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foundation to build its human and institutional capacities, bringing the total grants signed to US$13,3 million.
Zimbabwe signed two regional and national projects while South Sudan appended signatures to its first national project at a ceremony held in the capital yesterday.
ACBF has invested about US$26,4 million in Zimbabwe since 1992. ACBF executive secretary Dr Frannie Leatier said the grants were a reflection of the foundation’s strong support for programmes promoting social and political stability.
“ACBF will continue to support capacity development where it sees innovation, results and building skills that enable the development of effective policies and institutions that will long serve the future generation of Africa,” she said.
The Zimbabwe Capacity Development Programmes, through the Ministry of Finance, received US$5 million, being the single largest grant issued since the inception of ACBF in 1991.
The grant will go towards strengthening economic management capabilities of Government to successfully implement the goals of the Medium Term Plan.
The Ministry of Regional Integration and International Co-operation got US$2 million to strengthen internal efficiency and effectiveness to influence development assistance and enhancing regional integration.
The two regional programmes are the Women’s University in Africa with a second phase grant of US$3 million and Africa University with US$800 000.
WUA’s grant is earmarked to raise women capacity to exploit full potential in Africa’s development process while AU will spearhead a programme on analysing issues on peace building, conflict transformation leadership development and responsive governance.
Dr Leatier said ACBF’s grant to South Sudan was timely as the new nation begins to build its human and institutional capacities.
“We realise that South Sudan has immense untapped potential to emerge as a economic powerhouse, given the oil deposits, crop production on vast arable land covering 80 percent of the country, livestock, fishery and forestry.
“As a new nation, the country is faced with the challenge of transforming this potential to a vibrant economy that sufficiently delivers basic needs to its citizens,” she said.
WUA Vice Chancellor Professor Hope Sadza and AU Vice Chancellor Professor Fanuel Twagira signed on behalf of the two regional projects.
However, as Minister Biti was not available for the signing ceremony, the agreements would be signed through an exchange of instruments with ACBF.
Honourable Salvotore Garang Mabiordit, the first under-secretary of finance, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, signed on behalf of the South Sudan government.
Minister Biti in a speech read on his behalf by the Accountant-General, Mrs Judith Madzorere, said the grant would go a long way towards improving efficiency and transparency.
“The grant is a clear demonstration of ACBF desire for the development of Africa and Zimbabwe in particular,” said Minister Biti.
ACBF also assisted Zimbabwe in the establishment of the Zimbabwe Economic Policy Analysis and Research Unit, Zimbabwe National Statistical Agency and the National Economic Consultative Forum.
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