Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
The European union (EU) has intensified its investment and development thrust in Zimbabwe, unveiling multi-million-euro initiatives targeting agriculture, infrastructure and private sector growth at the just-ended 2026 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
In a statement, the EU said its Global Gateway strategy is anchoring sustainable economic transformation through strategic investments in key sectors such as energy, transport, digital connectivity, health and education.
“The Global Gateway is the European Union’s investment strategy to support sustainable and high-quality infrastructure worldwide, creating the conditions for growth, jobs and stronger economic links,” reads the statement.
The EU said in Zimbabwe the initiative is already yielding results, citing the rehabilitation of Kariba Dam as a flagship project aimed at securing energy supply and supporting the transition to a green economy.
Under its agricultural support programmes, the EU is investing €26 million towards strengthening value chains and promoting agribusiness, with a particular focus on horticulture and drought-resistant crops.
“In horticulture, EU cooperation strengthens the value chain with a view to increasing exports to EU markets,” reads the statement.
The EU said technical assistance was being extended to producers and exporters to meet international standards and fully benefit from trade arrangements.
The bloc is also supporting production of high-value and climate-resilient crops such as sorghum, millet, sesame, paprika and chillies to diversify agricultural output and enhance market competitiveness.
To complement grant funding, more than €100 million has been channelled through European development finance institutions into local banks, including NMB, Stanbic, CABS and First Capital, to provide affordable long-term financing for businesses.
“These financing facilities offer longer tenures and more favourable conditions enabling businesses to invest, grow and create jobs,” reads the statement.
The EU said it is also prioritising women and youth empowerment, with a €7 million facility targeted at supporting women-owned small-to-medium enterprises, alongside initiatives focusing on skills development and entrepreneurship.
Since 2020, the EU has provided about €52 million in humanitarian assistance to Zimbabwe, covering food and nutrition support, disaster preparedness, education in emergencies and cholera response.
The EU stand at this year’s ZITF featured a range of European companies, development agencies and local partners showcasing innovations in green agriculture, renewable energy, mining technology and logistics.
The bloc said its participation reflected its commitment to strengthening Zimbabwe’s economic resilience, promoting value addition and fostering inclusive growth through partnerships with the government, the private sector and civil society.
