Zim, China shift to media tech transfer, modernisation

Source: Zim, China shift to media tech transfer, modernisation – herald

Nqobile Bhebhe in BEIJING, China

ZIMBABWE and China have taken a major step towards deepening media co-operation and accelerating the modernisation of the information sector, with senior officials from the two countries pledging stronger collaboration in content production, technology transfer, professional training and infrastructure investment.

Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda on Monday held high-level talks with China’s Minister of the National Radio and Television Administration, Ms Cao Shumin, here, where the two sides explored new opportunities to strengthen bilateral co-operation in the broadcasting and communications sectors.

The engagement comes at a time when Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to modernise its media landscape under the broader digital transformation agenda being pursued by the Second Republic, which includes migration from analogue to digital broadcasting systems, expansion of transmission infrastructure and adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.

The meeting between the two ministers focused on areas including content development and exchange, co-productions, technology transfer, skills development and professional training.

Dr Soda said Zimbabwe values the long-standing media co-operation with China, noting that Chinese-produced television and radio content has played a significant role in enriching programming and broadening public awareness on global developments.

“There has been some content that was being shared with us in our country which our national broadcaster has been airing on television, including our radio stations, to give awareness on what China has to offer,” said Dr Soda.

Zimbabwe and China share deep historical and diplomatic ties dating back to the liberation struggle, when China supported Zimbabwe’s fight for independence.

Since independence in 1980, the relationship has expanded into various sectors, including infrastructure development, mining, agriculture, energy, telecommunications and media cooperation.

Dr Soda said Zimbabwe now seeks to broaden the partnership beyond content acquisition towards joint productions and technical capacity building.

China has emerged as one of the world’s leading producers of digital broadcasting infrastructure, smart communication systems and media technologies, while also significantly expanding its global media footprint through international partnerships and co-productions.

Ms Cao said China stands ready to share its expertise and strengthen practical cooperation with Zimbabwe in media development and broadcasting innovation.

She highlighted China’s extensive experience in content production and international collaborations, saying increased engagement between Chinese and Zimbabwean media houses would further strengthen people-to-people relations between the two nations.