馃嚳馃嚰ZimbabweSouthern Africa
China offers zero-tariff access as Zimbabwe women manufacturers launch new association
via NewsDay Zimbabwe5 min read
China has announced a new zero-tariff policy for African countries, which Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding stated offers significant export opportunities for Zimbabwean manufacturers, especially women-led businesses. This announcement coincided with the launch of the Zimbabwe Women in Manufacturing ZWIM association in Harare. The policy, effective May 1, 2026, grants duty-free access to the Chinese market for all 53 African nations with diplomatic ties to Beijing, including Zimbabwe. Ambassador Zhou emphasized that this measure will open China's market to Zimbabwean products, fostering new opportunities for local manufacturers and attracting investment in value addition and industrialization. He described ZWIM's formation as timely, aligning with Zimbabwe鈥檚 Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 2, which prioritize manufacturing, industrialization, and women's economic empowerment. ZWIM unites women entrepreneurs from various sectors, such as agro-processing, textiles, leather, furniture, and paper production. Zhou also highlighted China's investments in Zimbabwe's infrastructure, steel, cement, solar energy, and lithium processing, which are strengthening the industrial base and creating opportunities for small and medium enterprises and women-owned businesses. He reiterated China's commitment to expanding skills training, promoting industrial exchanges, and assisting Zimbabwean manufacturers in accessing the Chinese market under the zero-tariff framework. The
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
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Zimbabwe is preparing for its Nations Cup finale match against Canada. Other news includes Harare municipal police seeking more authority, a security guard stealing US$160,000, a rise in teenage sex trade in Mutare, and Starlink kits gathering dust at rural hospitals due to subscription delays. ZMX reports rising confidence with trades reaching US$1.28 million, while families on the streets are highlighted as a national issue. Stanbic Bank-backed Carnival Cup is set to begin, and the Shingirirayi Youth Ministry is organizing an under-13 football tournament in Mbare. Political tensions over grasslands plots have led to violence and forced evictions. ART operations are affected by power outages and raw material shortages, with export and paper division volumes declining by 6% and 26% respectively in the third quarter to June 2022. Zanu PF is anticipated to ambush Zimbabwe towards a referendum, and a kidnapping trial was postponed due to a lawyer's absence. A specialized honey testing laboratory has been commissioned in Zimbabwe to enhance export competitiveness.
Must ReadZimbabwean exporters can now obtain the necessary certificates of origin to export eligible products to China under a preferential trade arrangement for African countries. ZimTrade announced that all administrative and procedural requirements have been completed, opening significant opportunities for Zimbabwean businesses to increase exports to one of the world's largest consumer markets. Exports shipped to China on or after May 1 are eligible for retrospectively issued Certificates of Origin. This development is expected to boost exports by improving the price competitiveness of Zimbabwean products, particularly agricultural produce, horticultural products, manufactured goods, and value-added products. China extended zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations since May 1. Zimbabwe has already begun to tap into this expanded market, making its first-ever shipment of blueberries to China earlier this month and securing bilateral agreements for citrus and avocado exports.