ANTONY CHAWAGARIRA
United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, Mr Edward Kallon has the emphasized the critical role of strengthened partnerships between the government, private sector, and development community in accelerating Zimbabwe’s development.
In a keynote address at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce conference in Victoria Falls, Mr. Kallon commended the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the Zimbabwean people, noting that, “despite the complex challenges Zimbabwe has faced in recent years, the ingenuity and determination of the private sector has been a beacon of hope.”
He stressed that unlocking Zimbabwe’s full potential will require a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach.
“No single actor can tackle the breadth of development issues Zimbabwe faces alone. It will take concerted, aligned efforts between the government, private enterprises, civil society, and international partners to drive inclusive and sustainable progress.”
The UN official highlighted key areas ripe for strengthened partnership, including infrastructure development, agricultural transformation, digital connectivity, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. He underscored the UN’s commitment to being a “convener, facilitator, and trusted partner” in these endeavours.
“The United Nations system stands ready to leverage our technical expertise, access to global knowledge, and catalytic funding to help Zimbabwe achieve its national development priorities,” Mr. Kallon affirmed. “But this can only be achieved through close collaboration and a shared vision for the country’s future.”