Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
CHINA continues to be the leading source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Zimbabwe, with more than 500 new businesses registered and Chinese-funded projects valued at over US$2.5 billion. The investments span sectors such as lithium processing, steel production, cement manufacturing, and solar power, contributing to infrastructure development, job creation, and increased revenues.
The announcement came during the signing of Letters of Exchange between Zimbabwe and China at the Treasury Head Offices in Harare on Thursday, aimed at supporting and expanding irrigation projects across the country.
“In 2025, Chinese assistance and investment projects continued to benefit communities across Zimbabwe. China remains Zimbabwe’s largest source of foreign investment and according to ZIDA close to 500 new Chinese businesses were registered in Zimbabwe since January with projected investments totalling US$2.5 billion.
“Major projects from lithium processing and steel production to cement plants and solar power installations are building critical infrastructure, generating employment, delivering quality services and increasing revenues, this year our bilateral trade continues its strong momentum which is poised to surpass last year’s historic record of US$ 3.8 billion,” Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Zhou Ding said.
Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, welcomed the continued collaboration, describing the agreements as a testament to the strong bilateral relationship.
“This agreement is signalling more exciting times in the way Zimbabwe and China are cooperating and it is a further testimony to our efforts in increasing trade and investment so the signing of the letters of Exchange on the China AID Upgrading and Maintenance of Irrigation is coming at the right time when we are enjoying cordial relations,” he said.
Officials expressed optimism that the partnership could be extended to other productive sectors, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s commitment to attracting sustainable foreign investment.
