Key points for Zimbabwe as China’s CPPCC close 202...

Key points for Zimbabwe as China’s CPPCC close 2025 Session with avowal to continue on modernization path

**Chinese President Xi Jinping listens attentively during the closing meeting of the CPPCC in Beijing this Monday**

Monica Cheru in Beijing

China has said it will continue to ramp up efforts at rapid modernization with a key focus on AI and digital technology, a point that Zimbabweans need to consider in light of the country’s growing economic links with China.

14th CPPCC National Committee Chairman, Wang Huning during his speech at the closing ceremony of the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

"We must fulfill our duties by focusing on Chinese modernization. Facilitating Chinese modernization is the main focus of our work. Wherever the central tasks of the party and the state are, that is where we will rally the support of the people, build greater consensus, and pool wisdom and strength," said Wang, according to a translation provided by CGTN.

During the Two Sessions, which end today, China’s highest representative and advisory board members reported on progress over the past year and debated resolutions on the way forward.

During the closing meeting, all 2082 members of the CPPCC unanimously voted to adopt the resolutions, which include putting resources towards AI innovation and migrating it to practical uses in everyday life with a focus on agriculture and food security, matters that are key to Zimbabwe in light of recurring droughts.

Another key point for Zimbabwe is the impressive progress China has made in the world of electric vehicles. According to statista.com, China was predicted to outproduce the combined output of the United States, Germany, Japan, France, and South Korea by the end of 2023, and it has, by building better cars at a cheaper price.

Zimbabweans have repeatedly said as the country is an important part of the production chain through the supply of lithium, a key component in electric vehicle batteries, there is a need to cascade manufacturing processes instead of exporting raw lithium. This would add value to the local economy and also create jobs.

Zimbabwe is Africa’s top lithium producer and the sixth largest in the world.

In December 2022, the country banned the exportation of raw lithium to gain about US$1.7 billion lost through the unregulated exportation of the premium mineral. Lithium mining companies installed processing plants worth millions.

There is now talk of limiting the export of lithium concentrate to encourage the creation of lithium products like batteries locally. Large miners Max Mind, Kuvimba, and Prospect Lithium have indicated that they are looking at the feasibility of establishing battery-ready lithium processing plants or industrial parks for battery manufacturers.

Nationally, the government announced that a mega lithium processing industrial park would be established in Mutorashanga, but that has not yet materialized.

Market watchers say that with falling lithium prices and the US-triggered global trade wars, it could be difficult to attract fresh investment into the sector.

But others remain hopeful that with the drive towards clean energy, there is no doubt that the value in lithium remains premium, and Zimbabwe can only benefit from watching, understanding, and being an informed partner in China’s march towards modernization.