United Nations in Zimbabwe

The United Nations in Zimbabwe, through the 2022–2026 Zimbabwe UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (ZUNSDCF), has been central to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by closely aligning international support with the country’s own development priorities. As the primary instrument for supporting national strategies such as National Vision 2030 to become upper-middle-income society—and National Development Strategies 1 and 2 (NDS12021-2025 and NDS2 2026-2030), the ZUNSDCF has helped translate these ambitions into concrete SDG results on the ground. In partnership with Government and Development Partners, the UN has localized the SDGs through local voluntary reviews and embedded six critical transitions—food systems, education, digital connectivity, energy access, jobs and social protection, and climate action—as SDG investment pathways at provincial and district levels. Support to national coordination mechanisms, including the SDG Steering Committee, has been complemented by stronger data and evidence systems, notably the development of 51 SDG-aligned indicators to guide and track implementation of the ZUNSDCF and national progress. To enhance coherence, synergy and impact, the UN in Zimbabwe has deliberately shifted towards joint programming as the predominant mode of delivery. By 2025, joint programmes accounted for more than half of all UN support, strengthening government leadership and policy coherence across sectors. Over the first four years of the Cooperation Framework (2022–2025), the UN mobilized US$2 billion against a total requirement of US$2.8 billion, with 54.4% of this funding delivered through more than 10 joint programmes. Flagship joint initiatives driving SDG acceleration include the Health Resilience Fund, the SDG Renewable Energy Fund, the Global Partnership for Education, and the Joint UN Spotlight Initiative, followed by Sustaining the Gains. These SDG-focused programmes are further underpinned by the UN Business Operations Strategy (BOS) 2022–2025, which has generated substantial efficiency gains through common back-office services. Between 2020 and 2025, the BOS achieved a cumulative cost avoidance of US$7.9 million—exceeding its target of US$7.2 million—and enhanced value for money across UN operations in Zimbabwe, enabling more resources to be directed towards achieving the SDGs.

Learn more

Story

10 March 2026

Under Cloudy Bulawayo Sky, a Hospital Steps into the Light

On an ordinary weekday morning, the courtyard at Mater Dei Hospital was anything but ordinary. Nurses in crisp uniforms, local community leaders, government officials, UN representatives, and Officials from the Old Mutual Group gathered under a cloudy and cool Bulawayo weather to mark a quiet revolution, the switch-on of a solar photovoltaic (PV) hybrid system that promises to keep the hospital’s lights – and life‑saving machines – on.For the doctors, nurses and patients who call this faith-based institution a lifeline, the new system is not about technology or engineering diagrams. It is about one simple thing, certainty. Certainty that an operation will not be halted mid-surgery. Certainty that a premature baby’s incubator will not suddenly go dark. Certainty that vaccines in the cold room will still be potent when they are needed.Honorable Yeukai Simbanegavi, Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development, commenced the proceedings with pride. "Today, we witness the tangible results of our Renewable Energy Fund, validating that our collaborative efforts indeed bear fruit," she said. Highlighting the importance of energy access, she said, "Reliable power is a foundation of modern economies and crucial for improving quality of life in our communities." Appreciating the strong partnership with the UN and Old Mutual Group, Honourable Simbanegavi advocated for increased innovation and collaboration, "as we accelerate energy expansion, it is through shared commitment that we can achieve universal electricity access by 2030." Noting how electricity has quietly become as essential as medicine and trained staff in the modern hospital setting, the Honourable Deputy Minister said, “access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy remains a critical enabler for quality healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe.”For Mater Dei, which serves communities across Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and beyond, this has long been a daily struggle. Like many mission and referral hospitals across the country, it has had to weather frequent power cuts, relying on noisy, costly diesel generators to keep critical wards running.“Health institutions, particularly mission and rural referral hospitals, continue to experience electricity supply interruptions that compromise essential medical services, cold-chain systems, surgical operations, and emergency response capacity,” said the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. Edward Kallon. The UN Chief emphasized the broader significance of the project, "We are switching on possibilities for patients whose lives depend on uninterrupted power. This is not just about solar panels; it represents progress toward a resilient health system."He painted a stark picture of Zimbabwe's energy reality, "With only 41 percent of the population having access to electricity, it is vital we bridge this gap." Mr. Kallon called for intensifying partnerships, saying, "Progress will be unequal and unjust without focusing on those left furthest behind."When the Power Goes, Lives Hang in the BalanceAsk any nurse in the theatre wing what a sudden blackout feels like, and you will hear about the seconds that seem to stretch into hours.In the past, when ZESA power failed during surgery, staff had to scramble, relying on generators that sometimes took precious minutes to kick in or required fuel that was not always immediately at hand. Doctors recall stitching by the dim glow of backup lamps. In the maternity ward, midwives have watched monitors flicker off just as a baby’s heartbeat needed close watching.Those moments are not just inconvenient; they are terrifying. Against this backdrop, Mater Dei was “identified as a priority facility requiring resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure,” Mr. Kallon explained, outlining how the hospital was selected under the Zimbabwe Joint SDG Fund Programme as one of the flagship sites to show what decentralized renewable energy can do for social services.With support from the joint UN SDG Fund's catalytic fund, the Old Mutual Group is managing and spearheading the Renewable Energy Fund, which has invested in the installation of a solar PV hybrid system designed to provide continuous power for essential hospital operations. This system integrates rooftop solar panels, smart inverters, and battery storage alongside the grid and existing backup systems.A System Built Around Patients, Not Just PanelsMr. Samuel Matsekete, CEO of Old Mutual Group, elaborated on the project’s impact, "This solar power plant not only enhances our energy infrastructure but also supports the Sustainable Development Goals we strive to achieve." He described the solar installation's capacity: "With a generation of over 1.3 million kilowatt-hours annually, we ensure reliable power for critical health services."Mr. Matsekete celebrated blended financing and public-private partnerships, "This incredible project was made possible through collaboration, demonstrating how united efforts can tackle energy challenges head-on."The new installation is designed to keep power steady where it matters most, in operating theatres, intensive care units, maternity and neonatal wards, emergency rooms, and cold rooms that store blood, vaccines, and vital drugs.“Under the Zimbabwe Joint SDG Fund Programme – strategic investments and matched fund from the Old Mutual Group are being deployed to demonstrate how decentralized renewable energy solutions can strengthen social service delivery while advancing sustainable development outcomes,” Mr. Kallon said, positioning Mater Dei as a demonstration site for the country.In practical terms, this means fewer cancelled operations, shorter delays in emergency response, and better continuity of care for chronically ill patients. It means that staff can plan surgeries based on clinical need, not on the vagaries of the power schedule. It means mothers in labour and children in high-dependency care will no longer be at the mercy of an unexpected outage.For rural families who travel long distances to reach the hospital, the new stability can be the difference between returning home treated and returning home in grief.Cutting Costs, Cutting Emissions – and Quietly Changing LivesBeyond clinical safety, the solar system is also an economic and environmental intervention. Diesel has long been a financial burden on health facilities, siphoning funds away from medicines, staff training and maintenance.Dr. Macheka, Chairperson of Mater Dei Hospital, acknowledged the hospital's crucial role in the community, stating, “Our ability to deliver top-tier care hinges on reliable power. This solar project answers our long-standing energy reliability challenges. Dr. Macheka explained the significance of the solar system, "For patients, it means uninterrupted access to life-saving equipment; for our dedicated staff, it offers a dignified work environment." He noted, "We are paving the way for a model that can be replicated nationwide."“The renewable energy installation enhances operational continuity, reduces dependence on diesel generation, lowers operational costs, and contributes to Zimbabwe’s commitments under SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 13 (Climate Action),” said Dr Macheka.Lower fuel bills translate into more resources for patient care. Savings can support the purchase of essential drugs, repair of equipment, or outreach services to remote communities. At the same time, reduced diesel use means less air and noise pollution around the hospital and a smaller carbon footprint – a local gain that feeds into a global climate effort.For staff, the human impact is immediate. Fewer nights are punctuated by the roar of generators. The wards are quieter, cleaner, and more conducive to healing. The hospital’s maintenance team can focus more on preventive upkeep of medical equipment rather than constant firefighting to keep old generators running.A Beacon for Faith-Based and Rural Health FacilitiesMater Dei is not alone in its struggles, nor in its hopes. In many parts of Zimbabwe, mission and church-run hospitals bear a disproportionate share of the burden of caring for the rural poor. These institutions often serve as the only accessible point of tertiary and secondary care for entire districts, yet they operate with fragile infrastructure and limited budgets.What happens at Mater Dei, therefore, resonates far beyond Bulawayo. The hospital’s transformation into a solar-powered facility sends a signal to similar institutions across the country - modern, climate-resilient healthcare is possible, even in resource-constrained settings.“The commissioning ceremony marks the successful completion of this flagship intervention and provides an opportunity to showcase integrated UN support towards climate-resilient health infrastructure and sustainable energy access,” the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator said, highlighting the broader vision behind the project.That “integrated support” includes not only the hardware on the roof but also training for local technicians, capacity-building for hospital management, and linkages to national energy and health policies, ensuring that Mater Dei’s new system is sustainable in the long term.A Community’s Hospital, a Country’s LessonDeputy Honouable Minister and dignitaries unveiled the commemorative plaque, and the system was officially commissioned. But the most meaningful reactions were quieter, a theatre nurse whispering that she would finally “sleep better on call”; a young mother in the maternity ward, relieved to hear that the incubators in the neonatal unit would no longer be vulnerable to outages; a technician who spoke proudly about maintaining a state-of-the-art system in the hospital.While photovoltaic panels and batteries occupy the technical spotlight, the story at Mater Dei is ultimately about people – patients whose outcomes will improve, health workers whose stress levels will lessen, and a community whose confidence in its hospital will deepen.By anchoring advanced technology in the daily realities of a faith-based hospital, the project shows how clean energy can be more than a climate solution; it can be a human solution. In a country where energy insecurity has too often translated into health insecurity, the quiet hum of solar power at Mater Dei Hospital represents something profoundly social, the right to care that does not switch off when the grid does.Welcoming guests to the Mater Dei Solar Commissioning, Mr. B. Nkomo, Old Mutual Group Board Member, said, "today marks a crucial milestone for both Mater Dei Hospital and the Old Mutual Renewable Energy Fund." He reinforced the project's role in ensuring continuity of healthcare services, adding, "Hospitals rely heavily on consistent power, and this investment secures that necessity."The official commissioning of the Mater Dei Hospital Solar Power Plant serves as a beacon of hope for energy resilience in Zimbabwe. Leaders from various sectors rallied, echoing the commitment to transform the nation’s energy landscape, ensuring that no community is left behind in the journey toward a sustainable future.As the sun set over Bulawayo on commissioning day, the hospital’s lights stayed on – powered not by the rumble of diesel, but by the fading rays stored on its rooftop. For the communities of Bulawayo and Matabeleland North and the staff who serve them, that steady glow was more than illumination. It was a promise.

