China-Zimbabwe Ties Grow Stronger Through Media Training and Skills Development Initiatives

The long-standing friendship between China and Zimbabwe continues to thrive, with recent developments pointing to a deepening partnership in media and skills development. This was underscored during the closing ceremony of a high-impact seminar for 22 Zimbabwean media professionals held in Changsha, China, where officials hailed the growing collaboration between the two nations.

Mr. Liu Zhankui, Deputy Director of the Division of Human Resources at the Department of Commerce in Hunan Province, highlighted the seminar as a symbol of China’s unwavering commitment to capacity building and mutual growth. “The success of this seminar stands as a testament to the deepening exchanges and cooperation between China and Zimbabwe,” he said. “I encourage you to apply the knowledge and insights gained here to your professional endeavors, becoming pivotal contributors to the growth of Zimbabwe’s media sector.”

The seminar, one of many hosted by China in recent years as part of its broader China-Africa cooperation strategy, reflects the Asian economic powerhouse’s investment in human capital as a driver of sustainable partnerships. Mr. Liu emphasized the importance of continued engagement, collaboration, and knowledge sharing between the media sectors of both countries.

Ms. Fu Yunhui, Vice Dean of the China-aid Training Faculty at Hunan International Business Vocational College, shared similar sentiments, stating that the enthusiasm shown by Zimbabwean participants left a lasting impression on their Chinese hosts. She added that sharing insights on emerging media trends helped foster mutual learning and strengthened cultural ties.

Representing the Zimbabwean delegation, veteran journalist Alphonse Mbizwo expressed deep appreciation for the Chinese government’s role in empowering Zimbabwean media professionals. He praised the seminar not only for its educational value but also for the opportunities it created to witness firsthand China’s advancements in digital media.

Mbizwo highlighted key experiences during the visit, including attending the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and the China-Africa Music and Film Week, which offered unique perspectives on China’s soft power initiatives and deepened the understanding of its economic and cultural diplomacy efforts.

He noted that visits to prominent media hubs such as the Shanghai Media Group Headquarters and various outlets in Hunan, Changsha, and Hangzhou showcased China’s robust transition into the digital age. These experiences, he said, served as a wake-up call for Zimbabwean media to embrace innovation and strengthen cooperation with China, particularly in content creation, digital broadcasting, and youth-focused platforms.

“The media industry is evolving rapidly, and we must align ourselves with global trends. Strengthening media partnerships with China is not only strategic but necessary,” Mbizwo said. “Our countries share a history of solidarity, and the media can play a crucial role in reinforcing that bond.”

The seminar concluded with a call to action for participants to transfer their newfound skills and perspectives into the Zimbabwean media landscape, thereby becoming agents of innovation and bridge-builders between the two nations.

As China and Zimbabwe continue to explore new frontiers in their partnership, initiatives like these signal a future defined by collaboration, knowledge exchange, and shared prosperity.