Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe is set to receive 1,000 metric tonnes of grain from Rwanda as part of a global response, to the appeal by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, after the country was affected by the El-Nino-induced drought.

This generous donation comes as Rwanda marks 30 years since the end of the 1994 genocide, a period during which it has implemented policies that spurred significant socio-economic and political growth.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Frederick Shava, expressed profound gratitude for the generous donation from Rwanda.

“As we celebrate Rwanda’s National Day today, a consignment of 1,000 metric tonnes of maize is on its way to Zimbabwe from Kigali. We are grateful for the generosity of the President of Rwanda, His Excellency President Paul Kagame, the Government, and the people of Rwanda, for this gesture of solidarity,” said Minister Shava.

Minister Shava emphasized the spirit of Ubuntu demonstrated by Rwanda, in responding to the international appeal made by President Mnangagwa, following the El-Nino-induced drought experienced during the 2023/2024 season.

“This donation will go a long way in reducing food and nutrition deficit among our affected communities. We will forever remember this generous donation which has come from our dear brothers and sisters from Rwanda,” Minister Shava added.

Rwanda’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency James Musoni, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the close ties between the two nations.

“Once President Mnangagwa made the plea, my president responded and dispatched 1,000 metric tonnes of maize in support of his brother and the people of Zimbabwe to cope with that challenge. We are one people, and whatever one experiences, the other one feels it. Rwanda and Zimbabwe are very close, and our leaders are working hard to ensure that the relationship is taken to a higher level,” said Ambassador Musoni.

This act of solidarity comes as Rwanda celebrates 30 years of recovery and progress since the genocide, with President Paul Kagame leading the country toward social and economic development.

Over the years, several agreements have been signed between Harare and Kigali in areas such as economics, diplomacy, and education, further strengthening their bilateral relations.