Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora said that the government plans to recruit nearly 20,000 health workers affected by funding cuts from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
These workers, including doctors, nurses, and village health workers, were heavily dependent on USAID support.
Over 1,000 doctors and nurses played a key role in treating opportunistic infections, while nearly 19,000 village health workers were essential for primary healthcare. Approximately 15,000 of these workers received payments from partner organisations.
The cuts, triggered by an executive order from former President Donald Trump, have hurt Zimbabwe’s HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria programmes.
Speaking at last week’s “Ministers Meet the Media” engagement, Mombeshora confirmed that the Treasury is mobilising funds to ensure these workers are absorbed into the government payroll. He said:
<blockquote>
We, as the Ministry of Health, have already planned to take over all health workers under the ministry’s employment.
There were accountability issues because some health workers employed by NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and partners had unclear reporting structures. At times when they were absent, we didn’t know their whereabouts.
We had already started these discussions last year to say all workers in the health system must be put under the Ministry of Health and if partners are coming in to help us, they can come in and top up, but all employees must belong to the ministry.
Treasury is actually mobilising funds to make sure we take over all these workers and make sure they will be on our payroll, including even recruiting extra ones because we have a compact way we agreed that we need to double our health workforce by the year 2030.
</blockquote>
Mombeshora also reassured the public that there are sufficient stocks of antiretroviral (ARV) medications to meet the country’s needs until the end of June 2025. He added:
<blockquote>
However, shipments meant to cover the period from June to December have been stopped and we cannot wait for the outcome of the 90-day review process before acting.
In terms of service delivery, in terms of those who are on HIV and AIDS treatment, there will be no disruption; there will be no shortage of any medicines. No one should actually be scared; no one should actually start worrying.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/lifeline-for-20-000-health-workers">The Sunday Mail</a>

Pindula News

The government is going to hire 20,000 health workers who lost their jobs because of funding cuts from USAID. These workers are important for treating diseases like HIV, AIDS, TB, and malaria in Zimbabwe. The government will use its own money to pay these workers. The Minister of Health said they need to hire more health workers by 2030. He also said there is enough medicine for people with HIV and AIDS until 2025, but they need to figure out how to get more medicine after that. People should not worry, there will still be enough medicine for everyone.

Govt. Plans To Hire 20,000 Health Workers Affected By USAID Funding Cuts

The United States government has scaled back its global aid efforts, cutting 83% of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) programmes worldwide. 
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that after a six-week review of USAID operations, approximately 5,200 projects have been discontinued.
The cuts impact a range of initiatives, including key projects previously funded with a total budget of $522 million. Of that amount, $388 million was allocated to ongoing projects—now all terminated. 
This list only accounts for USAID-funded programmes, not those supported indirectly through other organisations like the World Food Programme.
USAID has long been a major contributor to international aid, including significant support for the Global Fund, which provides crucial assistance for Zimbabwe’s HIV, TB, and malaria programs. 
Among the most affected initiatives is USAID’s extensive HIV support in Zimbabwe, which included programmes worth over $90 million. 
These projects provided technical, financial, and material support, including wages for essential health workers.
USAID-funded programmes aimed at reducing new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women—totalling $53.2 million—will be halted, as will another $30.1 million for orphans and vulnerable children in Manicaland and Masvingo provinces. A further $17.4 million, dedicated to supporting services for vulnerable children, will also be discontinued.
In addition, projects under the “Resilience Anchors” initiative, valued at $19 million, aimed to help vulnerable communities recover from natural disasters like droughts while promoting environmental conservation, will no longer be funded.
USAID’s commitment to Zimbabwe’s malaria strategy, including the Zimbabwe Assistance Programme in Malaria (ZAPIM), worth $25.7 million, is also being terminated, along with $2.6 million earmarked for malaria research.
Other notable cuts include $16.5 million for maternal, neonatal, and child health projects in five targeted provinces, and $29 million for tuberculosis prevention and treatment, which included support for health workers. 
USAID had allocated $18.99 million for enhancing citizen participation in governance, $4.91 million for constitutional reform advocacy, and $12 million for youth campaigns promoting good governance. A $5 million budget for supporting torture victims will also be scrapped.
Furthermore, programmes focusing on media accountability and narrative reform, including $8 million for “New Narratives for Accountability” and $7 million for media organisations, will be discontinued.
More: <a href="https://newzwire.live/usaid-cuts-522m-in-zimbabwe-aid-from-health-to-rights-activists-here-are-the-key-projects-being-chopped/">newZWire</a>

The United States is cutting $522 million in aid to Zimbabwe, causing thousands of projects to be discontinued. This includes support for HIV, TB, malaria programs, and other health initiatives, as well as projects for vulnerable children and communities affected by natural disasters. Funding for maternal and child health, good governance, media accountability, and more is also being stopped. This decision will have a big impact on the people of Zimbabwe who rely on this aid for their well-being.

