China pledges unwavering support for Zanu PF as CPC marks 105 years
via NewsDay Zimbabwe14 min read
Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding affirmed China's unwavering support for Zimbabwe's ruling party, Zanu PF, during a roundtable discussion in Harare marking the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China CPC. The ambassador highlighted the historical "revolutionary kinship" between the CPC and Zanu PF, forged during Zimbabwe's liberation struggle, with China providing military, material, and diplomatic support. President E.D. Mnangagwa extended congratulations to President Xi Jinping on the CPC's anniversary, acknowledging the deepening China-Zimbabwe relations. The event served as a platform for mutual learning on party building and state governance, reinforcing the long-standing friendship. Ambassador Ding emphasized the CPC's role in China's modernization and global peace, attributing the country's economic growth and social stability to the CPC's leadership. He also discussed Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building, which includes "Fourteen Insistences" on strengthening party leadership, self-reform, and a people-centered approach. The CPC shares its experience in party building and cadre training, with over 100 Zanu PF cadres annually attending training in China or Tanzania, and CPC expert delegations visiting Zimbabwe. Ambassador Ding reiterated that China does not export development models and supports Zanu PF in pursuing an independent development path tailored to Zimbabwe's conditions. He also touched on the CPC's commitment to people's well-being, strategic foresight
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
A new report, "The Contemporary Features and Global Significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building," released in early July 2026, examines how the Communist Party of China understands the connection between political leadership, state capacity, modernization, and national development. The report suggests that party building is crucial for national governance, economic transformation, social stability, and long-term strategic planning. While not a direct blueprint, it offers principles like institutional discipline, anti-corruption, meritocratic governance, strategic planning, and people-centered development that can be adapted by countries in the Global South, particularly in Africa. Key messages include the idea that a ruling party must govern itself effectively to govern a nation, strong leadership needs strong institutions, and legitimacy increasingly comes from performance and development results rather than historical liberation. The report also emphasizes scientific long-term planning, competence in cadre selection, institutional anti-corruption measures, political education, party building supporting economic transformation, technology as a governance tool, and a people-centered approach to governance. Examples from Rwanda, Botswana, Tanzania, and Ethiopia are cited as African countries demonstrating elements of institutional development that resonate with the report's principles. The article, authored by Saxon Zvina, principal consultant at Skyworld Consultancy
Zimbabwe has commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory to enhance its export competitiveness. In corporate news, Starafricacorporation reported a profit after tax of US$1.44 million for the year, a significant improvement from a US$4.83 million loss in the prior year, despite facing a US$2.23 million working capital deficit and liquidity pressures. ART operations were impacted by power outages and raw material shortages, leading to a 6% decline in exports and a 26% decline in paper division volumes during the third quarter to June 2022. Additionally, the U'WILL project aims to transform 45,000 lives in Bulawayo and Kwekwe, and Chimukoko has been named chef de mission for Team Zimbabwe at the LA28 Olympics. Political tensions at grasslands plots have resulted in violent attacks and forced evictions.
Must ReadChinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, announced that Chinese investment in Zimbabwe has surpassed US$10 billion. Speaking at the Zimbabwe-China Investment Symposium in Harare, Ding highlighted China's increasing support for Zimbabwe's shift towards value addition, moving beyond raw mineral extraction to local processing and industrial production. He emphasized that the future of Zimbabwe's mining sector lies in value addition, industrialization, and skills development, which are crucial for creating industries, developing skills, and generating sustainable employment. Chinese investments are acting as a key catalyst for Zimbabwe's industrial transformation, covering sectors such as mining, manufacturing, agriculture, energy, and digital infrastructure. These investments are supporting local industries, creating jobs, and contributing significant tax revenues. An example cited is the Dinson Iron and Steel Plant in Manhize, a US$1.5 billion project that produces over 500,000 tonnes of steel annually, with 60% exported, generating vital foreign currency. Additionally, Chinese companies have invested over US$2 billion in Zimbabwe's lithium value chain since 2021, including projects like the Arcadia lithium sulphate plant and Sinomine's lithium sulphate processing plant at Bikita Minerals. The continued expansion of value addition projects is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe's position as a leading mining and manufacturing destination in Africa.