African Development Bank and Zimbabwe Chart Path for Inclusive Growth with Review of $137m Country Portfolio

The African Development Bank Group and the Government of Zimbabwe have concluded the 2025 Country Portfolio Performance Review (CPPR) workshop, bringing together key stakeholders to assess the Bank's operations in Zimbabwe and chart a forward-looking agenda. Held from 12–13 May in Harare, the event marked the first review under the Bank’s 2024-2026 Country Brief, with a focus on adopting a more inclusive and results-driven approach.

For the first time, voices from Zimbabwe’s private sector joined government officials, development partners, and African Development Bank representatives, adding fresh perspectives and renewed energy. “This CPPR workshop is more than just an evaluation—it is a platform to co-create solutions, share knowledge, and build a collective vision for impact,” said Belinda Chesire, Country Programme Officer for the Bank, delivering remarks on behalf of Country Manager Moono Mupotola. “As we move toward 2025 and beyond, let’s commit to excellence, innovation, and alignment with Zimbabwe’s bold aspirations.”

The Bank’s Zimbabwe portfolio—now valued at approximately $137 million—encompasses critical interventions in the public sector, including governance, social development, agriculture, energy, and emergency response. On the private sector side, the Bank has mobilized over $40 million to catalyze growth through lines of credit and trade finance facilities, unlocking growth opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Government officials reaffirmed their strong commitment to advancing these projects, with the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Mrs. Margireta Makuwaza, highlighting the synergy between the Bank’s strategic goals and Zimbabwe’s national agenda.

“The Zimbabwe Country Brief (2024–2026) speaks directly to our development blueprint—the National Development Strategy 1, NSD1 (2021-2025)—by prioritizing governance, accountability, and private sector growth,” she said. “As we prepare for NDS2, these investments will be key to realizing our Vision 2030.”

The workshop will culminate in a new Country Portfolio Improvement Plan (CPIP), a roadmap designed to strengthen project implementation, accelerate disbursement, and boost overall impact. The plan will be submitted to the Bank’s Board Committee on Development Effectiveness (CODE) and the Zimbabwean government for joint approval.

At the heart of the Bank’s engagement in Zimbabwe is its flagship Support to Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution initiative, an essential component of ongoing governance reforms in public financial management, tax administration, and public procurement.

Zimbabwe also continues to benefit from African Development Bank-managed trust funds. These include the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa, which is advancing renewable energy solutions such as feasibility studies for solar energy at Kariba; the Fund for Energy Inclusion, providing debt financing for renewable solar energy; as well as the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA).

 The success of the 2025 Country Portfolio Performance Review (CPPR) has reinforced a shared determination to drive inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth in Zimbabwe — powered by strategic partnerships and targeted investment.

Cover photo:  Participants at the African Development Bank Group's 2025 Zimbabwe Country Portfolio Performance Review workshop