ZIMBABWE and the European Union (EU) yesterday signed four financing agreements worth Euro 75 million (approximately US$80 million) to support projects and programmes related to agriculture value chains, gender equality, biodiversity, resilience and governance.
The funding will be split between four projects in agri-value chain development, Euro 26 million; biodiversity enhancement for resilience building, Euro 26 million; accountable governance Euro 16 million; gender equality and women’s economic empowerment Euro seven million.
The financing agreements were signed by minister of Finance Mthuli Ncube and Ambassador of the European Union in Zimbabwe Jobst von Kirchmann. Kirchmann said the financing agreements were an expression of the EU’s commitment to complementing the government’s efforts in implementing the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1).
“The financing aims at accelerating the green transition through support to agri-value chains, renewable energy investments in agriculture, conservation of biodiversity and building community resilience.
“Furthermore, these agreements prioritise enhancing an enabling environment by strengthening transparency and accountability, alongside advancing gender equality and economic empowerment for women and youth in Zimbabwe.
“Today’s financing agreements mark a major 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 NDS1, 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 generations to come,” he said. Ncube said Zimbabwe was grateful to the EU for the financial support. “Zimbabwe remains grateful for the EU support, and today marks another milestone in our cooperation.
As you have noted, the support is building upon and reinforcing the investments made under the 11th European Development Fund, and dovetails with our national development thrust as enunciated in the NDS1.” —New Ziana