USAID Cuts $522 Million In Aid To Zimbabwe

By Gaylord Munemo
Zimbabwe’s development landscape has been rocked by the imminent removal of USAID support, which might undo hard-won progress in economic stability, food security, and public health.
The threat of USAID’s withdrawal has exposed the institutional flaws and systemic vulnerabilities that have long impeded Zimbabwe’s pursuit of sustainable development, as the nation’s delicate development ecosystem teeters on the verge of collapse.
The expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage in Zimbabwe has been made possible in large part by USAID’s flagship program, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
By 2023, about 1.2 million people which is more than 90% of the nation’s ART-eligible population had received ART support from PEPFAR.
Withdrawing USAID funding would probably cause ART coverage to drop sharply, endangering the lives of hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans living with HIV/AIDS.
According to USAID’s Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) program, Zimbabwe’s HIV prevalence rate has declined from 14.3% in 2010 to 12.9% in 2020. However, this progress is fragile and reversible. 
The HIV/AIDS Program Index (HAPI), a composite measure of HIV/AIDS program performance, would likely decline precipitously in the absence of USAID funding.
This, in turn, would exacerbate the HIV/AIDS epidemic, undermining Zimbabwe’s progress towards achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.
In regards to maternal and child health, maternal mortality rates decreased from roughly 614 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2010 to about 462 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024 as a result of USAID’s efforts.
Thanks to USAID’s assistance with vaccine campaigns, the immunization coverage for children under one-year-old rose from over 80% in 2013 to over 90% by 2023.
Zimbabwe’s food security situation would be significantly impacted if USAID aid were to be discontinued.
In Zimbabwe, increasing agricultural productivity, expanding market access, and improving nutrition outcomes have all been made possible by USAID’s Feed the Future (FtF) program.
More than 1.5 million metric tons of maize have been produced thanks to FtF as of 2022, surpassing the nation’s production goals.
However, Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector would probably see a sharp drop in production without USAID financing, endangering the nation’s food security position.
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) would likely deteriorate in the absence of USAID funding. Zimbabwe’s GHI score has improved from 19.1 in 2010 to 15.3 in 2020, indicating a moderate level of hunger.
However, a withdrawal of USAID funding would likely reverse this progress, exacerbating hunger and malnutrition in Zimbabwe and likely affecting the Human Development Index (HDI) which had improved from 0.51 in 2010 to 0.57 in 2020, indicating a moderate level of human development.
Can the Government manage without USAID? With a sizable amount of the budget going towards debt servicing and ongoing expenses, Zimbabwe’s budgetary space is severely limited.
The nation’s capacity to raise domestic funds to cover USAID’s funding shortfall would be hampered by its budget deficit.
Inadequate technical know-how, ineffective mechanisms, and a lack of human resources define Zimbabwe’s institutional capacity to oversee and carry out development initiatives.
Ineffectiveness, corruption, and a lack of transparency afflict the nation’s public financial management (PFM) systems, which are essential for efficient resource allocation and use.
Moreover, Zimbabwe’s development frameworks and policies, such as the Zimbabwe National Development Strategy (NDS1), lack clear prioritization, coordination, and resource allocation mechanisms.
Achieving sustainable development results depends on Zimbabwe’s capacity to move from a donor-dependent to a self-sustaining development model, according to USAID’s Development Assistance Framework (DAF).
Failure to solve the aforementioned issues, however, will make it more difficult for the nation to fill the financing shortfall that USAID might leave in 2025, endangering development achievements and threatening the nation’s chances for sustainable development.

The USA is thinking of stopping giving money to Zimbabwe. This will affect the country's progress in helping people with HIV, keeping kids healthy, and growing enough food. The USA helps Zimbabwe with medicine, vaccines, and farming. Without the USA's help, many people will suffer. Zimbabwe needs to find ways to get money on its own. If they cannot, they might go back to struggling like before. It's important for Zimbabwe to learn how to take care of itself without always needing help from other countries.

