Fri. Jan 10th, 2025

I was shocked to learn that over 85,000 Chinese nationals now live in Zimbabwe. When I asked if this number was real, I was told it was accurate. Why are so many of them here? They are not migrants planning to stay. Most have families back in China and often travel back. They are here for work, but why?

It became clear to me—they are here for resources. Zimbabwe is now a target for China’s industrial needs. Our country is rich in raw materials. We have huge iron ore deposits, limestone, and coal, making it possible to produce steel. China wants to move its steel production here to avoid trade restrictions from the US and Europe. They also want to shift their dirty industries to Africa, far from their skies.

Our country also has the best chrome deposits in the world, worth about $100 trillion. We have large lithium reserves, filled with other critical minerals. Yet, we are excited to export 5 million tonnes of lithium concentrate to China yearly. This might earn us $4 billion in exports, but we miss the fact that these minerals are worth far more when processed.

China is also taking a quarter of our gold. They use open-pit mining and advanced machinery, leaving behind ruined land. Environmental laws are ignored, and the land is left looking like a battlefield. They also exploit our best coal for their steel production and even export what they do not need.

It started with the Marange diamond fields. In 2008, Chinese companies partnered with army generals and mined most of our diamonds. I estimate $30 billion worth of diamonds have been extracted since then. At one point, Zimbabwe was producing more diamonds than Botswana. A small Chinese company owned by the Red Army has grown into a multinational corporation with luxury hotels and jets. Meanwhile, the people of Marange remain in poverty. They do not even have proper roads, but the diamond fields have an international-standard airport to fly goods and equipment.

The Chinese are also building infrastructure to support their operations. They are investing in power, water, railways, and ports, but only to meet their own needs. For example, they plan to build a port in Mozambique to handle 200 million tonnes of cargo yearly—four times the size of Maputo’s port.

Sadly, none of these projects benefit Zimbabwe. Our exports to China include tobacco, ferrochrome, and raw materials, but there is little value addition. There are no plans for a lithium refinery or steel production beyond basic billets. The government’s decision to remove power subsidies is forcing Chinese companies to build their own coal power plants. These plants will cost less than half of what ZESA charges, allowing them to get coal at extremely low prices.

The situation raises serious questions for Zimbabwe. Australia, for example, exports coal and iron ore to China at fair market prices. Their private mines are owned and operated to benefit their country. But in Zimbabwe, the Chinese have been able to exploit resources for their benefit, often bribing officials to secure deals.

The Belt and Road Initiative is another concern. Chinese-built infrastructure in Africa often comes at inflated costs. The Hwange Power Station and railway lines in Kenya and Ethiopia are examples of overpriced projects financed through commercial loans. Western countries have not stepped up, leaving nations like Zimbabwe vulnerable.

Zimbabwe must act. We need to ensure Chinese companies employ our people. Their investments in infrastructure should serve Zimbabwe, not just their needs. We must demand fair value for our exports and stop allowing corruption to undermine our future.

We cannot let this exploitation continue. Zimbabwe’s resources belong to its people, and they must be used to benefit the nation, not foreign interests.

4 thoughts on “CHINA IN ZIMBABWE: A NATION’S WEALTH OR A LOST CAUSE?”
  1. The article could expand on how ordinary Zimbabweans perceive the Chinese presence. Including voices or testimonies from local communities affected by mining or infrastructure projects would make the narrative more relatable and grounded. The Belt and Road Initiative is mentioned but not fully explored in the context of Zimbabwe. A deeper dive into how this initiative affects Zimbabwe specifically would provide a more comprehensive understanding of its implications.

  2. The piece makes several bold claims about bribery and exploitation but lacks specific evidence or sources to back these accusations. Providing concrete examples or data would enhance credibility and strengthen the argument.

  3. The call to action at the end is impactful. The emphasis on demanding fair deals, stopping corruption, and prioritizing Zimbabwe’s interests provides a clear roadmap for change, leaving readers with a sense of urgency and responsibility.

  4. The detailed breakdown of Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth and its potential value if processed locally highlights a critical economic misstep. This perspective encourages readers to think about how the nation could maximize its resources for the benefit of its people.

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