The foundation last week awarded the funds to Africa University, Women’s University in Africa, the ministry of Regional Integration and International Co-operation and the Zimbabwe Capacity Development Programme (ZCDP), bringing to US$26,4 million the total amount ACBF has invested in the country since 1992.
ACBF executive secretary, Frannie Leautier, said the grants which were the outcome of lengthy negotiations, were the single largest issued up to date.“The focus will be on the soft side aspects, in particular skills development, organisational capacities and competencies. Although this (approach) may pose as a constraint, there are pillars in place to support the implementation mechanisms,” Leautier said.
Government’s ZCDP received a US$5 million grant to address capacity constraints affecting the country’s economic management. The purpose of the ZCDP is to strengthen the economic management capabilities of the government to successfully implement the goals expressed in the Medium Term Plan (MTP).
However, the MTP’s successful implementation is dependent on a host of factors that include increased investment in infrastructure related to power and water supply, the revival of the agricultural sector and the maintenance of a liberalised pricing regime, among others.
“Capacity deficits to be addressed by the programme are consistent with the ACBF African Capacity Indicators 2011, ranking Zimbabwe low on capacities, leading to development results and individual capacities,” Leautier said.