Chinese business leaders in Zimbabwe have committed to collaborating with religious organizations on education and vocational training programs aimed at youth development. Manjuan Li, a prominent member of the Chinese commercial sector, announced the initiative during a gathering with church officials in Harare on Saturday.
Li said partnerships with faith institutions will help development projects penetrate local communities more effectively. She emphasized that her compatriots seek to advance Zimbabwe's goal of reaching upper-middle-income status by 2030 through empowerment rather than merely financial investment. Bishop Abel Charakupa responded positively, noting that resource constraints have limited existing church programs and that cooperation could expand their impact. Archbishop Lina Vashiko added that many talented young congregants lack access to opportunities and could benefit from training support.
Both parties plan further discussions to identify specific collaboration areas. China has emerged as a major trade ally for Zimbabwe, with President Xi Jinping visiting in December 2015. Subsequent agreements have funded projects such as the Hwange Thermal Power Station expansion and improvements to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport through a $153 million loan from China Eximbank.
Li said partnerships with faith institutions will help development projects penetrate local communities more effectively. She emphasized that her compatriots seek to advance Zimbabwe's goal of reaching upper-middle-income status by 2030 through empowerment rather than merely financial investment. Bishop Abel Charakupa responded positively, noting that resource constraints have limited existing church programs and that cooperation could expand their impact. Archbishop Lina Vashiko added that many talented young congregants lack access to opportunities and could benefit from training support.
Both parties plan further discussions to identify specific collaboration areas. China has emerged as a major trade ally for Zimbabwe, with President Xi Jinping visiting in December 2015. Subsequent agreements have funded projects such as the Hwange Thermal Power Station expansion and improvements to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport through a $153 million loan from China Eximbank.