Beyond The Edge of Oblivion: The Threat Of USAID's Withdrawal

The U.S. government is set to place nearly the entire global workforce of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on leave by Friday.
USAID announced that essential personnel who are required to continue working will be notified by Agency leadership by Thursday, February 6. It said:
<blockquote>
On Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 pm (EST) all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission- critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs. Essential personnel expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00pm (EST).
</blockquote>
USAID said it will arrange for the return of employees posted outside the United States within 30 days and will terminate Personal Service Contractor (PSC) and International Service Contractor (ISC) contracts that are not deemed essential. USAID said:
<blockquote>
For USAID personnel currently posted outside the United States, the Agency, in coordination with missions and the Department of State, is currently preparing a plan, in accordance with all applicable requirements and laws, under which the Agency would arrange and pay for return travel to the United States within 30 days and provide for the termination of PSC and ISC contracts that are not determined to be essential.
The Agency will consider case-by-case exceptions and return travel extensions based on personal or family hardship, mobility or safety concerns, or other reasons.
For example, the Agency will consider exceptions based on the timing of dependents’ school term, personal or familial medical needs, pregnancy, and other reasons.
</blockquote>
USAID employs approximately 10,000 people worldwide and is responsible for distributing most U.S. foreign aid. Last year, the agency allocated $6.5 billion in aid to Africa alone.
In recent days, USAID has encountered major changes and challenges. The Trump administration and billionaire Elon Musk, have sought to dismantle USAID and integrate its functions into the State Department.

The U.S. government is telling almost all workers from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to take a break from work. Only some essential staff will keep working. People outside the USA will be brought back within 30 days. Contracts that are not important will be cancelled. USAID is thinking about exceptions for people with special circumstances. This is happening because the government wants to make big changes to how foreign aid is given. Last year, USAID gave $6.5 billion in aid to Africa.

U.S. Government To Send Nearly All USAID Staff On Leave

FBC Securities Private Limited, a Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed stockbroker, has urged the government to take action following the US foreign aid freeze, warning that the move could destabilise critical sectors, worsen exchange rate volatility, and accelerate inflationary pressures.
This call follows the announcement by US President Donald Trump of the country’s withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the freezing of funding to PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief).
The ban on US foreign aid spending threatens to disrupt antiretroviral drug (ARV) supplies and resources for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria programs in Zimbabwe.
In a statement titled “US Foreign Aid Halt: Impact on Zimbabwe’s Economy,” FBC Securities Pvt Ltd noted that the aid freeze exacerbates liquidity constraints, foreign currency shortages, and inflationary pressures.
Foreign aid has historically been important to Zimbabwe, supporting healthcare, food security, infrastructure, and social programmes.
Now, with reduced donor inflows, the banking sector, stock markets, and formal businesses may struggle to maintain stability. The statement reads:
<blockquote>
To mitigate these challenges, the Zimbabwean Government must take decisive action by strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation, restoring investor confidence, restructuring state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and improving governance and fiscal discipline,.
Pursuing debt resolution efforts with multilateral institutions, diversifying export earnings and fostering a stable macroeconomic environment will be crucial for weathering the impact of declining external support and ensuring long-term economic resilience.
</blockquote>
FBC Securities suggested that Zimbabwe could seek alternative funding from other international donors, regional partners, and non-traditional allies such as the African Union, Southern African Development Community (SADC), and countries in the global south for financial and technical assistance.
The organisation noted that donor-funded projects and direct humanitarian assistance contribute to local foreign currency liquidity circulation, with NGOs and humanitarian organisations distributing US dollar payments to local suppliers, employees, and contractors.
FBC Securities revealed that NGOs contributed 10 per cent and 9 per cent of total foreign currency receipts into Zimbabwe from January to September 2023 and January to September 2024, respectively. 
The organisation warned that the reduction in these cash inflows would result in less disposable income, affecting consumer spending, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities. FBC Securities said:
<blockquote>
The freeze will also exacerbate foreign currency shortages in the economy, making it harder to finance imports and working capital requirements of private sector businesses.
</blockquote>
FBC Securities highlighted several impacts, including reduced deposits in Foreign Currency Accounts (FCAs), decreased foreign currency inflows, lowered stock market liquidity, and increased volatility in blue-chip stocks.

US aid freeze from the US could hurt Zimbabwe's economy. This could make it hard to get medicine for diseases like HIV and malaria. The country needs to find new ways to get money and help from different countries. The government must work hard to fix the economy and keep things stable. Without help from the US, Zimbabwe may struggle to pay for important things like imports and businesses may face difficulties. It's important for Zimbabwe to find new ways to get money and keep their economy strong.

