Story by John Nhandara
ZIMBABWE has received 5 000 metric tonnes of rice from China, boosting Government efforts to strengthen social safety nets and support vulnerable communities.
The consignment was handed over to the Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Honourable Edgar Moyo, by the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Zhou Ding.
The donation forms part of China’s continued support towards Zimbabwe’s food security initiatives and assistance programmes targeting vulnerable groups.
“In 2024, when Zimbabwe declared a state of national disaster due to El Niño, China responded swiftly by providing assistance to support vulnerable communities. This food assistance embodies warm friendship between China and Zimbabwe and reflects our enduring solidarity with Zimbabwe in times of need. China remains committed to supporting the build of agricultural resilience through long-term support to enhance its capacity,” Ambassador Ding said.
Minister Moyo said the rice consignment would play a critical role in assisting vulnerable populations, including the elderly, persons with disabilities and child-headed households.
“The donation of five thousand metric tonnes of rice is both timely and impactful. It will significantly augment Government efforts aimed at alleviating food insecurity and mitigating the effects of these climatic adversities. Historically, such support has played a pivotal role in cushioning vulnerable communities, sustaining critical institutions, and strengthening our national response to drought and related emergencies,” he said.
The latest assistance follows an agreement in August last year, when Zimbabwe and China exchanged letters for food aid valued at US$6.9 million, underscoring the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
