A Chinese company is set to establish a US$100 million electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Zimbabwe, marking one of the country’s most significant industrial investments in recent years.
Jiangmen Tengxin Motorcycle Technology Co. Ltd., which exports to 33 countries and produces up to 500,000 engines annually, has been engaging with Zimbabwean authorities for almost a year to advance the project, according to documents seen by MBC Digital.
In a letter dated 26 November 2025, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Tongai Mnangagwa, said the government was “delighted” to receive the investment proposal, emphasising that it aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “Zimbabwe is open for business” drive.
Speaking to MBC Digital, Mnangagwa confirmed that a Chinese delegation will arrive in Zimbabwe in early February 2026 to finalise investment requirements. “We haven’t discussed their specific needs. We will finalise those details when they arrive early next year,” he said.
The Deputy Minister added that the project is expected to create thousands of jobs.
“It will create at least 5,000 permanent jobs,” he said, noting that the employment opportunities would particularly benefit young people and women. He also revealed that the investor plans to hire at least 90 Zimbabweans for specialised technical positions.
Mnangagwa further explained that the investment includes an element of skills development. “There will be partnerships, including transfer of skills. The Chinese will send engineers to train Zimbabweans and transfer their technology,” he said.
Environmental and sustainability standards will be outlined once the Chinese delegation arrives. “It is still in the early stages. Such details will be known after the Chinese have arrived,” he added.
According to Mnangagwa, the project is expected to take three years to become fully operational once approved and launched, with Zimbabwe positioned to serve as a distribution hub for the Southern African region.
“Zimbabwe will be the springboard for distribution to the SADC region. Malawi will be among the countries that benefit. Zimbabwe will manufacture components, assemble the electric scooters and ship them across SADC,” he said.
Responding to how the project may support the tourism sector, he said clarity will be provided after the February consultations. “Once the Chinese arrive, we will look at their holistic investment plan and see how it will support tourism,” he said.
The transaction was facilitated and advised by Agilitee founder and former CEO Mandla Lamba, who introduced the Chinese investors to the Zimbabwean government.
Commenting on the development, Ministry of Transport and Public Works Public Relations Officer, Watson Maingo, said Malawi views the rise of electric mobility in the region as an important technological shift the country must prepare for.
“As Malawi, we need to move with technology, so EV is much welcome,” Maingo said. “We are working on regulations and protocols that will facilitate electric vehicle operations in Malawi once the technology is fully adopted.”
The initiative places Zimbabwe within the global transition towards electric mobility, as major economies push for reduced carbon emissions and cleaner transport systems. By integrating into emerging EV supply chains and aligning with SADC industrialisation goals and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the project positions Zimbabwe in step with international efforts to expand green technology manufacturing across developing markets.
By Mirriam Kaliza
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