China’s growing economic influence in Zimbabwe has raised significant concerns among the country’s citizens. From selling vaccines to constructing power plants and exploiting natural resources, China has established a strong presence in various sectors of Zimbabwe’s economy. While the ruling party, Zanu PF, claims to be implementing reforms to reserve certain economic subsectors for Zimbabweans, many believe this move is merely a political ploy.

One of the primary reasons for skepticism is the persistent centralization of power by Zanu PF, which has led to impunity and a preference for rule by law rather than democratic principles. The party’s classification of minimum wage jobs and small-scale businesses as reserved for Zimbabweans may seem strategic but ultimately futile. Activities like operating a grinding mill or a salon are not appealing to foreign investors like the Chinese, Pakistanis, or Indians. These ventures are considered mediocre and offer limited returns.

The timing of Zanu PF’s decision to classify these subsectors as reserved for Zimbabweans, just ahead of the 2023 elections, raises suspicions of political motives. It portrays the ruling party as suddenly concerned about the welfare of the people, despite its history of neglecting their interests in favor of primitive accumulation.

This move is also seen as an admission of the inability of Zimbabweans, who have been held hostage by Zanu PF for decades, to specialize in high-level technology, research, and innovation. This lack of specialization has hindered the country’s ability to conduct essential research and manufacture products like vaccines, forcing Zimbabwe to rely on imports from China. The inability to manufacture or assemble its own aircraft has also affected the tourism sector.

Zanu PF’s classification of economic subsectors as “reserved” for Zimbabweans highlights the party’s incompetence and economic mediocrity. It condemns the people to a life of poverty and mediocrity while masking these harsh realities with fancy terminology.

During a brief period of democratic governance supervised by the West, the opposition prioritized inclusivity and equal treatment for all Zimbabweans in economic opportunities. Foreigners were not favored over the local population, unlike the current administration’s preferential treatment of Chinese investors.

The proximity of Zanu PF’s decision to the upcoming 2023 elections raises concerns about partisan distribution of these so-called reserved economic subsectors. Given the party’s track record, it is unlikely to distribute these opportunities equitably, potentially discriminating against those with perceived or imagined political affiliations. This means that those not aligned with Zanu PF may be excluded from these “reserved” sectors.

In reality, what Zimbabwe needs is not the classification of reserved economic subsectors but comprehensive reforms that promote inclusivity and a transition of power. Zanu PF must address the existential threats it faces and pave the way for a peaceful transfer of power to the opposition.

In conclusion, China’s dominance in Zimbabwe’s economic activities raises valid concerns about the welfare and economic future of the country’s citizens. Zanu PF’s recent decision to classify certain subsectors as reserved for Zimbabweans is met with skepticism due to its political timing and the party’s history of centralizing power and neglecting the people’s interests. True economic progress for Zimbabwe will require genuine reforms and a commitment to inclusivity rather than the empty rhetoric of “reserved” subsectors.