Zimbabwe's government under fire for award of overseas business contracts

Zimbabwe's government has caused anger by awarding contracts worth more than half a billion dollars to foreign companies, most of them Chinese, according to reports.

The $553m deals were criticised in parliament because Zimbabwe's economy is still struggling, with many people unable to find work, the independent NewsDay newspaper said.

Chinese economic activity in Africa is often a source of controversy, with allegations that China is underpaying for mineral resources and either mistreating local workers or importing its own.

Paddy Zhanda, chairman of the parliamentary portfolio committee on budget, finance and investment promotion, revealed the figure while presenting a report on the 2012 national budget, NewsDay said.     Read Full