Zimbabwe and the European Union have recently signed four agreements, with the EU committing an injection of US$80 million through the Zimbabwean government.
Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Prof. Mthuli Ncube, along with the Head of the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann, signed the Financing Agreements under the Zim-EU Cooperation. These agreements focus on four strategic areas: Agri-Value Chain Development in Zimbabwe; Biodiversity Enhancement for Resilience Building in Zimbabwe; Transparent and Accountable Governance in Zimbabwe; and Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment in Zimbabwe.
This development support builds on previous investments under the 11th European Development Fund and aligns closely with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). It also underscores the positive impact of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Engagement, Re-engagement, and Re-Affirmation policy, guided by the mantra “Zimbabwe is a Friend to All and an Enemy to None.” This approach is yielding significant dividends, particularly in strengthening ties with the EU.
Historically, the EU had imposed a series of sanctions on Zimbabwe and directed much of its funding through Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The recent move to channel developmental and humanitarian assistance directly through the democratically elected government, led by President Mnangagwa, marks a refreshing shift toward cooperation and trust.
Both Zimbabwe and the EU stand to gain considerably from this respectful and mutual engagement, which is poised to boost production in Zimbabwe and facilitate increased exports to the EU.
As Zim-EU relations continue to improve, the commitment to sustained dialogue and partnership will benefit the people on both sides, setting the foundation for a more prosperous future.
