Beaven Dhliwayo
Group Features Editor
ON June 6, 2025, the “Philanthropy Without Borders, Together We Go” salon was successfully held at the Alipay Lab in Shanghai.
The event was jointly initiated by the China-Zimbabwe Exchange Centre, Alipay Lab, and the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation, among other partners.
Centered on the China-Zimbabwe Friendship Borehole Project, the salon explored innovative models of international cooperation in philanthropy, emphasizing the synergy of technology and public welfare.
As one of the primary initiators, China-Zimbabwe Exchange Centre reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to promoting people-to-people exchanges and development cooperation between China and Africa.
By sharing in-depth insights into China Zimbabwe Friendship Borehole Project, the organization offered a valuable case study for future cross-border philanthropic initiatives.
Distinguished attendees included Liu Long, Chairman of the China-Zimbabwe Exchange Centre (China), and Vice Chairman Tungamirai Eric Mupona, along with key representatives from the philanthropic, nonprofit, and corporate sectors.These included Mr. Tian Chuan, Director of External Affairs at Ant Group; Ms. Zhu Yaping, Special Assistant to the Secretary General of the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation; Mr. Hou Xuchuan, Chairman of JW MICE & MEDIA; Ms. Mao Weifang, Senior Vice President of Huahui Group; Mr. Yuan Fangzhou, Secretary General of the Huahui Foundation; and Mr. Zhou Jie, Secretary General of the Shanghai Headquarters Enterprise Development Promotion Association.
The event opened with a keynote address by Mr. Tian Chuan of Ant Group, who shared the mission and achievements of the Alipay Lab in advancing green public welfare.
As an open social space initiated by Ant Group, Alipay Lab aims to promote sustainable values through interactive exhibits, rotating showcases, themed events, and volunteer activities. Tian emphasized the platform’s role in bridging brands with the broader public in support of environmental initiatives.
Ms. Zhu Yaping from the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation shared the foundation’s unique perspective and valuable experience in the field of public welfare.
She recalled that during the collaboration with the China-Zimbabwe Exchange Centre ,Alipay Lab and JW MICE & MEDIA on the first China Zimbabwe Friendship Borehole Project, the team encountered numerous challenges.
These included the initial attempt to establish a cross-border payment mechanism and a series of practical issues arising from differences in cultural backgrounds and policy implementation between China and Africa.
However, it was precisely through continuous communication and close collaboration among multiple parties that the project was ultimately implemented successfully.
This experience set a strong example for future philanthropic cooperation between China and Africa. Ms. Zhu emphasized that the advancement of public welfare initiatives relies on broad participation from all sectors of society.
Only by integrating resources and innovating implementation mechanisms can such projects be effectively realized, creating positive and far-reaching impacts for the community.
Mr. Tungamirai Eric Mupona, Vice Chairman of the China-Zimbabwe Exchange Centre, delivered an in-depth presentation on the borehole project in Zimbabwe, illustrating its implementation, community impact, and local feedback.
Advocating the concept of “Philanthropy must be at the heart of deepening China-Africa cooperation” he emphasized that charity work should be a reciprocal process of mutual understanding and development.
He asserted that in the context of global sustainable development, public welfare must lead the way in building a shared future for humanity.
Representing the business community, Mr. Hou Xuchuan, Chairman of JW MICE & MEDIA, shared his company’s experience with the water well initiative.
He described the emotional impact of seeing water wells funded by their company bring clean water to African communities.
Mr. Hou echoed Mr. Eric’s sentiment and called on businesses to prioritize goodwill before profit, and to leverage their expertise to deliver efficient, high-quality philanthropic solutions.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a new partnership agreement for a second well. The Huahui Foundation and the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation formalized their collaboration in a signing ceremony.
Mr. Yuan Fangzhou from Huahui then discussed the foundation’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, stressing its core values of green, low-carbon, and environmentally friendly development in both philanthropy and construction.
The event concluded with a sustainability workshop, where participants exchanged ideas on how businesses can advance sustainable development goals.
The lively discussion further deepened mutual understanding and laid a strong foundation for future cooperation.
The success of the “Philanthropy Without Borders, Together We Go” salon not only introduced new perspectives and pathways for philanthropic innovation but also created a vibrant platform for dialogue and collaboration. By using “water” as a bridge, the China-Zimbabwe Exchange Centre continues to promote cross-cultural understanding and multinational cooperation.
Through hands-on projects like the China Zimbabwe Friendship Borehole Project, the initiative reflects the immense potential of international philanthropy.
With continued joint efforts, the boundaries of public welfare will keep expanding, bringing hope and change to communities around the world.