AfDB Executive Director Reaffirms Support for Zimbabwe’s Reforms, Debt & Growth Agenda

Paulo reaffirmed that the AfDB remains a critical partner in Zimbabwe’s reform journey, especially as the government works to regain full access to international development financing.

The African Development Bank Group’s (AfDB) new Executive Director for the Southern Africa Group II Constituency, Eugénio Maria Paulo, has concluded a five-day working mission to Zimbabwe, reaffirming the Bank’s strong commitment to supporting the country’s economic reforms, arrears clearance efforts, and long-term development agenda.

The mission underscored AfDB’s strategic partnership with Zimbabwe at a time when the government is deepening macroeconomic stabilization efforts, advancing agricultural modernization, strengthening energy security, and mobilizing private capital for inclusive growth.

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High-Level Government Engagement on Reform Progress

Paulo held a series of meetings with senior cabinet ministers responsible for finance, foreign affairs, energy, and agriculture, focusing on macroeconomic reforms, investment priorities, and opportunities to intensify AfDB support.

Strengthening Macroeconomic Stability and Arrears Clearance

In discussions with Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube, both parties emphasized the urgency of:

• Sustaining progress on macroeconomic stabilization

• Advancing arrears clearance and debt resolution

• Aligning AfDB’s financial support with Zimbabwe’s key national priorities

Paulo reaffirmed that the AfDB remains a critical partner in Zimbabwe’s reform journey, especially as the government works to regain full access to international development financing.

Reinforcing Diplomatic and Energy Cooperation

During a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Amon Murwira, the ED reiterated the Bank’s long-term commitment to Zimbabwe’s developmental recovery and regional integration.

A separate engagement with Minister of Energy and Power Development July Moyo focused on the Bank’s ongoing investments aimed at improving:

• National energy security

• Grid reliability

• Renewable energy integration

• Transmission infrastructure upgrading

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Supporting Agricultural Transformation Under Vision 2030

Zimbabwe’s agricultural modernization agenda featured prominently throughout the mission. During discussions with Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Anxious Masuka, Paulo reviewed the Vision 2030 agricultural strategy, which prioritises:

• Climate-smart agriculture

• Smallholder farmer modernization

• Agro-industrial value chains

• Rural resilience and food security

Field visits offered Paulo a firsthand look at AfDB-funded agricultural initiatives transforming rural livelihoods.

Engaging Farmers and Sector Associations

Paulo met with:

• The Commercial Farmers Union

• The Compensation Steering Committee

• PROFCA (Professional Farmers Coalition of Zimbabwe)

These consultations provided insights into land tenure reforms, ongoing compensation processes, and efforts to enhance stability and productivity in the agricultural sector.

Farm Visits Demonstrating AfDB Impact

• At Tihal Agric Limited in Mashonaland West, a beneficiary of the Seed Revolving Fund under the Zimbabwe Emergency Food Production Project, Paulo reviewed progress in maize, wheat, and potato production.

• At Fundisai Estates in Lion’s Den, supported by the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism (AFFM) through a US$4.3 million partial trade credit guarantee, he met farmers who now have improved access to fertilizer on credit, strengthening yields and resilience.

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Infrastructure Investments Transforming Energy Access

A major highlight of the mission was Paulo’s visit to the AfDB-supported Alaska–Karoi Transmission Reinforcement Project. The project delivered:

• 85 km of 132 kV transmission line

• Increased grid capacity from 18 MVA to 118 MVA

• Reduction in power outages by more than 350% and 790% in affected areas

• Connection of 5,392 new customers to reliable electricity

The upgraded infrastructure is supporting industrial growth, commercial expansion, and improved quality of life for rural communities.

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Dialogue with Development Partners and Private Sector

Paulo also met with the co-chairs of the Structured Dialogue Platform — World Bank, IMF, UNDP, EU, and Switzerland — to review progress on arrears clearance and debt resolution.

In a private-sector roundtable with major financial institutions, discussions focused on unlocking long-term financing for Zimbabwe’s value chains, increasing private-sector participation, and creating conditions for investor confidence.

Provincial Leadership Engagement

In Chinhoyi, Minister of State Marian Chombo highlighted Mashonaland West’s leadership in:

• National cereal production

• Wheat output

• Adoption of climate-smart agriculture technologies

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Mission Conclusion: A Renewed Commitment to Partnership

To conclude his mission, Executive Director Paulo reaffirmed the AfDB’s steadfast support for Zimbabwe, noting the strong alignment between the country’s Vision 2030 development agenda and the Bank’s priorities in:

• Macroeconomic stability

• Sustainable agriculture

• Energy security

• Private-sector development

• Regional integration

He emphasized that sustained reforms, combined with AfDB’s technical and financial support, are essential to unlocking Zimbabwe’s long-term economic potential.