1 of 5

Story

08 April 2026

Buried at 14, She Survived to Warn the World

On a Saturday in May 1994, fourteen-year-old Frida Umuhoza lay face down in a shallow ditch in rural Rwanda, her cheek pressed into the soil, her legs trapped beneath the weight of her relatives’ bodies. Around her, neighbors she once greeted daily had finished their work and were moving on.Before the blows began, she had been offered a choice of how she wanted to die.“It could be a machete, a club, a knife, a spear, or a big tree with nails,” she recalls. “But there was no gun, and even if there was, we couldn’t afford it anyways.” She chose the club.That moment—one girl in a ditch, surrounded by a community turned against itself—turned “genocide” from an abstract word into a series of sounds and images that never leave, children screaming, “Please forgive me. I will never be a Tutsi again.” A mother’s head hacked from her body. A beloved grandfather, Bible in hand, asking, “Why are you doing this to us?” before a club silenced him.Thirty-two years later, in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Tuesday 7 April, Frida’s story was shown as a video testimony—one among thousands—at the heart of a global commitment that the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda will be remembered truthfully, taught honestly, and never allowed to be denied or repeated.“We gather today, here in Harare, united in sorrow and in resolve,” said Mr. Edward Kallon, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, at the 32nd Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “More than a million people were murdered… Entire families were erased. Communities that had lived side by side for generations were torn apart by a brutality that still defies understanding.” Frida’s was one of those families.“Stand up. You are Tutsi.”From the outside, her childhood looked ordinary, a businessman father, a mother raising six children—three sons and three daughters—in a home shaped by faith and hard work.“I had no idea I was a Tutsi until I started school at the age of six,” Frida says.One day, a teacher entered with a registration book and asked how many Hutus and how many Tutsis were in the classroom. Frida didn’t know where she belonged. A friend leaned over and whispered the words that would define her life: “Stand up. You are Tutsi.”“Since then,” she says, “I knew that I was referred to as a cockroach and a snake—less than a human being.”At the Harare commemoration, Mr. Kallon described how this dehumanization was weaponized. A radio journalist “allowed his microphone to become a weapon,” he said, using “inyenzi”—cockroaches—to make murder “thinkable, then acceptable, then routine.”For Frida, the violence did not begin with machetes. It began with language—in a classroom, and later on the airwaves.In 1990, the private radio station RTLM began broadcasting hate speech. “It was purposely there to plant and put hate speech on the radio,” she remembers. Lists followed. “Our friends also told us, from school, that we were on the list of the people that are supposed to die.”Killings had already started in parts of the country. Her father was arrested, accused of supporting the Rwandan Patriotic Front. His business was crippled by restrictions. Fear settled into the family’s daily life.When President Juvénal Habyarimana’s plane was shot down in April 1994, Frida says, the radio announced the killing should begin. “We already knew that machetes had been supplied in all the villages.”“You were killed by a friend, a neighbor.”In her region, the massacres began later—around the third week of April. Frida’s mother split the family into small groups to hide. Frida, her sister and a cousin were sent to a neighbor’s house; others fled into the bushes.“We’d been running for weeks and weeks,” she says.Then, in May, the killers changed tactics. An announcement went out, the killing had stopped; people could return home. It was a lie. “We went back home, but there was no home to go back to,” Frida says. “My home was demolished.”They made their way to her grandfather’s house. He was a respected teacher, “a really wonderful man in the community.” He was still alive, but only because his captors had decided to let him die slowly—without food or water—after they killed everyone else.For a brief moment, hope returned. Frida’s mother arrived with her brothers and two boys she had been sheltering. Her father, recently released, returned that same week. “I was very happy to see my whole family still alive,” Frida says.It didn’t last.They were rounded up and taken to a roadblock with other Tutsi families. In Frida’s area, even death had a price. “To be shot was an expensive death, you had to pay for it,” she says. They couldn’t. Asked for a grenade, her grandfather explained they had no money. They were sent home with the message understood: cheaper methods would do.On the day of the president’s burial, the killers came.Early that morning, Frida heard children screaming at neighbors: “Please forgive me. I will never be a Tutsi again.” “Very little children,” she says, “who believed that the worst crime they had ever committed was being a Tutsi.” Then it was their turn.The ditchEighteen people were in her grandfather’s house: grandparents, aunts, siblings, cousins, her mother. One younger sister had been killed earlier. Her father, certain he would be targeted first, had hidden for weeks on the roof, listening.They were driven to a prepared ditch. “When we got there, it was all our friends and our neighbors,” Frida says. “You weren’t killed by people from so far away. You were killed by a friend, a neighbor, someone that you’ve loved.”Frida had already decided how she would die. She asked a young man she knew—John—who held a club, to kill her with it.As the blows fell, she saw her mother’s head chopped off near her brothers. “When I saw that, I covered my head with a hoodie,” she says. Then the club hit the back of her head. She lost consciousness.When she woke, she was beneath a pile of bodies. The killers were already filling the ditch. “Everybody had died,” she says. Her sister beside her was still alive—briefly—then took her last breath.She was fourteen, bleeding, pinned under roughly fifteen corpses, and buried.“At the age of 14, you really don’t understand everything,” she says. “But I then started thinking, maybe my dad will come down and dig me out.”She didn’t know that from the roof her father had watched the murder of his wife, children and extended family—then climbed down and offered himself to be killed. As Frida screamed under the soil, the killers celebrated his death. “I lost hope,” she says.A neighbor heard her. A woman nearby caught the sound of her crying and fetched help. “The young man who dug me out was a young man who had worked for my grandfather,” Frida says. Later, a Hutu man hid her until RPF forces reached the village and the slaughter ended.“I was a broken girl,” she says. “I was traumatized for a very long time… deep inside, I was lost.”“It is as if it happened yesterday”In Harare, officials returned again and again to the fact that time does not dissolve this pain. Rwanda’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency James Musoni, who is also the Dean of Diplomatic Corps said the trauma remains vivid and survivors continue to bear physical and emotional scars.Frida put it more starkly, survivors are still suffering—depression, anxiety, nightmares. Women raped and infected with HIV/AIDS still need help. “It is not enough to remember the dead; we must protect the living,” Mr. Kallon said, echoing the UN Secretary-General. Prevention means rejecting incitement, investing in social cohesion, and strengthening institutions that stop mass atrocities.Zimbabwe’s government, in a keynote address delivered by Chief Director Mr. M Chigiji on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Honorable Professor Amon Murwira, tied the commemoration to constitutional obligations to promote regional and international solidarity and to participate in organizations that stand for humanity’s well-being. The message emphasized Rwanda’s resilience and the difficult work of reconciliation as proof of what determined rebuilding can achieve.Naming the crime—and confronting denialMr. Kallon noted that in 2018 the UN General Assembly amended its language to explicitly recognize the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, closing space for denial, distortion, and equivocation. “This clarity matters,” he said. “Naming the crime accurately is the first defense against its repetition.”Ambassador Musoni warned that denial and “genocide ideology” now spread rapidly through digital platforms, and called for decisive measures - confronting hate speech, ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice, and refusing to allow those responsible for grave crimes to live freely while spreading division.Frida’s appeal is simpler—and harder. “We all have that responsibility of fighting against that ideology,” she insists. “It’s not easy when you’ve lost everything you’ve loved and known.”Genocide as a chain of choicesMr. Kallon called it organized and planned—driven by political leaders who chose division, commanders who turned institutions into instruments of slaughter, administrators who used lists and identity papers as tools of death, media voices that poisoned the public sphere, and leaders who stayed silent when their moral authority was needed most.But even in Frida’s story, the same society that produced killers also produced rescuers: the woman who heard her under the soil, the young man who dug her out, the man who hid her until liberation. “Genocide is not inevitable,” Mr. Kallon said. “It is built, step by step. And it can be prevented, step by step.”Prevention begins long before the first machete is raised - challenging dehumanizing jokes, resisting scapegoating, defending inclusive institutions and independent courts, upholding rights, and acting early when hate speech and targeted violence rise.From the podium, Mr. Kallon assigned responsibility widely. “First, to governments and political leaders,” Mr. Kallon said, “you carry the primary responsibility… to protect your populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.” That means inclusive institutions, security forces that protect rather than prey on citizens, independent courts, open civic space and honest addressing of historical grievances.To security institutions, he was blunt: “‘Following orders’ is no defense for participation in genocide or crimes against humanity.” Early warning requires monitoring hate speech, militias and targeted violence—and acting on them.To educators and cultural leaders, “Genocide begins in the mind before it is carried out by the hand. You shape how young people understand ‘us’ and ‘them.’ You decide whether history is told honestly… or manipulated to sow new hatred.”To media professionals, “Today, digital platforms can spread dehumanizing language and incitement faster and further than ever before.” Societies, he argued, need “responsible journalism, ethical communication, and media literacy” that can distinguish hate speech from legitimate debate.Religious and traditional leaders, Mr. Kallon noted, carry “enormous weight” in tense moments, and young people “are not only the ‘leaders of tomorrow;’ you are shapers of today’s social media spaces, community initiatives, and civic movements.”But his final appeal was to everyone.“Genocide does not begin with mass killings,” he said. “It begins with whispered slurs, with jokes that demean, with rumors that paint neighbors as enemies. Every time we refuse to laugh at a dehumanizing joke; every time we defend someone who is targeted because they are different… every time we speak out against corruption, discrimination and abuse – we are acting as agents of prevention.”Remember, unite, renewThe commemoration theme—“Remember, Unite, Renew”—ran through the ceremony and through Frida’s life. Rwanda’s post-genocide progress, speakers said, shows what a country can build after near-total destruction. As the ceremony closed, Mr. Kallon offered a final standard - remember faithfully and without distortion, listen to survivors as a moral compass, and act—in institutions and in everyday life. “‘Never again’ must be more than a slogan,” he said. “It must be the standard by which we measure our laws, our leaders, and ourselves.”For Frida, that standard began with a teacher’s roll call and a radio’s lies, and ended in a ditch filled with bodies. Her survival—and her decision to speak—insists on a final question, from Harare to Kigali and beyond: will the world truly hear, and act, step by step, before the next ditch is dug?

