Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino
Zimpapers Politics Hub
LEARNERS should exploit opportunities being presented by the deepening of people-to-people cooperation between China and Zimbabwe in the field of education which are in alignment with Government’s Vision 2030 agenda, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Dr Frederick Shava said.
Addressing over 70 recipients of the 2026-2027 Chinese Government Scholarship and the 2026 China-Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarships in Harare yesterday, Dr Shava said the opportunities presented reflect the mutual commitment the two countries have in advancing knowledge, fostering innovation and strengthening the bonds of friendship.
“The fields you are entering into are strategic areas that align with Zimbabwe’s national development priorities under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy (NDS1 and NDS2). This is a testament to the depth and consistency of our educational cooperation. These opportunities also reflect the shared vision of Zimbabwe and China in promoting human capital development as a cornerstone of sustainable growth,” Dr Shava said.
Five students who received Chinese Government scholarships in the disciplines including business, international relations, aeronautical engineering and astronautical science and technology are set to leave the country in the next fortnight. The other students were awarded local scholarships in eight special categories.
Dr Shava told the scholarship recipients that they should use their success and exposure to contribute to national development through innovation to benefit Zimbabwe’s competitiveness on the global stage.
“In International Relations, you will strengthen Zimbabwe’s voice in global diplomacy and cooperation. In Business Administration, you will help drive entrepreneurship, efficiency, and innovation in our economy.
“In your various fields, you will be contributing to advancing Zimbabwe’s capacity in areas that are increasingly vital in the modern world. Your success will not only benefit you individually, but it will also enhance Zimbabwe’s competitiveness, and standing in the global community,” Dr Shava added.
Over the past 10 years, over six thousand Zimbabweans have studied in China, and since 2024, Chinese Government Scholarships have been awarded to 20 students, while 200 have received China-Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarships.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said his government’s efforts are fully aligned with Zimbabwe’s national development priorities and also complementing its endeavours in modernising the educational system to build an industrialised economy.
“We aim to strengthen Zimbabwe’s capacity to build an innovation-driven industrialised economy in line with its Vision 2030 and the heritage-based Education 5.0. Our efforts are fully aligned with Zimbabwe’s national development priorities, complementing the Government’s endeavors to modernise its educational system, cultivate high-calibre talent, and broaden opportunities for young people in Zimbabwe.
“The multifaceted bilateral cooperation between China and Zimbabwe has continued to deliver substantive, tangible outcomes across diverse sectors. For many years, China has been Zimbabwe’s largest source of foreign direct investment and one of its most important trading partners,” Ambassador Zhou said.
China has designated the year 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, which Zimbabwean students are benefiting from to advance knowledge and skills essential for the country’s economic turn-around initiatives.
