Earlier in 2025, Zimbabwe and China marked 45 years of diplomatic friendship. Instead of nostalgia, a fresh wave of essays from Zimbabwe’s youth zeroes in on strategy, development, and real-world impact. Here’s what they’re saying: 👇
History as Strategy
Natasha Machaya sees liberation-era solidarity not as emotional nostalgia but as a strategic memory. With Western sanctions in place for over two decades, China’s role as Zimbabwe’s top investor—US$4-5 billion since 2000—shows the power of having partners when options are tight.
Development Without Apology
Michael-Angelo Kunashe Magadza strips away ideology to focus on outcomes: roads, power plants (Kariba upgrade, Hwange 7 & 8), and mining in lithium, chrome, and coal. With over 70 percent of big infrastructure projects led by Chinese firms, results-driven growth is the new norm.
Where Connections Thrive
Lodwin Gatsi highlights the grassroots layer of diplomacy: 4,000+ Zimbabwean students in China, Mandarin classes at home, and small traders building direct ties with Chinese counterparts. It’s the everyday interactions that often last longest. 🙌
Sovereignty in a Sanctions Era
Robert Chirima points out that China’s non-interference policy offers a reliable lifeline when sanctions isolate nations. As some Western ties thaw, Zimbabwe deepens its China bond on its own terms.
Future First
Inzwirashe Chauke challenges the idea that success follows a Western script. By comparing China’s state-led push to Zimbabwe’s goals, she shows how state-led industrial policies are making a global comeback—even in Europe and the US.
Hard Questions: Inclusion Matters
Rejoice Govera asks who truly benefits from big projects. Job creation is vital, but so are fair labor conditions, skills transfer, and local participation. Social legitimacy can be as key as economic gains.
Youth at the Wheel
Rangarirai Joseph Dumbuka reminds us that with 60 percent of Zimbabwe under 30, the next chapter of China–Zimbabwe ties will be written by young innovators focused on tech, mobility, and opportunity.
Mutual Interest, Multipolar World
Clive Chiridza and Shepherd Gudyani call for honesty: this is a relationship of mutual interest in an increasingly multipolar world. Small nations everywhere are seeking options, not alignments.
Together, these voices reveal a pragmatic Global South mindset: no romanticizing, no West-seeking approval—just clear-eyed questions about who shows up and why. For young professionals across Asia, that’s a lesson in carving your own path. 🌍✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
