The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with Zimbabwe for inclusive and sustainable business development through the launch of the second wave of its “Silani, Tinemi, EU With You” campaign at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) on 24 April 2025 in Bulawayo.

Addressing an energetic crowd of young leaders, creators and entrepreneurs, EU Ambassador His Excellency Jobst von Kirchmann underscored the importance of youth empowerment and private sector growth in shaping Zimbabwe’s future.

“This campaign is about our partnership Zimbabwe and the European Union walking side by side into a prosperous future,” von Kirchmann said.

He added, “Our big message today is: The European Union and Zimbabwe, Partnering for Inclusive and Sustainable Business Development.”

Von Kirchmann explained that business development is central to the EU’s broader strategy in Africa, especially through its flagship Global Gateway Initiative. The programme, worth over €300 billion globally, dedicates up to €150 billion specifically for Africa.

“Africa is our neighbour, just 13 kilometres away. We are by far the biggest trading partner of Africa,” von Kirchmann stated during a side interview with My Afrika Magazine.

He added, “We have a genuine interest, and so have Africans, that we are interconnected, that we are interdependent neighbours.”

Through the Global Gateway, the EU is investing in infrastructure projects driven by private sector partnerships, as well as renewable energy production, railways, roads, health, education, and sustainable connectivity across the continent.

“When we talk about energy, it’s specifically renewable energy, of course. But these are all areas where we believe we can support the efforts African governments are already making to drive their economies forward,” he said.

Highlighting Zimbabwe’s role in these initiatives, von Kirchmann pointed to several significant projects.

“We have financed the rehabilitation of the Kariba Dam, a Zambia-Zimbabwe project. We are also currently examining possibilities for a new interconnector between South Africa and Zambia, which would pass through Zimbabwe, and we have begun a study on developing a railway corridor linking the three countries,” he explained.

He stressed that while the EU brings funding and expertise, ownership must remain with African partners.

“We cannot take the decisions. They have to be taken by African governments, but we can be supportive. We can provide infrastructure. We can invest into them,” he said.

At the launch, von Kirchmann emphasised that the partnership must be inclusive.

“Everyone should benefit, especially youth and women,” he said. “We are supporting gender equality and women empowerment so that all voices are heard and every dream has a chance.”

The Ambassador also underscored the commitment to environmental sustainability.

“We grow businesses in a way that protects the planet. That’s why we support climate-friendly farming, green innovation and cleaner technologies.”

Von Kirchmann urged young Zimbabweans to see the campaign as more than just an event.

“This campaign isn’t just a party, it’s a promise a promise to work with you, to invest in ideas, energy and action that bring real opportunities to Zimbabwe’s young people,” he declared.

Helping to carry the campaign’s message are young people like Rumbi Takawira, Asaph Afrika, Mary Anibal, and Feli Nandi  all successful entrepreneurs in the arts and media sectors who exemplify youth-led business success in Zimbabwe.