The Ministry of Finance, Economic development and Investment Promotion signed an Exchange of Letters with China, for the China-aided Upgrading and Maintenance of Irrigation Schemes Project.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Finance, Professor Mthuli Ncube said the agreement reflected continued collaboration aimed at supporting Zimbabwe’s development priorities, particularly in agriculture and water security.
“I am honoured to address you on this auspicious occasion, as we once again strengthen the longstanding cooperation between the Government of Zimbabwe and the People’s Republic of China through the signing of the Exchange of Letters for the China-aided Upgrading and Maintenance of Irrigation Schemes Project,” he said.
Minister Ncube expressed gratitude to China for its sustained support to Zimbabwe through grants, concessional loans, humanitarian assistance and technical cooperation.
“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the People’s Republic of China for its continued support to the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
He also commended China’s pledge of RMB1,330 billion, equivalent to about US$189 million, to the 17th African Development Fund replenishment cycle, saying the contribution marked a 40 percent increase from the previous cycle.
“It is pleasing to note that African countries are increasingly positioning themselves not only as beneficiaries, but also as co-investors in their development trajectory,” Professor Ncube noted
Turning to bilateral cooperation, the Minister said China has supported Zimbabwe across key sectors.
“The republic of China has supported Zimbabwe on many key sectors including transport, energy, water and sanitation, ICT, agriculture, education and health, through projects such as Hwange Units 7 and 8, the Kariba South extension, airport expansions, the New Parliament Building, water and sanitation rehabilitation in Harare, and agricultural mechanisation programmes,” he said
Prof Ncube said China has also supported Zimbabwe through policy consultation initiatives aligned to National Development Strategy 2, which was launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in November 2025.
“The People’s Republic of China has indeed proven to be a steadfast ally. Government remains committed to deepening cooperation with China in support of national development goals,”he added
The agreement also covers the drilling of 300 boreholes, of which 234 have already been completed, and the Juncao Technology Assistance Project, which introduces a China-developed innovation to support mushroom and livestock production.
