Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa-Mutare Bureau
SWEDEN has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong relations and development cooperation with Zimbabwe despite the planned closure of its embassy later this year.
Speaking at the close-out ceremony of the US$5,8 million Catalysing Economic Development of the Informal Sector (CEDIS) initiative in Mutare on Friday, Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Per Lindgärde, said the embassy’s closure would not weaken the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
The CEDIS programme, implemented by Mercy Corps in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and local authorities in Mutare, Harare and Bulawayo, was designed to strengthen entrepreneurship and expand economic opportunities for women and young people in the informal sector.
Ambassador Lindgärde described the decision to close the Swedish Embassy in Zimbabwe as part of a broader global restructuring of Sweden’s diplomatic presence.
“As we prepare to close the Embassy later this year, we do so with deep appreciation for our Zimbabwean partners and with pride in what we have achieved together over many years,” he said.
He emphasised that Sweden remained committed to supporting Zimbabwe’s development agenda through existing partnerships and institutions.
“The closure of our Embassy does not diminish the warmth of our relationship, nor our commitment to continued cooperation. The partnerships, institutions and capacities built over time will continue to deliver results, and we look forward to building on this strong foundation in the years ahead,” Ambassador Lindgärde said.
The envoy said the success of the CEDIS initiative demonstrated the value of collaborative efforts involving government, financial institutions, development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector.
“The achievements we celebrate today are the result of partnership. They have been made possible through the dedication of many actors working towards a common goal of creating opportunities and improving livelihoods,” he said.
Ambassador Lindgärde noted that empowering women and young people was critical to building resilient economies, fostering innovation and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
“Supporting youth and women is not only about creating opportunities for individuals. It is central to building resilient economies, promoting sustainable development, creating jobs and unlocking innovation and investment for the future,” he said.
