The Chinese government has instructed Chinese companies operating in Zimbabwe to “step up risk prevention and compliance awareness” after the country suspended exports of lithium ores and concentrates. Africa’s largest lithium producer announced the suspension of exports on February 25, citing alleged irregularities and smuggling.
In a statement, the Chinese embassy in the country called on Chinese companies and citizens to comply with local laws and regulations and to protect their rights and interests through legal channels.
“Before investing in Zimbabwe, investors should conduct a comprehensive and in-depth assessment of the local business environment, industrial policies, and relevant laws and regulations,” it stated.
It added that investors should “fully consider the various investment and operational risks and make informed decisions to avoid losses resulting from changes in government policies.”
Non-governmental organizations in Zimbabwe frequently accuse Chinese companies of failing to comply with environmental and labor standards.
China has emerged as one of the largest investors in the African country’s economy, pouring billions of dollars into the mining and energy sectors since 2000, the year Zimbabwe distanced itself from the West due to allegations of human rights violations.
Chinese battery metal companies have invested more than $1.4 billion in Zimbabwean lithium assets since 2021, helping to consolidate Beijing’s dominance in the battery metal supply chain.
In 2025, Zimbabwe exported 1.128 million tons of lithium-bearing spodumene concentrate to China, accounting for about 15% of the Asian country’s lithium concentrate imports last year.
Source: Reuters
