The just-ended 2025 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road in Kunming, China, brought together over 200 media representatives from 87 countries, including Zimbabwe, represented by Zim Now and Daily News.

The core message from the discussions was that media must act as "practitioners and promoters of the Silk Road spirit" and tell the story of Belt and Road Initiative cooperation.

But for the ordinary Zimbabwean, the real story isn’t found in international forums; it’s in the more hours of electricity on farms, in factories, and in our homes; the weight of our national debt; and the fierce public debate about our future.

Finding the multifaceted story of the BRI in Zimbabwe is a search beyond rhetoric to explore tangible benefits, real tensions, and a complex path forward that we must navigate with clear eyes.

Where to see BRI in Zimbabwe today

 The abstract talk of "win-win cooperation” so beloved by Chinese speakers may not make sense to ordinary Zimbabweans. But we can see and feel the impact of BRI's footprint in various aspects.

One such beacon is the expansion of the Hwange Thermal Power Station Units 7 and 8, constructed with Chinese financing and expertise. They are crucial for alleviating the crippling load-shedding that has hampered homes and businesses for years. This is a direct example of the BRI's promise to "improve people’s lives" by providing "reliable stable" electricity.

The Parliament Building in Mount Hampden, funded and built by China, is more than just an imposing structure. It symbolizes deep bilateral ties and is one of the most visible infrastructure gifts in the country, representing the "practical cooperation" often discussed at high-level forums. And yes, it does have an impact on ordinary people through the new ecosystem that it has brought to life, beyond the jobs created during construction.

While major nationwide transport projects under the BRI banner are still in earlier stages compared to neighbors like Zambia, the strategic intent is clear. The BRI aims to integrate Zimbabwe into regional trade networks. Improving our transport infrastructure is key to "facilitating the flow of goods and services," a goal echoed by regional leaders. This would lower the cost of goods and create new economic opportunities.

The elephant in the room

To report on the BRI without acknowledging the legitimate concerns and conflicts would be a disservice to the Zimbabwean and Chinese people. Consensus can only be built by the media honestly and objectively giving platform to voices unpacking these issues: 

Poor people-to-people relations—All too often stories of conflict between Chinese expatriates and locals make the news. While there are many beautiful stories of great friendships that go untold, it is important for both sides to invest in knowing and understanding each other better to create a real shared vision, beyond politicians' talk, and work harmoniously towards it.

The debt dilemma: Many critics of China-Africa relations zero in on the cost of development in the form of loans. They argue that the loans that fund these projects contribute to Zimbabwe's significant external debt burden and could compromise strategic national assets. In addition, other factors such as the inclusion of characters of low public credibility like Wicknell Chivayo on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s delegation at the recent national visit to China further promote the perception of murky deals. Zimbabwe needs a transparent national conversation about the relationship with China, including the terms of these loans and their long-term fiscal impact. This is not an anti-development sentiment but an essential step towards responsible sovereignty.

"New imperialism" accusations: Western commentators and their aligned local activists offer a single narrative that places China as a "new imperial" power, extracting Africa's resources while offering loans that ensure dependency, a claim China strongly denies. Even well-meaning media houses have helped feed into the perception. Many positive stories of China in Africa have become friendly fire, as they depict China as a great savior swooping in to eradicate hunger, disease, and ignorance in Africa. Such poverty porn narratives unwittingly aid towards a negative perception of China.

Employment creation conundrum: There is a persistent perception that major projects bring in Chinese labor for the best jobs, leaving only the most menial opportunities for local Zimbabweans. Talk of "technology transfer" and "creating employment" can only make sense when data-backed. The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency must start to compile and aggregate meaningful data on the number and nature of jobs created by Chinese enterprises in the country. Without credible information on job creation and other issues, media practitioners are forced to resort to subjective positions.

Beyond propaganda to informed dialogue 

The Kunming forum's focus on media responsibility is crucial. The call for media to "bridge divides and bring people closer together” means we must: 

1. Report with nuance: Our role is not to be a cheerleader nor a constant critic, but to provide balanced reporting. Celebrate the new power units at Hwange but also investigate the debt structure financing them. This “builds understanding through quality reports.”

2. Amplify local voices: The story must be localized. It’s about the engineer who got trained on the Hwange project, the local transporter who got a steady contract with a mining company, and the economist concerned about debt, as well as the farmer displaced from his land and his livelihood destroyed to make way for a mine whose operations do not follow the environmental laws of the land.

3. Demand transparency: Media must pressure both our government and partners for full disclosure on contract terms, loan conditions, and local employment data. This ensures that “high-quality Belt and Road cooperation” is really defined by mutual benefit, not opacity. If the people can understand the benefits accruing to them, their perception of BRI will reflect accordingly.

China as partner, not a panacea

The BRI is not a magic wand that will instantly solve Zimbabwe's deep-rooted economic challenges. It is a framework for partnership that offers both significant opportunities and carries real risks. 

The ultimate consensus for Zimbabweans cannot be found not in ignoring the conflicts, but in confronting them head-on. It will be built by demanding that our leaders negotiate BRI deals with extreme care for our national interest, ensuring that the roads, power plants, and buildings truly serve the people of Zimbabwe, both today and for generations to come, without burying us under unsustainable debt.

The BRI story in Zimbabwe is still being written. It is our job, as citizens, including the media, to ensure it’s written with honesty, clarity, and our national interest at heart.