Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) have concluded the 2025 Country Portfolio Performance Review workshop, bringing together key stakeholders to assess the bank’s operations in the country and chart a forward-looking agenda.
Held from May 12 to 13 in Harare, the event marked the first review under the AfDB’s 2024 to 2026 country brief, with a focus on adopting a more inclusive and results-driven approach.
For the first time, voices from Zimbabwe’s private sector joined government officials, development partners, and AfDB representatives, adding fresh perspectives and renewed energy.
“This workshop is more than just an evaluation: it is a platform to co-create solutions, share knowledge and build a collective vision for impact,” said Ms Belinda Chesire, the AfDB country programme officer, while delivering remarks on behalf of Country Manager Ms Moono Mupotola. “As we move toward 2025 and beyond, let’s commit to excellence, innovation, and alignment with Zimbabwe’s bold aspirations.”
The bank’s Zimbabwe portfolio, now valued at approximately US$137 million, encompasses critical interventions in the public sector, including governance, social development, agriculture, energy, and emergency response.
On the private sector side, the AfDB has mobilised over US$40 million to catalyse growth through lines of credit and trade finance facilities, unlocking growth opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Government officials reaffirmed their strong commitment to advancing these projects, with the acting chief director of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Mrs Margireta Makuwaza, highlighting the synergy between the bank’s strategic goals and Zimbabwe’s national agenda.
“The Zimbabwe Country Brief (2024–2026) speaks directly to our development blueprint, the National Development Strategy 1, NDS1 (2021-2025), by prioritising governance, accountability, and private sector growth,” she said.
“As we prepare for NDS2, these investments will be key to realising our Vision 2030.”
The workshop will culminate in a new Country Portfolio Improvement Plan, a roadmap designed to strengthen project implementation, accelerate disbursement and boost overall impact.
The plan will be submitted to the AfDB’s Board Committee on Development Effectiveness and the government for joint approval.
At the heart of the bank’s engagement in Zimbabwe is its flagship support for arrears clearance and debt resolution initiatives, an essential component of ongoing governance reforms in public financial management, tax administration and public procurement.
Zimbabwe also continues to benefit from AfDB-managed trust funds.
These include the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa, which is advancing renewable energy solutions such as feasibility studies for solar energy at Kariba; the Fund for Energy Inclusion, providing debt financing for renewable solar energy; and the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa.
The success of the 2025 Country Portfolio Performance Review has reinforced a shared determination to drive inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth in Zimbabwe, powered by strategic partnerships and targeted investment.
Peter Tanyanyiwa