AfDB Backs Zimbabwe’s Economic Reforms and Sustainable Growth Agenda
Ms Eyerusalem Fasika, the newly appointed Country Manager for the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Zimbabwe, has formally presented her credentials to the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Prof. Dr. Amon Murwira.
The official ceremony, held on 23 February in Harare, marked Ms Fasika’s assumption of her role in guiding the Bank’s strategic operations in Zimbabwe. Minister Murwira congratulated her on the appointment, noting that “she is no stranger to Zimbabwe, having previously served as the Bank’s Principal Country Program Officer from 2013 to 2018.”
The minister emphasised the importance of AfDB as a key partner in achieving Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy goals for 2026–2030. He praised the Bank’s pivotal support in the country’s Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution (ACDR) Process, noting that its successful completion would unlock new funding avenues to advance Zimbabwe’s development priorities.
Highlighting recent economic progress, Prof. Murwira referenced the signing of the Staff Monitored Programme (SMP) with the International Monetary Fund in early February 2026, describing it as a milestone for strengthening macroeconomic stability and enabling sustainable economic recovery under Vision 2030.
“We are ready as a country to implement the necessary economic, governance, and land tenure reforms,” the minister said. He added that AfDB remains a strategic partner in promoting infrastructure development, private sector growth, industrialisation, and climate resilience, all central pillars of Zimbabwe’s economic diplomacy.
Ms Fasika thanked the minister for the warm reception and reaffirmed the Bank’s ongoing commitment to Zimbabwe. She commended the government for reaching the SMP milestone and highlighted AfDB’s continued support for implementing the National Development Strategy, prioritising agriculture, agro-industrial value addition, energy, private sector development, and key social sectors to strengthen resilience and promote inclusive growth.
She also reiterated the Bank’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe under the Structured Dialogue Platform on Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution, as well as the country’s broader economic reform agenda.
“Zimbabwe is a very important country to the African Development Bank,” Ms Fasika concluded, reaffirming AfDB’s dedication to sustainable debt resolution and long-term macroeconomic stability.
