Online Reporter
Sirak Gebrehiwot
As the world looks towards accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Zimbabwe stands at a pivotal point in its developmental journey, as outlined in the recently released 2024 Annual Results Report by the UN in Zimbabwe.
This report reflects the outcomes from the third year of the Zimbabwe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (ZUNSDCF 2022-2026) and highlights collective UN support towards achieving the goals set in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1, 2021-2025).
A significant focus of this report is showcasing the transition from traditional funding methods to innovative financing strategies for sustainable development.
This transition is particularly significant for Zimbabwe — an economy in transition, investment in infrastructure and ambitious national and commitment to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
This strategic shift is supported by key global frameworks, including the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, which emphasises the importance of sustainable financial strategies over dependency on donor funds.
In 2024, the UN system disbursed approximately US$450 million, significantly supporting Zimbabwe’s development projects and humanitarian responses, including the El Niño-induced drought.
The given shrinking official development assistance, the focus is now shifting towards financing mechanisms that are resilient and capable of attracting diverse funding sources.
This approach aims to empower Zimbabwe to mobilise resources more effectively and sustainably, reducing the reliance on external aid.
The transition is aligned with the upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), which is set to be held in Sevilla, Spain, in mid-2025.
This international conference is expected to serve as a platform advocating for the reform of the international financial architecture and promoting innovative financing mechanisms to support the SDGs.
The results report emphasises the importance of innovative and strategic approaches such as:
1. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Leveraging PPPs can significantly enhance infrastructure development and public service delivery in Zimbabwe.
2. Blended Finance: Combining concessional funds with private investments can reduce risks for development projects, thereby attracting more investors.
3. Financial Inclusion and Innovation: Enhancing digital financial services can increase economic participation, helping to mobilise resources within the economy.
4. Capacity Building and Human Capital Development: Investing in education and skills development is crucial for fostering a capable workforce to drive economic transformation.
5. Policy Coherence and Governance: Strengthening these areas will attract higher foreign direct investments and bolster domestic investments.
The collaborative efforts under ZUNSDCF have seen Zimbabwe make strides in areas such as renewable energy, health, education and food system transformation.
Major successes include mobilising additional investments in renewable energy and connecting schools to digital networks, laying the ground for future growth.
The UN’s role has been pivotal in fostering these developments, supported by flagship joint programmes and strategic dialogues on financing and development policies.
These initiatives demonstrate how effective partnerships can drive sustainable development and resilience.
Looking ahead, priorities for 2025 focus on ensuring economic stability, resolving debt issues, enhancing institutional capacities and promoting inclusive policies to address gender disparities and youth skill development needs.
The 2024 report, along with insights and planned actions leading up to FFD4, presents a clear roadmap for Zimbabwe’s sustainable development.
Through strategic partnerships and a robust shift towards financing for development, Zimbabwe stands ready to accelerate its progress towards the SDGs, turning challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth and development.
This proactive approach by Zimbabwe, supported by international cooperation and innovative financial strategies, holds promise for unlocking pathways to prosperity and aligning national development goals with global objectives.
As the world converges on Sevilla for FFD4, Zimbabwe’s strategic endeavours serve as a testament to the power of partnership in realising the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The 2024 UN results report is available on: <https://zimbabwe.un.org/sites/default/files/2025-04/UN%20ZIMBABWE%20ANNUAL%20RESULTS%20REPORT%202024_Final-1.pdf> <https://zimbabwe.un.org/en/292321-2024-un-country-team-zimbabwe-results-report>
Sirak Gebrehiwot is UN Partnerships and Development Finance Advisor at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office.