1 of 5

Story

04 March 2026

Farmers Demand a Fair Deal in Digital Agriculture

At dawn in Binga, in Zimbabwe’s drought-scorched Matabeleland North due to El Nino, 46-year-old farmer Sibongile Ncube peers at her simple Nokia handset, scrolling through a stream of SMS messages she no longer knows how to read—or trust.One text from a seed company promotes a “climate-smart” maize hybrid she’s never heard of. Another, in English, warns of “severe rainfall variability,” using language that feels far removed from the dry fields and empty micro-dam outside her homestead. A third insists she register yet again for a new subsidy scheme if she wants cheaper fertilizer.“They are always asking us for information,” she says quietly. “My name, my field size, my yields. But most of the time, nothing comes back. We don’t know who is using that information. We don’t know how it helps us.”That uneasy gap—between data taken and value returned, between cautious hope and deep distrust—sat at the core of the 2026 Agile Data and Digital Public Infrastructure Summit held this week at the Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls.Against the backdrop of the roaring falls and the soft clatter of laptops, one theme cut through: if Zimbabwe is to build a climate-resilient, digitally enabled agriculture sector, it must start with farmers like Sibongile—not as raw material for data pipelines, but as decision-makers who benefit directly from the systems built around them.“No farmer, no future. No trust, no transformation.” “We must be honest with ourselves,” said Mrs. Miranda Tabifor, UNFPA Representative, Chair of the UN Programme Management Team, and Co-Chair of the National Data for Development and Innovation in Zimbabwe, as she opened a key session on policy for agile data and digital public infrastructure.“The question before us is not whether data and digital tools will shape the future of Zimbabwean agriculture and climate resilience. They already are. The question is whether we will shape that future deliberately and inclusively—or allow it to evolve in fragmented, inequitable, and ultimately fragile ways.”Addressing government officials, private-sector leaders, researchers, development partners and small-holder farmers from different parts of the world, Mrs. Tabifor offered an honest assessment. “Across the continent, and here in Zimbabwe, we have seen substantial investments in digital agriculture platforms—weather apps, farmer registries, e‑voucher systems, remote-sensing dashboards,” she noted. “Yet many initiatives remain small, fragmented, and difficult to scale. The barrier is no longer just technology. It is trust.”Farmers in the room recognized the pattern immediately, repeated registrations by different agencies; long questionnaires; promises that the data is “for development”—followed by silence.“Too often,” Mrs. Tabifor continued, “government builds one platform, the private sector builds another, donors fund a third, and none of them talk to each other. Data is locked in silos, business models feel threatened, and farmers see duplication rather than value. What emerges is not an ‘architecture of trust,’ but an architecture of distrust.”For farmers, that architecture is painfully tangible. It appears when an extension officer collects data and never returns with advice. It appears when a woman farmer provides detailed harvest figures, only to discover that her non-farming husband is the one approached about a loan.“In many places, including here in Zimbabwe,” Mrs. Tabifor warned, “the experience is one sided: farmers give data, and receive little in return. When this happens, even the best-designed systems will fail the very people they are meant to serve. Good systems will fail good farmers.”Her response is a fundamental shift she calls “Data Democracy”—a rebalancing of who holds power, and who reaps value, in the data ecosystem. “Data Democracy means that the farmer is not merely a ‘data point’ or a ‘source;’ she is a data beneficiary,” Mrs. Tabifor stressed. “Every interaction in which her data is collected should yield immediate agronomic value, market value, or risk management value.”“In other words,” she said, “we must ensure a clear pathway from Data to Knowledge (D2K) for farmers themselves. If a farmer reports her yields or input use, that data should come back to her as something she can understand and apply within her context.In Binga, that D2K pathway is exactly what Sibongile feels has been missing. “They asked me last year, ‘How many cattle do you have? How many bags did you harvest?’” she recalls. “I answered everything. But when I asked how this would help me, they just said, ‘It will help the government and donors to plan.’ That is good—but what about helping me to plan?”For Mrs. Tabifor, simply adding more data and more messages is not the answer. “There is also a danger we must avoid: ‘infobesity,’” she cautioned. “More messages, more dashboards, and more alerts do not automatically translate into better decisions. Overwhelming farmers—and indeed policymakers—with non-actionable information can paralyze decision-making, rather than improve it.”For Sibongile, whose first language is Ndebele and who shares one basic phone with her husband, these design choices are decisive. If information arrives in a language she doesn’t speak, on a device she doesn’t own, in a format she doesn’t grasp, “it might as well not exist,” she says.Mrs. Tabifor highlighted that the digital transition is not neutral: it risks deepening existing inequalities. “We know that women in Zimbabwe, as in many countries, have less access to mobile internet, smartphones, and digital skills,” she emphasized. “If we design data systems that assume universal connectivity or literacy, we unintentionally deepen inequality.”She posed a direct challenge to policymakers: “Do our existing and planned data systems ensure that farmers retain meaningful control over their data—and derive direct value from what they share? What specific measures are we adopting to close the digital gender gap—so that women and other smallholder farmers are equal participants and beneficiaries of data-driven services?”. Practical ideas are already being discussed:Subsidized rural connectivity to cut the cost barrier for low-income households.Targeted support for women’s digital literacy and farmer field schools enhanced with digital tools.Services designed for basic phones—through USSD, SMS, and voice—in local languages.Requirements that public–private partnerships report gender-disaggregated reach and impact.For Sibongile and her neighbors, such changes could be decisive. “If information comes by WhatsApp, we are already out,” she says. “But if it is voice, in isiNdebele, then even my grandmother can benefit.”“Zimbabwe can reimagine the role of the state—not as the exclusive builder of platforms, but as the designer and guarantor of Digital Public Infrastructure- the neutral ‘rails’ upon which many actors can innovate,” Mrs. Tabifor argued. She framed two central policy questions for Zimbabwean and other leaders who participated at the Summit:Are current digital agriculture strategies building yet more siloed apps, or are they purposefully constructing shared, pre‑competitive rails?Within those strategies, have we clearly defined an “architecture of trust”—who is liable, who audits, and who enforces?“Without answers to these questions,” she warned, “any AI-based advisory system, e‑voucher platform, or climate data hub will operate on unstable ground. But with clear, enforceable rules of the game, Zimbabwe can unlock not just pilots, but system-wide transformation.”Mrs. Tabifor’s third major shift spoke directly to the lived experience of climate volatility on Zimbabwean farms: moving from slow, retrospective monitoring to agile data that enables rapid, climate-adaptive policymaking.“Traditional monitoring and evaluation approaches—large baseline surveys, midterm reviews, and endline assessments—are important,” she acknowledged. “But they are often too slow and too expensive to guide real-time decision-making. By the time we learn that a fertilizer subsidy didn’t reach the right farmers, or that a conservation practice isn’t being adopted, the season is over. We are learning after the fact.”“For Zimbabwe, which faces recurrent droughts, cyclone risks, and shifting rainfall patterns,” Mrs. Tabifor said, “the ability to adapt policies within a season through connectivity and digital rails moving “from Compute to Capability” for AI-driven agricultural advice could be transformative.” “AI will not create value in isolation,” she said. “It needs reliable connectivity, interoperable data systems, ethical safeguards, and human capacity.”Mrs. Tabifor anchored these proposals within a broad human-rights and sustainable development vision. “Zimbabwe’s DPI ecosystem can be designed as an open, interoperable and human-centric system that embeds safety and inclusion at every layer,” she said, aligning it with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology’s Universal Safeguards: lawfulness, human rights due diligence, transparency, algorithmic accountability, inclusivity, and meaningful public participation. “These are not abstract aspirations; they are actionable choices,” she insisted. The potential benefits touch almost every corner of Zimbabwe’s development agenda. Convened by COSA and funded by the Gates Foundation and GIZ, the Agile Data and DPI Summit 2026 was the first to bring these two powerful ideas—agile data and digital public infrastructure—into one conversation, under one roof.Over four days, innovators, policymakers, researchers, private-sector executives, civil society actors, and farmers worked in mixed groups, sketching how farmer-centred insights and interoperable digital systems could come together to drive real, lasting changes: in land preparation and planting decisions, in access to credit, in drought preparedness, in fairer, more transparent markets.The organizers' aim was explicit, not to produce yet another polished strategy document, but to “break silos, unite diverse communities, and co-design pathways that link data collection, digital systems, and enabling policy.”And always, at the centre of those pathways, stood the figure of the farmer. “The decisions you make now,” Mrs. Tabifor underlined, “will determine whether Zimbabwe’s digital transformation in agriculture is fragmented and fragile, or trusted, inclusive, and climate resilient.”Back in Binga, the practical agility of data and digital public infrastructure will be measured not in conference communiqués, but in what happens the next time someone asks Sibongile for her data. Will they be able to answer the question she has learned to ask: What will I get back?As Mrs. Tabifor put it in perhaps her most resonant line of the summit, “Let us move together, so that every byte of data, every line of code, and every digital rail laid serves the wellbeing and resilience of Zimbabwe’s people, and especially its farmers.”

1 of 5

Story

26 February 2026

UN Country Analysis Shaping Discourse on Zimbabwe’s Green, Digital, and Inclusive Future

On 24–25 February 2026, more than 80 representatives from Government, UN agencies, Independent Commissions, Diplomatic Missions, development partners, the private sector, civil society, youth groups, organizations of persons with disabilities, academia and the media gathered at the UN premises in Harare, with colleagues joining online from the UN Development Coordination Office Africa Sub-Regional Office. The objective was not to “sign off” a UN document, but to rigorously test and sharpen an evidence base that can guide Zimbabwe’s development choices to 2030. At the center of the discussion was the “Country Analysis: Zimbabwe” – a comprehensive, data-rich assessment that will underpin the next Zimbabwe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (ZUNSDCF) for 2027–2030. That Framework will, in turn, support the implementation of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2) for 2026–2030 and Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 of becoming an upper middle-income society, while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. “This workshop is not about a UN report,” emphasized Mr. Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Zimbabwe, opening the consultation and validation workshop. “It is about a shared evidence base that all of us can use to make better choices for Zimbabwe’s future.” A Pivotal Moment for Zimbabwe – and for MultilateralismThe timing of the Country Analysis is intentional. This year Zimbabwe has transitioned from NDS 1 to NDS 2 just as the world enters the second half of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At the same time, multilateralism is under pressure from geopolitical rivalries, conflict, growing inequality, rising debt, escalating climate impacts, food and energy insecurity and disruptive technological change. “In many quarters, narrow and short-term national interests are being aggressively promoted as the supposed pathway to human progress,” Mr. Kallon cautioned, noting that this often undermines global public goods, international law and the UN Charter. Yet the last eight decades demonstrate that when rules-based cooperation, solidarity and shared responsibility prevail, humanity advances. The UN’s 80th anniversary (UN80) and the reform agenda underway provide an opportunity to revitalize multilateralism so it is more inclusive, representative and effective – particularly for developing countries like Zimbabwe. For Zimbabwe, aligning NDS 2 and Vision 2030 with this renewed multilateralism is not a choice but “a strategic necessity.” The Country Analysis is designed to ensure that this alignment is grounded in facts and capable of mobilizing the right partnerships and financing.Zimbabwe’s Direction is Clear – The Challenge is How to Get ThereThe Country Analysis confirms that Zimbabwe has set a clear direction. Vision 2030 and NDS 2 (2026–2030) spell out the aspiration of a prosperous, empowered upper middle‑income society by 2030, with strong focus on value addition, competitiveness, decent work, climate resilience, innovation and leaving no one and no place behind. Zimbabwe’s vision is consistent with the 2030 Agenda, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, SADC’s Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan and the Paris Agreement. The country is party to core human rights treaties and has made strong normative commitments to an inclusive, green, human rights–based development model. “There is no ambiguity about the destination,” Mr. Kallon observed. “The question is how to reach it, at speed, in the context of tight fiscal space, climate shocks, and global uncertainty.” The Country Analysis depicts meaningful but uneven progress. Among the gains: Economic growth rebounded to an estimated 6.6% in 2025 and is projected to follow a similar path in 2026, powered by agriculture, mining and remittances.Maternal mortality has fallen sharply—from 960 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2011 to an estimated 212 in 2023–24.Access to improved water sources has risen to 84%, and improved sanitation to 77%, while open defecation has declined.Forest cover and protected areas have seen recent recovery.Public financial management and budget transparency have improved, with Zimbabwe scoring 63/100 on the 2023 Open Budget Survey—among the stronger performances in the region.At the same time, the analysis highlights persistent challenges. Youth unemployment remains high, with many people absorbed into informal, low-productivity and low-protection employment. Gender inequality is entrenched with nearly one in four adolescent girls experiences teenage pregnancy; about one in three young women were married before age 18; violence against women and girls is widespread; and women carry a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work. Persons with disabilities, older persons, rural communities, residents of informal settlements, migrants and other groups still face structural barriers to services, participation and decent work. Zimbabwe has advanced, but large segments of the population and certain regions risk being left behind. Intentional, sustained efforts are required to close these gaps to achieve Vision 2030 and the SDGs. Interlocking Systemic ChallengesA distinctive strength of the Country Analysis is its treatment of systemic, interconnected challenges rather than isolated issues. It identifies feedback loops that cut across the SDG pillars of People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership, including: Poverty–Informality Trap: Poverty and limited formal employment push people into informal livelihoods. Low productivity and a narrow tax base then constrain public investment in health, education and social protection, reinforcing poverty and undermining human capital. Climate–Agriculture–Food Security Loop: Increasing droughts, floods and cyclones—projected to cost up to 5% of GDP annually by 2050—hit rain-fed agriculture, drive food insecurity and malnutrition, and erode households’ and the State’s capacity to invest and adapt. Debt and Financing Constraint Loop: A heavy public and publicly guaranteed debt burden, including arrears, restricts access to concessional finance, crowds out social and development spending and keeps growth volatile.Stakeholders at the workshop underscored how these loops shape every aspect of development—from climate resilience and energy security to youth employment, social cohesion and the capacity to mobilize and manage development finance. Participants also called for deeper analysis of: The wider structural and regional drivers of informality, including de‑industrialization and shifting labour patterns.The opportunity costs of high debt and the trade-offs between debt service and domestic investment.Environmental impacts of mining, agriculture and industry, particularly water and groundwater pollution.The links between extractive industries, land rights and human rights.Geopolitical risks—from sanctions to global energy and mineral markets—and what they mean for a just transition.Some participants observed that Zimbabwe is often “strong on analysis but weaker on implementation,” citing fragmented institutional arrangements, under‑investment in systems and coordination, and limited use of data for decision-making. Five Acceleration Pathways: From Risk to OpportunityIn response, the draft Country Analysis proposes five interconnected “acceleration pathways” to help shift Zimbabwe from systemic risks to virtuous cycles. These pathways will shape the Theory of Change and strategic priorities of the 2027–2030 Zimbabwe UN Cooperation Framework: Invest in Climate-Smart Agriculture and Renewable Energy: To break the climate–food–livelihoods loop, stabilize food systems, increase productivity and build resilience—especially in rural areas where 61% of Zimbabweans live. This would also position Zimbabwe as a regional leader in green energy and sustainable value chains. Stakeholders stressed aligning these investments with the evolving legal and policy landscape, including the Climate Change Management Bill and environmental and energy legislation. Facilitate the Transition to Formality: To raise productivity, broaden the tax base, improve working conditions, and expand access to finance and social protection for micro, small and medium enterprises and cross-border traders—many of whom are women and youth. Participants advocated shifting from “enforcement-first” to “incentive-first” approaches, embedding formalization within wider tax, regulatory and market reforms that reward productivity and competitiveness, not just compliance. Resolve Debt and Arrears, and Catalyze Innovative Finance: To restore fiscal space, reopen access to concessional finance and scale up investment in infrastructure, human capital and climate adaptation. This includes using innovative instruments such as blended finance, SDG-linked and green bonds, and diaspora investment vehicles, framed by an Integrated National Financing Framework and the UN’s Joint Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Strategy. Stakeholders requested clearer comparisons with other countries, more detailed estimates of financing volumes and sources for a green and just transition, and a stronger focus on governance and investor confidence. Strengthen Gender Equality and Inclusive Governance: To tackle the root causes of gender inequality and violence against women and girls, and to ensure meaningful participation of women and young people in decision‑making. This pathway also involves widening civic space, bolstering independent oversight institutions, and aligning laws, policies and budgets with human rights standards—while ensuring these are effectively implemented. Participants highlighted the need to view extractives governance, land rights and decent work consistently through this lens. Enhance Human Capital and Social Protection: To halt and reverse the erosion of skills and health by building stronger, better‑financed education and health systems and comprehensive social protection. This pathway underpins all others, ensuring people survive, learn, thrive and are able to sustain economic and governance reforms over time.Threaded through each pathway is the “Leave No One Behind” (LNOB) principle. The Country Analysis and the consultation repeatedly returned to core questions: Who benefits? Who is excluded? What must change—legally, financially, institutionally and culturally—for every person, in every part of the country, to share in progress? The consultation itself was integral to validating and refining the analysis. Stakeholders raised cross-cutting issues that the UN Country Team committed to integrate, including strengthening risk analysis, financing strategies and governance dimensions in the final Country Analysis. From Evidence to Action: Implications for the Next Zimbabwe UN Cooperation FrameworkFor the UN in Zimbabwe, the validated Country Analysis is the cornerstone of the next Cooperation Framework. It carries several implications for how the UN will engage between 2027 and 2030: More Coherent, Integrated Support: Working as a unified UN Development System across mandates and agencies to back systemic, multi-sectoral solutions, rather than fragmented, stand‑alone projects. Deeper Engagement on Macro and Structural Issues: Complementing community-level resilience and service delivery work with stronger support on debt sustainability, financing, macroeconomic stability, governance and institutional reform. Strategic Partnerships with the Private Sector and Diaspora: Engaging these actors not only as financiers but as innovators and partners in trade, investment promotion, value chain development and institutional capacity building. Stakeholders urged a pivot towards long-term, cross-sector partnerships grounded in “partnerships, trade and investment,” each with clear financing pathways. Centering Women, Youth and Marginalized Groups: Ensuring that women, young people, persons with disabilities and other marginalized populations are at the heart of programme design and implementation, not simply participants in consultations.The workshop also emphasized the pivotal role of local authorities in local economic development, service provision and implementation of the five pathways, with a call to explicitly recognize and empower them within the Cooperation Framework. A Shared Choice About Zimbabwe’s FutureIn reflecting on three possible futures—a stalled transition, fractured resilience, or a green and digital leap—participants converged around one message: the Country Analysis clarifies Zimbabwe’s options, but it does not choose among them. Realizing the most ambitious and inclusive pathway is a shared responsibility: Government provides vision, policy coherence and accountable institutions through NDS 2 and Vision 2030.Parliament and independent commissions ensure oversight and protect rights.The private sector invests responsibly, innovates and creates decent work.Civil society, communities and the media amplify voices, safeguard civic space and promote accountability.Regional and international partners, including International Financial Institutions, support debt resolution, climate action and long‑term investment.The UN remains a reliable, principled, evidence-driven partner, using its convening power and technical expertise to turn analysis into concrete action.In his closing remarks at the end of the day‑and‑a‑half validation workshop, Bishop Charles Masunungure, Board Member of the National Association of Non-Governmental Organizations, commended the UN for consistently convening diverse partners around the sustainable development agenda. He called for sustained engagement as the process moves from analysis to strategic prioritization, and on to the development and eventual implementation of the next Zimbabwe UN Cooperation Framework.“As UN Resident Coordinator, I commit that the UN Country Team will use this analysis to sharpen our support, to advocate for bold yet realistic reforms, and to stand with the Government of Zimbabwe as it works to transform systemic challenges into systemic opportunities,” pledged Mr. Kallon. The consultation closed with a call for candid engagement and continuous dialogue. Stakeholders were invited to keep challenging, enriching and owning the analysis—so that the Cooperation Framework that follows is not simply a UN document, but a shared roadmap to support the Government and people of Zimbabwe in making sustainable development a lived reality for every person, in every part of the country, by 2030.

