World Bank sets aside US$40m for Zim projects

The World Bank has set aside US$40 million for the Zimbabwe Reconstruction Fund (ZIMREF) aimed at upgrading infrastructural and technical oriented projects.

The programme which is already being rolled out has seen the global banking institution availing US$10 million to Zimbabwe.

World Bank country manager Ms Mukami Kariuki told the ZBC News on the sidelines of a Macro Economic and Financial Management Institute of Eastern and Southern Africa (MEFMI) conference in the capital today that the plan seeks to ensure sustainable development for the nation.

“It has started and we anticipate more growth opportunities in the country,” she said.

Zimbabwe needs to focus on developmental systems that seek to create a conducive environment for business while ensuring the economic growth of the marginalised communities, said MEFMI executive director, Dr Caleb Fundanga.

“We are looking at all the relevant ways to increase growth in this country,” Dr Fundanga said.

Zimbabwe is forging ahead with re-engagement policies with global lenders and developmental partners to increase foreign direct investment which is hovering around US$500 million per year compared to other regional economies that are attracting foreign direct investments worth US$2.5 billion yearly.