By Conrad Mwanawashe
HARARE – Zimbabwe and China strengthened their strategic partnership on Thursday, signing a landmark agreement to fund the rehabilitation of nine major irrigation schemes across six provinces.
The project, financed under a 2019 Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement, targets critical agricultural hubs including Ngezi B (Mashonaland West), Nyanyadzi and Nenhowe (Manicaland), and the Biri extensions in the Midlands.
Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube noted that the deal is part of a broader support package that includes a 300-borehole drilling program and the innovative Juncao Technology Assistance Project.
He said that 234 boreholes have already been completed across Mashonaland East, Manicaland, and Masvingo, with the remaining 66 in the Midlands currently underway.
Beyond infrastructure, the partnership is introducing Juncao technology—a Chinese innovation using protein-rich hybrid grass to support mushroom and livestock production while fighting desertification. Launched in April 2025, the project aims to empower small-scale farmers with sustainable, high-yield techniques.
“This sustainable technique supports mushroom and livestock production while helping to combat desertification. The project encompasses various activities, including mushroom breeding, planting, training, and application. The project was launched in Mashonaland West in April 2025,” Prof Ncube added.
Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding emphasised that these “people-centered” initiatives are designed to shield smallholder farmers from climate change.
“In 2025, we have continued to support Zimbabwe through various assistance projects. Apart from large infrastructure projects, we have focused on people-centered livelihood initiatives.
“To name just a few: we are drilling an additional 300 boreholes across the country, enabling rural communities to get access to clean water; we have delivered three batches of food assistance totalling 10,000 tons of wheat and rice; and we have launched the Juncao Technical Assistance Project to promote agricultural development and poverty alleviation,” Amb Zhou said.
The diplomatic cooperation is mirrored by a massive surge in private investment. According to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), nearly 500 new Chinese businesses have registered in Zimbabwe since January 2025, with projected investments totaling US$2.5 billion.
