Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
AS Zimbabwe charts its ambitious path towards Vision 2030 and broader economic transformation, increasing attention is turning eastward to China — not only as a long-standing political ally, but as a living example of national reinvention.
In just four decades, China rose from widespread poverty to become a global industrial and technological powerhouse.
Many believe this dramatic transition offers vital lessons for Zimbabwe’s own development agenda.
Young Zimbabweans who have lived and studied in China argue that the country’s current dominance is no accident. It is the product of a meticulously crafted, long-term vision, executed with relentless discipline and driven by a generation of patriotic, honest, and industrious youth.
From Beijing’s gleaming high-tech hubs to rural provinces once reliant on subsistence farming, they observed a society where hard work is cultural currency and national goals are pursued with unity of purpose.
For Zimbabwe, the appeal lies, not only in admiration, but in application.
China’s rise was anchored in clear industrial policy, massive investment in skills development, and an uncompromising stance against corruption and inefficiency.
What struck many returning Zimbabweans most was the role of youths.
In China’s factories, research labs, and start-ups, young professionals are not waiting for opportunities to be handed to them — they are creating them. Patriotism is expressed through productivity, innovation, and a shared determination to safeguard and expand national gains.
For Zimbabwe, the question is no longer whether to look to China, but how to adapt those lessons to local realities — ensuring that Vision 2030 is not just a slogan, but a lived transformation.
Legal practitioner, Mr Kelvin Manyengavana, who has travelled to China on several party, Government and study assignments, said the workaholic culture of the Chinese people, particularly youths, is something Zimbabweans must, not only emulate, but adopt if real development that changes every citizen’s life is to be achieved.
“My stay in the People’s Republic of China revealed practical, implementable lessons that could accelerate our development if embraced with discipline and vision. The most striking observation is the extraordinary work ethic of China’s youths. The 9-9-6 formula, working from 9am to 9pm, six days a week, powers much of the private sector. Young professionals approach their roles with fierce dedication, viewing long hours, not as exploitation, but as investment in personal and national progress.
“For Zimbabwe, where productivity and entrepreneurship must rise, this culture of hustle challenges us to move beyond clock-watching mentalities. Our young graduates should be encouraged to adopt similar discipline, supported by policies that reward performance rather than mere presence. A motivated workforce is the foundation of any thriving economy.
“Financial services in China operate with impressive customer-centric efficiency. Banks open seven days a week, closing at 5pm daily. This flexibility serves businesses and citizens who operate beyond traditional Monday-to-Friday, Saturday half-day and 8am to 3.30pm rhythms. In Zimbabwe, where accessing banking services can still frustrate entrepreneurs, especially from rural areas or during weekends, extending operating hours and digital innovation could unlock economic activity. Convenience builds confidence and lubricates commerce.
“Public holidays are treated seriously as genuine periods for rest, family, and vacation. Rather than viewing them as mere days off, the Chinese use them to recharge, boosting long-term productivity.
“Their holidays are focused on cultural preservation and have deep historical context. We too should protect these breaks while ensuring essential services remain functional, striking a balance between labour rights and economic momentum,” he said.
He added that discipline has proved to be the cornerstone of China’s development, as patriotism is embedded in youths through a well-structured national service that inculcates respect for authority, a spirit of resilience, order and a sense of purpose. He also observed that China is strict on standard public infrastructure and jealously protects its environment from any form of harm.
“Education in China blends academics with national discipline. First-year undergraduates undergo two months of national service before classes begin. This instils patriotism, resilience, order, and respect for authority, qualities vital for nation-building. Zimbabwe could adapt elements of this, perhaps through enhanced national youth service programmes that combine skills training with character development. Strong institutions begin with strong citizens.
“Infrastructure emerges as a non-negotiable priority. Provinces that invest heavily in quality roads attract meaningful investment. China’s extensive network demonstrates how connectivity drives commerce, tourism, and industrial growth. For us, completing the dualisation of key highways and rural feeder roads is, not optional, but foundational. No serious investor bets on inaccessible regions. Environmental wisdom also stands out. China has closed polluting industries in pursuit of cleaner air and water, pivoting aggressively towards tourism and green sectors. The results are visible in restored landscapes and booming visitor numbers. Zimbabwe, blessed with natural wonders, can similarly position tourism as a cornerstone of recovery, reigniting sunset industries while promoting sustainable revenue and safeguarding our environment for future generations,” said Mr Manyengavana.
He said Zimbabwe is doing the right thing by sending public officials to China to learn and implement, back home the experiences that suit local circumstances.
“China’s success is also hinged on massive investment in knowledge and skills, high savings and investment rates, and pragmatic adaptation of reforms to local conditions, never blind copying.
“Crucially, knowledge transfer must be deliberate. Sending loyal party cadres and technocrats for extended study tours in China, and exposing Members of Parliament, parastatal executives, and senior Government officials to short, targeted courses, will be invaluable.
“As the Shona proverb says; kugara nhaka huona dzevamwe (to succeed in an inheritance, one must observe how others managed their inheritance affairs). Learning best practices first-hand and adapting them to local realities beats theoretical policy-making. Zimbabwe does not need to copy China blindly. We must study, contextualise, and implement with Zimbabwean characteristics. Discipline, infrastructure focus, service efficiency, and deliberate human capital development hold the keys. The Chinese miracle was built on action, not slogans. We are on the right path as Zimbabwe, guided by Vision 2030,” said Mr Manyengavana.
Headlands Member of House of Assembly, Honourable Farai Mapfumo, who is currently in China with other parliamentarians from 57 nations, said the visit has been a revelation, and he hopes that, not only Zimbabwe, but other African nations will take a cue from China and achieve sustainable economic development in their own context.
“Having witnessed how a great nation like China has risen from a very poor status to being a prosperous global powerhouse, with its Opening Up and Reform policies with Chinese characteristics being one of the major contributors to its success. Agenda 2063 must not just be a blueprint for Africa’s renaissance. We shall sustainably overcome our challenges and achieve unity, cultural, scientific and economic sustainable development for a shared global future.
“I walked through the entrance of the Great Hall and participated in dialogue with diplomats, politicians and legislators from 57 countries across the world. Not one shoe size fits all, but we as a continent can take a leaf from China and continue to establish cooperation in our various contexts and characteristics. Continuity is very key in our governance approach and Africa surely has a seat at the global table,” said Honourable Mapfumo.
