Stanbic Bank deepens Africa-China ties
SAMANTHA MADE
Leading financial services institution, Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe, recently undertook a successful trade and business exchange mission to China for players in the health sector, in a move whichjvp reaffirms its commitment to support the growth and modernization of the industry.
Stanbic Bank executives with sector specific knowledge on trade and health, accompanied delegates drawn from Zimbabwe’s health sector, including managing directors, chief executives, and senior doctors from private hospitals and healthcare institutions during the week-long mission at the backend of last month.
The delegation toured Shanghai, Yiwu, Hangzhou, and Tonglu to explore opportunities for collaboration with Chinese partners in medical technology, equipment sourcing, and hospital infrastructure development, among other possible ventures.Stanbic Bank Head, Trade and Africa China Banking, Tapuwa Nyika said the Standard Bank Group subsidiary was pleased to play a pivotal role in connecting Zimbabwe’s health sector to global opportunities.
Nyika said the trip was not only crucial in bolstering Zimbabwe’s health sector but also demonstrated Stanbic’s strategic focus on facilitating meaningful connections between Zimbabwe and China across the board. “Our role as Stanbic Bank is to be a bridge – connecting Zimbabwean institutions with international partners who can help drive development across all economic sectors.
This mission focused on key players in the health sector because it is one of the most critical pillars of our economy,” said Nyika.He said Stanbic Bank’s Africa-China Banking platform enabled its clients to access reliable Chinese suppliers, negotiate financing, and adopt cutting-edge medical solutions that improve healthcare delivery at home.Nyika said the mission underscored Stanbic Bank’s belief that sustainable growth requires collaboration across borders.
Zimbabwe’s health professionals are deeply committed to improving patient care, and by linking them with China’s innovation and manufacturing capacity, Stanbic Bank was helping turn those ambitions into real impact.Stanbic
Bank Head of Public Sector Banking, Sarah Charangwa, who was head of delegation, described the mission as both educational and transformative.“The experience in China was eye-opening.
Our clients were able to see first-hand how efficiency, innovation, and public-private collaboration have transformed China’s healthcare system,” said Charangwa.
She said members of the delegation came back inspired by the possibilities – from digital health solutions to modern hospital management systems.Charangwa said Stanbic Bank is well-positioned to support local institutions that want to implement similar advancements.
“We are committed to helping our clients translate those lessons into action, through financing, advisory services, and structured trade solutions. This is not just about learning -it’s about enabling growth,” said Charangwa.
She said beyond the trade mission, Stanbic Bank has an unwavering commitment to support Zimbabwe’s health sector through direct funding and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.Charangwa said Stanbic Bank has financed hospitals, clinics, and medical suppliers by helping them acquire new equipment, expand facilities, and upgrade their operations. Under its CSR programmes, Stanbic Bank has also donated medical equipment, renovated hospital wards, and supported healthcare outreach programmes across the country.
“Our commitment to the health sector is long-standing. We recognise that a strong health system is essential for national development. Every investment we make in healthcare is an investment in Zimbabwe’s people and future. It’s part of our purpose – Zimbabwe is our home, we drive her growth,” she said.
Charangwa noted that the trade mission was just the beginning of deeper collaboration adding that the foundations of a long-term partnership journey have been laid.
“Our clients now have the relationships, insights, and confidence to engage directly with Chinese suppliers and investors. Stanbic Bank will continue to walk alongside them, providing the financial tools and connections they need to succeed,” said Charangwa.
The trade mission is a culmination of efforts by Stanbic Bank to facilitate trade between its clients and businesses in China. These efforts, include but are not limited to, the launch of the annual Stanbic China Day in 2023 and also held last year.
Stanbic China Day seeks to foster trade and business partnerships between Zimbabwean and Chinese companies with a focus on empowering local businesses to understand and engage with the Chinese market.
These efforts have blossomed, buoyed by the Africa China Trade platform which has seen Stanbic Bank establish partnerships with Zhejiang International Trading Supply Chain Co Ltd (Guamao) through which Zimbabwean businesses can access over 10 000 Chinese suppliers from various sectors who offer top range products and services.
Stanbic has agone a step further by launching an e-book for stakeholders sharing invaluable information on how they could exploit lucrative opportunities in the China.
The e-book, titled – the ‘Beginner’s Guide to Importing from China’- is a practical tool to empower clients to explore new sourcing opportunities, streamline their import processes, and increase their competitiveness in China.
