Zim should leverage on minerals
ZIMBABWE should take advantage of its rich mineral resources and cordial relationship with China, among other countries, to add impetus to its economic growth.
This was said by United Nations Development Programme resident representative Dr Ayodele Odusola in remarks at a Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom ceremony in Harare last week, where issues relating to the impact of Chinese investment in Zimbabwe were discussed.
“Zimbabwe is known for its rich minerals around the world, hence it is supposed to come up with policies that benefit its own people by taking some strategies into consideration,” he said.
“Competition in Africa has to be viewed as an opportunity because it is a blessing in disguise.
“There are some blessings that we need to learn in partnership to develop system independence.
“We need to rethink our natural resource management policies and strategies.”
He said there was need to re-strategise around the country’s economic potential and benefits from the country’s partnerships.
“There is a need for us to develop a win-win partnership strategy,” said Dr Odusola.
“This we do not have and I strongly believe this is one of the realities we need to face.
“The era of master-beneficiary partnerships or relationships is long gone.
“We should embrace the new change, which is equally beneficial partnerships.”
He urged African countries to take advantage of the US$97 billion that China plans to invest globally through the Belt and Road Initiative.
African, Dr Odusola added, should leverage on moving up the global value chain through industrialisation.
Researcher Dr Innocent Ncube said he acknowledged that China’s international relations are now stronger, as it has engaged with most African countries.
“There are many stakeholders involved. The party is at the forefront developing relations with dominant ruling parties.”
Dr Ronald Chipake, who is a lecturer in international relations at Bindura University of Science Education, said new investments should be examined and made public.
“My outcry is that when these partnership negotiations are taking place, these things are supposed to take place in the open, and people are supposed to know what was said and agreed,” he said.
“Politicians are supposed to engage with people, as well as teach communities how to engage with investors when they are in the community in order to avoid unnecessary incidents where the investor ends up damaging the environment or mining where he is not supposed to.”