Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe has signed a US$4.7million fertilizer deal with the Government of Japan, today in Harare; under the Economic and Social Development Program which is meant to support the procurement of fertilizers for vulnerable small-scale farmers.

Speaking during the signing ceremony of the Exchange of Notes for the Economic and Social Development Program for fertilized procurement, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube remarked the initiative would boost productivity by small-scale farmers and reduce rural poverty.

“We believe that, without food security, we can never be fully independent nor be able to exploit our full potential as a nation. I am confident that the support from the Government of Japan, will contribute immensely towards the attainment of our national priorities through boosting the productivity of our small-scale farmers.

“Considering the targeted beneficiaries of this programme, the support will also be instrumental in reducing rural poverty, as the majority resides in rural areas. Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me, on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe to acknowledge the continuous support from the Government of Japan in various sectors of our economy namely, agriculture, transport, health, water and sanitation and education,” said Minister Ncube.

Meanwhile, the Government of Japan through various projects has been supporting Zimbabwe under the Capacity Building Project Phase 2 (ZIM-ECO2) launched on 20 February 2023. The program has seen the delivery of Medical Equipment for 12 hospitals (Covid-19 Response assistance) amounting to Japanese Yen 300 million (US$2.85 million) and the development of Nyakomba Irrigation Scheme in Nyanga, Manicaland Province, measuring 674 hectares, amounting to Japanese Yen 1.791 billion (US$15 million) among others.