Zimbabwean businesses urged to seek global partnerships after US sanctions lift
via NewsDay Zimbabwe7 min read
Zimbabwean Foreign Affairs and International Trade minister Frederick Shava encouraged local businesses to explore global cooperation opportunities following the termination of broader US sanctions. Speaking at the Zimbabwe-US Business Forum in Harare, Shava highlighted the potential benefits from a visiting nine-member delegation from the Global Opportunities Committee of the Atlanta Black Chambers ABC, which is exploring investment opportunities in Zimbabwe. This mission is the first since the US administration ended its sanctions program on Zimbabwe on March 4, though new sanctions were imposed on 11 individuals, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, and three entities, over alleged corruption and human rights abuses. Shava emphasized leveraging ABC's experience to improve Zimbabwe's image as an investment destination for American businesses. Despite previous sanctions, Zimbabwe's exports to the US increased from US$700,000 in 2020 to US$12.1 million in 2022, though Shava noted these levels remain low and undiversified. Obert Mpofu, secretary-general of the ruling Zanu PF party, suggested the revised sanctions might be an attempt to resume business due to Zimbabwe's strategic importance and mineral resources. Zimbabwean ambassador to the United States, Tadeous Chifamba, criticized the US stance on corruption and human rights, citing perceived hypocrisy.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
The relationship between China and Zimbabwe is characterized by mutual learning, historical solidarity, and a focus on practical transformation, moving beyond a traditional donor-recipient dynamic. This partnership has deep roots, including China's 2008 veto at the United Nations Security Council against sanctions on Zimbabwe. This has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership with sector-by-sector cooperation. China's Ministry of Commerce leads a large human resources development system, which by late 2025, will have hosted over 2,800 seminars for more than 84,000 participants from 160 countries, including over 1,300 minister-level officials. These seminars are designed for mutual exchange, where Chinese experts share insights on governance, economic reform, media innovation, and technology-driven development, while participants also contribute their expertise. Zimbabwean officials view China's success in poverty reduction as a relevant reference for their own development goals, particularly the concept of "collective prosperity." Cooperation is evident in various sectors, including healthcare, with 22 Chinese medical teams dispatched to Zimbabwe, and cultural exchange through a Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has also granted visa-on-arrival to Chinese tourists to foster deeper people-to-people ties. Zimbabwean officials regularly attend training academies in China, such as the Academy for International Business Officials. The broadcasti
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