Zimbabwe is in an economic rut. China is on the rise. With the launch of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) IN 2000, China went public with its interest in Africa. The continent is rich in resources so is Zimbabwe. But China does not only seek to reap benefits from the unbalanced relationship. Since ‘Going Global’ commenced, China has aspired to make wise investments abroad and promote a sustainable and fair image around the globe. The People’s Republic proclaims it considerers its African partners as equal partners. Considering the economic power and political influence of Zimbabwe internationally, it is questionable whether the Sino Zimbabwean partnership is even-handed.

To attract Chinese Foreign Direct Investments, the Zimbabwean Government under President Robert Mugabe (in office 1980-2017), passes the Special Economic Zones Act 2016. This Act is meant to regulate the implementation and administration of Special Economic Zones as have been stablished in Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo. When reading the Bill, it becomes clear that it favors Business. There are no standing rules on working conditions. Zimbabwe has been an international Labour Office (ILO) –member state since independence in 1980. Government. Business, and Labour supposedly have been working with the ILO and other pro-labour organizations to ensure International Labour Standards (ILS) and apply the ILO Decent Work concept. This paper aims to identify whether the Special Economic Zones Act 2016 fights or support Decent work in Zimbabwean Special Economic Zones Act 2016 fights or supports Decent Work in Zimbabwean Special Economic Zones.