Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE and Italy are organising an innovative agrifood business forum, with several Italian firms expected to participate, Ambassador to Zimbabwe Giuseppe Giacalone has said.
He was speaking after paying a courtesy call on Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga yesterday.
Zimbabwe’s agrifood sector is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at achieving zero hunger by 2030, driven by climate-smart agriculture, digital innovation and increased private-sector investment.
Key focus areas under the Second Republic include solar-powered irrigation, value-chain development and support for the upgrading of smallholder farmers.
Italy’s agrifood sector remains a major pillar of its economy, contributing more than a reported €621 billion in 2022 and accounting for roughly 15 percent of national turnover.
Zimbabwe could stand to benefit greatly from partnerships with countries that are performing strongly in the sector.
Ambassador Giacalone said his meeting with VP Chiwenga underlined the growing momentum of economic ties between Zimbabwe and Italy with their discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation across key areas, including health, culture and business.
“We had a productive meeting with Vice President Chiwenga. We discussed good relations between Italy and Zimbabwe, as well as the collaboration we have in the health sector and the cultural activities we are planning to do here,” said Ambassador Giacalone.
“On the commercial side, we have close relationships and strong trade ties. I believe Italy and Zimbabwe share common values of friendship, closeness and mutual understanding, and we are very happy to continue on this path of strategic and priority cooperation,” said Ambassador Giacalone.
