Zimbabwe’s relationship with China has become increasingly one-sided, limiting the country’s ability to attract Western capital, foreign direct investment (FDI), and—most critically—much-needed technology transfer. This over-reliance on China stems from deep-rooted historical and political ties, but the long-term consequences of maintaining such a narrow foreign policy have begun to show. The country remains locked in a stagnant economic trajectory, unable to fully realize its potential due to its failure to diversify its global partnerships. While the historical relationship with China is understandable, Zimbabwe’s future prosperity demands a more balanced and strategic foreign policy approach that engages the broader global economy.
By Brighton Musonza
At the heart of Zimbabwe’s predicament is the leadership’s failure to modernize its political ideology and reform the ruling ZANU-PF party. Both President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his predecessor, the late President Robert Mugabe, have remained loyal to an outdated liberation narrative that continues to dominate the country’s political and economic outlook. Their inability to reposition ZANU-PF and adapt to modern economic realities has left Zimbabwe tethered to its past, rather than embracing the dynamism needed to thrive in today’s interconnected world. As a result, Zimbabwe’s economy has failed to transition from one based on subsistence and extraction to a more diversified, innovation-driven model.
The historical connection between Zimbabwe and China is rooted in the support Beijing provided during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. While this support was undoubtedly crucial in securing Zimbabwe’s independence, it has also created a sense of obligation that has skewed the country’s foreign policy. Zimbabwe’s leadership, bound by gratitude, has allowed China to dominate its international relationships, to the detriment of pursuing more balanced, multidimensional engagements with other global powers. This unbalanced foreign policy has kept Zimbabwe isolated from the West and, more broadly, from a globalized economy that could offer more equitable partnerships.
It is reasonable for Zimbabwe to maintain strong ties with China, but not at the expense of alienating the West. The current status quo has left Zimbabwe in a vulnerable position, beholden to one major partner. This has deprived the country of the flexibility it needs to fully engage with international markets and negotiate fair terms for its resources. By relying so heavily on China, Zimbabwe has missed the opportunity to benefit from diverse streams of capital, infrastructure development, and the critical technology transfer that comes with more robust engagement with Western economies.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) is not just about capital inflows; it’s also about the transfer of expertise, skills, and technologies that are vital for long-term economic development. In Zimbabwe’s case, much of the FDI from China is concentrated in the mining and extractive industries—sectors that are resource-heavy but do little to drive innovation or competitiveness in the broader economy. This has created a lopsided economic structure where raw materials are exported without the value-added processes that could generate greater wealth and employment opportunities domestically. Zimbabwe’s economic future cannot be based solely on its natural resources; it must also develop its human capital and technological capabilities to create a sustainable and prosperous economy.
Historically, Zimbabwe’s economy has been oriented towards the West, with its human resources, commercial sectors, and business practices reflecting Anglo-Saxon models. For decades, the country’s private sector thrived under this structure. However, the deteriorating relationship with Western nations—partly due to Zimbabwe’s growing closeness with China—has significantly restricted access to Western capital markets and technology transfers. This breakdown in relations has led to a prolonged standoff, particularly since the early 2000s, which has hamstrung Zimbabwe’s economic development. The country’s private sector has struggled to grow, hampered by its inability to access Western investment and the technological know-how that drives innovation and global competitiveness.
China, currently the largest source of FDI in Zimbabwe, has focused primarily on state-led investments, with limited benefits trickling down to the broader economy, particularly private enterprises. While China may offer financial support and infrastructure development, its investments are often tied to Chinese state-owned enterprises and labour, further limiting the potential for technology transfer or job creation within Zimbabwe. This kind of relationship does little to foster the homegrown innovation and industrial growth that Zimbabwe so desperately needs. Furthermore, reliance on Chinese infrastructure projects, while beneficial in the short term, often comes with long-term financial commitments that burden Zimbabwe with debt, leaving little room for manoeuvre in future economic planning.
The failure to diversify foreign relations has been a major obstacle to Zimbabwe’s progress. The country’s economic stagnation is a direct result of its inability to pursue a more inclusive foreign policy that engages with both East and West. While China will remain a key player in Zimbabwe’s future, it is imperative that the country also reestablishes relations with the West, particularly in the areas of FDI and technology transfer. Western investments, particularly in the areas of information technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy, could significantly contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic diversification. This would provide the country with the tools to break free from its overreliance on raw material exports and build a more resilient, diversified economy.
A more diversified foreign policy would also allow Zimbabwe to access global capital markets, where it could secure fairer deals for its resources and infrastructure needs. The ability to negotiate with multiple global players puts Zimbabwe in a stronger bargaining position, enabling it to secure investments that align with its national development goals. It would also open the door for Zimbabwe to participate in multilateral economic organizations, further integrating the country into the global economy.
Technology transfer, in particular, is vital to Zimbabwe’s long-term economic success. The ability to absorb and utilize advanced technologies from more developed economies could transform Zimbabwe’s industrial base and stimulate the kind of innovation needed to compete on a global scale. Countries that have successfully transitioned from agrarian or resource-based economies to more diversified, industrialized ones have done so largely by acquiring and mastering new technologies. Zimbabwe cannot afford to miss out on this critical component of development.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s overreliance on China, driven by historical ties and a narrow foreign policy focus, has hampered its economic growth and limited its ability to diversify. The country’s leadership must recognize the importance of adopting a more balanced approach to foreign relations—one that allows Zimbabwe to benefit from both Eastern and Western investments, capital, and technology. Only by embracing a more open and diversified foreign policy can Zimbabwe hope to break free from its current economic stagnation and secure a prosperous future for its people. The time for change is now; Zimbabwe’s future depends on it.