Zimbabwe Needs to Maximize Value from China's Lithium Investments

 African Arguments published on 23 January 2024 a commentary titled "Zimbabwe Looks to China to Secure Place in EV Battery Supply Chain" by Andrew Mambondiyani, journalist based in Zimbabwe.  

Chinese companies have invested over $1.4 billion to access Zimbabwe's lithium reserves, the largest in Africa.  If it is not careful, Zimbabwe will squander this wealth because of regulatory gaps, human rights abuses, illegal trade, and corruption.  Zimbabwe has made it easy for China to exploit mining in the country.  It needs to process locally more of the lithium rather than export raw ore.  

China Faces Growing Problems in Africa (in French)

 The Conversation posted on 14 March 2021 a commentary titled "Chinafrique: le temps des problemes" by Thierry Vircoulon, French Institute of International Affairs.

The author notes cites the enormous rise in China's presence in Africa over the past 20 years, adding it is not surprising this has led to growing problems in the relationship.  He emphasizes the impact of COVID-19, African debt, racism, and China's trade in illegal products.  

Decimation of African Rhinos and the Illegal Asian Trade

The October 2016 issue of National Geographic published an article titled "Deadly Trade" by Bryan Christy and Brent Stirton.

The article documents the decimation of the African rhino population in order to export illegally rhino horn primarily to China and Vietnam where it is a popular but ineffective medicine and hangover cure. Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are no longer significant consumers of rhino horn. About 98 percent of Africa's black and white rhinos are found in South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.