Through mass imports and local production, China has made goods more affordable for ordinary Zimbabweans. Chinese retailers and suppliers have reduced the cost of electronics, clothing, and household essentials, making them more accessible.
For instance, Chinese-manufactured solar panels and inverters have led to cheaper off-grid electricity solutions, giving access to lighting and phone charging for millions of Zimbabweans in rural areas who would otherwise be unable to use mobile phones at will. More affordable solar options are also allowing urban Zimbabweans to stay connected and have access to energy at a time when the national grid is failing to meet demand.
A few years ago, plastic was highly expensive with many people only able to afford discarded containers imported from South Africa commonly called “achas” from that Atchaar preserve that they contained originally. But now local Chinese manufacturing means that a bucket that previously cost about $5 is now less than a dollar, creating a whole new economic value chain as locals benefit from the distribution network.
Hundreds of Zimbabweans are now making a living reselling plastic ware across the country.
