Official Speeches

Speeches & Remarks

Key addresses delivered by leaders across government, diplomacy, and enterprise at the Zimbabwe-China Investment Symposium.

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Opening Remarks

Mrs. T. Muguti

Group CEO – Africapaciti Investments Group

On behalf of Africapaciti Investment Group, it is my distinct honour to welcome you to the Inaugural Zimbabwe-China Investment Symposium.

Allow me to begin by expressing our sincere appreciation to the Office of the President and Cabinet, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and all our Government partners for their support in making this inaugural symposium possible. I also extend my gratitude to our strategic partners, the Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in Zimbabwe, whose collaboration and shared vision have helped bring this platform to life.

Today is more than the opening of a symposium. It is the beginning of a new chapter—a chapter where dialogue leads to collaboration, collaboration inspires investment, and investment creates opportunity. What Zimbabwe needed was a trusted platform where Government and the private sectors of both Zimbabwe and China engage openly, where investors connect directly with opportunity, and where conversations become partnerships.

"We believe the best solutions are created when Government, business, and investors sit at the same table—not as separate stakeholders, but as partners working towards a shared vision."

Many know Africapaciti for our investment work, but we are an investment and development corporation committed to unlocking Africa's potential through strategic investments, project development, advisory services, and innovative financing across key sectors. Our purpose remains to connect people, unlock opportunity, and transform potential into lasting impact.

That purpose is captured in our guiding philosophy: Embracing African Ingenuity. It reflects our belief that Africa's greatest resource is not only found beneath the ground, but within its people. At Africapaciti, we have made it our mission to build the bridges between Government and the private sector, international investors and local opportunity, and policy and enterprise.

The relationship between Zimbabwe and China has stood the test of time through friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation. Together, we have an opportunity to build partnerships that create lasting value for our two nations and the broader African continent.

Welcome Address

Mr. Benson Xu

Chairperson – Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in Zimbabwe (CCEZ) & Managing Director – DISCO

Your Excellencies, Honourable Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Distinguished Government Senior Officials, Esteemed Business Leaders, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my profound honour to address this distinguished assembly at the Zimbabwe-China Investment Symposium. I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the Government of Zimbabwe and all partners who have come together to create this vital platform under the theme: "Strengthening Relations to Unlock Zimbabwe's Potential."

The friendship between Zimbabwe and China has stood the test of time, built on trust, mutual understanding, and a shared vision for prosperity. Over the decades, our two countries have developed a close and productive partnership that continues to deliver real benefits for both our peoples.

Established on June 27, 2006, the Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in Zimbabwe (CCEZ) officially marked its 20th anniversary—a milestone that underscores its long-standing role as a key bridge between the Chinese business community and Zimbabwean stakeholders.

Chinese enterprises operating in Zimbabwe remain fully committed to supporting the country's development ambitions across core sectors:

  • Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) Driving forward industrialisation with an integrated steel industrial park in Manhize.
  • Huayou Cobalt Operating Africa's first lithium sulfate production line at its Arcadia facility.
  • Sinohydro Units 7 and 8 at Hwange Thermal Power Station contributed to 183 days without power cuts.
  • China Tianze Tobacco Supporting Zimbabwe's tobacco sector through out-grower initiatives and exports.

Lessons from Shona Wisdom:

"Chikuni chimwe hachikodzi sadza" — A single log cannot cook sadza. Unity is the foundation of all great achievements.

"Kandiro kanoenda kunobva kamwe" — The plate returns to where it came from—speaking to reciprocity and mutual benefit.

Diplomatic Address

His Excellency Ambassador Zhou Ding

Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Zimbabwe

It is my great honour to address the Zimbabwe-China Investment Symposium. Today's symposium comes at a pivotal juncture as Zimbabwe advances its economic transformation and industrialization agenda.

Four Defining Features of China-Zimbabwe Relations

1. Deep Political Trust & All-Weather Friendship: Our time-honoured friendship took root during Zimbabwe's liberation struggle and continues to grow on revolutionary camaraderie.

2. Remarkable Economic & Trade Outcomes: China is Zimbabwe's largest source of FDI (cumulative USD 10 billion). Bilateral trade hit USD 4.4 billion in 2025 (up 15.2%), yielding a Zimbabwean surplus of USD 740 million and creating nearly one million local jobs.

3. Strong Economic Complementarity: Zimbabwe is endowed with lithium, chrome, and agricultural products; China offers vast markets, affordable technology, and capital.

4. People-Centred Cooperation: Chinese enterprises have invested over USD 100 million in hundreds of CSR projects nationwide, including schools, clinics, roads, and boreholes.

Key Priorities for Deeper Cooperation

  1. Infrastructure Development: Expanding transport, power, and digital infrastructure to lower industrial production costs.
  2. Local Value Addition: Adopting a realistic, step-by-step roadmap for mineral beneficiation.
  3. Predictable Business Environment: Maintaining policy stability to preserve long-term investor confidence.
  4. Strong Public Partnerships: Working together to foster accurate narratives and highlight mutual contributions.
Keynote Address

Hon. July Moyo

Minister of Energy and Power Development, Government of Zimbabwe

It is an honour to officiate at this symposium. The Zimbabwe-China Investment Symposium provides stakeholders with a platform for sharing opportunities, addressing challenges, and improving the operating environment for investors.

Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, Government has embarked on Vision 2030 — "Towards a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030."

Zimbabwe Energy Compact Targets (by 2030):

  • •Achieve 100% household access to electricity (320,000 on-grid & 200,000 off-grid connections annually).
  • •Raise clean cooking solution access from 38.6% to 70%.
  • •Increase renewable energy capacity to 2,640 MW.
  • •Mobilize USD 9.5 billion in total energy investments, with USD 4.42 billion expected from private sector partners.

Government expects investors to work closely with national authorities, conduct business professionally, adhere to health and safety regulations, accelerate technology transfer, and prioritize local employment.

Closing Remarks

Mr. William Wen

Secretary General – Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in Zimbabwe (CCEZ)

As we conclude the inaugural Zimbabwe-China Investment Symposium 2026, it is my great honour, on behalf of CCEZ and Africapaciti, to deliver the closing remarks.

"Chinese companies have invested over USD 10 Billion into Zimbabwe. That demonstrates our deep commitment to this nation. We are here to stay and work together in partnership to build Zimbabwe."

As the Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in Zimbabwe, we remain committed to:

  • Serving as an active bridge between government and business;
  • Strengthening communication and information exchange;
  • Supporting compliant and sustainable investment;
  • Promoting local skills development and corporate social responsibility;
  • Contributing directly to Zimbabwe's industrialization and economic transformation.

May the friendship between Zimbabwe and China continue to grow stronger. Ndinotenda Zvikuru - Tatenda, Siyabonga. Thank you.