by Grace Chekai
Businessman Strive Masiyiwa is appealing to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other multilateral institutions for humanitarian support for Zimbabwe in the wake of the economic devastation brought about by the deadly COVID-19 which has so far infected more than 2.7 million people globally.
In his appeal, Masiyiwa said, “As many of you on this platform know, I have been at the forefront, for several weeks, in asking for Debt Relief and Economic impact Stimulus on behalf of the African continent,” said Masiyiwa.
However, Masiyiwa expressed dissatisfaction over the omission of Zimbabwe and Sudan from any form of aid, the reason being that they are on sanctions.
“So far I am pleased that there has been growing support for these measures. At the last World Bank, IMF and G20 meetings, many African countries secured debt relief by way of standstills on interest payments, which are valued at over US$22 billion.
“More than half of that money has been disbursed already to countries in Africa, as it was sitting in debt service accounts.
“These African countries can now urgently buy Medical Equipment, PPE, ventilators. They can also train and pay doctors and nurses.
“Two countries were conspicuous in their omission from any form of relief: Zimbabwe and Sudan. This is because they are under sanctions,” said Masiyiwa.
Masiyiwa said as an entrepreneur who has a business foundation (Higherlife Foundation) with his wife, they try by all means to help Zimbabwe but the help they give is just a drop in the ocean.
“People also know that my wife and I (through our family foundation) continue to do everything we can to try and help the people of Zimbabwe, including making many preparations to help prepare for the catastrophic impact of this pandemic on the nation.
“Alas, we are just private citizens, and it is not enough,” said Masiyiwa.
Though many private companies and individuals have been helping Zimbabwe in the fight against COVID-19, for example Sakunda Holdings, Delta company, Innscor among others, Masiyiwa said more is needed. He said that the help being given by stakeholders in Zimbabwe need to be complemented with the World Bank and IMF because of the impact of the coronavirus.
Masiyiwa said that this was a humanitarian appeal and all multilateral institutions including UN and EU must assist Zimbabwe before it is too late.
“Please help Sudan and Zimbabwe`s people. In God`s name please help these nations, before it is too late,” said Masiyiwa.
