By Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
Beijing, China – His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, delivered a compelling message at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC2024) in Beijing, positioning his nation as a “safe, secure, and profitable investment destination and a competitive trading partner.”
Addressing the forum, HE President Mnangagwa emphasized the need to “close the modernization gap” through collaboration in cutting-edge sectors. He highlighted emerging industries like robotics, virtual reality, 5G networks, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence as key areas for partnership. This collaboration, the President said, will propel Africa towards a more prosperous future, with Chinese enterprises playing a pivotal role in fostering concrete business partnerships and expanding economic cooperation.
President Mnangagwa lauded China’s role as a key development partner for Africa, acknowledging its position as the continent’s largest trading partner and a vital source of foreign direct investment. He praised China’s contribution to addressing infrastructure needs, energy deficits, and developing the ICT backbone across the continent.
Highlighting Zimbabwe’s economic potential, President Mnangagwa pointed to the nation’s impressive economic growth, averaging 6.8% between 2021 and 2023. He emphasized Zimbabwe’s “highly literate population and skilled human capital,” stating that the country is “fast becoming a knowledge-driven and industrialising country.” He also drew attention to Zimbabwe’s rich mineral resources and its attractiveness for investments in high-tech industries and renewable energy.
President Mnangagwa encouraged Chinese enterprises to explore opportunities across various sectors, including; Research and Development,
ICT, New-energy sub-sectors,
Biomedical industries, Mining,
Agriculture, Infrastructure development, Manufacturing,
Transport, and Tourism.
He emphasized that these sectors are key enablers for modernization and industrialization, contributing to Zimbabwe’s vision of becoming an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society by 2030.
His Excellency, President Mnangagwa celebrated the burgeoning trade relationship between China and Africa, noting the record US$284 billion trade volume in 2023. He affirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to leveraging the new Partnership Initiatives under FOCAC, particularly in relation to supporting and prioritizing Africa’s industrialization, energy development, trade, modernization, and industrialization agenda.
President Mnangagwa invited potential investors, highlighting that Zimbabwe was a profitable investment destination.
“Let me conclude by inviting you to consider Zimbabwe as a safe, secure and profitable investment destination and a competitive trading partner. I look forward to seeing you in Zimbabwe to visit, explore and partner us as we march forward towards inclusive growth, mutually beneficial prosperity and building a community of a shared future, ” he concluded.
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