1 of 5

Story

14 March 2026

Zimbabwe Unveils 2026–2030 AI Strategy to Advance Inclusive Digital Transformation

At Zimbabwe’s New Parliament House on Friday, the country signalled its intent to step decisively into the heart of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. With the formal launch of the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026–2030, His Excellency Dr. Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe framed AI not as a distant, abstract technology, but as a strategic lever for national development, economic transformation and social progress. Side by side with the United Nations, represented by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. Edward Kallon, Zimbabwe positioned itself as not just a consumer of AI technologies, but an emerging architect of how they will be used on the African continent.“This strategy,” President Mnangagwa declared, “marks a new chapter in our country’s development trajectory,” one he said must be “home-grown, inclusive and anchored in our national values, interests and aspirations.”AI as a development tool, not a luxuryFrom the outset, the President’s message underlined that artificial intelligence is no longer optional for countries seeking to modernize. “Artificial Intelligence is central to the ongoing global technological transformation,” he said. “For Zimbabwe, it is critical to our modernization, industrialization and sustainable socio-economic growth.”The Head of State described AI as a strategic catalyst – a cross-cutting tool that can raise productivity, improve public services, and help the country leapfrog stages of development. In his view, AI must become embedded in the national development agenda, complementing existing plans such as Vision 2030 and the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan.Mr. Kallon echoed that view, tying Zimbabwe’s strategy to global developments. Just recently, the UN General Assembly in New York had adopted a landmark resolution on “Seizing the opportunities of safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development.” “Its message is clear,” Mr. Kallon said. “AI must be inclusive, not exclusionary; it must accelerate development, not deepen divides; and it must be safe, secure and trustworthy, or it will not be sustainable. Zimbabwe’s AI strategy is an opportunity to put that vision into practice—here, now, for the benefit of all.”At the core of Zimbabwe’s new strategy lie interlinked pillars designed to move the country from aspiration to implementation. The pillars include, targeting people – the skills, knowledge and creativity needed to build and govern AI systems. President Mnangagwa called for a fundamental reorientation of the education system “from primary to tertiary level” towards STEM, coding and data literacy. AI Centres of Excellence will be established, with funding for research and development, and deliberate efforts to make AI careers attractive for young Zimbabweans. Mr. Kallon underscored why this is urgent. “AI’s potential will only be realized if Zimbabwe invests in STEM and digital skills, and supports lifelong learning and reskilling as jobs evolve,” he said, adding that the UN system would support this skills transition, with a focus on ensuring no one and no place is left behind.The message to the country’s youth was direct. The President urged young “techno-preneurs” to “push creative boundaries and develop solutions that build Zimbabwe,” linking their efforts to his oft-repeated mantra that “nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo” – a nation is built, governed and prayed for by its own people. The second pillar is about building the digital backbone that makes AI possible. Zimbabwe plans to:Operationalize the Data Protection Act, creating a secure environment for data use.Promote open data and secure data marketplaces.Invest in digital infrastructure and cloud computing.Fully utilize the High Performance Computing Centre to support AI research and applications.Mr. Kallon highlighted the importance of this foundation, including reliable, sustainable energy. “AI’s transformative power depends on robust infrastructure and reliable, sustainable energy,” he said. “Here, too, the UN is a partner—drawing on global experience, including through the UN Joint SDG Fund, to pilot catalytic renewable energy investments that can power Zimbabwe’s digital ambitions sustainably.”The third pillar focuses on getting AI out of the lab and into everyday life. The President announced that government will actively drive AI adoption across all sectors, and will incentivize businesses that use AI to boost efficiency and productivity. Flagship AI projects are planned in:Precision agriculture – from crop and climate analytics to early warning systems.Predictive healthcare – using data to anticipate disease outbreaks and optimise resources.Smart mining – for safer operations, accurate exploration and efficient energy and water use.Public service delivery – reducing queues, delays and leakages, improving transparency.Anti-corruption – leveraging data analytics to detect irregularities and strengthen accountability.The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator painted a vivid picture of what this could mean on the ground. “In agriculture,” he said, “AI-driven climate and crop analytics can guide farmers on when and what to plant, and how to use scarce water and inputs more efficiently.” Coupled with improved early warning systems, such tools can help shield livelihoods and improve food security.In mining, he noted, AI can reduce environmental damage and improve traceability in mineral supply chains. In manufacturing, AI-enabled process optimization can sharpen Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in regional and global value chains. In services, particularly financial services, AI can expand access to credit, savings and insurance—“provided that AI models are designed and governed to avoid bias, discrimination and predatory practices.”In government, he added, AI can strengthen the delivery of health, education, social protection and tax administration “by improving targeting, reducing leakages and supporting evidence-based policy.”The fourth pillar addresses the risks of AI head-on. President Mnangagwa stressed that Zimbabwe’s AI journey must be “human-centric, transparent, fair, and free from bias,” protecting national interests and the dignity of all Zimbabweans. He called for a robust legal and ethical framework to govern AI development and deployment.Mr. Kallon spelt out what that entails, “clear legal and regulatory frameworks for data protection, algorithmic accountability and AI safety; impact assessments for high-risk systems; accessible redress mechanisms; and independent oversight capacities in government, civil society, academia and professional bodies.”He stressed the need to confront bias and exclusion “by requiring diverse, high-quality datasets, gender-responsive and inclusive design, and meaningful participation of affected communities.”The messages of the President and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator converged on a central point, trust. Without public trust, the AI project cannot succeed.Building on a decade of digital progressPresident Mnangagwa rooted the AI strategy in a longer trajectory of investment in ICT under the Second Republic. Expansion of connectivity and internet access, modernization of postal and courier services, and integration into e-commerce platforms have created “a strong base and user pool for AI solutions.”Mr. Kallon described the new strategy as the latest “foundational brick” laid on earlier work supported by the UN, including:The 2025 AI Readiness Assessment Methodology report, anchored in the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.The National ICT Strategy and Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan.Development of a national media and information literacy policy and community-based early warning systems using the Internet of Things.“These are the foundational bricks upon which today’s national AI strategy is built,” he said. “Anchored on interrelated pillars and grounded in a home-grown vision of AI, Zimbabwe has earned its place among the community of nations navigating the fourth industrial revolution.”From launch to implementationHonourable Tatenda A. Mavetera, Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services said, "History shows that each generation adapts uniquely to technological changes. As Zimbabwe aims for Vision 2030, we are ready to engage with the global economy. The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026-2030 highlights our commitment to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and our progress toward a unified digital vision for Zimbabwe. The Honourable Minister added, "We stand at the dawn of a new era, a time of unprecedented technological advancement that will reshape our world, where the 21st century is defined by the rapid pace of technological change and at its heart lies Artificial Intelligence. This is not merely a technological shift; it is a fundamental reordering of our society and economies."For all the ambition on display at New Parliament House, both the President and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator converged on a sobering truth. The true test of the strategy will be on its implementation. Mr. Kallon listed what this will require, “strong continued leadership; sustained investment in infrastructure, skills and institutions; agile regulation; and continuous dialogue among government, private sector, academia, civil society and development partners.”President Mnangagwa framed the launch as both a commitment and a call to unity. With this strategy, he said, Zimbabwe “affirms its readiness to embrace AI responsibly and ambitiously,” and to harness it so that the country becomes “a smarter, more efficient and prosperous nation.”What happens next—in classrooms and coding bootcamps; in farms and factories; in Parliament and provincial councils; in start-up garages and government offices—will determine whether this moment becomes a turning point. But on 13 March 2026, in a chamber built to house Zimbabwe’s democratic aspirations, the country made a clear statement, it intends not merely to watch the AI revolution unfold, but to shape it, according to its own priorities, values and vision for inclusive, sustainable development.

1 of 5

Story

03 April 2026

Zimbabwe's Sustaining the Gains Initiative to Advance Gender Equality, Women's Empowerment

