Online Reporter
Faith Ndlovu
THE European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s youths and private sector through inclusive and sustainable development initiatives aimed at promoting industrialisation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the 2025 Scholastica Indaba, held under the theme: “Heritage-Based Education as a Catalyst for Industrialisation” on the sidelines of the recently concluded Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Jobst von Kirchmann, highlighted the deepening partnership between the EU and Zimbabwe in fostering inclusive business development.
“This year marks the second wave of our campaign, with a strong focus on the private sector. The private sector is the engine of our Global Gateway initiative, our way of building strong, fair, and lasting partnerships with Zimbabwe, driven by local needs and talents,” said Ambassador von Kirchmann.
He stated that the EU is committed to supporting the Zimbabwean Government in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“We can be an enabler to support the Government’s efforts to prepare fertile ground on which businesses can flourish. This is why we provide loans and direct support to agri-businesses and other industries, enabling them to grow and create jobs,” he said.
He emphasised that inclusive development must ensure that youth and women are not left behind.
“Everyone should benefit, especially young people and women. We are supporting gender equality and women’s empowerment so that all voices are heard, and every dream has a chance,” said Ambassador von Kirchmann.
He also underlined the importance of sustainability in the EU’s economic engagement with Zimbabwe.
“We grow businesses in a way that protects the planet. That’s why we support climate-friendly farming, green innovation and cleaner technologies,” he added.
Describing the initiative as more than a campaign, Ambassador von Kirchmann remarked: “This campaign is not just a celebration, it’s a promise. A promise to work with you, to invest in ideas, energy and actions that create real opportunities for Zimbabwe’s young people.”
French Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Paul-Bertrand Barets, also addressed the Indaba, reaffirming his country’s continued support for Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development, particularly through cultural and academic exchange.
He said the French Embassy is committed to empowering young people through entrepreneurship and start-up funding opportunities.
“We are here to support young people in developing their projects. We provide advice and encourage applications for our start-up programmes.”
He urged aspiring entrepreneurs to apply for the Digital Africa Entrepreneur Prize, offered under a special fund called Fuze (rockets).
“If your start-up is eligible and selected, you could receive between US$20 000 and US$100 000 in funding, depending on the strength of your project.”
Ambassador Barets noted that the initiative will feature prominently at the upcoming EU-Zimbabwe Business Forum, scheduled for May 20 to 22, 2025.
