By Sinikiwe Marodza
In a world where global trade is often skewed against the developing world, China’s recent announcement to remove all tariffs on exports from 53 African countries—including Zimbabwe—is nothing short of groundbreaking.
For years, African countries have been preaching about fair access to markets, value addition, and economic transformation. Now, one of the world’s largest economies has just handed us an
opportunity on a silver platter. The question is: are we ready?
For Zimbabwe, this is not merely a diplomatic gesture—it’s a golden ticket. We are a country blessed with arable land, rich minerals, creative entrepreneurs, and a hardworking population.
But access to international markets has always been a steep climb, weighed down by high tariffs, technical trade barriers, and currency instability. This The removal of Chinese import duties could tilt that balance in our favour, if only we are bold enough to respond with vision and urgency.
Agriculture is the most obvious starting point. Our avocados, macadamia nuts, citrus, and horticultural produce can now enter the Chinese market without the burden of import tax. With
the right post-harvest systems, cold chain logistics, and export standards, Zimbabwean produce could find its way to Chinese supermarkets, served alongside offerings from Kenya and South
Africa. This means jobs for farmers in Nyanga, factory workers in Norton, and exporters in Beitbridge and Mutare.
But we cannot stop at raw exports. This is the time to push for value addition. Why should we export raw leather hides when we could be selling finished handbags, belts, and shoes under a
proudly Zimbabwean label? Why send off tons of unprocessed fruit when we can can, dry, bottle, and brand it ourselves? The Chinese consumer is increasingly health-conscious, brand-aware, and open to African stories. Zimbabwean-made products, if marketed well, could carve a niche in that space.
Beyond agriculture, this development is a chance to revive our manufacturing sector. Small businesses across the country—from textile cooperatives in Bulawayo to furniture makers in Harare—have long been stifled by a lack of capital and markets.
Now, if we can plug them into export pathways, provide training on international standards, and connect them to Chinese e- commerce platforms, we could see the rebirth of Zimbabwean industry—driven not by aid, but by trade.
Still, while China’s policy opens a door, we must walk through it deliberately and strategically.
Infrastructure remains a hurdle. Our roads, warehouses, and customs systems need serious attention if we’re to compete on timelines and freshness. Bureaucratic red tape must be slashed. Export permits must be streamlined. Ministries and agencies must move in sync to support exporters. If we treat this like just another news headline, the window will close—and others will move faster.
The onus is also on the private sector. Entrepreneurs and investors must rise to the occasion.
This is the time to look beyond the local market and think globally. Partnerships with Chinese buyers, training on their product requirements, and alignment with their quality controls will be essential. Zimbabwe’s youth, many of whom are jobless despite immense potential, must be empowered through innovation hubs, incubation programs, and export-focused training.
There’s also a need for regional thinking. Zimbabwe doesn’t have to go it alone. By working with neighbours in SADC, we can pool resources, harmonise production, and share transport
corridors to scale up exports. A regional export strategy to China could be far more powerful than fragmented national efforts.
This policy shift by China is also deeply political. It signals a repositioning of global alliances, with Beijing seeking stronger ties with Africa amid growing competition from the West.
Zimbabwe must understand the geopolitical stakes while safeguarding its interests. Trade must not become another form of dependency—it must lead to empowerment, ownership, and
transformation.
If we are strategic, if we invest in people and systems, and if we lead with innovation rather than hesitation, this could be our turning point. We’ve spoken for years about becoming a middle-
income economy, about industrialising, about youth empowerment. This is the chance to stop talking and start doing.
Zimbabwe has what it takes. The question is no longer what China is offering. The real question is: what are we ready to deliver?