Zimbabwe has taken a decisive new step to place women’s rights and gender equality at the heart of governance and public finance, with the launch of a new joint programme, “Sustaining the Gains: Strengthening Accountability to Gender Equality and Women’s Rights in Zimbabwe.”The programme, unveiled during its inaugural meeting of the National Steering Committee held on Thursday, boasts a budget of approximately US$4.5 million. It is supported by EUR 2 million from the European Union, US$2 million from the Embassy of Switzerland, and US$200,000 from the United Nations. This initiative aims to consolidate and build upon the achievements of the US$34 million EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, which, between 2019 and 2023, made significant strides in enhancing Zimbabwe’s response to gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices.The Sustaining the Gains programme is jointly implemented by UN Women, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNDP, in support of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MoWACSMED).At its core, “Sustaining the Gains” seeks to strengthen gender-responsive governance and accountability across the state, and to improve financing for gender equality, women’s rights and GBV prevention and response – ensuring that earlier progress becomes embedded, sustainable and nationally owned.“Gender equality is not only moral and social – it is economic” In her keynote address, Honorable Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community and SMEs Development placed the new joint programme firmly within Zimbabwe’s national development vision and constitutional commitments. She stressed that women’s rights and gender equality are not an “add‑on,” but central to the country’s economic and social progress.“This programme is not just another project,” the Minister said. “It is about ensuring that the rights of women and girls are placed at the center of our country’s economic development. Gender equality is not only a moral issue, and not only a social issue – it is an economic imperative.”She noted that women are the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, particularly in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. “SMEs contribute almost 60 per cent of this country’s GDP, and 56 per cent of those SMEs are led by women,” she said. “Women are in business, they are creating jobs, they are sustaining households. It is only right that government puts women and girls at the center of what we are doing.”The Minister was candid about the “big elephant in the room” – financing. “We need resources,” she said. “We talk about domestic resource mobilization because sustainability matters. Where there is visibility, we attract resources – and this is why the role of the media is so important. We want policymakers and the public to see the impact of these programmes, so that more resources are allocated to gender equality and GBV response.”Looking ahead, Minister Mutsvangwa stressed that success will be measured by outcomes, not processes. “As we move from policy to practice, our measures of success must be reduced incidence of gender‑based violence, increased access to justice and services for survivors, greater participation and economic empowerment of women, and institutions that are transparent, accountable and responsive,” she said. “We must prioritize data, monitoring and accountability so that progress is visible and programmes can be adapted where needed.”From pilot impacts to permanent systemsUN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon, stressed that the new programme is not a simple extension of Spotlight, but a deliberate shift from project-based gains to institutional transformation. Mr. Kallon noted that Spotlight demonstrated “that coordinated, well‑financed and rights-based interventions can deliver meaningful change, even in complex environments” – from stronger laws and survivor‑centred services to better coordination and data systems, and greater voice for women’s rights organizations.“Now the challenge,” he added, “is to ensure that these gains are institutionalized, financed, scaled and owned nationally. Sustaining the Gains focuses on how achievements are embedded in public systems, reflected in domestic budgets, and protected against future shocks. It is about making sure the progress we have seen does not remain a time‑bound success story but becomes a permanent feature of Zimbabwe’s development architecture.”He underlined four pillars of the programme’s approach: institutionalization of survivor‑centred responses; strengthened national and subnational structures; sustainable domestic resource mobilization; and rigorous accountability.“In a world of constrained development finance and competing crises, the continued commitment of the European Union, Switzerland and other partners sends a powerful message,” he said. “You are choosing to invest not only in immediate impact, but in the systems and national capacities that will protect women and girls for generations to come.”“Not just another initiative”: European Union calls for action Her Excellency Ms. Katrin Hagemann, Ambassador of the European Union and Head of Delegation, underscored that the new joint programme builds directly on the foundations laid by the EU‑UN Spotlight Initiative, while demanding faster, more coordinated delivery.“This programme is not just another initiative,” she said. “It is a continuation of a critical journey that stands on the foundations laid by the Spotlight Initiative from 2019 to 2023. But more importantly, it is a call to action – to maintain momentum, to fill the remaining gaps, and to drive the tangible changes that women and girls in Zimbabwe depend on.”“Zimbabwe has strong legal and policy frameworks,” she observed. “The missing pieces in the gender equality puzzle are implementation of existing laws and policies, sustainable financing, and last‑mile delivery for those who are most marginalized. Without dedicated resources, even the best policies remain words on paper. And unless services reach women and girls in the most remote and vulnerable communities, we will fall short of our promises.”Ambassador Hagemann was clear about how success will be judged, “The success of this programme will not be measured by the number of meetings held or reports written, but by the concrete changes in the lives of women and girls. Let us focus on doing, not just talking.”“No longer accepting the distance between policy and practice”His Excellency Mr. Stéphane Rey, Ambassador of Switzerland to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi, described the launch of the Steering Committee as a decisive moment to close the gap between laws on paper and realities on the ground.He emphasized that for Switzerland, gender equality and women’s empowerment are “non‑negotiable.” “For Switzerland, gender equality and women’s empowerment are not aspirations to be traded off against other priorities. They are the bedrock of sustainable development,” he noted. “Our approach is clear, we integrate gender equality across all our interventions, and we support dedicated initiatives that place women’s rights at the center. Every programme we fund must expand opportunities for women and girls. There is no room for compromise on this principle.”Positioning Switzerland’s support for Sustaining the Gains as a “matter of strategic purpose,” he linked it directly to the High-Level Political Compact (HLPC) on ending GBV and harmful practices. “The achievements of the Spotlight Initiative have shown what is possible,” he said. “Now we must build on that foundation with even greater ambition – strengthening national institutions, from the Ministry of Women Affairs to Parliament and the independent commissions, so they can implement gender equality laws with authority and oversight.”At the same time, he urged honest dialogue about domestic resource mobilization. “Without sustained national investment, SDG 5 will remain an aspiration,” Ambassador Rey said. “We must have the courage to say that. Development partners can catalyze and support, but ultimately it is domestic budgets that will determine whether we truly sustain the gains.”He paid particular tribute to local women’s rights organizations and community groups on the front lines of GBV prevention and response. “The work of women’s rights organizations and community‑based groups is not peripheral; it is central,” he affirmed. “They deliver essential services, amplify the voices of survivors, and engage men, boys and community leaders to challenge harmful norms…”Throughout the day’s deliberations, a consistent theme was Zimbabwe has the policies, the political will, and a growing architecture of institutions and partnerships. The test now is to translate these assets into durable, measurable improvements in safety, justice, and economic opportunity for every woman and girl – in every community in the country.

1 of 5

Story

26 March 2026

High-Level SDG Checkpoint Puts Inclusion at the Centre of Zimbabwe–UN Partnership

In a packed conference room at Monomotapa Hotel, more than 150 delegates from Government, the UN, Development Partners, business, civil society, NGOs, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), youth and women’s groups, and the media met for a High-Level Joint SDGs and Zimbabwe UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (ZUNSDCF) Steering Committee session. It was both a stock take and a reality check as Zimbabwe accelerates progress towards its national Vision 2030 and the SDGs. The day was marked by discussions on numbers, reforms, and financing, but the central message was delivered through the voices of young people and persons with disabilities. Development that does not deliberately include them is, they insisted, simply not development.“Leaving No One and No Place Behind” in Practice Delivering the keynote address, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Martin Rushwaya, firmly situated the UN partnership within the Second Republic’s vision.“Our cooperation remains firmly anchored in the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the President, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa,” he said. “His philosophy of ‘Leaving No One and No Place Behind’ is the moral and operational compass of the Second Republic.”He stressed that the ZUNSDCF is “a coherent, adaptive, and systems-based response” aligned to Zimbabwe’s development trajectory as the country moves “toward the culmination of Vision 2030,” not a loose set of projects.Thanking the UN and development partners, he noted: “Your contribution to the over 54% of delivery achieved through joint programmes is a testament to the power of pooled financing and a shared developmental vision.”Measurable Gains – and Structural GapsDr. Rushwaya highlighted concrete gains achieved in 2025:In health, “Essential service coverage reached an impressive 99%, a significant leap from 93% in 2022,” he said.On Social Protection, in response to the El Niño–induced drought, “we successfully scaled coverage to 76% of the extreme poor, ensuring a resilient safety net during climate shocks.”In education, Zimbabwe “achieved vital milestones in primary and secondary school enrollment, marking a robust recovery for our human capital.”To sustain progress, he underscored the Government’s performance culture, “We have fully embraced performance contracting and awards to enhance accountability across all tiers of public administration… We expect our partnership with the United Nations to reflect this same rigor, ensuring that every joint initiative is backed by clear ownership, transparent reporting, and measurable impact on the ground.”He was equally candid about remaining structural challenges:“Financing remains heavily skewed toward the ‘People’ pillar,” he cautioned. To succeed under NDS2, focus must shift toward “Prosperity and Peace, prioritizing structural transformation, aggressive industrialization, and value addition.” “Despite a 6.6% growth rate in 2025, our economy faces persistent headwinds from unsustainable public debt and high informality. Our next steps must focus on formalization and fiscal sustainability.”“We must bridge the urban–rural divide,” he said. Urban water access stands at 93%, while rural access is 48%. “Closing this gap is a non-negotiable priority for NDS2 to ensure we truly ‘leave no place behind’.”From Planning to Precision Delivery As Zimbabwe moves from NDS1 (2021–2025) to NDS2 (2026–2030), Dr. Rushwaya stressed that “the success of NDS2 hinges on our ability to move beyond planning into precise execution and measurement.” Reforms include:A National KPI Handbook as “a single source of truth for all sectors.”“Robust data management protocols to ensure the integrity of our progress reports.”Streamlined “high-impact, high-level KPIs” to focus on critical levers of performance.He commended the RRI 100 Day Cycle NDS2 Alignment Workshop as “instrumental in ensuring the immediate acceleration of government programmes and projects.”Looking to the next ZUNSDCF cycle (2027–2031), he noted that Stakeholder Validation of the Country Analysis “ensures that our next five-year plan is rooted in evidence and inclusive of all voices—from the private sector to civil society.” The new Cooperation Framework, he said, will be the primary vehicle to support NDS2, “focusing on building a shock-responsive economy and strengthening our national institutions.”“Our task today is not merely a technical exercise; it is a strategic opportunity to shape the future of our nation,” he concluded.UN Resident Coordinator Bows Out – and Looks Ahead UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon, used the meeting to signal winding down of his distinguished UN career. “This will be my last meeting of this Steering Committee, as I prepare to retire after a 35-year journey in serving humanity across four continents,” he said.“It has been a real honour and privilege to work with you since 2022,” he added, recalling joint achievements including the COVID-19 and cholera responses – “culminating in Zimbabwe being declared cholera free by WHO” – recovery from Cyclone Idai, the “peaceful national harmonized elections in 2023,” and “effective national response to the El Niño–induced worst drought in 40 years.”A World of Shrinking ODA – and Rising Expectations Mr. Kallon situated 2025 within a difficult global context: “We are now entering the last five years to 2030. Globally, only a small share of SDG targets are on track. Many indicators have stalled or even reversed, driven by cascading crises… and tightening global financial conditions.”“Traditional ODA is stagnating or declining in real terms,” he warned, as humanitarian demands and domestic pressures in donor countries squeeze long-term development financing. This “compels us to be more strategic, more catalytic, and more innovative in how we mobilize, blend, and deploy resources.”Yet 2025 was also “a year of renewal for the multilateral system,” he said, with UN80 marking a moment “to renew our commitment to multilateralism, to the UN Charter, and to accelerate SDG delivery.” Under the UN 2.0 agenda, the UN system is reconfiguring around a “quintet of change” - data and analytics, innovation, strategic foresight, digital transformation and behavioral science.“For the Cooperation Framework, this translates into moving from fragmented, stand-alone projects to integrated, evidence-driven solutions,” he explained. In Zimbabwe this will mean:A new Cooperation Framework (2027–2031) “fully aligned with NDS2 and explicitly mapped to the SDG targets.”Concentrating finite resources on “high-impact, scalable interventions, underpinned by innovation, data, digital solutions, and new forms of finance.”Treating the Cooperation Framework as “a joint commitment” whose success depends on transparent measurement, timely course corrections, and “a sustained focus on the most vulnerable.”Reviewing ZUNSDCF’s fourth year, he said it has become “one of the country’s principal partnership and financing platform for the SDGs.” Since 2022, “the UN and its partners have mobilized approximately US$ 2 billion of the US$ 2.8 billion planned for the five-year period.” In 2025 alone, over US$ 288.5 million was mobilized, with “more than 54% of these resources… delivered through joint programmes and joint initiatives,” surpassing the global 30% benchmark.Noting efficiency gains, Mr. Kallon said, “under the Business Operations Strategy, the UN Country Team achieved US$ 1.1 million in cost avoidance in 2025 alone, bringing total cost avoidance over 2020–2025 to US$ 7.8 million – exceeding the originally planned five-year target of US$ 7.2 million.”But high public debt and arrears, “negative perceptions affecting the civic space and investment environment,” and “a large informal economy that constrains domestic revenue mobilization” continue to shape the financing landscape. These challenges, he argued, increase the urgency of “diversifying development finance beyond ODA,” scaling pooled funding, and “protecting investments in social sectors to ensure that no one is left behind.”“Our shared task,” he said, “is to… mobilize, align and use resources even more effectively in support of a just, green, inclusive, and prosperous Zimbabwe by 2030.”Disability rights move from margin to mainstreamFor OPDs, the meeting showed that disability is now central to planning. “The Government of Zimbabwe and the United Nations are prioritizing people with disabilities in development discussions,” said Suzgo Mumba of NASCOH. Disability is integrated as a cross-cutting issue in the National Development Strategy and the Blue Bridge economic blueprint, he noted, compelling government to “mainstream disability inclusion across all sectors.”Mumba welcomed OPDs’ participation in the national disability policy and urged enactment of “a new disability law incorporating the Disability Convention and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act,” backed by resources at national and local levels. He called on the private sector to support economic empowerment and “the launch of the local chapter of the Business and Disability Network.”Samantha Sibanda of NASCOH highlighted the role of the Global Disability Fund in supporting inclusive laws and “significant grassroots engagement.” She thanked the UN for “leadership and assistance” in establishing provincial and national technical committees and working with district authorities, so people know “their rights and abilities.”Young people claim their seat at the tableYouth representatives showed how commitments are reshaping lives. “The country has done well on HIV testing coverage,” said Ziphozenkosi Ndlovu, National Facilitator of the Young Peoples Network on Health and Wellbeing. “Zimbabwe has made significant progress in controlling HIV, with 95% of those living with it knowing their status… and 95% of those are on treatment and 95% of those with successful suppressed viral load.”Ndlovu credited Youth Desks in all ministries for fostering “active and meaningful participation,” and applauded UN and Government support that enabled youth to actively participate in the development and evaluation of NDS1 and the formulation of NDS2.On SRHR, Ndlovu noted government commitments to provide menstrual hygiene commodities to girls and young women and the expansion of youth-friendly SRHR services. UN-financed programme has strengthened Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), “In Zimbabwe, comprehensive sexuality education is now being delivered throughout all school subjects… compulsory from all levels, from early years to upper six… We see that as an achievement.”Junior MP Comfort Shutu highlighted climate-smart agriculture through the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, which has introduced drought-resilient crops “to many communities… boosting food security.” Droughts and food insecurity “particularly affect children,” Shutu reminded participants, stressing their “right to food.”Shutu welcomed the annual national tree planting programme and youth-led disaster risk reduction groups in disadvantaged communities. Shutu pointed to Zimbabwe’s Nationally Determined Contribution and declarations on children and youth as ensuring that “young people and children are now central to decision making” on climate.Skills, Innovation and Child Protection Youth human rights advocate, Nyasha Mafuta, focused on education reforms and digital skills aligned to “a more practical curriculum” for a globalized world. “The introduction of innovation hubs and industrial parks… in universities like the University of Zimbabwe and Midlands State University, fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, which is in line with Vision 2030,” Mafuta said.Mafuta welcomed project-based learning, the “recent launch of the national AI strategy,” and provision of ICT gadgets and solarized schools supported by the UN and the Ministry of ICT. Mafuta emphasized that menstrual health measures – including the removal of taxes on menstrual products and “the take back programme” – are enabling girls to stay in class.On child protection, Mafuta cited the new Marriage Act, “which set the age at 18 years, with anyone marrying below this age subject to prosecution,” and the Data and Cybersecurity Protection Act to protect children from online abuse. She also noted efforts to address drug and substance abuse through national guidelines and “one stop centers” bringing together key sectors.Working with the UN, Government has expanded mobile registration, enabling many children to obtain birth certificates - “This helps children with access to write exams, participate in civic exercises and enjoy their rights.” Child-sensitive justice reforms, she added, aim to ensure “children are given a second chance so that they are not branded criminals at an early age.”A moment of convergence – and shared accountabilityAs the meeting closed, speakers agreed that the Zimbabwe–UN partnership will be judged by whether rural communities, women, youth and persons with disabilities feel real change.“Let us… renew our shared resolve to deliver a Cooperation Framework that brings tangible, measurable improvements to the lives of all people in Zimbabwe – leaving no one and no place behind,” urged Mr. Kallon.For Dr. Rushwaya, the answer lies in governance discipline. He said, “By rewarding excellence and addressing underperformance, we are transforming the public service into a results-driven machine.” The expectation is that the same rigor will guide how every dollar for the SDGs is spent.From the perspectives of youth and persons with disabilities, inclusion must be hard-wired into laws, budgets, data systems, school timetables, clinic opening hours and climate plans. Only then, they insisted, will the pledge to “leave no one and no place behind” become a lived reality.

