The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube led a high-level delegation in talks with World Bank Group Executive Director for Africa Group 1, Mr Zarau W. Kibwe, yesterday, focusing on arrears clearance, debt resolution and securing bridging finance.
In a statement, following the meeting, the Ministry said the engagement marked “further progress” in Zimbabwe’s structured efforts to resolve its long-standing debt overhang and restore access to concessional financing.
“Zimbabwe’s engagement on arrears clearance and debt resolution progressed further today, with the Minister and his delegation holding discussions with the World Bank Group Executive Director for Africa Group 1, Mr Zarau W. Kibwe.
These engagements form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to secure an advocacy partner and a champion for bridging finance,” the Ministry said.
According to the statement, Mr Kibwe acknowledged Zimbabwe’s reform trajectory and expressed willingness to support the country’s case within the World Bank.
“Mr. Kibwe welcomed the progress under the Staff-Monitored Programme (SMP) and indicated that he is engaging key stakeholders at the Bank to ensure Zimbabwe’s case receives due consideration, with the aim of facilitating arrears clearance and unlocking broader economic opportunities,” the Ministry added.
The Ministry noted that since January 2026, Harare has been actively advancing its Debt Resolution Strategy, which centres on negotiating bridging finance to settle arrears and normalise relations with global financial institutions.
“Since early January 2026, Zimbabwe has been advancing its Debt Resolution Strategy, which includes negotiations to secure bridging finance to clear arrears and restore access to affordable, long-term funding,” reads the statement.
Beyond debt resolution, the discussions also explored opportunities for Zimbabwe to benefit from regional economic integration initiatives spearheaded by the World Bank.
“The Executive Director also highlighted the World Bank’s initiatives to strengthen regional trade, including plans to integrate Zimbabwe into strategic trade corridors under the forthcoming Regional Integration Strategy,” the Ministry noted.
Mr Kibwe further underscored ongoing advocacy efforts for Zimbabwe to access concessional resources.
“He also underscored advocacy for a special dispensation for Zimbabwe under the International Development Association (IDA-22), the World Bank’s concessional financing window that provides interest-free loans and grants to support poverty reduction in developing countries,” the statement added.
Government is pursuing a structured arrears clearance and debt resolution process, supported by international partners, as part of broader economic reforms to unlock investment and sustainable growth.
