China and Zimbabwe have entered a new phase of their long-standing partnership with the signing of letters of exchange to upgrade and maintain China-assisted irrigation schemes, a move aimed at strengthening food security and climate resilience. The agreement was signed in Harare on Thursday.
According to the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe, the project will involve the rehabilitation and modernisation of nine irrigation schemes across six provinces. The upgrades are expected to significantly enhance agricultural productivity, expand irrigated land, and reduce Zimbabwe’s reliance on increasingly unpredictable rainfall.
Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mthuli Ncube, described the agreement as a timely and strategic intervention that aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader goals of agricultural transformation and rural industrialisation. Speaking after the signing ceremony, Ncube emphasised that dependable irrigation is essential for sustaining consistent food production.
“This support from China directly contributes to our national objective of expanding irrigation coverage,” Ncube said. “Irrigation is the backbone of rural industrialisation and community development. Regardless of rainfall patterns, Zimbabwe must be able to produce sufficient food for its people.”
The initiative forms part of Zimbabwe’s wider efforts to climate-proof its agricultural sector. With much of the country’s farming still dependent on rain-fed systems, recurrent droughts and erratic weather have continued to threaten crop yields and rural livelihoods. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to improve water-use efficiency and promote more sustainable farming practices.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, said the project reflects the enduring friendship between the two nations and is designed to support smallholder farmers while advancing agricultural modernisation.
“This initiative will unlock greater productivity among smallholder farmers, strengthen resilience to climate change, and support Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development,” Zhou said, reaffirming China’s commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation.
The irrigation project also fits within the broader framework of China–Africa cooperation, which has increasingly focused on long-term, sustainable development and local empowerment rather than short-term assistance.
For Zimbabwe, the initiative comes at a critical time as the country works to stabilise its food systems and position agriculture as a key driver of inclusive economic growth. By prioritising irrigation, the country is adopting a practical approach to climate adaptation and food sovereignty.
-trendsafrica