1 of 5

Story

20 March 2026

Zimbabwe, UN Chart New Course with Validated 2027–2031 Cooperation Framework Strategic Priorities

The Government of Zimbabwe and the United Nations system have taken a decisive step in shaping the country’s development trajectory for the next five years, following a full‑day Strategic Prioritization Workshop that validated the 2027–2031 Zimbabwe UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (ZUNSDCF) strategic priorities, outcome statements and indicative outputs.Held on 19 March at the Golden Conifer in Harare, the workshop brought together more than 130 delegates from across the national development ecosystem, culminating in broad-based agreement in five proposed strategic priorities and their associated outcomes and outputs. Participants represented the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC); Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies; UN agencies; development partners; the diplomatic corps accredited to Zimbabwe; youth and women’s groups; private sector organizations including the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI); the Federation of Zimbabwe Trade Unions; organizations of persons with disabilities; civil society and non-governmental organizations; think tanks such as the Zimbabwe Economic Society, and media bodies such as the Zimbabwe National Editors Forum and the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists.Co‑chaired by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Martin Rushwaya (represented by Deputy Chief Secretary Mr. Z. Churu), and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon, and jointly facilitated by Mrs. Miranda Tabifor, UNFPA Representative and Chair of the UN Programme Management Team, together with Mr. Anderson Chiraya, Chief Director in the Office of the President and Cabinet, the workshop concluded with delegates validating the proposed strategic priorities of the 2027–2031 UNSDCF, which were substantially enriched and sharpened through extensive group work and plenary discussions.A Government–UN Compact for TransformationIn a keynote address setting the tone for the workshop, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Martin Rushwaya, underscored Government’s expectation that the next Zimbabwe UN Cooperation Framework be firmly aligned with Zimbabwe’s development agenda—including Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2—as well as international commitments such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.“The Cooperation Framework is not a parallel plan,” the Chief Secretary emphasized. “It is a vehicle to accelerate the implementation of our national priorities with the support, expertise and convening power of the United Nations and its partners. Today’s exercise was about ensuring that every strategic priority reflects our realities, our aspirations, and our commitment to leave no one behind.”Reaffirming Government’s commitment to inclusivity, he highlighted the “whole‑of‑government, whole‑of‑society” approach reflected in the diversity of stakeholders present. “We deliberately brought everyone to the table—Government, private sector, labour, youth, women, persons with disabilities, civil society, development partners and the media—because sustainable development is a shared responsibility,” the Chief Secretary noted. The validation of these five strategic priorities sends a strong signal that Zimbabwe is united around a coherent and ambitious development compact with the UN.UN System Commits to Coherent, Integrated SupportThe UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. Edward Kallon explained the 2027–2031 ZUNSDCF as the central instrument for the UN system’s collective support to Zimbabwe, emphasizing coherence, accountability and measurable impact.Mr. Kallon underlined that the next Cooperation Framework provides an opportunity to drive a systemic shift across economic, social, governance, gender and environmental spheres. “We are being invited to do more than produce another planning document,” he noted. “We are being invited to imagine—and to help build—a fundamentally transformed system… a Zimbabwe which, by 2031 and beyond, has broken free from its structural challenges and is steadily consolidating reinforcing cycles of resilience, inclusion and shared prosperity.”Mr. Kallon clarified the rationale for the 2027–2031 cycle, which extends one year beyond NDS 2, Vision 2030 and the SDGs. The extra year, he explained, is “a bridge, not a divergence” that will:ensure smooth transition into the post‑2030 national development strategybetter align UN agency programming with national planning cycles, andavoid stop‑gap measures that slow implementation on the ground.“This Cooperation Framework is the UN’s single, integrated response to Zimbabwe’s development agenda,” Mr. Kallon noted. “The five strategic priorities we validated today emerge from a rigorous analytical process, national consultations, and now, this intensive multi-stakeholder workshop. They respond to the country’s Human Development needs, economic transformation ambitions, governance and resilience priorities, and the imperative of inclusion.Reflecting on the day’s outcomes, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator said, “What stands out is the level of ownership. The inputs we received—from senior government officials, think tanks, youth leaders, women’s groups, civil society, labour and the private sector—have significantly strengthened the proposed outcomes and outputs. The validated priorities now provide a robust foundation for a results-focused Cooperation Framework that we will design, launch and implement together, and for which we will be jointly accountable.”Mr. Kallon also stressed that the Cooperation Framework is both a development and a prevention strategic tool, “By integrating humanitarian, development and peace nexus, the ZUNSDCF will help Zimbabwe manage risks through embedded crisis modifiers and anticipatory action plans, building resilience and protect hard-won gains, particularly for the most vulnerable.”Five Strategic Priorities Under the SpotlightBuilding on the Country Analysis, the evaluation of the current Cooperation Framework (2022–2026) and internal UN reflections, UNICEF Representative Ms. Etona Ekole led interactive discussions and presented five preliminary Strategic Priorities, draft outcome statements and outputs as a basis for working group and plenary reflection. While the technical formulations will be finalized in the coming weeks, the validated priorities broadly focus on:Inclusive Economic Growth, Structural Transformation, Decent Work and Financing for Development – Supporting macroeconomic stability, inclusive growth, expanded fiscal space, and green, digital and gender‑responsive economic opportunities, with a focus on livelihoods, decent work and innovative financing.Inclusive Climate Resilience, Renewable Energy, Food Security and Sustainable Natural Resource Management – Ensuring that all people, especially those at risk of being left behind, are food and nutrition secure, climate‑resilient, benefit from renewable energy and sustainable ecosystems, and are better equipped to prevent and respond to disasters.Human Capital Development (Health and Nutrition, Education and Skilling) and Social Protection– Strengthening health, education, skills and social protection systems so they deliver equitable, quality, inclusive and shock‑responsive services that build wellbeing and resilience across the life course.Inclusive Governance, Human Rights, Rule of Law and Social Cohesion – Enhancing effective, accountable, data‑driven and devolved governance systems that uphold human rights, expand civic participation and foster social cohesion and peace.Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment and Social Inclusion – Ensuring women, men, girls, boys and all those at risk of being left behind are free from violence, meaningfully engaged in development processes and enjoy equal rights and opportunities across economic, political and social spheres.In breakout groups, participants examined whether each priority adequately reflected UN comparative advantage to support in addressing Zimbabwe’s development challenges and opportunities; captured cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, youth empowerment, disability inclusion and environmental sustainability; and was supported by clear, measurable outcomes and outputs.By the end of the plenary session, there was consensus that the five strategic priorities were valid and relevant, with refinements recommended to better integrate private sector competitiveness, social protection, quality basic services (health, education, WASH), youth empowerment, and devolution approaches to development and resilience.Private Sector Calls for Enabling Environment and Shared ValueThe Principal Economist from ZNCC, Mr. Jephias Makiwa, welcomed the explicit recognition of the private sector as a key partner in delivering the Cooperation Framework.“For Zimbabwe to achieve sustained and inclusive growth, the private sector must be at the heart of implementation,” Mr. Makiwa stressed. “The second strategic priority on sustainable and inclusive economic transformation is critical. We have emphasized the importance of an enabling policy and regulatory environment, improved access to finance for micro, small and medium enterprises, value addition and beneficiation, and support for value chains that create decent jobs, especially for young people and women.”Mr. Makiwa called for a focus on catalytic priorities such as macroeconomic stability and financial sector deepening, industrialization and value chains, energy and logistics infrastructure, employment creation and skills alignment, and stronger governance.Noting that the private sector stands ready to contribute meaningfully to this agenda,” Mr. Makiwa said, “what is required is a coordinated and deliberate approach that unlocks investment, enhances productivity, and builds confidence in the economy.” Mr. Makiwa highlighted the role of the UNSDCF in mobilizing strategic investments and technical support, “We see this Framework as an opportunity to crowd in both domestic and international investment, to support industrialization, digitalization, and competitiveness. What has reassured the business community today is the recognition that economic transformation must go hand in hand with investment in social sector including social protection, climate resilience and skills development. That is how we create shared value and reduce poverty sustainably.”Population Dynamics, Gender and Rights at the CentreAs Chair of the UN Programme Management Team (PMT), the UNFPA Representative Mrs. Miranda Tabifor underlined the centrality of population dynamics, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender equality within the Cooperation Framework.“Demography matters for development,” the UNFPA Representative explained. “Zimbabwe’s youthful population is a tremendous asset, but only if we invest in their health, education and empowerment. Through this Cooperation Framework, the UN and Government are committing to prioritize quality services in sexual and reproductive health, prevent and respond to gender-based violence, and promote bodily autonomy and rights for all, including adolescents.”Reflecting on the workshop discussions, Mrs. Tabifor added: “Across the five strategic priorities, we have worked to ensure that gender equality, youth empowerment and rights-based approaches are not treated as add-ons, but as integral elements. The feedback from women’s groups, youth representatives and organizations of persons with disabilities has been especially important in strengthening the outcomes and outputs related to inclusion and social protection.”As PMT Chair, the UNFPA Representative also spoke to coordination, “The PMT will continue to facilitate and support the UN Country Team that the UN delivers as one, avoiding fragmentation and duplication. The validated priorities give us a clear, coherent framework within which to plan joint programmes, leverage comparative advantages, and track collective results.”Industrialization, Value Addition and Green GrowthThe workshop drew on the updated UN Country Analysis, presented on behalf of the UN Team of Policy Advisors by UNIDO Representative Mr. Innocent Madziva, outlined a picture of “progress amid systemic challenges.” The analysis proposes an optimistic path dubbed “The Green and Digital Leap” – a shift from business as usual to a new paradigm built on climate‑smart agriculture and renewable energy, formalization and jobs; strengthened gender equality and inclusive governance; debt resolution and innovative financing, and enhanced human capital and social protection.Mr. Madziva said, “The country analysis exercise allowed us to bring rigorous analysis into the political dialogue. Today’s validation confirms that the five strategic priorities are not only technically sound, but also nationally owned and politically supported.”Children and Young People as Drivers of TransformationThe UNICEF Representative Ms. Etona Ekole underscored that the success of the 2027–2031 ZUNSDCF will also be measured by improvements in advancing neonatal care, the lives of children and young people. “Children and adolescents must be at the heart of this Cooperation Framework,” the UNICEF Representative stated. “That means ensuring every child has access to quality education, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, protection from violence, and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”Leading the group and plenary discussions, welcomed the meaningful engagement of youth delegates, “Young people spoke powerfully about employment, skills, digital inclusion and participation in decision-making. Their inputs have helped shape outcomes and outputs across the Framework, ensuring that youth perspectives inform not only social, but also economic and governance priorities.”Inclusion, Partnerships and AccountabilityBeyond sectoral themes, a recurring focus throughout the workshop was the imperative to “leave no one behind”—a core principle of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Organizations of persons with disabilities, labour unions, women’s groups and civil society actors emphasized the need for explicit commitments to reach those furthest behind first.Participants called for:Stronger, disaggregated data and evidence to identify and track inequalities.Deliberate measures to include marginalized communities in programme design and implementation.Labour rights and social protection for workers in both formal and informal sectors.Accessible infrastructure and services for persons with disabilities.Community-level engagement and localization of interventions.The media’s presence—through editors, journalists and media associations—was also highlighted as a cornerstone of transparency and public accountability in implementing the Cooperation Framework.From Validation to Finalization and ImplementationIn closing the workshop, the co-chairs and co-facilitators of the workshop as well as rapporteurs of the five strategic priorities summarized the key refinements proposed by the thematic groups and plenary, including clarifications to outcome statements, strengthening cross-cutting commitments, and better articulation of indicators and partnerships.The Permanent Secretary for National Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning at the Office of the President and Cabinet Ms. Madambi welcomed the consensus achieved and said, “Today we have collectively confirmed that these five strategic priorities and their proposed outcome statements and outputs will define the Cooperation Framework. We have enriched them with practical input from a diverse range of stakeholders. The next step is to translate this consensus into a finalized Cooperation Framework document that will guide our work with the UN from 2027 to 2031.”UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon echoed this forward-looking focus and said, “The validation we achieved today is not the end of the process; it is the bridge for a series of engagement that will lead to the development of the Cooperation Framework document and its subsequent implementation.” He said that over the coming weeks and months, we will work closely with Government and partners to finalize the results framework, define clear indicators and baselines, targets and align resources through muti-year financing framework and working towards establishing local financing compact. “Implementation will require sustained political commitment, robust partnerships, and continuous dialogue with citizens,” underlined Mr. Kallon. A Shared Roadmap for the Next Five YearsAs delegates departed the workshop, there was a clear sense that the 2027–2031 Zimbabwe UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework is emerging as a shared roadmap—anchored in national priorities, informed by evidence, and strengthened by broad-based participation.For Government, the UN, international development partners, the private sector, civil society, labour, youth, women and persons with disabilities, the validated strategic priorities now provide a common platform to tackle development challenges, seize new opportunities, and build a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous Zimbabwe. Mr. Kallon issued three appeals:To Government – to continue to lead boldly with a clear, evidence‑based and inclusive national development agenda under NDS 2 and beyond, providing the policy coherence necessary for effective alignment of partner support.To development partners and the private sector – to see the Zimbabwe UN Cooperation Framework “not just as a UN document, but as a shared platform for collaboration,” aligning financing, technical support and investments behind the agreed priorities.To the UN system – to embody UN 2.0 by being data‑driven, digitally enabled, future‑smart and results oriented, working more jointly and embracing innovation, foresight and co‑creation.“We will not be able to do everything,” Mr. Kallon said, “but we can choose strategically prioritizing interventions that change the rules of the game, that build institutions and capacities, and that empower people as agents of transformation.” The task ahead is ambitious, but the message from the workshop was clear that with coordinated effort and genuine partnership, the 2027–2031 Zimbabwe UN Cooperation Framework can be a powerful instrument to accelerate progress towards the national Vision to become upper middle-income society by 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals—ensuring that no one is left behind.

