Online Reporter
Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE can accelerate its industrialisation and economic transformation by drawing lessons from China’s long-term development planning, investment in innovation, renewable energy and infrastructure, a Zimbabwean journalist has said after completing a media exchange programme in China.
Speaking after participating in the Seminar for Media Practitioners of Zimbabwe organised by China’s Ministry of Commerce recently, journalist Bongani Ndlovu said the programme offered first-hand insight into China’s development trajectory and the opportunities available for deeper Zimbabwe-China cooperation.
The exchange programme brought together Zimbabwean media practitioners to learn about China’s development model, economic reforms and cooperation frameworks with African countries, including the recently introduced zero-tariff policy covering imports from 53 African nations.
Ndlovu said one of the most significant lessons from the visit was that China’s transformation had been driven by consistent long-term planning rather than short-term interventions.
He said decades of policy consistency, coupled with heavy investment in research and development, had enabled China to emerge as a global leader in sectors such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and digital technology.
“The biggest takeaway was the importance of long-term planning. China’s transformation did not happen overnight but was the result of consistent policies implemented over decades,” he said.
He also noted the close collaboration between government, industry and academic institutions in driving innovation and national development, describing the model as one that offers valuable lessons for developing economies.
Ndllovu said China’s advances in solar photovoltaic technology and battery energy storage could play a transformative role in helping Zimbabwe address its electricity shortages.
With Zimbabwe enjoying abundant sunshine throughout the year, he said large-scale adoption of solar power supported by battery storage systems would provide a sustainable solution to the country’s energy challenges.
“What impressed me most was not only the scale of China’s solar projects, but also the integration of battery storage systems that allow energy generated during the day to be used at night. This could be a game changer for Zimbabwe,” he said.
On agriculture, the journalist said China’s zero-tariff policy presents significant opportunities for Zimbabwean exporters by opening access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
He said products such as tobacco, citrus fruits, macadamia nuts, blueberries and value-added agricultural goods stand to benefit from improved market access.
However, he stressed that Zimbabwe must increase production, improve product quality and strengthen value addition to fully capitalise on the opportunity.
He said greater collaboration with Chinese companies could facilitate technology transfer across the agricultural value chain, from production and processing to packaging and export.
During the programme, the delegation also visited Chongqing Municipality, where Mr Ndlovu said he witnessed China’s remarkable integration of modern infrastructure, technological innovation and rural development.
Among the highlights was the city’s world-renowned rail transit system, where trains pass through residential buildings, demonstrating innovative urban planning in mountainous terrain.
He also visited a rural village outside Chongqing, where he observed government and private sector partnerships improving livelihoods through modern housing, business opportunities and infrastructure development.
