Harare, 30 October 2024. Today, the Government of Zimbabwe and the European Union signed four Financial Agreements totalling 75 million Euros (over USD 80 million) in support to the development of the country. The Financing Agreements reinforce the EU’s commitment to complement Government’s efforts in implementation the National Development Strategy 1 (2012-2025) and EU’s Global Gateway Strategy shared priorities.

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.

These agreements contribute to the two Team Europe Initiatives (TEIs) on Greener & Climate Smart Agriculture and Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment that foster sustainable development and equitable growth across Zimbabwe.

Identified through a concerted effort involving Zimbabwe’s Government, the private sector, civil society, and other key stakeholders, these projects mark the second phase of funding under the EU’s €148 million (USD 160 million) allocation to Zimbabwe Multi-annual Indicative Programme (2021-2024).

The Agreements have been signed today by Honourable Prof. Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Finance, Economic Development, & Investment Promotion and H.E. Jobst von Kirchmann, Ambassador of the European Union in Zimbabwe.

 “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 National Development Strategy 1”

Hon. Professor Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion

The Financing Agreements

• Agri-Value Chain Support with a budget of 26 million Euros addresses green economic growth by supporting the horticultural and the small grains value chains, as well as renewable energy for the value chain development.
• Biodiversity enhancement and resilience building with a budget of 26 million Euros supports human-centred biodiversity conservation efforts through support to wildlife conservation efforts which implies resilience-building activities for concerned populations, in two areas of high biodiversity value at regional level.
• Transparency & Accountability with a budget of  16 million Euros will contribute to increase citizens’ effective participation to hold government to account and claim their rights, and to strengthen service delivery and access to justice at local level.
• Gender Equality and Women Empowerment with a budget of 7 million Euros will focus on strengthening women’s socio-economic empowerment as a means of ending violence against women and girls.

“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 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 generations to come.””

H.E. Jobst von Kirchmann, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Zimbabwe