Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino
Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE growing momentum in bilateral cooperation between Zimbabwe and France is strengthening the shared priorities of both countries, French Ambassador to Zimbabwe Paul Bertrand Barès has said.
In an interview, he said the two countries’ cooperation remains focused on climate resilient agriculture, women’s economic empowerment, green financing and food security, areas amplified by high level government visits last year.
“Our priorities in terms of cooperation are still the same. It is fostering approved climate resilient agriculture in Zimbabwe, women empowerment in the economy, food security and we are also going to enlarge our cooperation to new avenues like green financing where there is a huge potential.
“An assessment of relations shows we had a very rich 2025 for both countries, on the economic and the political sides.
“It was rather exceptional that for the first time we had political visits, governmental visits from the Zimbabwean side to France. We had the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa who went to France on the occasion of the cultural week of UNESCO, and met the French First Lady Mrs Brigitte Macron. There is a very positive momentum between our countries,” said Ambassador Barets.
The realignment of relations between Zimbabwe and the European Union, of which France is a founding member, reflects the seriousness Paris attaches to Harare’s open for business policy and its role in efforts to lift economic sanctions.
Ambassador Barets said more economic opportunities are opening for French companies in Zimbabwe ahead of the Africa Forward Summit on May 12 in Kenya, the first time the event will be hosted in a non-French speaking African country.
“The Africa Forward Summit is taking place in a broader context where everyone can observe that the Zimbabwean economy is really doing better; with one digit inflation, with macroeconomic fundamentals that are dramatically improving, GDP growth in 2026 is well above seven percent according to the IMF.
“We have a very favourable context. We salute the authorities very much. All these elements are very encouraging. And in this context, there are opportunities for French companies to seize,” he added.
Zimbabwe and France also cooperate in culture, education, research and science. Francophone Week is underway, and the two countries are expected to inaugurate, once complete, the upgraded Great Zimbabwe monument in Masvingo, which France has pledged to support.
