China Reaffirms Support for Zimbabwe’s Education and Industrial Goals

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, has reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s pursuit of inclusive, heritage-driven education and sustainable industrial growth.

Speaking at the opening of the three-day Scholastica Expo in Bulawayo—Zimbabwe’s second-largest city—Ambassador Zhou emphasized China’s dedication to helping Zimbabwe align its education system with its industrial ambitions.

The Scholastica Expo aims to bridge the gap between academic institutions and industry by showcasing career opportunities and skills development pathways for students and professionals.

Ambassador Zhou noted that China is playing an active role in Zimbabwe’s transformation by supporting key infrastructure initiatives, fostering industrial growth through private-sector partnerships, and investing in human capital development.

“Unity is our strength,” he said. “True progress builds on our shared heritage. By aligning education with industry, and fostering innovation through cooperation, we can create prosperity and lasting growth.”

He also expressed China’s continued support for Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and its Heritage-Based Education 5.0 policy—two cornerstone strategies for national development.

Zhou added that China is ready to share its expertise in artificial intelligence and technology to help Zimbabwe boost its innovation capabilities. He highlighted that a significant number of African students studying in China are focused on STEM fields, agriculture, and healthcare—skills vital for development.

In a message delivered on his behalf, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Frederick Shava, praised China’s model of integrating heritage with education. He said China’s approach—using technology to preserve cultural identity while advancing local industries—offers valuable insights for Zimbabwe’s efforts to foster innovation and economic self-reliance.

Shava further noted that China’s success in transforming its education system to produce skilled innovators and resilient communities provides a blueprint for Zimbabwe’s own development goals, especially in areas like ecotourism and value-added agriculture.

SOURCE-TheZimbabweTimes