Zimbabwe pushes media modernisation and China-Africa digital cooperation

Zimbabwe has called for stronger media and economic cooperation with China, with Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Hon. Soda Zhemu highlights technology, skills development, and trade as key areas of partnership.

Speaking at the 7th Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation, Minister Zhemu said Zimbabwe is prioritising the modernisation of its media sector through artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital infrastructure and 5G broadcasting.

The minister attended the forum alongside senior officials including Ministry Chief Director Jonathan Gandari, Zimpapers Chief Executive Officer William Chikoto, ZBC CEO Sugar Chagonda, Minister Counsellor at the Zimbabwe Embassy in China Peter Mwayera, and other government and media representatives.

Zhemu also emphasised the importance of training and scholarship opportunities in China for Zimbabwean media professionals, saying improved skills and technology adoption would help strengthen the country’s media industry.

He noted that media cooperation should be viewed within the wider Zimbabwe-China relationship, which continues to expand through trade and investment opportunities. He cited Zimbabwe’s recent export of blueberries to the Chinese market as an example of growing economic engagement between the two countries.

The minister said the media has a greater role to play beyond reporting diplomatic engagements by helping citizens understand the practical benefits of international cooperation in areas such as technology, trade, investment, skills, and development.

During the visit, Varakashi4ED Operations Director Cde Dereck Goto also toured RedHub, the Beijing office of China’s social media platform RedNote, to explore opportunities in digital communication and content creation.

RedNote, which has its headquarters in Shanghai, has more than 400 million monthly active users, with the majority of content generated by users themselves.

The visit highlighted opportunities for African creators to use digital platforms to promote African stories, culture, tourism, products, and ideas to global audiences.

A Ugandan farmer and content creator, Timothy Kiwalabye, was cited as an example of how African stories can reach wider audiences after joining RedNote in 2025.

Observers say Africa’s growing digital presence presents opportunities not only for communication but also for trade, cultural exchange, and economic growth.

The forum highlighted the need for African countries to actively participate in the digital economy by creating content, promoting local products, and telling their own stories to international audiences.