The best is yet to come for Zimbabwe and China aft...

The best is yet to come for Zimbabwe and China after a 45-year friendship. Ambassador Shoniwa

As Zimbabwe marks 45 years of diplomatic relations with China, Ambassador Abigail Shoniwa—Zimbabwe’s first female envoy to Beijing—paints a picture of a maturing friendship now poised to deepen across key sectors. In a wide-ranging interview with China Africa Talk, Ambassador Shoniwa reflects on how the two nations have evolved together and where they are headed in this new era of global transformation.

From Liberation Struggles to Strategic Partnership

The Zimbabwe-China relationship dates back well before Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980. “China stood by us during our liberation struggle, offering both training and material support,” Ambassador Shoniwa recalls. “That phase laid deep roots—like a tree with a strong foundation—and today, it is bearing fruit.”

Post-independence, China was among the first countries to formally recognize Zimbabwe. The early years saw political solidarity, medical brigades, and development cooperation. But it’s the third phase—from the 2000s to now—that Shoniwa says has been truly transformational.

“In this era, we’ve witnessed unprecedented levels of cooperation,” she explains. “From power stations and new airports to industrial parks and ICT infrastructure, China has become a key partner in our journey toward Vision 2030.”

Vision 2030: A Shared Development Horizon

President Mnangagwa’s 2023 state visit to China was a turning point, with 17 bilateral agreements signed across sectors. “The direction is clear,” says Shoniwa. “Now it’s about implementing those agreements for real, transformative impact.”

Top on the agenda? Green energy, digital innovation, and education.

“Zimbabwe can learn a great deal from China’s advances in digital economy and green development,” she says, citing Huawei’s involvement in building a national data center and ZTE’s work with local telecom firms. “Whether it’s smart agriculture, e-commerce, or AI-driven logistics—we’re keen to adapt these solutions to our context.”

In green development, she sees solar, hydrogen, wind, and hydro energy as key areas for partnership, especially as Zimbabwe seeks sustainable energy independence.

Facing Global Challenges Together

Asked about the shifting world order, Shoniwa is candid. “There’s growing protectionism that threatens fair global trade,” she says. “Countries of the Global South—Zimbabwe and China included—must stand together to champion a more just, equitable international system.”

She calls for leadership from larger economies like China to push back against these trends and reaffirm true multilateralism.

The Gender Lens: Breaking New Ground

As Zimbabwe’s first female ambassador to China, Shoniwa brings a unique perspective to diplomacy. “I’m grateful to President Mnangagwa for the opportunity. It’s a humbling experience,” she shares. “But being the first woman also comes with a sense of duty—to work harder, balance family, and pave the way for others.”

Her personal journey spans civil service, where she rose to become the first female Permanent Secretary for Industry and Commerce. “The support I’ve received from colleagues, male and female, has made all the difference,” she adds.

Shoniwa applauds fellow Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry’s appointment as Chair of the International Olympic Committee. “It’s historic—not just for Zimbabwe, but for Africa and women worldwide. She’s done us all proud.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality in Beijing, Shoniwa sees it as a moment of reflection. “The world needs to ask: What have we achieved since the 1995 Beijing conference? And what more can we do for women in leadership?”

Observing China, Envisioning Zimbabwe

Having previously served in China from 2006 to 2009, Shoniwa is amazed at the country’s rapid development. “The use of AI, the green landscapes, the modern infrastructure—it’s all so inspiring,” she says. “We’re eager to adapt these lessons for Zimbabwe’s context.”

She notes that even rural communities in China benefit from smart technologies. “There’s so much Zimbabwe can learn, especially in agriculture, health, and manufacturing.”

A Vision for Her Tenure

What does she hope to achieve as ambassador?

“More investment. More exports. More tourists,” she says with quiet determination. “We want to see Zimbabwean goods on Chinese shelves, Chinese tourists at Victoria Falls, and more collaboration in education and culture.”

She’s especially excited about education exchanges. “We want Zimbabwean students to access new knowledge here—and we also want professionals working in China to gain exposure and bring that experience back home.”

Her to-do list is long—but her conviction is clear.

A Partnership of Equals

Ambassador Shoniwa’s vision captures the essence of the Zimbabwe-China relationship: rooted in history, energized by development, and guided by mutual respect.

As both countries face global shifts and embrace new opportunities, the friendship continues to evolve—not just between governments, but between people.

“In every phase, the bond has grown stronger,” she says. “And the best is yet to come.”

This article was developed with the assistance of AI from a transcript of an interview of Ambassador Shoriwa by China Africa Talk