units 9 and 10 is planned to enhance Zimbabwe’s energy security.
Beyond these large-scale infrastructural undertakings, China’s support extends to projects with direct and significant social impact. The imposing New Parliament Building in Mount Hampden, construction, which commenced in 2018 and was completed in 2022, provides a modern and spacious complex for Zimbabwe’s legislative arm of government. The new edifice symbolises progress and efficiency in governance, offering improved facilities for parliamentary proceedings and administration.
Mr Marshall Ndlela, an academic and economist said China has been more than an ally for Zimbabwe, describing it as a development partner.
“China has played a crucial and alliance role in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development, funding and constructing key projects like the New Parliament Building, Hwange Power Station expansion and airport upgrades, under the Belt and Road Initiative. These efforts have improved energy, transport and governance infrastructure, addressing gaps caused by Western sanctions and limited local resources,” he said.
In the healthcare sector, the US$22 million National Pharmaceutical Warehouse in Harare, construction of which began in 2019 and was completed in 2022, represents a crucial step towards strengthening Zimbabwe’s drug storage and distribution capabilities. The state-of-the-art facility, funded and constructed by China, has significantly increased the country’s capacity to store essential medicines and medical consumables under optimal conditions, ensuring a more efficient and reliable supply chain for the national health delivery system, ultimately benefitting the health and well-being of the population.
Recognising the importance of digital connectivity in the modern era, China has also played a key role in upgrading Zimbabwe’s telecommunications infrastructure. Phase III of NetOne’s Mobile Broadband upgrade project, a US$71 million initiative in strategic co-operation with China and with Huawei as the technical partner, commenced in September 2021. The phase aimed to construct over 260 new base stations, primarily targeting rural areas to increase national coverage from approximately 75 percent to 85 percent and improve 4G LTE coverage. The project also included the introduction of 5G technology to address the growing demand for data. By March 2025, significant progress had been made with the deployment of new base stations, contributing to enhanced connectivity across Zimbabwe, including previously underserved regions.
“In today’s world, digital access is as vital as a physical road and China’s partnership in upgrading Zimbabwe’s mobile network is building that essential highway to information, opportunity and connection for all its citizens, bridging divides and fostering progress. By bridging the digital divide, this partnership is fostering greater social inclusion, empowering individuals and businesses and ultimately paving the way for more equitable and comprehensive national progress in an increasingly digital age.
“The tangible impact extends beyond faster internet speeds; it’s about connecting families, enabling remote learning and healthcare, fostering entrepreneurship and integrating previously marginalised regions into the national and global digital economy, thus laying a solid foundation for a more prosperous and interconnected future for Zimbabwe,” said Miss Jacqueline Ntaka, the Chief Executive Officer of Mviyo Technologies, a local tech company that provides custom software development, mobile applications and data analytics solutions.
Perhaps one of the most impactful initiatives directly addressing the needs of communities across Zimbabwe is the borehole drilling project.
Following the successful drilling of 1 000 boreholes, completed over several phases, another project supported by a Chinese government grant is currently underway to drill an additional 300 boreholes. These initiatives have provided access to clean and reliable water sources for over 400 000 people in total, dramatically improving sanitation, reducing the incidence of water-borne diseases, and significantly enhancing the quality of life in rural and peri-urban communities. The ongoing commitment to this crucial project highlights the direct and positive impact of Sino-Zimbabwean co-operation on the lives of ordinary citizens.
As Zimbabwe celebrates 45 years of independence, it also commemorates 45 years of diplomatic ties with China and the two countries’ enduring “all-weather” friendship pre-dating Zimbabwe’s independence, which continues to flourish. The past year witnessed a significant elevation of this relationship, highlighted by President Mnangagwa’s landmark state visit to China.
The historic event culminated in the agreement to establish a “five-star ironclad” co-operation framework and the commitment to build a high-level China-Zimbabwe community with a shared future, as articulated in the joint statement and evidenced by the signing of 17 co-operation agreements.
These developments underscore the deepening and expanding bilateral co-operation across various sectors, solidifying the strong and strategic partnership between the two nations. — @plainstan.
Online Reporter