Story by ZBC Reporter

A majot shift in global trade dynamics is unfolding as China introduced a zero-tariff policy for African countries, a development expected to unlock new export opportunities for Zimbabwe and accelerate economic growth under Vision 2030.

Speaking at the 2026 Zimbabwe Business Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Harare, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding described the policy as a historic milestone in global trade.

“China is implementing the zero-tariff treatment for all 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China. This is the first time a major global economy has ever granted unilateral, full-coverage zero-tariff market access to the African continent,” he said.

“For Zimbabwe, this means more Zimbabwean products can enter China’s vast market tariff-free. It also means tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs.”

Ambassador Zhou urged local businesses to capitalise on the development by expanding production and strengthening export capacity.

“I encourage all business leaders and policymakers here tonight to seize this historic moment, to support Zimbabwean farmers, producers and exporters in tapping into the Chinese market, and most importantly, to seize your own opportunities as entrepreneurs,” he said.

He said the growing economic ties between the two countries are already delivering tangible benefits, with Zimbabwean products such as tobacco, minerals and agricultural goods gaining access to China, while local businesses continue to engage Chinese partners.

“These frequent two-way exchanges of people, products, and ideas have created a dynamic and mutually beneficial ecosystem,” he said.

Ambassador Zhou noted that China remains Zimbabwe’s largest source of foreign investment, with cumulative investment reaching approximately US$10 billion, while bilateral trade hit a record US$4.4 billion in 2025.

“Major Chinese-invested projects in lithium processing, steel, cement and solar energy are delivering tangible benefits, creating jobs, increasing fiscal revenues and promoting technology transfer and skills training,” he said.

He added that the China-Zimbabwe economic relationship currently sustains about one million jobs and contributes significantly to national revenue.

Ambassador Zhou also highlighted the impact of China-funded infrastructure projects, including power stations, airports and digital connectivity programmes, which he said continue to drive Zimbabwe’s economic growth.

“Our all-weather friendship and all-round cooperation have greatly advanced Zimbabwe’s national development,” he said.

Looking ahead, he said China’s development trajectory, anchored on its 15th Five-Year Plan, presents new opportunities for Zimbabwe, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, digital economy and green development.

“China stands ready to strengthen strategic coordination with Zimbabwe, focusing on priority areas including agriculture, manufacturing, the digital economy and green development,” he said.

Ambassador Zhou also welcomed Zimbabwe’s efforts to improve the business environment, emphasising the importance of stability, transparency and investor protection.

He said enhanced people-to-people exchanges under the China-Africa cooperation framework will further consolidate bilateral relations and support long-term economic growth.

“Tonight’s ceremony is a vivid testament to the strong, multifaceted and high-quality cooperation between China and Zimbabwe, cooperation that empowers entrepreneurs and propels development,” he said.

The zero-tariff policy is expected to significantly boost Zimbabwe’s export competitiveness and accelerate progress towards Vision 2030.