US Aid Freeze Poses Risk To Zimbabwe’s Economic Stability, Says FBC Securities

Thousands of employees in Zimbabwe’s NGO and civil society sectors face an uncertain future after U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order freezing foreign aid for 90 days.
Most NGOs and CSOs in Zimbabwe, which employ many people, rely heavily on U.S. funding.
Humanitarian aid, service organisations, and political governance programs have been particularly impacted.
Employees in the NGO sector told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200037647/carnage-in-ngos-clinics">NewsDay</a> on Thursday that they are unsure about their job security following the 90-day review. One of them said:
<blockquote>
We are in a difficult position. We don’t know what will happen after the 90 days.
I also do not know where I will get money for rentals since our salaries were also frozen.
</blockquote>
Speaking to NewsDay, Zimbabwe Nurses Association secretary-general Enock Dongo, said that nurses, who were working at local clinics under the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) programme, have been told not to come to work. Said Dongo:
<blockquote>
We have members who have been working at local clinics who have been told not to report to duty today (yesterday).
Those people are under emotional stress and also the patients who were waiting for them are affected.
What the Trump administration has done is very disrespectful. You cannot just wake up and tell people not to come to work without notice.
Even if the Zimbabwean government wants to chip in, it needs to prepare first. Africa should wake up and not rely on Western funds.
</blockquote>
Most of the workers were told to surrender vehicles and gadgets belonging to the NGOs.
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) director Blessing Vava said:
I think it is an opportunity for us to go back to the basics and build organic movements, where voluntarism and sacrifice are at the centre.
Trump is doing what he is doing for his country and the American people.
We are Zimbabweans and can never be American, so let’s focus on fixing our problems instead.

Thousands of people working for organizations that help others in Zimbabwe are worried about their jobs. The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stopped giving money to these groups for 90 days. This means many workers may lose their jobs or have their salaries frozen. Nurses working at clinics have been told not to come to work. Some people think Zimbabwe should not rely on money from other countries and instead focus on solving their own problems. Workers have to give back the things they got from the organizations. The situation is uncertain and people are feeling stressed.

Thousands Of NGO Workers In Zimbabwe Face Uncertainty

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a new waiver allowing humanitarian assistance programs to resume, despite a freeze on foreign aid.
The waiver enables the continuation of existing programs that provide essential medicines, medical services, food, shelter, and other vital assistance. Said Rubio:
<blockquote>
For the purposes of carrying out the President’s Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid, I am approving an additional waiver of the pause under the Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid and my subsequent direction of January 24, 2025, for life-saving humanitarian assistance during the period of the review.
Implementers of existing life-saving humanitarian assistance programs should continue or resume work if they have stopped, subject to the following directions. This resumption is temporary in nature, and except by separate waiver or as required to carry out this waiver, no new contracts shall be entered into.
1.  (a) For purposes of this waiver, life-saving humanitarian assistance applies to core life-saving medicine, medical services, food, shelter, and subsistence assistance, as well as supplies and reasonable administrative costs as necessary to deliver such assistance.
(b) This waiver does not apply to activities that involve abortions, family planning, conferences, administrative costs other than those covered by 1(a) above, gender or DEI ideology programs, transgender surgeries, or other non-life saving assistance.
(c) Migration and Refugee Assistance (MRA) may only be used to support activities under section 1(a) and for repatriation of third country nationals to their country of origin or safe-third-country.
2. Additional waivers or exceptions for humanitarian assistance not covered by this waiver may be sought through the Director of Foreign Assistance at the Department of State. Implementing partners and NGOs are to work through their U.S. government agency partners on such requests.
</blockquote>

The U.S. has allowed some aid programs to continue despite a freeze on foreign aid. This waiver will help provide essential items like medicine, food, and shelter to people in need. The waiver is temporary and only applies to life-saving assistance, not things like abortions or gender programs. Implementers of existing aid programs can continue their work, but no new contracts can be made. Any other humanitarian assistance not covered by the waiver must be approved by the Director of Foreign Assistance.

