The French Embassy in Harare on Tuesday hosted an evening that brought diplomacy and Zimbabwe’s economic challenges into the same room.

Held on September 15 at the Résidence de France under the direction of French Ambassador to Zimbabwe Paul-Bertrand Barets, the gathering focused on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Zimbabwe’s economic situation.

IMF Mission Chief for Zimbabwe, Sir Wojciech S. Maliszewski, was among the key participants, taking questions from representatives seeking a better understanding of the IMF’s work and Zimbabwe’s economic direction.

Representatives from different countries and international organisations involved in Zimbabwe’s economic and debt discussions also attended, turning the evening into an open conversation rather than a formal presentation.

The timing was significant, as Zimbabwe continues to navigate long standing debt challenges and discussions around its economic future. The gathering also highlighted the role an embassy can play in creating space for meaningful dialogue beyond traditional diplomatic engagements. The gathering provided another opportunity to connect and keep conversations around Zimbabwe’s economic future moving.