Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ambassador Frederick Shava(left) with EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann at the 2023 Europe Day celebrations in Chisipiti, Harare
By George Swarei
The Ambassador of the European Union delegation to the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Jobst von Kirchmann has commended the government of Zimbabwe for coming up with a high level platform for arears clearance and debt resolution which he described as a crucial component in the country achieving its vision 2030.
Ambassador Kirchmann who was speaking at an occasion to mark Europe Day festivities in Harare said the initiative by Zimbabwe will tackle challenging topics such as the exchange rate, macro economic stability, good governance and land issues.
“We want Zimbabwe to succeed in its vision 2030, and I believe that the highlevel platform for arrears clearance and debt resolution, as initiated by the government, is a crucial component of this effort,” he said.
“This platform includes on its agenda all current challenging topics: exchange rates, macroeconomic stability, good governance, and land issues. I would like to commend the government for their leadership and ownership of this initiative,” added Ambassador Kirchmann.
Zimbabwe’s external debt which is around $14 billion has resulted in the country failing to secure financing from the likes of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in more than two decades.
The Zimbabwean government has, however, put strategies to clear the debt which will send positive signals, reduce perceived country risk premium and unlock affordable credit lines.
Another milestone has been the agreement in 2020 to pay $3.5 billion in compensation to local white farmers whose land was taken by the government to resettle Black families, while foreign white farmers were allowed to apply to get seized land back.
The country also established a Structured Dialogue Platform in December 2022 with all creditors and development partners, to institutionalize structured dialogue on economic and governance reforms to underpin the arrears clearance and debt resolution process.
The process has been sailing well and on May 11 2023, Zimbabwe concluded a fourth Structured Dialogue Platform meeting on debt clearance with creditors and development partners. The meeting reviewed three draft policy reform matrices prepared by sector working groups on economic, governance and land tenure reforms. They also looked at compensation of former farm owners, and the resolution of Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (BIPPAs).
The EU, which is the major trading partner of Zimbabwe, is in support of these reforms which reflect the Zimbabwe’s commitment to, not only developing its economy but also mend its relations with the rest of the world. The 27 party block has stood with the country in the difficult times through financing projects and providing market for Zimbabwean products.
Commenting on the upcoming Harmonized elections, HE Kirchmann said this will be a great opportunity to accelerate progress and trigger more positive changes. He said the role of the EU in these internal processes is to support the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission in fulfilling its constitutional mandate working with civil society and seconding an electoral observation mission.
“In any case the elections are in your hands, in the hand of all Zimbabweans, and I trust that you will handle this enormous responsibility with sovereignty and care,” he said.
He commended the Zimbabwe government for its leadership and initiative to measure success according to international indicators that cover essential governance aspects such as democratic elections, civil society space, freedom of expression, assembly and association as well as the impartiality of the judicial system.
H.E Kirchmann urged the government to adopt an inclusive approach with the participation of civil society and encouraged CSOs to continue playing their role and providing constructive inputs.
Speaking at the same event, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ambassador Frederick Shava, who was the Guest of Honour, espoused peace and inclusivity as key drivers in improving livelihoods.
“In recent times we have witnessed a multiplicity of challenges to our existence such as terrorism conflict among nations, climate change, pandemics, natural disasters.
“In the face of these global challenges, the need for cooperation has been more critical and urgent than ever, It is therefore imperative for all countries and all organizations to work together to build resilient socioeconomic systems.
He applauded the EU for the support rendered to Zimbabwe for the upcoming Harmonized elections.
“In the coming months, Zimbabwe will hold harmonized elections as testimony to our commitment to democracy and democratic processes. We have no doubt that the masses of our people will come out in their millions as in previous plebiscites and participate in electing their leadership in peace and freedom.
“This support will go a long way in facilitating the work of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) in delivering its mandate to the people of Zimbabwe,” said Ambassador Shava.
