China’s Growing Zimbabwe Alliance: A Strategic Foothold for Southern Africa?.

A massive US$3.6 billion Chinese-invested industrial park in Zimbabwe is set to transform the country into a critical steel hub, further deepening China’s economic footprint in Southern Africa. The project, spearheaded by China’s Xinganglian (Shanxi) Holding Group, aims to leverage Zimbabwe’s abundant mineral reserves to produce steel, electricity, and chromium-based materials, positioning the country as a key supplier for China’s future infrastructure projects in the region.

The Palm River Energy Metallurgical Industrial Park, currently under development in Beitbridge, Matabeleland South, reflects Beijing’s broader ambition to establish stronger economic and geopolitical ties with Zimbabwe. Analysts suggest that Zimbabwe’s strategic location, rich natural resources, and historical alliance with China make it a prime candidate for Beijing’s expansion plans across Africa.

Zimbabwe, which boasts the world’s second-largest chrome reserves, has long sought to industrialize its mining sector. The project aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to enhance global trade through infrastructure investments, particularly in resource-rich regions like Africa.

Source: THEZIMBABWEMAIL