China–Zambia partnership: 6 decades of friendship driving development

…..from TAZARA to Mulungushi Textiles, Chinese support continues to shape Zambia’s economic and social growth

By GRACE CHAILE

AS Zambia marks 61 years of independence next month, the country continues to reflect on its long-standing partnerships that have shaped its development.
Among these, the relationship with China stands out as one of the most enduring and strategic, spanning over six decades and impacting Zambia’s economic, social and infrastructural growth.
Retired University of Zambia lecturer and political analyst, Dr. Alex Ng’oma, described China as a dependable and friendly partner. “When you look at the history of the world, you will see that the Chinese first of all never had a colony in Africa. They have always treated Africans with respect and looked at them as partners.
That is why, even when they are coming up with projects in Africa, they are projects designed to benefit both sides. When we were fighting for independence, the Chinese were there with us,” he said.
Dr. Ng’oma recalled that Zambia’s first Republican President, Kenneth Kaunda, sent some personnel to China for guerrilla warfare training, preparing for any refusal by colonial powers to grant independence peacefully.
“The Chinese were on our side when we were fighting for independence. After independence, when Zambia faced blockades from neighbouring countries, particularly Southern Rhodesia under Ian Smith and apartheid South Africa, China helped build the TAZARA railway so Zambia could access the sea for trade,” he said.

He added that China has also provided educational support, infrastructure development, scholarships for Zambian students and favourable loan terms compared to Western institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
“In a nutshell, the Chinese are people you can rely on and describe as always friends. It’s important to look at our bilateral agreements to see how we can expand them and ask for more support, aid and training of our people. Mining is ongoing, and Mulungushi Textiles is being revamped by the Chinese,” Dr. Ng’oma said.
Economist Kelvin Chisanga notes that since independence in 1964, China has been a major partner in Zambia’s economic growth. Its contributions include investments in the mining sector, revitalisation of the Chambishi Mine, and the establishment of Zambia’s first multi-facility economic zone.
Chinese support has extended to infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, hydropower stations – including the Kariba North Bank Extension and Kafue Gorge Lower – and expansions at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.
Telecommunications companies such as Huawei and ZTE have enhanced digital connectivity, while Chinese-built schools, hospitals and stadiums have contributed to social development.
Scholarships and educational exchanges have strengthened human capital, with Chinese medical teams supporting health delivery in Zambia for decades.
Moreover, Chinese loans are considered more favourable than those from Western institutions, allowing Zambia to invest in development without excessive financial strain.
President Hakainde Hichilema has highlighted the growth of bilateral trade between China and Zambia, noting a 77.6 percent increase from US$3.79 billion in 2017 to US$6.73 billion in recent years.
President Hichilema emphasised that China’s openness to Zambian exports creates opportunities for joint ventures, particularly in agriculture and value addition through companies like Mulungushi Textiles.
In May this year, a Chinese delegation led by Erkin Tunkiyaz, chairperson of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, met President Hichilema to accelerate agreements on industrial clusters, agriculture and animal husbandry, underscoring the practical dimensions of the partnership.
Earlier, China, Tanzania, and Zambia signed an agreement to rehabilitate the TAZARA railway, a vital transport route linking Zambia’s copper and cobalt mines to the Tanzanian coast, originally constructed between 1970 and 1975 through an interest-free Chinese loan.
Earlier this year, China’s ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, officially handed over a proposal to spend more than US$1 billion on revitalising TAZARA and operating it commercially, signalling a major push to modernise and make the railway commercially sustainable.
The revival of Mulungushi Textiles in Kabwe represents a landmark achievement for Zambia-China industrial cooperation. The reopening of the factory, after a 17-year hiatus, is expected to create 500 jobs, revitalise the cotton industry, and boost local economies.
Wang Chuanyuan, chairman of Mulungushi Textiles, said the initiative “ushers in a new chapter in the company’s development and improves livelihoods,” while Zambia Development Agency director-general Albert Halwampa hailed it as a milestone for bilateral cooperation.
The Association of Chinese Corporations in Zambia (ACCZ), celebrating its 20th anniversary, continues to play a central role in economic relations.
ACCZ President Liao Jianfeng emphasised its mission to connect, advocate and collaborate with Zambia, noting that over 70 member companies have contributed to sectors including mining, energy, agriculture and technology. Ambassador Han Jing highlighted the importance of 2025 as a landmark year, marking both 60 years of China–Zambia relations and the ACCZ’s 20th anniversary, urging stakeholders to innovate cooperation models while ensuring lawful, socially responsible operations.
The China–Zambia relationship exemplifies South–South cooperation, offering an alternative model of development based on mutual respect, shared goals, and tangible benefits.
China’s contributions to Africa extend beyond Zambia, enhancing infrastructure, trade, industrialisation, and technological development across the continent.
Key areas of impact include infrastructure development through roads, railways, ports and energy projects, trade expansion as China becomes Africa’s largest trading partner, investment and industrialisation via factories and special economic zones, and technology transfer in telecommunications, fintech and renewable energy to accelerate digital and green economy initiatives.
As Zambia seeks to diversify its economy and industrialise, the country’s partnership with China will remain central. While challenges such as debt sustainability and equitable participation persist, the relationship offers opportunities for transformative development, from expanding trade and industrial capacity to enhancing education and technological expertise.
President Hichilema has underscored Zambia’s intent to deepen engagements with China, ensuring that both nations benefit from joint ventures, agricultural technology transfer and industrial cooperation.
The continuing evolution of China–Zambia relations demonstrates how historical solidarity can translate into modern development strategies that shape national growth, regional trade, and people-to-people connections.