Chinese people in Zimbabwe

Chinese people in Zimbabwe
Total population
10,000 (2016)[1]
Regions with significant populations
Harare
Related ethnic groups
Overseas Chinese

Chinese people in Zimbabwe are a small community that grew in size in the 2000s as an influx of Chinese shopkeepers settled in the country.[2]

Initially the arrival of shopkeepers from China aroused hostile local attitudes with products sold by Chinese merchants derisively called zhing-zhong.[3] However, during the worst of the Zimbabwe economic crisis, Chinese shopkeepers were able to import basic goods despite the disruptive effect of hyperinflation, bringing some relief to Zimbabwean consumers.[3] The ability of Chinese stores to continue business won them the appreciation of local consumers.[3]

Under official cultural and educational cooperation agreements, there are as of 2009 three teachers and nine medical personnel from China in the country.[4]

  1. ^ "10,000 Chinese in Zim". Chronicle. February 24, 2016.
  2. ^ "China's Influence in Africa Arouses Some Resistance". New York Times. February 10, 2007.
  3. ^ a b c "Africans have mixed perceptions of Chinese migrants, finds study". Radio Australia. August 20, 2012.
  4. ^ Chinese Investments in Africa: A Labour Perspective (PDF). 2009. p. 258. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-06-14. Retrieved 2015-06-12.