1 of 5

Story

09 March 2026

Mapping Possibility: How Climate Knowledge Is Transforming Smallholder Farming

In a small rural community in Mangwe, Zimbabwe, 539km from the capital city Harare, Annah Dube holds out a sketch of her homestead. The drawing looks simple, a few rectangles for the house and granary, a couple of fields, cattle, goats and chickens. To her it’s a map of possibility. “Before, these were just things we owned,” she says, tapping the page. “Now I see them as tools to create a better life for my family.”This shift in mindset was sparked by the Participatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture (PICSA) programme, implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNDP, with the Government of Zimbabwe, through AGRITEX and the Meteorological Services Department. The PICSA approach is a simple but powerful idea: provide farmers with knowledge and tools to make informed decisions.The programme brings together historical climate information, seasonal forecasts, and farmers’ own knowledge of their local conditions, using participatory planning approaches to help them make informed agricultural and livelihoods decisions. Through a train‑the‑trainers model, UN Agencies equip AGRITEX officers with PICSA tools, enabling them to guide farmers in linking their resources and priorities to reliable, locally relevant climate information.”In the 2025/26 season alone, over 23,000 farmers across six districts, Masvingo, Chipinge, Mwenezi, Mangwe, Rushinga, and Mt Darwin, benefited from PICSA training. Women make up 64% of participants, underscoring the programme’s role in empowering households.The pathway begins with the Resource Allocation Map, the picture Annah carries, inviting families to list every asset they already have: a field, a stand of trees, a small herd, a chicken coop, a well to access water. That’s followed by the seasonal calendar and a steady stream of seasonal and short-term forecasts, delivered with support from meteorologists. With that evidence in hand, farmers make concrete decisions: what to grow, when to plant, what to scale up, what to pause.“We used to guess,” shared Julius Siwadi, a farmer in Masvingo. “Now we plan. When the first rains came, I already had my fields prepared and mulched. The harvest fed us through the hungry months.”PICSA’s strength is that it doesn’t replace farmers’ judgment; it structures it. One AGRITEX officer, Daniel Kampiawo, in Rushinga put it this way: “PICSA doesn’t give orders. It gives options and the reasons behind them.” Officers say the programme has changed their work too, offering a clear framework, materials at hand, and a language that makes climate data understandable. With those tools, they report deeper trust and more regular dialogue especially around weather updates during the season.The ripple effects travel quickly. Farmers share what they learn within the household and across the village via farmer groups, demonstration plots, WhatsApp, and radio. That last channel has expanded PICSA’s reach. Trained AGRITEX officers now host radio programmes that walk listeners through pieces of the curriculum and seasonal advice, making climate smart planning available even where phones and data are scarce.The numbers behind those stories are striking. A 2025 report found that nearly all farmers made changes after training, 92% in crops, 50% in livestock, and 27% in livelihoods. Four out of five reported better food security, and almost two thirds saw household income rise. Many described moving planting dates earlier (guided by forecasts), adopting drought tolerant crops like sorghum and pearl millet, and improving soil and moisture management. Among those who shifted planting dates, 80% saw yield gains.Not every barrier is one training away from a fix. Many farmers said they wanted to do more but were held back by cash, inputs, and the risk of a bad season. “PICSA doesn’t pretend to solve all of that. What it does is reduce uncertainty and help households make the best possible decisions with what they have, when they need to make them,” explained WFP Programme Policy Officer, Munyaradzi Mubaiwa.In a country where climate change threatens food security, PICSA has become a strategic tool. By blending scientific knowledge with local realities, it empowers farmers and helps them thrive. As Annah shared, “We no longer wait for luck. We plan, we act, and we build our future.”This support was made possible by the Green Climate Fund, UNDP, the Government of Zimbabwe and other partners.

1 of 5

Story

10 December 2025

Join the Movement: Zimbabwe's Dynamic Run for Universal Declaration of Human Rights -Celebrate Human Rights Day 2025 with Purpose

As we mark Human Rights Day today, we reflect on the profound principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This day, however, resonates not just as a singular occasion but as the culmination of our collective efforts dedicated to upholding these sacred rights over the past 16 days, starting from November 25, in alignment with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.Since the dawn of this campaign, we have highlighted two articles of the UDHR each day, reinforcing our commitment to the fundamental rights that bind us as a global community. The theme "United We Stand, Human Rights Are Our Daily Essentials, No More No Less" encapsulates our shared responsibility to advocate for human rights every day of the year.Beginning on November 25, we set forth on a journey through the core values of dignity, equality, and freedom. Article 1 boldly proclaimed that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights," laying the groundwork for the rights that are essential to our existence. As we delved into Article 2, we affirmed that "Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms... without distinction of any kind," a powerful reminder of our shared humanity.As we progressed through these two weeks, each article brought forth the essence of individual rights: the right to life, liberty, and security (Article 3); the protection against torture (Article 5); the importance of legal recognition (Article 6); and the right to participate in government (Article 21), to name a few. Each day’s articles served not only as a reflection of the journey we undertake but as a call to action, urging us all to recognize and advocate for these rights universally.The overarching message resonates with every individual, highlighting that human rights transcend borders, cultures, and identities. From the right to education (Article 26) to the right to participate in cultural life (Article 27), these rights are not mere words on paper; they are essential for fostering a just society where every person can thrive.On this Human Rights Day, we stand united, reinforcing the idea that the promotion of human rights is not just a seasonal endeavor but a daily pursuit. The culmination of our daily reflections reminds us that we must carry this commitment forward, advocating for those whose voices are silenced and ensuring that every individual can experience their rights fully.In conjunction with the Run for Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we call upon everyone to continue this vital work. The rights recognized by the UDHR are essential to securing the dignity and wellbeing of all people, and with unity and perseverance, we can make a difference every day.As we honor Human Rights Day, let this be a reminder that the fight for human rights is unending. We must stand together, proclaim loudly and clearly that human rights are our daily essentials, for everyone and everywhere. Let us continue to run, not just today but throughout the year, encouraging and empowering each other to promote and uphold these universal rights. Together, we can ensure that they are recognized, respected, and realized across the globe.So, join us in this movement; let’s put our values into action as we celebrate human rights today and every day. Watch the video on the run for #UDHR: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17oLaEkdXk/?mibextid=wwXIfr #HumanRightsDay #UnitedWeStand

1 of 5

View all

Press Release

15 October 2025

UN in Zimbabwe Message on International White Cane Safety Day

Today, the United Nations Country Team in Zimbabwe joins the International Federation of the Blind in celebrating the independence, resilience, and achievements of persons who are blind or visually impaired. This year’s theme: “Vision Beyond Sight: Celebrating Independence, Resilience, and Recognizing Achievements of the Blind” highlights the strength and potential of individuals with visual impairments.The white cane stands as a powerful symbol of freedom, mobility, and self-reliance. It reminds us that accessibility and inclusion are essential for people with visual impairments to fully participate in society and to navigate life with confidence and dignity. Across Zimbabwe, people who are blind or partially sighted continue to demonstrate creativity, resilience, and leadership, breaking barriers and redefining what is possible.According to WHO (2023) at least 2.2 billion people globally experience visual impairment, including 1 billion with preventable or unaddressed conditions. In Zimbabwe, approximately 125,000 people are blind, including 62,500 due to cataracts, which points to a significant need for surgeries. The leading causes of visual impairment include uncorrected refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, trauma, and conjunctivitis, disproportionately affecting older persons and those in rural areas. These figures highlight the need for sustained action. Zimbabwe has made progress in advancing disability rights and inclusion including the ongoing process to enact Persons with Disabilities Bill, adoption of National Policy on Persons with Disabilities and development of a Costed Plan to implement the Policy. The launch of the National Assistive Technology Strategy and Assistive Products Priority List marked a major milestone toward equitable access to mobility aids such as white canes, low-vision devices, and communication technologies that promote daily independence.These initiatives are aligned with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the Zimbabwe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022–2026), reinforcing the principle of “leaving no one behind” and ensuring that persons with disabilities are central to national development.Despite these advances, challenges persist. Attitudinal barriers as well as constrained accessibility in transport, public spaces, digital platforms, and information dissemination continue to limit the full participation of persons with disabilities including those who are visually impaired. Improvements are also required in affordability, availability and necessary support for all visually impaired people to obtain the assistive products and/ technology they need.“Vision Beyond Sight” is a call to action for Government, civil society and private sector to:Expand access to assistive devices, training, and mobility aids.Promote inclusive education and employment opportunities.Ensure universal design and accessibility in public spaces and digital platforms.Empower persons with disabilities to participate meaningfully in their communities.A renewed commitment, focused action, and dedicated resources are urgently needed to ensure that all Zimbabweans living with visual impairments can achieve their full potential.On this White Cane Awareness Day, the United Nations System in Zimbabwe stands in solidarity with persons who are blind and visually impaired and commits to working with Government to build a Zimbabwe where everyone can move freely, participate fully, and live independently.

