As exchanges between China and Africa continue to deepen, media cooperation has become an increasingly important bridge for mutual understanding and people-to-people ties. Zimbabwe's Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zhemu Soda, has led a media delegation to visit China recently. In an interview with China Africa Talk, Minister Soda shared his views on strengthening China-Africa storytelling, Zimbabwe's expectations for China's zero-tariff policy for African countries, and how Zimbabwe hopes to learn from China's development experience as it advances its Vision 2030 agenda.

China Africa Talk: How's your trip so far? Could you please share with us some of the key priorities of your visit to China?

Zhemu Soda: We have been enjoying the purpose of our trip. We traveled very well, and indeed, we are enjoying the Chinese hospitality. To begin with, the trip was motivated by the relationship that we have with the People's Republic of China, which dates back many decades. From the ministry that deals with information and media, it is quite a large group traveling with me here to China, the purpose being to deepen the relationship and collaboration that we have always had. This time, we also want to ensure that, as people responsible for chronicling the news, we are aware of the things that make China what it is today and better understand its people. So far, we have had an opportunity to understand Chinese history and the values on which China is anchored. We are enjoying the experience, sharing a lot of information, and learning from China's expertise in the area of information and media.

China Africa Talk: We have seen increasingly frequent media exchanges in recent years between China and Zimbabwe. In your view, what more can both sides do to further enhance our media collaboration and strengthen mutual understanding between our peoples?
Zhemu Soda: Usually, when we have these collaborations, we are sharing information and experiences. As much as this time we are here to learn more from your experiences, I am sure these exchanges are also reciprocal in terms of benefits. The people of China are also benefiting from these exchanges in terms of understanding us much better. So I think these exchanges are very important. Going forward, we must continue because they bring about better understanding of one another and ensure that, as brothers and sisters, we are developing together and doing the best we can for our peoples.

China Africa Talk: We understand your visit also focuses on expanding investment cooperation. China's zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries has officially taken effect. What opportunities will this policy bring to Zimbabwe? Can you share some of the signature Zimbabwean products that Chinese consumers can look forward to in the Chinese market?

Zhemu Soda: What Zimbabwe is looking at seriously is to deepen our collaboration, trade ties, and investment ties with the People's Republic of China. We are looking at our balance of trade, which we think is going to improve, especially because of this special window that has been opened. The removal of tariffs for 53 countries, including Zimbabwe, is a very welcome development, and we would want to seize this opportunity immediately. As we speak, institutions responsible for facilitating trade between our two countries have already started doing research to better understand the Chinese market and how products can move from Zimbabwe into China. We are looking at increasing our level of exports. Africa currently exports between 240 million and 280 million US dollars' worth of citrus products into China, and that is an area Zimbabwe can exploit extensively. We are good at producing blueberries, avocados, oranges, and lemons. Apart from citrus, we can also export coffee, tea, spices, and flowers into China. Zimbabwe produces quality flowers that can ultimately find their way into the Chinese market through this newly opened window.

China Africa Talk: Zimbabwe is working towards its Vision 2030. China has just kicked off its 15^th Five-Year Plan, focusing on high quality develop development in areas such as science and technology, digital economy and green transition. In terms of those new areas for collaboration, what opportunities are there for Zimbabwe and China to further explore?

Zhemu Soda: We have been taken through China's rich history. Beginning in 1953, China embarked on a five-year planning horizon that enabled the country to target specific issues, including absolute poverty, which was eradicated by 2021. What we are learning is that the Five-Year Plans have been very effective, enabling China to achieve specific goals and build capacity that it is now leveraging as it continues modernizing its economy. You spoke about focusing on greening the economy and advancing green energy. There is much more we can do together in that area. Zimbabwe is home to lithium and many other minerals that are critical for the green energy revolution. That is an area where we can collaborate more. Going forward, we want to reach a point where we will be exporting battery-grade products. The kind of collaboration we seek from China is one that enables us to achieve what we envision. As we work toward 2030, we have set targets and aspirations for ourselves, and achieving them will require strong partnerships and collaboration to help us add value to our minerals in Zimbabwe.

China Africa Talk: What have been some of your observations on China's poverty alleviation drive? What experiences and lessons can Zimbabwe draw upon?

Zhemu Soda: We have been taken through how China managed to achieve the goal of eradicating absolute poverty. The transformation that happened in villages is remarkable. We are aware that some time ago China faced challenges in feeding its growing population and industrializing the country. Those are very important lessons for us. Of course, we have our own endeavors, but we are taking a leaf from how China managed to achieve what it has achieved as a nation. We learned about the work of the Communist Party of China and how some high-profile party members were deployed to villages to become village heads and spearhead development while living within the communities they were assigned to. We also learned about the partnerships that exist between wealthier provinces and those that are less developed as a way of upgrading them and ensuring balanced development. This aligns well with our own approach. Our endeavor is also to leave no one and no place behind in Zimbabwe. We are looking at provinces that are less developed, and support will be given to them through devolution. This kind of collaboration and learning from countries that are more advanced will help us as we work toward achieving our Vision 2030 goals.