Zimbabwe’s ongoing agricultural reforms and growing investment potential have attracted fresh international interest, with Italy expressing keen interest in expanding cooperation in the sector during high-level talks held in Harare yesterday between Italian Ambassador Giuseppe Giacalone and the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Vangelis Haritatos.
Ambassador Giacalone said the meeting provided a valuable platform to review Zimbabwe’s ongoing reforms in the agricultural sector and explore avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation between Zimbabwe and Italy, particularly in areas linked to agribusiness, technology transfer and investment.
“I had the honour of meeting the Minister of Lands and Rural Development, Vangelis Haritatos.
We discussed the reforms the Government is implementing in the agricultural sector, the numerous investment opportunities available in Zimbabwe, as well as the concrete prospects for further strengthening relations between our countries,” said Ambassador Giacalone.
He said Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector continues to demonstrate significant potential, particularly in light of policy shifts aimed at improving productivity, attracting investment and modernising value chains.
“Zimbabwe is a country with vast agricultural potential and a strong foundation for growth.The reforms currently being undertaken are important in creating an enabling environment for both local and international investors,” he said.
Ambassador Giacalone added that Italy was keen to expand its engagement with Zimbabwe beyond traditional diplomatic ties, emphasizing that economic cooperation in agriculture could serve as a cornerstone of future relations.
“Italy and Zimbabwe possess great resources and capabilities in this economic sector and share an historic friendship.
There is clear potential for us to build on this foundation and deepen our cooperation in ways that are mutually beneficial,” he added.
He noted that Italy brings extensive expertise in agricultural innovation, irrigation systems, mechanisation and food processing, areas which could complement Zimbabwe’s development priorities.
“We believe there are concrete opportunities for collaboration, particularly in technology exchange, training, and private sector partnerships.
Our goal is to support sustainable agricultural development that benefits farmers, strengthens food security and enhances trade between our two countries,” the Ambassador said.
Zimbabwe has in recent years prioritised agricultural transformation as a key pillar of its economic recovery strategy, focusing on boosting productivity, improving infrastructure and attracting foreign direct investment.
The meeting is seen as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive destination for agricultural investment while strengthening bilateral relations with European partners.
