Vusumuzi Dube
Michelle Musandinyoze, [email protected]
JAPAN is anticipated to approve a supplementary budget for 2025 to support United Nations (UN) agencies in Zimbabwe, with the call for project submissions slated for July. The funding will focus on critical areas aligned with Japan’s development priorities, encompassing infrastructure, capacity building, and sustainable growth.
This initiative forms part of Japan’s wider strategy to support low-income countries through partnerships with UN agencies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), and World Food Programme (WFP), which are responsible for implementing development projects on the ground.
In an interview, Japanese Embassy economics co-ordinator Mr Wilby Gwekerere said Japan annually allocates funds through a supplementary budget dedicated to UN agency interventions in countries like Zimbabwe.
“Every year, Japan sets aside funds for what is called the supplementary budget where various UN agencies present their project proposals for what they think are challenges requiring immediate intervention,” said Mr Gwekerere.
He noted that these proposals are reviewed and approved in Tokyo.
One ongoing initiative funded under the 2024 supplementary budget involves WFP working with a local company, Sustainable Agricultural Technology (SAT), on an agricultural project that began in March this year.
“The project is of particular interest to the Japanese market due to its focus on sustainable agriculture, particularly sesame production. It supports smallholder farmers and has shown promising results. We recently conducted field visits in Mwenezi and were pleased with the progress,” said Mr Gwekerere.
Continues on www.chronicle.co.zw
He highlighted that the performance of implementing agencies in ongoing projects plays a key role in determining future funding, encouraging accountability and quality implementation.
Beyond the supplementary budget framework, Japan is also supporting grassroots initiatives in Zimbabwe. These include the construction of schools and health facilities, provision of ambulances, and assistance for survivors of gender-based violence.
“These grassroots projects primarily target marginalised communities. We are working closely with local organisations such as Mashambanzou Care Trust, Kufunda Village Trust, and SOS Children’s Village, among others,” said Mr Gwekerere.
Mr Gwekerere affirmed that Japan remains committed to its global development mandate and building resilience in partner countries like Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter