Zimbabwe is set to leverage China’s manufacturing capabilities to drive its industrial transformation, aiming to establish value chains centered on the country’s vast mineral wealth, according to a senior official from the ruling ZANU PF party.
Christopher Mutsvangwa, a senior member of the ZANU PF Politburo and the party’s Secretary for Information and Publicity, outlined Zimbabwe’s strategic vision, highlighting the critical role of Chinese investments in advancing the country’s industrial ambitions.
Mutsvangwa emphasized that Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector has gained significant momentum, particularly following major investments from China’s Tsingshan Holding Group, a leading player in the global nickel and stainless steel industries. Through its local subsidiary, Dinson Iron and Steel Company, Tsingshan began pig iron production in June at a new plant in Manhize, located in the Midlands Province. This milestone is seen as a key step in reviving Zimbabwe’s steel industry, once a major component of its industrial base.
“Zimbabwe is rich in key minerals such as iron ore, chrome, and high-grade coking coal, positioning the country to become a leading regional producer of steel,” Mutsvangwa said. “With China’s expertise in steel production, we believe this industry has a bright future, contributing not only to our domestic economy but also to global markets.”
As part of its broader industrial strategy, Zimbabwe is shifting from the export of raw minerals to the production of value-added products like steel. Mutsvangwa highlighted the country’s potential role in the global green transition, particularly through its extensive lithium reserves. He pointed to China’s advancements in electric vehicles and battery production as an essential part of this transition.
“This is a significant opportunity for Zimbabwe,” Mutsvangwa added. “We expect major Chinese companies to bring their latest technologies in battery manufacturing, electric vehicle production, and steel fabrication to Zimbabwe, helping us contribute to the global shift toward carbon-free mobility.”
Mutsvangwa also underscored the broader economic impact of mining sector investments, which are expected to benefit related industries such as transportation and infrastructure. While acknowledging Zimbabwe’s landlocked position, he noted that investments in mining would drive the construction of vital infrastructure, alleviating the logistical challenges associated with being far from seaports.
The transformative effect of Chinese machinery on Zimbabwe’s gold mining sector has already proven successful, Mutsvangwa said, and he expressed confidence that this model could be replicated in other industries. Zimbabwe is also exploring the introduction of Chinese irrigation technologies to enhance its agricultural sector, particularly as China is a global leader in water-saving farming solutions.
“China’s expertise in agricultural technology offers a major opportunity for Zimbabwe to modernize its farming practices, much like the changes we’ve seen in mining,” Mutsvangwa said.
With these strategic investments and collaborations, Zimbabwe aims to solidify its economic ties with China and strengthen its position as a competitive player in the global market.
