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Dr Norbert Hosho, Herald Correspondent

In an era marked by globalisation and interdependence, the leadership philosophies of Zimbabwe and China present a fascinating study of contrasts and convergences.

Both nations, despite their differing historical contexts and socio-political landscapes, have embarked on unique paths towards development that reflect their cultural values and governance styles.

The philosophies of leadership espoused by President Mnangagwa and President Xi Jinping of China are deeply rooted in their respective historical contexts.

Understanding these backgrounds is crucial in grasping how they inform current policies and strategies.

Zimbabwe’s post-colonial struggles have significantly shaped President Mnangagwa’s philosophy, encapsulated in the phrase “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,” which translates to “the country is built by its people.”

This philosophy reflects a commitment to national sovereignty, self-reliance, and the empowerment of local citizens in the development process.

Following independence from British colonial rule in 1980, Zimbabwe faced numerous challenges, including economic instability, political strife, and social unrest.

The land reform initiated in the early 2000s aimed to redistribute land from white farmers to black Zimbabweans but led to severe economic decline due to illegal economic sanctions.

As a result, President Mnangagwa’s leadership philosophy emphasises resilience against external pressures and prioritises local solutions for national development.

The impact of sanctions has been profound; they have hindered foreign investment, limited access to international markets, and contributed to hyperinflation.

In response, President Mnangagwa advocates for a model that focuses on harnessing domestic resources and fostering local entrepreneurship as a means of overcoming these challenges. His approach seeks to rebuild trust among citizens while promoting inclusive growth that benefits all Zimbabweans.

In contrast, China’s historical trajectory under President Xi Jinping has been characterised by transformation from a closed economy to a global powerhouse.

After decades of isolation following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Deng Xiaoping’s reforms in the late 1970s marked a pivotal shift towards market-oriented policies. This transition laid the groundwork for rapid industrialisation and economic growth.

President Xi’s leadership philosophy builds upon this foundation but also emphasises socialism with Chinese characteristics-a blend of State control with market mechanisms designed to ensure stability while promoting growth.

Under his administration, China has pursued an assertive foreign policy and expanded its influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims at enhancing connectivity across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

President Xi’s approach is informed by historical experiences such as the Opium Wars and periods of foreign domination that fostered a strong sense of nationalism among Chinese leaders. His policies reflect an understanding that economic strength is essential for national security and global standing.

Consequently, President Xi promotes innovation-driven development which aligns with his vision for a strong centralised State.

The comparative analysis between President Mnangagwa’s focus on local empowerment amidst external challenges and President Xi’s emphasis on State-led growth within a global context reveals significant differences shaped by their historical experiences.

While both leaders advocate for development models that prioritise national interests — President Mnangagwa through self-reliance and community involvement, President Xi through strategic global engagement — they operate within vastly different frameworks influenced by their countries’ unique histories.

Both leaders’ philosophies are reflections of their nations’ past struggles: Zimbabwe grappling with post-colonial legacies amid sanctions versus China’s rise from isolationism to global prominence underpinned by State-led capitalism. These historical contexts not only inform their current policies but also shape their visions for future development.

Resilience is a defining characteristic of leadership, particularly in the context of Zimbabwe under President Mnangagwa and China under President Xi Jinping.

Both leaders have faced significant challenges, including economic sanctions, political instability, and global competition. However, their approaches to resilience reflect their unique national contexts and philosophies.

President Mnangagwa has emphasised self-reliance as a crucial strategy for overcoming the economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. His administration has advocated for policies that encourage local production and reduce dependency on imports.

President Xi’s narrative of the “Chinese Dream” encapsulates a vision of national rejuvenation through perseverance and collective effort.

This concept emphasises economic growth, social stability and cultural pride.

Under President Xi’s leadership, China has made significant strides in technology and innovation as part of its resilience strategy. The “Made in China 2025” initiative aims to transform China into a global leader in high-tech industries by investing heavily in research and development. A notable case study illustrating this resilience is China’s rapid advancement in telecommunications technology, particularly with companies like Huawei leading the way despite facing international scrutiny and restrictions.

Both countries have operationalised resilience through strategic investments in agriculture and technology.

In Zimbabwe, Government has focused on enhancing food security through sustainable agricultural practices. For example, initiatives promoting irrigation systems have allowed farmers to cultivate crops year-round, thereby mitigating the impact of climate variability. On the other hand, China’s emphasis on technological advancement has led to breakthroughs in various sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy. The country’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2060 showcases its long-term vision for sustainable development amidst global environmental challenges.

The synergy between President Mnangagwa’s self-reliance philosophy and President Xi’s Chinese Dream illustrates how both leaders harness resilience as a tool for national progress. While their methods may differ, both nations are striving to overcome adversity through innovative solutions tailored to their specific circumstances.

Economic Modernisation Strategies: A Comparative Analysis

In recent years, both Zimbabwe and China have embarked on ambitious economic modernisation strategies aimed at attracting investment, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering economic growth.

President Mnangagwa’s “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” initiative and President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) serve as pivotal frameworks for understanding how these nations are attempting to address their respective economic challenges, particularly youth unemployment-a pressing issue in Zimbabwe.

President Mnangagwa’s mantra, “Zimbabwe is Open for Business,” introduced shortly after he took office in late 2017, aims to revitalise the economy by creating a favourable environment for foreign investment.

Key components of this strategy include regulatory reforms, whereby Government has undertaken significant developments to streamline business operations, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and enhance transparency.

These initiatives are designed to improve the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe.

President Mnangagwa’s administration has introduced various incentives to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) including tax breaks, guarantees against expropriation, and assurances that investors will be allowed to repatriate profits.

Recognising that infrastructure is crucial for economic growth, Government has prioritised projects to improve roads, railways, and energy supply.

This focus on infrastructure not only facilitates trade but also creates job opportunities for the youth.

To address youth unemployment, Government has launched programmes to equip young people with skills relevant to the job market. This includes vocational training initiatives that align with sectors expected to grow due to increased investment.

On the other hand, China’s Belt and Road Initiative to enhance regional connectivity through infrastructure development across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond represents a global development strategy adopted by President Xi in 2013.

For Zimbabwe, this means potential access to Chinese funding for critical infrastructure projects that could stimulate economic activity.

By improving transportation networks through BRI investments, China seeks to facilitate trade between participating countries. For Zimbabwean businesses, better access to markets can lead to increased exports of goods such as minerals and agricultural products.

Both leaders’ strategies reflect a recognition of the importance of infrastructure development as a catalyst for economic growth while simultaneously addressing youth empowerment.

While both initiatives stem from different philosophical underpinnings – one rooted in national reform efforts and another in international cooperation – they converge on common goals of attracting investment and fostering economic resilience.

Dr Norbert Hosho is the president and founder of Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Trust (ZAST), an educationist and trainer in financial literacy, economic empowerment and entrepreneurial leadership. He authored a book ‘Sanctions Against Zimbabwe: Debilitating effects, resilience in adversity and envisioned way forward’. Feedback:+263773115890/[email protected]