Kudzanai Sharara in Shanghai, China
ZIMBABWE has stepped up efforts to attract Chinese investment into agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism, with the Government seeking to deepen economic ties with Beijing and accelerate the country’s industrialisation agenda.
The call was made at the Zimbabwe Business Forum held in Shanghai, China, on Friday, November 6, 2026, on the sidelines of the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE).
Speaking at the forum, guest of honour and Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Midlands Province Owen Ncube said bilateral trade between Zimbabwe and China had grown from an average of US$1,9 billion in 2021 to US$4,4 billion in 2025.
Bilateral trade between Zimbabwe and China have since surged by 51,6 percent to reach US$5,01 billion in the first nine months of 2026 alone, surpassing the total volume recorded for the entire previous year.
Minister Ncube said the growth reflected strengthening economic relations between the two countries and presented opportunities for further cooperation, particularly in value addition, beneficiation and industrial development.
Minister Ncube said Zimbabwe was seeking to move away from exporting raw materials towards developing domestic processing and manufacturing capacity to create employment and retain more value within the economy.
“As the world accelerates towards green energy, Zimbabwe stands as a pivotal player with vast reserves of lithium, platinum, gold and nickel,” he said.
The Minister invited Chinese companies and other international investors to explore joint ventures in industrial park development, renewable energy, digital technology and mineral beneficiation.
He said Zimbabwe’s investment proposition was also anchored on its agricultural potential, highlighting opportunities in tobacco, blueberries, citrus, tea, peas, macadamia nuts and fresh produce.
“In the past, we exported our raw materials. But now we want to beneficiate them in our own country so that we create employment for our youth,” he said.
On tourism, Minister Ncube identified Victoria Falls and the country’s wildlife resources as key attractions capable of supporting further investment in the sector.
He said Zimbabwe offered an investment environment supported by investor protection laws, Special Economic Zones, incentives and a skilled workforce.
Minister Ncube added that the country’s economic diplomacy agenda was guided by the principle of being a friend to all and an enemy to none, with the private sector expected to play a central role in achieving the ambition of attaining upper-middle-income economy status by 2030.
Earlier, Chief Director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Mrs Mavis Faranisi said China’s zero-tariff initiative for African countries was creating opportunities for Zimbabwean exporters to access the Chinese market and strengthen bilateral economic relations.
She said the initiative would help establish a sustainable foundation for trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
Mrs Faranisi said the forum provided an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe’s investment priorities, particularly in trade, value addition, beneficiation and provincial investment opportunities.
She called for stronger collaboration between Zimbabwean and Chinese businesses, adding that local institutions were prioritising investment promotion and engagement with the private sector.
The engagements come as Zimbabwe seeks to broaden its international economic partnerships, attract foreign capital and strengthen its participation in global value chains through increased production, processing and exports.
