Online Reporter
Business Writer
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to advancing national development priorities through close co-operation with the African Development Bank (AfDB), following the conclusion of the fruitful 2025 Country Portfolio Performance Review (CPPR) workshop in Harare recently.
The Acting Chief Director in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Mrs Margireta Makuwaza, underscored the alignment between the bank’s Country Brief (2024–2026) and Zimbabwe’s medium-term development blueprint, National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1, 2021–2025).
“Through prioritising governance, accountability and private sector growth, we are laying a solid foundation for the next phase of our development journey under NDS 2.”
Zimbabwe will implement the next phase of its development priorities under NDS 2, which is expected to guide the transformation of the country’s economy towards upper-middle income status by 2030.
Mrs Makuwaza emphasised that the Government views the CPPR as more than a routine evaluation exercise.
She said the Government saw the CPPR as a high-level forum for co-creating solutions, sharing best practices and building a collective vision for impact.
“As custodians of the nation’s fiscal and development agenda, we welcome this transparent, results-oriented approach,” she noted.
“Our collaboration with the AfDB ensures that resources are deployed efficiently and aligned with Zimbabwe’s bold aspirations.”
Representatives of AfDB outlined their strategic priorities and detailed how the bank’s US$137 million Zimbabwe financing portfolio is calibrated to deliver inclusive and resilient growth.
Belinda Chesire, AfDB Country Programme Officer, presented the bank’s programmes in Zimbabwe on behalf of Country Manager, Moono Mupotola.
“This CPPR workshop is more than just an evaluation; it is a platform to co-create solutions, share knowledge, and build a collective vision for impact,” she said.
“As we move through 2025 and beyond, let us commit to excellence, innovation, and alignment with Zimbabwe’s development blueprint.”
Ms Chesire highlighted the Bank’s dual focus on public sector interventions, governance, social development, agriculture, energy and emergency response, and private sector mobilisation.
To date, over US$40 million has been channelled into lines of credit and trade finance facilities, unlocking opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
These interventions are designed to catalyse job creation, foster entrepreneurship and diversify the economic base.
Economist Gladys Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi, echoed the positive spirit of the workshop.
“The AfDB’s increased engagement with the private sector is a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s SMEs,” she observed.
“Through improving access to affordable finance and technical assistance, these facilities are laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.
“Moreover, the emphasis on renewable energy projects, particularly solar feasibility studies at Kariba, will not only boost energy security but also attract fresh investments into our green economy,” Ms Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi said.
The two-day workshop culminated in the drafting of a new Country Portfolio Improvement Plan (CPIP), which will serve as a roadmap to strengthen project implementation, accelerate disbursement and maximise development outcomes.
The CPIP will be submitted to AfDB’s Board Committee on Development Effectiveness (Code) and the Government of Zimbabwe for approval.
At the core of the bank’s engagement is the support to Zimbabwe’s Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution initiative, which underpins broader governance reforms in public financial management, tax administration and procurement.
In addition, Zimbabwe continues to benefit from AfDB-managed trust funds such as the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa, the Fund for Energy Inclusion and the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (Afawa).
The trust funds are advancing renewable energy solutions, providing debt financing for solar projects and empowering women entrepreneurs across the country.
The successful convening of the 2025 CPPR workshop has reinforced a shared determination between the Government of Zimbabwe, the AfDB, and other development partners to drive inclusive, resilient and sustainable growth.
Mrs Makuwaza concluded by saying:
“Our joint efforts will be pivotal in transforming strategic investments into tangible improvements in the lives of Zimbabweans.”
Economist Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi added:
“This partnership heralds a new chapter of opportunity, one where public-private collaboration and targeted investments pave the way for Zimbabwe’s prosperous future.”
