The government of Zimbabwe and the European Union signed agreements worth US$80 million on Wednesday.
The EU said the move is aimed at bolstering the objectives enshrined in the National Development Strategy 1 (2012- 2025) economic strategy policy and the EU’s global Gateway Strategy shared priorities.
Through investments in renewable energy in agriculture, agri-value chain support, biodiversity conservation, and community resilience building, the funding also seeks to accelerate the green transition.
Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony, EU envoy of the European Union, Ambassador Jobst Von Kirchmann said the event signifies new heights of a shared vision.
“Today’s Financing Agreements mark a new milestone in the shared commitment between Team Europe and Zimbabwe to promote sustainable, inclusive growth across the country.
“By aligning the EU’s Global Gateway priorities with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1, we are addressing immediate needs while empowering Zimbabweans – especially women and youth- to build a resilient society and economy. Together we are investing in a sustainable future that will benefit future generations.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube expressed gratitude for the gesture by the Western bloc.
He said Zimbabwe remains grateful for the EU support, with the signing ceremony marking another milestone of cooperation.
The four Financing Agreements will be channeled towards the implementation of the following four projects: Agri-Value Chain Development in Zimbabwe (Euro 26 million); biodiversity enhancement for resilience building in Zimbabwe (Euro 26 million)
“Transparent and Accountable Governance in Zimbabwe (Euro 16 million approx. US$17 million); and Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment in Zimbabwe (Euro 7 million approx. US$7.6 million),” he said.
The Treasury boss said the support is of paramount importance as it aligns with the country’s NDS1, as well as with the goals and objectives across the country’s existing food and agriculture delivery compact which contributes to the achievement of the country’s Vision 2030.
“Alignment of development cooperation with national priorities is a key tenet for development effectiveness, and we would like to commend the EU for achieving this, and would like to encourage increased adoption of country systems and government involvement in the implementation of the projects, to further strengthen ownership and sustainability of the interventions,” Ncube added.
