The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), led by its President Bishop Dr. I. Makumbe, on 30 January 2026 held a progressive and constructive dialogue meeting with the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe, aimed at promoting peace, cohesion, and sustainable development in the country.
The engagement, which took place at the request of the ZCC, was led on the Chinese side by His Excellency Zhou Ding, the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe. Discussions focused on concerns arising from mining practices by some companies operating in Zimbabwe and the need to strengthen efforts to ensure that mineral resources meaningfully benefit communities in mining areas.
During the meeting, it was acknowledged that the concerns raised by communities are genuine, although some are influenced by perceptions and long-standing grievances linked to certain Chinese mining operations. Mining-affected communities were said to be facing environmental degradation, weak development driven by mining activities, limited employment opportunities, and poor access to social services.
The dialogue noted that if communities in mining areas continue to see little benefit from mining activities, there is a risk of rising social tensions, the loss of social licence for investment, and potential conflict between investors and local communities.
It was further highlighted that while China may promote responsible investment and conduct, Chinese operations in Zimbabwe are governed by Zimbabwean laws, with enforcement resting primarily with the Government of Zimbabwe. Weak enforcement, the meeting noted, creates space for abuse and undermines accountability.
Participants exchanged views on the need to improve benefit-sharing mechanisms, enhance tax compliance, and strengthen transparency within the mining sector. The dialogue stressed the urgent need to improve accountability of mining companies to local communities and to ensure mining contributes more directly to local development.
The meeting resolved to continue regular engagement to address issues related to Chinese operations in communities, strengthen relations between Chinese businesses and Zimbabwean citizens, and deal with concerns on a case-by-case basis. Other agreed areas included exploring mechanisms to boost local development driven by mining activities, ensuring all Chinese companies operating in Zimbabwe are registered with the Embassy, and considering both legal and non-legal measures to improve tax transparency.
The parties also agreed on the importance of enhancing the contribution of mining companies to community development and strengthening multistakeholder dialogue involving Chinese mining companies and other stakeholders.
The meeting concluded with celebrations marking the Chinese New Year and recognition of the long-standing relationship between the people of China and Zimbabwe. Both sides agreed that continued engagement will be anchored in this spirit, with the shared goal of ensuring Chinese investments contribute to peace, social cohesion, and sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
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