Interrogating the Utility of Zimbabwe-China Bilateral Economic Relations, 2000-2025

Abstract

The Zimbabwe-China economic relationship expanded significantly between 2000 and 2025. The study examines its effects on trade, investment, infrastructure, technology transfer and financial flows in Zimbabwe. Dependency, modernisation, international political economy and development economics theories guided the research. A mixed-methods approach within a descriptive-correlational design was adopted. Quantitative data were obtained from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Ministry of Finance, World Bank, IMF and Chinese government sources. Qualitative data came from interviews with government officials, private sector actors, Chinese investors and civil society representatives. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyse the relationship between infrastructure, technology transfer, industrialisation, employment and debt. Findings show that Chinese investment improved infrastructure development, especially in energy and transport. Employment opportunities also increased in some sectors. However, industrial growth and technology transfer remained limited due to skills gaps and weak domestic capacity. Chinese loans supported development projects but increased debt exposure and fiscal pressure. Stakeholders expressed optimism about economic gains. while raising concerns about dependency, transparency and debt sustainability. The study concludes that the partnership has developmental benefits when supported by strong policies on local value addition, technology transfer, debt management and good governance.