Story by Wadzanai Mhombera, Assistant News Editor
ZIMBABWE and China are deepening economic cooperation, with bilateral trade volumes surging to record levels as strong political relations continue to unlock investment, infrastructure development and expanded market access between the two countries.
Ongoing engagements in Beijing have highlighted the growing economic partnership, with trade between Harare and Beijing rising significantly under the Second Republic, ably led by President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, reflecting increasing commercial activity and strengthened strategic cooperation.
Addressing Zimbabwean delegates from various Government institutions, a retired diplomat and former envoy to Zimbabwe, Professor Han Bing, said bilateral trade has recorded sustained growth over the past three years.
“Between 2022 and 2024, trade between China and Zimbabwe rose from US$2,4 billion to US$3.8 billion. Last year, bilateral trade volumes between the two countries soared to US$4,41 billion, indicating a year-on-year increase of 15,2 percent. China imports from Zimbabwe reached US$2,57 billion, while exports to Zimbabwe stand at US$1,83 billion,” one of the facilitators, a retired diplomat who once served in Zimbabwe, Professor Han Bing said.
Zimbabwe is also expected to benefit from China’s Zero Tariff Policy, introduced in May this year, which targets 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with the Asian nation.
The growing trade relationship has been complemented by significant Chinese-backed investments and development projects across Zimbabwe as the country pursues its Vision 2030 goal of attaining upper-middle-income status.
Key projects supported by China include the construction of Mahusekwa Hospital, the upgrading of Victoria Falls International Airport and Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, the construction of the new Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, the National Pharmaceutical Warehouse in Harare and the expansion of Hwange Thermal Power Station Units 7 and 8.
Among the most significant investments is the Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) project in Manhize, which is transforming Zimbabwe’s steel industry and industrialisation agenda.
“The company’s announcement of an additional investment of US$800 million to set up critical facilities, including construction of a blast furnace, will increase annual production of carbon steel from 600 000 tonnes to 1,2 million tonnes per year, under Phase 2 of the project,” Professor Han said.
Zimbabwe’s steel exports reached over 140 000 tonnes in 2025, with DISCO becoming the biggest steel producer in the country.
China has also rendered technical support to Zimbabwe in various sectors, including agriculture and health.
In agriculture, the latest technology demonstration centres have been established across the country, including one at Gwebi Agricultural College, helping to increase yields from one tonne to at least five tonnes per hectare, thereby guaranteeing food security, beginning at the household level.
The health sector has also benefited immensely from Zimbabwe- China cordial relations, with 23 medical teams having been sent to Zimbabwe since 1985.
