By Staff Reporter
A few days after Zimbabwe’s march and commemorations against sanctions, the European Union’s move of injecting approximately US$80 million has debunked talk accusing the West of imposing invisible illegal sanctions against the nation.
The sanctions list was introduced in 2001 for alleged election rigging and human rights abuses. At the same time, Washington imposed fresh sanctions on Mnangagwa and other senior leaders, condemning what it called a campaign of rights abuses and corruption in the southern African nation.
Over the years , the EU has softened up by removing a number of top government officials and companies from the sanctions list.
The US has however maintained travel on few individuals on charges of rights abuses and corruption.The ruling Zanu-PF government contends that over and above the seemingly softer embargo at face value, there exists the silent economic sanctions deterring investment flows to the Southern Africa nation.
However, the move by the EU Wednesday has been calculated by many as a testament debunking the existence of economic sanctions against Zimbabwe.
The two parties signed four financing agreements worth Euro 75 million, (approximately US$80 million) to support projects and programs related to agriculture value chains, gender equality, biodiversity, resilience and governance.
The funding will be split between four projects in agri-Value Chain Development in Zimbabwe, Euro 26 million; biodiversity enhancement for resilience building in Zimbabwe, Euro 26 million; accountable Governance in Zimbabwe Euro 16 million; gender equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment in Zimbabwe, Euro 7 million.
The financing agreements were signed by Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Prof Mthuli Ncube and Jobst von Kirchmann, Ambassador of the European Union in Zimbabwe.
Ambassador 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.
Prof 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.”
