Zimbabwe and Italy are set to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, education, health and cultural exchange as the two countries seek to expand a longstanding partnership built on mutual respect and shared development goals.
The commitment was reaffirmed during celebrations marking the 80th Anniversary of the Italian Republic in Harare yesterday, where government officials, diplomats, business leaders and development partners gathered to celebrate the strong ties between the two nations.
The event highlighted growing collaboration in human capital development, cultural preservation and economic cooperation, with both countries expressing confidence in the future of bilateral relations.
Speaking at the celebrations, Italian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Giuseppe Giacalone, described Zimbabwe as an important partner and underscored Italy’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable growth and opportunity.
“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,” said Ambassador Giacalone.
He said Italy was placing particular emphasis on youth empowerment through skills development programmes and educational exchanges while strengthening institutional partnerships between the two countries.
“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,” he said.
Ambassador Giacalone highlighted ongoing collaboration in the cultural sector, including efforts to strengthen ties between the National Gallery of Zimbabwe and Italian institutions.
“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,” he said.
He noted that Italy’s engagement in Zimbabwe extends beyond culture, with Italian companies actively involved in infrastructure, mining, energy and other strategic sectors.
“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 an important partner in Zimbabwe’s national development agenda.
Chief Director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Nesbert Samasuwo, said relations between the two countries continue to expand across several 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,” he said.
Samasuwo said Zimbabwe was keen to broaden collaboration further as the country advances its economic transformation agenda.
“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,” he said.
He added that growing cooperation in trade, manufacturing, renewable energy and value addition was creating opportunities for both countries.
“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,” said Samasuwo.
The celebrations also featured a joint fashion exhibition showcasing the work of Italian and Zimbabwean designers, reflecting the growing people-to-people connections that continue to strengthen bilateral relations.
Among the 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 rich history of cooperation spanning decades. Italy contributed to the construction of the Kariba Dam and has remained involved in key sectors including infrastructure, energy, health, education, trade and culture.
The Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, commissioned in 2017, was also constructed by Italian firm Salini Impregilo, highlighting Italy’s continued contribution to Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development and economic growth.
