Japan Donates US$1.3m to Zimbabwe
TANYARADZWA MARAMURA
The Government of Japan has donated approximately US$1.3m to Zimbabwe to support emergency food assistance for more than 32,000 vulnerable people.
The funds, channelled through the World Food Programme (WFP), will be used to implement critical food relief efforts under Zimbabwe’s Lean Season Assistance Programme.
Speaking at the official signing ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Shinichi Yamanaka, said the donation underscores Japan’s continued solidarity with Zimbabwe in times of crisis.
“This support comes in response to the growing food insecurity affecting communities across the country. The crisis has been exacerbated by climate change and rising global food prices. Through this partnership, we aim not only to meet immediate needs but also to contribute to long-term food security,” said Ambassador Yamanaka.
The contribution will help provide food baskets containing cereals such as maize, millet, and sorghum, along with vegetable oil and pulses, to sustain vulnerable households during the critical period before the next harvest.
WFP Zimbabwe Country Director, Barbra Clemens, welcomed the assistance, describing it as a well-timed intervention that will cushion the most affected communities from the worst effects of seasonal hunger.
“The lean season is often the most difficult time for low-income and rural households. Food stocks run low, and families are forced to make painful choices—such as reducing meals or selling essential assets,” Clemens said.
“This funding allows WFP to provide a vital safety net and reach over 32,000 people with critical assistance.”
Clemens also praised Japan’s enduring support for both humanitarian aid and long-term development goals, highlighting the strength of the partnership between Japan and the WFP in Zimbabwe.
“This dual approach—meeting urgent needs while building resilience—is key to breaking the cycle of hunger. We are proud to work alongside the Government of Zimbabwe to implement this support under the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy,” she added.
Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Advocate Mercy Maruva Dinha, hailed the donation as a powerful gesture of international cooperation and support.
“This generous contribution will significantly boost our efforts to address food insecurity and support long-term strategies that build resilience in our communities,” Dinha said.
“We remain committed to working closely with WFP to ensure the resources are deployed effectively and reach those most in need.”
She emphasised that empowering local communities to achieve self-sufficiency remains central to Zimbabwe’s long-term development vision and that such strategic partnerships are crucial to creating a food-secure future.
“As we move forward, we must continue to build momentum through cooperation that transcends borders. With support from partners like Japan, we are one step closer to achieving our vision of a resilient Zimbabwe where all citizens can thrive,” she concluded.
The 2024/2025 lean season is expected to be particularly challenging due to the compounding effects of climate shocks, rising global food prices, and economic hardships affecting already food-insecure households. This latest contribution from Japan strengthens broader efforts by the Government of Zimbabwe and development partners to mitigate hunger and lay the groundwork for sustainable food systems.
Japan has remained a reliable development partner to Zimbabwe and the WFP, with past collaborations focusing not only on food relief but also on enhancing smallholder farmer productivity, improving market access, and building livelihood resilience in vulnerable communities.
