Bulawayo strengthens ties with France

Mayor Councillor David Coltart

THE City of Bulawayo is intensifying efforts to strengthen international relations with the Mayor, Councillor David Coltart engaging French Ambassador to Zimbabwe Paul-Bertrand Barets in high-level discussions aimed at expanding co-operation in science, culture and education.

The meeting, held on Wednesday, forms part of the city’s broader strategy to cement bilateral relations with global partners and unlock opportunities for investment and knowledge exchange.

Amb Barets revealed that the French Embassy is spearheading a scientific digitisation project in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe, focusing on cataloguing insect specimens.

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the National University of Science and Technology and the University of Zimbabwe.

He said the project represents a significant step in preserving Zimbabwe’s biodiversity while enhancing accessibility to scientific data for research and educational purposes.

“This initiative will not only safeguard important biological records but also make them accessible to researchers and institutions worldwide,” said Amb Barets.

“We believe such projects can contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s tourism sector by showcasing its rich natural heritage.”

Amb Barets added that the digitisation drive complements another French-supported heritage project underway at Great Zimbabwe where similar efforts are being made in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe to digitally preserve and promote one of the country’s most iconic cultural landmarks.

Clr Coltart has welcomed the collaboration, noting that increased international engagement positions Bulawayo and Zimbabwe as attractive destinations for both tourism and investment.

“As tourists visit Zimbabwe, they don’t only experience our attractions but also identify investment opportunities. These partnerships are, therefore, critical in showcasing the country’s potential beyond tourism,” he said.

Clr Coltart also commended the growing emphasis on French language education in local schools, highlighting its strategic importance in a globalising economy.

“With Africa moving towards deeper economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area, linguistic skills such as French will be vital.

“More than 400 million Africans speak French, and equipping our young people with such skills opens doors to regional and international opportunities,” he said.