1 of 5

Press Release

12 August 2023

UN Zimbabwe message on International Youth Day 2023 | Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World

12 August 2023, Harare – today the United Nations System in Zimbabwe joins the world and Zimbabwe in commemorating the International Youth Day. We jointly affirm this year’s theme "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World." The theme was chosen in recognition of the critical role that young people play in addressing global environmental challenges. In essence, green skills are about both (i) technical knowledge and skills that enable young people to effectively use green technologies and processes (i.e. resource efficient technologies or processes that reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of human action); and (ii) transversal skills, as well as knowledge, values and attitudes that help them take pro-environmental decisions in their work and lives. Zimbabwe, like many other countries, faces significant climate and environmental challenges, including deforestation, land degradation, water scarcity, cyclones, floods, heatwaves, and biodiversity loss. These challenges have adverse effects on both present and future generations, particularly impacting young people’s health and wellbeing and opportunities. A green economy offers the potential for new jobs to be created and for existing jobs to change, which requires adjusting training and skills relevant for green jobs. These employment opportunities are important to young people, whose energy and creativity is needed in creating a sustainable and employment-orientated present and future. Green skills encompass a wide range of competencies, including sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, climate science, biodiversity conservation, green entrepreneurship, and sustainable urban planning including supporting related innovations. These skills equip young people with the capacity to contribute to sustainable development at various levels: locally, nationally, and globally. To achieve a sustainable world, we call upon all stakeholders including relevant government institutions, civil society, private sector, educational institutions, and youth-led organizations to prioritize the following actions: First, education for sustainability: Foster education systems that integrate sustainability across curricula, ensuring that youth have access to quality and inclusive education. Promote interdisciplinary approaches, engaging students in hands-on experiences, research, and problem-solving related to climate and environmental sustainability. Second, green skills training and employment: Provide vocational training, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship programs that focus on green skills development. Encourage public-private partnerships to create more job opportunities in the green economy, enabling youth to contribute their talents effectively. Third, youth-led initiatives: Support and strengthen youth-led organizations and initiatives that promote environmental sustainability. Provide platforms for young people to voice their concerns, ideas, and innovations, and amplify their participation in decision-making processes related to sustainable development. Fourth, access to sustainable technologies: Ensure that youth, particularly those from marginalized communities, have access to affordable and sustainable technologies, enabling them to participate in green initiatives. Promote innovation and research for the development of environmentally friendly technologies that address local and global environmental challenges. Fifth, international cooperation: Strengthen international cooperation and exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices among governments, organizations, and individuals working towards a sustainable future. Promote collaboration across borders to address transboundary environmental issues and build a global community dedicated to environmental stewardship. On International Youth Day 2023, let us recognize the potential of young people to drive sustainable development. By investing in green skills and empowering youth, we can foster a generation that actively contributes to building a sustainable world – one that respects planetary boundaries and leaves no one behind. The United Nations Country Team in Zimbabwe stands ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to support the development of green skills for youth, fostering a sustainable future for our country. Together, let us harness the energy, creativity, and determination of young people to build a greener, more resilient, and prosperous Zimbabwe for all. For more information: Visit UN Zimbabwe website: https://zimbabwe.un.org/ , Twitter: @UNZimbabwe, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zimbabwe.un.org

1 of 5

Press Release

06 April 2023

US$ 524M development results delivered under Zimbabwe UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework

06 April 2023, Harare – The 2022-2026 Zimbabwe UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (ZUNSDCF) Steering Committee and stakeholders convened jointly by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck JM Sibanda and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr Edward Kallon reviewed development results in 2022 and endorsed plans for 2023. The ZUNSDCF, delivering US$524 million in various forms of projects and programmes in 2022, has made deliberate initiatives to target populations often left furthest behind and these include persons with disabilities, migrants and refugees, children, youths, and rural farmers among others under four strategic areas agreed with the Government of Zimbabwe namely: People–centred equitable, human development and well-being. Environment protection, climatic resilience, and natural resource management. Economic Transformation, equitable and inclusion growth; and Accountable, equitable and inclusive governance. Noting that in 2022 the United Nations prioritized social protection, resilience building, provision of quality social services, gender equality, democratic and economic governance, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr Edward Kallon said, “without the generous support of the donor community, the development results could not have been achieved and I would like to thank the donor community in Zimbabwe, who supported the first year of implementing the ZUNSDCF with an estimated US$ 544 million”. The Steering Committee and stakeholders meeting brought together over 100 senior representatives from Government, Development Partners, Civil Society, Private Sector, Youth Groups, Women’s movement, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, and the media. Addressing the meeting, Chief Secretary to President and Cabinet said, “the ZUNSDCF is consistent with the collective aspirations and determination of the people of Zimbabwe to achieve an empowered and prosperous upper middle-income society by 2030 as enunciated by His Excellency, President Dr Emmerson D. Mnangagwa and attaining the global aspirations of the transformation and universally accepted Sustainable Development Goals.” The Government of Zimbabwe and the United Nations have a shared commitment to leaving no one behind through delivering concrete results that ensure inclusive participation and reaching the people typically left behind the furthest. Noting that the UN Country Team in Zimbabwe shares this vision and is taking active steps to implement it through the Cooperation Framework, Dr Misheck JM Sibanda said, “we all work together to accelerate development progress during the Decade of Action as we work to recover better and stronger from the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic”. The High-Level Joint Steering Committee meeting allowed stakeholders to review and assess existing strategies under the ZUNSDCF and agreed to focus in 2023 on: Creating enabling environment that promote (i) human development, (ii) climate resilience, natural resources management and sustainable food systems, and (iii) economic transformation, equitable and inclusive growth. Addressing structural challenges related to extreme poverty, exclusion, corruption, discrimination, adherence to the rule of law, and violation of human rights. Strengthening government and partners’ capacities at national and sub-national levels to plan and deliver transparently and accountably quality, evidence based and equitable basic public goods and services, implement climate change mitigation and adaptation interventions and build long term resilience, especially for the furthest left behind. Empowering communities, especially the most vulnerable and the furthest behind, to demand their rights and meet their responsibilities and promote dialogue and citizen engagement. The ZUNSDCF with a five-year programme cycle until 2026 and fully aligned to the National Development Strategy One has a development finance portfolio of US$ 2.8billion to be mobilized in support of national development priorities and SDGs. Media Contact: Anderson Chiraya, Chief Director of Programme Management, Office of the President and Cabinet, e-mail: chiraya.anderson@gmail.com, #Mob: +263 712323859 Sirak Gebrehiwot, UN Communications, Partnerships and Development Finance Specialist, e-mail: sirak.gebrehiwot@un.org, Mob# +263 772 198 036

1 of 5

Press Release

20 February 2023

UN Secretary-General calls for radical transformation of global financial- system to tackle pressing global challenges, while achieving sustainable development

17 February 2023, New York - With the failure of the global financial system to effectively cushion the impacts of current global crises on the Global South — the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the ongoing climate emergency — the UN today called for the urgent need for a significant increase of finance for sustainable development. “Today’s poly-crises are compounding shocks on developing countries – in large part because of an unfair global financial system that is short-term, crisis-prone, and that further exacerbates inequalities,” warned UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the occasion of the launch of the SDG Stimulus released today. “We need to massively scale up affordable long-term financing by aligning all financing flows to the SDGs and improving the terms of lending of multilateral development banks,” stressed the Secretary-General. “The high cost of debt and increasing risks of debt distress demand decisive action to make at least $500 billion dollars available annually to developing countries and convert short term lending into long term debt at lower interest rates.” A financial system that works for all Halfway to the 2030 Agenda deadline, progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – our roadmap out of crises – is not where it needs to be. To reverse course and make steady progress on the Goals, the SDG Stimulus outlines the need for the international community to come together to mobilize investments for the SDGs – but, in so doing, create a new international financial architecture that would ensure that finance is automatically invested to support just, inclusive and equitable transitions for all countries. The current global financial system – originally created to provide a global safety net during shocks – is one in which most of the world’s poorest countries saw their debt service payments skyrocket by 35% in 2022. The “great finance divide” continues to proliferate, leaving the Global South more susceptible to shocks. Developing countries don’t have the resources they urgently need to invest in recovery, climate action and the SDGs, making them poised to fall even further behind when the next crisis strikes – and even less likely to benefit from future transitions, including the green transition. As of November 2022, 37 out of 69 of the world’s poorest countries were either at high risk or already in debt distress, while one in four middle-income countries, which host the majority of the extreme poor, were at high risk of fiscal crisis. Accordingly, the number of additional people falling into extreme poverty in countries in or at high risk of entering debt distress is estimated to be 175 million by 2030, including 89 million women and girls. Even prior to the recent rise in interest rates, least developed countries that borrowed from international capital markets often paid rates of 5 to 8 per cent, compared to 1 per cent for many developed countries. SDG Stimulus Offers The SDG Stimulus aims to offset unfavorable market conditions faced by developing countries through investments in renewable energy, universal social protection, decent job creation, healthcare, quality education, sustainable food systems, urban infrastructure and the digital transformation. Increasing financing by $500 billion per year is possible through a combination of concessional and non-concessional finance in a mutually reinforcing way. Reforms to the international financial architecture are integral to the SDG Stimulus. As highlighted in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, financing sustainable development is about more than the availability of financial resources. National and global policy frameworks influence risks, shape incentives, impact financing needs, and affect the cost of financing. The SDG Stimulus outlines three areas for immediate action: First, tackle the high cost of debt and rising risks of debt distress, including by converting short-term high interest borrowing into long-term (more than 30 year) debt at lower interest rates. Second, massively scale up affordable long-term financing for development, especially through strengthening the multilateral development banks (MDB) capital base, improving the terms of their lending, and by aligning all financing flows with the SDGs. Third, expand contingency financing to countries in need, including by integrating disaster and pandemic clauses into all sovereign lending, and more automatically issue SDRs in times of crisis. Central role of International Financial Institutions The international financial institutions remain at the heart of this agenda. Of immediate urgency, there are three important ways in which the Multilateral Development Banks can act. First, the MDBs must massively expand the volume of lending, including concessional lending. This can be achieved through increasing their capital bases, better leveraging of existing capital and implementing recommendations of the G20 Capital Adequacy Framework Review, and re-channeling Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) through MDBs. As long as countries remain in need of urgent resources the SDG Stimulus will also call for a new round of SDRs. Second, MDBs must improve the terms of their lending, including through longer-term lending, lower-interest rates, more lending in local currencies, and the inclusion of all vulnerable countries in lending programmes. Third, MDBs – as well as all public and private actors – must explicitly incorporate the SDGs into their framing, their operations and all stages of the lending process and disaster and pandemic clauses must be integrated into all debt contracts to provide immediate relief in times of crisis. This means adopting a transition approach, which aligns investments with the SDGs while also considering specific country and development contexts, and the trade-offs that may be involved on the path towards a more resilient, just, and inclusive global economy. At the national level, the UN also stands ready to support, including through supporting the development and application of SDG-aligned Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs). Member States – including the Group of Twenty (G-20) – must play their part. It is clear that the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment (CF) has failed. The SDG Stimulus calls for providing immediate relief to all countries in need, including through debt suspensions, re-profilings, exchanges and write-downs where necessary, as well as the creation of a permanent mechanism to address sovereign debt distress. As underscored by the UN Secretary-General, the SDG Stimulus, while ambitious, is achievable: “Investing in the SDGs is both sensible and feasible: it is a win-win for the world, as the social and economic rates of return on sustainable development in developing countries is very high.” But to make this happen, “urgent political will to take concerted and coordinated steps to implement this package of interconnected proposals in a timely manner is critical.” A Bretton Woods 2.0 is sorely needed, both to fulfil the function for which it was originally designed for and to prepare the world, and its vulnerable people, as we head into uncertain terrain. The link to the SDG Stimulus document is here. MEDIA CONTACTS Francyne Harrigan, UN Department of Global Communications, harriganf@un.org Sharon Birch, UN Department of Global Communications, birchs@un.org

1 of 5

View all