adminconjunction with a non-governmental humanitarian aid organisation from that country, HELP, recently launched the Business Self-Reliance Project that will assist in the development of small enterprises in Harare.
Speaking at the launch, German Ambassador to Zimbabwe Hans-Guenter Herman Gnoftke said his government would continually assist in improving the livelihoods of Zimbabweans.
“For this project, HELP has received US$800 000 from the Federal Government of Germany.
“This is part of our ongoing support for ordinary Zimbabweans for whom we have a feeling of solidarity,” he said.
Ambassador Gnoftke added that this was notwithstanding the political differences that have typified EU-Zimbabwe relations in the last decade.
“It is common knowledge that political differences exist between the European Union and Zimbabwe. Germany as a member of the European Union and her partners have nevertheless never abandoned the most disadvantaged members of society.
“Based on our commitment towards fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals, the EU has spent more than a billion dollars on the rehabilitation of Zimbabwe since 2009,” said Ambassador Gnodtke.
HELP is operational worldwide and is engaged in emergency assistance and in rehabilitation and development projects. In Zimbabwe, the Business Self- Reliance Project that the organisation is implementing is a micro-enterprise development programme aimed at poverty alleviation through employment creation.
The pilot programme is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development.
The programme is expected to benefit at least 450 enterprises in four districts in Harare, with each beneficiary receiving equipment and material worth US$500.
An official with HELP said they are targeting both potential and existing entrepreneurs in a number of communities in Harare.
Speaking at the launch, Small Enterprises and Co-operative Development Minister Mrs Sithembiso Nyoni said her ministry was appreciative of the role being played by HELP.
“We do appreciate the work being done by HELP to improve the quality of life of the people from the bottom of the pyramid. Moreso your commitment to implement projects that empower micro-enterprises towards sustainable self-sufficiency is commendable,” she said. High levels of unemployment are a major challenge in the Zimbabwean economy, and the situation has been made worse over the last decade as the formal economy has continued to shed jobs.
This calls for greater co-operation between Government, the private sector and civil society to ensure new job creation.
Online Reporter