Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube in Chengdu, China
ZIMBABWE’S lithium sector is playing an increasingly important role in the country’s economy, with the value of the mineral rising by 413 percent in 2026, Public Service Commission Commissioner Rosemary Rubvumo Mukogo has said.
Commissioner Mukogo, who is also a board member of the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ), made the remarks during a tour of Chengxin Lithium Group in Chengdu, China, by senior Zimbabwean Government officials attending the Ministerial Seminar for Senior Public Management Officials of Zimbabwe.
The seminar is being held in China and is organised by the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO).
Speaking during the visit, Comm Mukogo said her position on the MMCZ board had given her an appreciation of the growing significance of lithium to Zimbabwe’s economy.
She said the rapid development of the lithium industry had demonstrated the potential of Zimbabwe’s mineral resources to contribute significantly to national economic growth.
“Six years ago I didn’t know that we have lithium that will be contributing so much to our Gross Domestic Product,” she said.
Comm Mukogo said the value of lithium in Zimbabwe had recorded a substantial increase in 2026.
“In 2026 you will note that the value of lithium in Zimbabwe has increased by 413 percent. Our visit to Chengxin Lithium Group is particularly important given the expanding economic cooperation between Zimbabwe and China.
“This visit is especially significant in that Zimbabwe and China share a deep and enduring partnership and the lithium sector has become a cornerstone of our bilateral cooperation,” she said.
Chengxin Lithium Group has invested in Zimbabwe through the Sabi Star Lithium Mine in Buhera, contributing to the country’s growing lithium mining industry.
Comm Mukogo said Zimbabwe appreciated the company’s investment, particularly its contribution to employment and economic activity in communities where it operates.
“We are proud to host your investment through Sabi Star Lithium mine in Buhera and are grateful to the jobs and economic activity you bring to our communities. We are especially proud in the areas of beneficiation where instead of exporting raw you are looking at beneficiation and adding value.
“This goes hand in hand with our National Development Strategy 2 and our vision 2030 where we are determined to capture more value from our resources to build local processing capacity, create jobs and establish industries that produce finished products,” she said.
The commissioner said the emphasis on local processing presented an opportunity for Zimbabwe to derive greater economic benefits from its mineral wealth while creating employment and developing industries around the country’s natural resources.
