BY MALANGI NZOMBOLA
Reporter of Revelation Television, Zambia
China’s rise from a struggling developing nation to the world’s second‑largest economy is one of the most remarkable transformation stories of modern times.
Today, the country stands as a symbol of rapid development, technological advancement, and strategic governance, offering valuable lessons for countries seeking sustainable growth, which includes Zambia.
For many visitors arriving in China, the first thing that stands out is the country’s impressive infrastructure.
Modern highways, efficient public transport systems, high-speed rail networks, and smart cities reflect decades of careful planning and investment.
Technology has become part of daily life, with digital payment systems, advanced telecommunications, and innovative public services making life easier for millions of citizens.
However, experts argue that China’s success goes far beyond impressive buildings and modern cities.
At the heart of the country’s transformation is a long-term development strategy that has focused on economic growth, industrialization, education, and poverty reduction.
Over the past several decades, China has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, creating one of the largest economic success stories in history.
This achievement has attracted the attention of governments and development experts around the world who continue to study the policies and institutions that helped drive such progress.
As for Zambia, China’s experience offers important lessons.
Strategic investment in infrastructure, skills development, technology, and industrial growth can help create jobs, improve productivity, and strengthen economic resilience.
The relationship between Zambia and China has already produced significant development outcomes.
Through cooperation in sectors such as transport, energy, mining, healthcare, education, and telecommunications, China has contributed to several projects aimed at supporting Zambia’s economic development and connectivity.
China’s global influence has also expanded through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which promotes infrastructure development and economic cooperation across various regions of the world.
Such partnerships demonstrate the growing importance of international collaboration in addressing development challenges.
As nations continue to face challenges including climate change, food insecurity, public health concerns, and economic uncertainty, the need for strong institutions and effective governance has become more important than ever.
China’s emphasis on planning, innovation, and implementation provides useful insights for countries pursuing long-term development goals.
While Zambia’s development path will be shaped by its own unique circumstances and priorities, experts believe that adopting principles such as strategic planning, investment in human capital, and infrastructure development could accelerate national progress.
As Zambia works towards achieving its economic and social development objectives, engagement with international partners like China may continue to provide opportunities for investment, skills transfer, technology exchange, and sustainable growth.
The Chinese experience demonstrates that transformation is possible when vision, planning, and commitment are combined with policies that place development at the centre of national priorities.
For many developing countries, including Zambia, that lesson may be one of the most valuable exports China has to offer.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.