
France continues its commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Zimbabwe and Africa. This was evident on the first day of the inaugural EU-Zim Business Forum, held in Harare from the 20th to the 22nd.
Mr. David Izzo, Deputy Director for Economic Diplomacy at the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, travelled from Paris specifically to take part in the forum. He joined other diplomats from across Europe and Africa who graced the summit. Mr. Izzo spoke about investment opportunities in the mining value chain, highlighting France’s strategic interest in the development of this sector in Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, the French Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Paul Bertrand Barets, officially launched the Fuze Digital Africa Start-up Challenge, an ambitious initiative aimed at supporting African tech talents and encouraging inclusive innovation. The Fuze Digital Africa Start-up Challenge drew significant attention from audiences. In addition, France continues to support the strengthening of science and innovation in Zimbabwe.


A brand-new Biotechnology Centre, funded by France, was handed over to the University of Zimbabwe on 21 May 2025, bringing cutting-edge diagnostic tools and research capacity to the heart of Harare. From tackling agricultural diseases to advancing public health, this centre is set to transform the region’s scientific landscape.
This breakthrough is part of the PACMAN Project, supported by the AFD – Agence Française de Développement and led by Le Cirad en Afrique australe et à Madagascar, in close collaboration with the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), the University of Zimbabwe, and the Directorate of Veterinary Services.