Baoding, Hebei- For years in Zimbabwe, the term “Zhing Zhong” was shorthand for cheap, low-quality Chinese products. But standing on the floor of Great Wall Motor’s state-of-the-art factory in Baoding, Hebei Province, it is clear that stereotype no longer holds. Automated lines, rigorous testing, and sleek Haval SUVs and GWM pickups rolling off the line show that "Made in China" now means quality and innovation.
Zimbabwean roads already host the Steed and Haval models, which are proving aspirational and durable. This is part of a bigger story: under the Belt and Road Initiative, China is not only building infrastructure in Africa—it is exporting brands and technology.
For Zimbabwe, the opportunity is to move from consumer to producer. As Africa’s largest lithium supplier, the country sits on the mineral driving the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. But most of that lithium leaves as raw ore. Imagine if it fed a full product chain—batteries, EV assembly, and regional distribution—right here. That would turn Zimbabwe into a base for continental auto manufacturing.
In an interview by the GWM communication department, I stressed the need for Africa-specific research and development. Cars designed for China’s highways or Europe’s rules don’t always fit Zimbabwe’s potholes, fuel variations, or consumer needs. By investing in R&D centers on the continent, automakers could design models that not only feel truly made for Africa but are prized for the market.
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Linking Zimbabwe’s lithium capacity with localized R&D would also give the BRI real meaning as a two-way partnership—addressing the perception that it mainly serves China. It would be cooperation with shared value, shared production, and shared prosperity.
As “Made in China” is undergoing perception transformation, for Zimbabwe, the next step is clear: negotiate smarter, build partnerships, and position itself not just as a buyer of cars but as a hub shaping Africa’s mobility future.
When the next GWM smart car edition comes out and is self-parking on Samora Machel Avenue, it should not only showcase Chinese innovation—it should also reflect Zimbabwe’s stake in the journey.
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