Story by Patience Nyagato
ZIMBABWE and Italy are moving to deepen bilateral cooperation across trade, education, culture, health and investment, as the two countries seek to build on a longstanding relationship anchored on development and mutual benefit.
The commitment emerged during celebrations marking the 80th Anniversary of the Italian Republic in Harare on Tuesday, where government officials, diplomats, business leaders and development partners gathered to reflect on growing ties between the two nations.
The event highlighted expanding cooperation in skills development, cultural exchange and economic partnerships, with both countries expressing optimism about future collaboration.
Italian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Giuseppe Giacalone, said Zimbabwe remains an important partner as Italy advances initiatives focused on human capital development, innovation and sustainable growth.
“Zimbabwe is a country with which Italy enjoys a longstanding friendship and excellent relations. We are working together in many sectors, including culture, health, education, trade and investment.
“We are particularly focused on creating opportunities for young people through skills development and educational exchanges while strengthening cooperation between our institutions. We believe sustainable growth is achieved through partnerships based on mutual respect, and we remain committed to supporting initiatives that bring tangible benefits to both our countries and peoples.
“Our cooperation with Zimbabwe is producing concrete results. In the cultural sector, we are working with the National Gallery of Zimbabwe on a Memorandum of Understanding that will strengthen collaboration between our institutions.
“Through the support of Italian companies, we are also contributing to the refurbishment of the National Gallery and facilitating the restoration and exhibition of important Italian artworks. These initiatives reflect our belief that culture can serve as a bridge between people and nations.
“Beyond culture, our partnership extends to health, education and economic development. We continue to support programmes that invest in human capital, particularly young people, while Italian companies remain active in sectors such as infrastructure, mining and energy. We see Zimbabwe not only as a friend but as a strategic partner with whom we can build long-term cooperation for mutual benefit,” he said.
Government welcomed the growing engagement, describing Italy as a key partner in Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
Chief Director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Mr Nesbert Samasuwo, said cooperation between the two countries continues to broaden across strategic sectors.
“The relationship between Zimbabwe and Italy continues to grow from strength to strength. Italy has been a valuable partner in a number of development initiatives, and we appreciate the increasing engagement in trade, investment, health, education and cultural cooperation.
“As Zimbabwe advances its development agenda, we look forward to expanding these areas of collaboration and creating new opportunities that contribute to economic growth, skills transfer and improved livelihoods for our people.
“The relationship is also expanding in trade and investment. Italian enterprises have invested in sectors that are important to Zimbabwe’s economic growth, while cooperation in renewable energy, manufacturing and value addition continues to create opportunities for both countries. We believe there is even greater potential to deepen these partnerships in the years ahead,” he said.
The celebrations also showcased strengthening people-to-people relations through a joint fashion exhibition featuring Italian and Zimbabwean designers, highlighting the role of cultural exchange in reinforcing bilateral ties.
Among the key initiatives highlighted was a forthcoming partnership between the National Gallery of Zimbabwe and Italian institutions aimed at promoting cultural cooperation, heritage preservation and artistic exchange.
Zimbabwe and Italy share a longstanding relationship built on friendship, cooperation and development. From Italy’s contribution to the construction of Kariba Dam to more recent involvement in infrastructure, energy, health, education, trade and culture, the partnership continues to evolve.
The Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, commissioned in May 2017, was also constructed by Italian company Salini Impregilo, underscoring Italy’s continued contribution to Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development and economic growth.
