Story by Josephine Mugiyo in Beijing
President Emmerson Mnangagwa says it is key to continuously address knowledge gaps in order for the African continent to drive modernisation, overall business and economic growth.
The President, who was speaking at the 8th conference of Chinese and African entrepreneurs, challenged enterprises to scale up dialogue and engagements on aspects to do with trade, industrial and value chain development.
With China partnering African countries for development, President Mnangagwa said Africa’s transition to contemporary skills and technological trends must be able to ride on the shoulders of Chinese enterprises that are ahead in terms of development.
The head of state revealed that according to the International Trade Center, total trade between China and Africa amounted to a record US$284 billion in trade volumes in 2023.
He however said there is a lot more work to be done to maximise the enormous potential of the China-Africa bloc.
Focusing on Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa said China accounts for 18% and 15% of Zimbabwe’s exports and imports.
He said the country stands ready to leverage on prospects presented by the new partnership initiatives under FOCAC.
President Mnangagwa also noted that with a highly literate population and skilled human capital, Zimbabwe is fast becoming a knowledge-driven and industrialising country.
