MARTIN MAWAYA
HARARE – China has reaffirmed its commitment to Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation through the launch of two major development projects aimed at sustainable soil and water management, under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)-China South-South Cooperation Programme.
Speaking at the official launch ceremony in Harare on Monday, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the projects “Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South” and “National Water Roadmap towards 2030 Sustainable Development Goals in Zimbabwe” mark a significant step forward in modernizing Zimbabwe’s agriculture and strengthening food security.
“These two projects will advance sustainable soil and water management practices, driving the transformation and modernization of Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, enhancing its economic resilience and improving livelihoods,” said Zhou.
He emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, and the launch comes at a critical time as the country grapples with the challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and the imperative of food self-sufficiency.
Zhou highlighted the alignment of the two initiatives with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adding that China was proud to partner in delivering high-impact development support.
China, despite having only 9% of the world’s arable land, feeds 20% of the global population, Zhou noted, attributing this to decades of efficient soil and water management.
Through the FAO South-South Cooperation Trust Fund, established in 2009, China has become the largest contributor in terms of funding, expertise, and project scale.
“In Zimbabwe, our support is longstanding,” he said. “Since 2002, we have provided over ten emergency food shipments, trained local farmers, upgraded irrigation systems, and drilled over 1,300 boreholes, benefiting over half a million people.”
He also pointed to the launch of the Juncao Technology Assistance Project earlier this year, a sustainable farming innovation, as part of a broader effort to strengthen Zimbabwe’s agricultural capacity.
Next year, China will commence upgrading irrigation facilities, further enhancing the country’s agricultural productivity.
Beyond development aid, Zhou said Zimbabwe’s agricultural exports are making inroads into the Chinese market, with citrus already popular among consumers.
Avocados and blueberries are also expected to gain access under China’s zero-tariff policy for Zimbabwean goods, paving the way for a surge in bilateral trade.
The launch, also comes as Zimbabwe and China mark 45 years of diplomatic relations, a milestone Zhou described as a reflection of “enduring friendship and shared development.”
“As we implement the 10 Partnership Action Plans for Modernization, including the ‘Partnership Action for Agriculture and Livelihoods’ announced by President Xi Jinping at the last FOCAC Summit, these projects underline our commitment to Zimbabwe’s modernization,” he said.
Ambassador Zhou expressed confidence that the project funds would be used effectively to uplift Zimbabwean communities and help realize the nation’s development ambitions.
