Online Reporter
Vincent Gono in Beijing, China
INFORMATION, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Zhemu Soda, has stressed the critical role of development-oriented media in driving nation-building, as Zimbabwe deepens co-operation with China through skills exchange programmes.
Dr Soda, who is leading a delegation of 25 Zimbabwean journalists and media experts on a two-week seminar in China, said such engagements are vital in equipping media practitioners to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He said Zimbabwe and China share long-standing relations dating back to the liberation struggle, with co-operation expanding across sectors including trade, mining, agriculture and media development.
“Since then, various exchange programmes between the two countries have resulted in deepening this relationship in areas of trade, mining and agriculture and media development,” he said.
The seminar, organised by the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO), an educational and training institution directly under the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, focuses on enhancing the capacity of media professionals to shape public opinion in ways that support national development goals.
Dr Soda said the programme will provide insights into China’s modernisation journey and the pivotal role media has played in shaping national identity and projecting a positive global image.
“The interface will provide evidence on how the Chinese modernised their country and the role of media in national image building,” he said.
Dr Soda highlighted the growing influence of digital technologies, noting that while the rise of digital media presents opportunities, it also poses challenges related to misinformation and credibility.
“The advent of digital media technologies is viewed as both an opportunity and a threat. However, this change is inevitable and Zimbabwe has to embrace it while paying particular attention to the downside of the technology,” he said.
Dr Soda said Zimbabwe’s recent adoption of an Artificial Intelligence strategy reflects its commitment to leveraging emerging technologies while safeguarding information integrity.
“The recent launch of AI strategy attests to Zimbabwe’s progressive adoption of advanced technologies and this seminar will prepare media professionals on how to maintain credibility of information despite the advent of the disruptive technologies,” he said.
Dr Soda said the exposure to international best practices will help Zimbabwe transition its media landscape and strengthen its development agenda.
“The seminar will enable the Zim-China collaboration in areas of trade as media professionals will be ready to project on opportunities available between the two countries,” he said.
Minister Soda also highlighted the role of media in promoting trade and investment, particularly as Zimbabwe seeks to leverage opportunities under zero-tariff arrangements extended to several African countries.
He commended ZimTrade for working with stakeholders to maximise these opportunities for zero-rated tariffs that became available to 53 countries in Africa, including Zimbabwe, stressing that the media plays a crucial role in raising awareness and facilitating economic linkages.
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derick.khumalo