U.S. Eases Aid Freeze With Waiver To Resume Humanitarian Aid Programmes

The U.S. government has said President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration must take full responsibility for the health of Zimbabweans, including procuring anti-retroviral therapy and ensuring clinics are properly staffed with nurses.
Reports indicate that since Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, the U.S. has provided over US$5 billion in humanitarian and development assistance, including more than $1 billion in the past three years alone.
The United States remains the largest provider of development and humanitarian aid, with key initiatives like the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), and the Feed the Future Hunger and Food Security Program.
However, the Trump administration recently suspended donor support globally. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is now working to strengthen its health, development, and cultural exchange programs.
In a statement released Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe confirmed that, in line with President Trump’s Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning U.S. Foreign Aid, Secretary Rubio has paused all U.S. foreign assistance funded by or through the State Department and USAID for review. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Consistent with President Trump’s Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid, Secretary Rubio has paused all U.S. foreign assistance funded by or through the State Department and USAID for review.
He is initiating a review of all foreign assistance programs to ensure they are efficient and consistent with U.S. foreign policy under the America First agenda.
At this moment, in order to do a thorough review, all programs and grants without a waiver approved by the Secretary of State using foreign assistance funding are paused.
It is time for Zimbabwe to take seriously its responsibility for the health of its people. For HIV, Zimbabwe has hit the 95/95/95 targets.
They urgently need to be focused on buying ART and getting nurses in clinics. They can do this.
</blockquote>

The U.S. government is telling Zimbabwe's leaders they need to take care of the people's health. The U.S. has given Zimbabwe a lot of money for health and other needs. They help with things like AIDS relief and food security. But now, the U.S. is stopping some of this support to review how it's being used. Zimbabwe needs to buy medicine and have enough nurses in clinics. They have made progress in fighting HIV, but there is still work to do. It's up to Zimbabwe to make sure their people stay healthy.

The Health Of Your People Is Your Responsibility, U.S. Tells Zimbabwe's Government

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has said Zimbabwe will need to rely on taxes to fill the gap left by cuts in U.S. foreign aid.
After his inauguration, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders, including withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization and freezing all foreign aid for 90 days to assess whether programs align with his “America First” agenda.
As reported by <a href="https://newzwire.live/mthuli-with-foreign-aid-at-risk-zimbabwe-will-rely-on-taxes-to-fund-healthcare/">newZWire</a>, by the end of 2023, the U.S. had over $300 million in active programs in Zimbabwe, according to the USAID foreign aid portal. These funds are channeled through NGOs, not the national budget.
Zimbabwe receives over $200 million annually from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which supports health workers’ wages and HIV prevention programs.
Speaking from the World Economic Forum in Davos recently, Ncube said Zimbabwe will now rely on taxes to fund its healthcare needs. He said:
<blockquote>
We are talking about $200 million or so (on PEPFAR) that is at stake. Our response really should be domestic resource mobilisation, which is what we have been doing.
</blockquote>
When Ncube referred to “domestic resource mobilisation,” he was talking about a range of new taxes he has introduced. These include a tax on sugar content in drinks and a 1% tax on fast food.
In addition to these, Zimbabweans already pay an AIDS levy and “sin taxes” on beer, both of which are aimed at supporting healthcare. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
All these taxes form the base that we can use to build resource mobilisation to support our health needs. It has to be really through this kind of thinking that we raise resources to support health domestically as foreign funding is under threat.
</blockquote>
WHO estimates that more than half of Zimbabwe’s health spending is funded by external donors. This year, the country expects to receive $461 million for health programs, up from $353 million in 2024.
However, the government has struggled to adequately fund public healthcare. In 2025, Zimbabwe plans to allocate just 2.1% of its GDP to health, down from 4% in 2024.
What little funding is allocated to health is often disbursed late. According to Treasury’s 2024 mid-year report, only 27% of the health ministry’s budget had been used by June.

Zimbabwe needs money to fund healthcare because U.S. aid is getting cut. The Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, says they will use taxes instead. They used to get over $200 million a year from the U.S. for AIDS relief. Now they will use new taxes like on sugar and fast food to raise money. The government has struggled to fund healthcare in the past. They hope to raise more money through taxes to support healthcare programs.

Mthuli Says Zimbabwe To Fund Healthcare Through Taxes Following U.S. Aid Cuts

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has directed all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) receiving its funding in Zimbabwe to cease operations immediately.
This move comes in response to newly-elected U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive orders aimed at reevaluating and realigning the country’s foreign aid policies.
USAID has been a major contributor to Zimbabwe’s development initiatives, with its funding in 2024 reaching approximately US$360 million. This support has funded a wide range of programs in health, agriculture, and governance.
In a notice dated January 27, 2025, Andrea M. Plucknett, USAID Zimbabwe’s supervisory agreement officer, informed grant recipients that they must suspend all activities effective immediately. Wrote Plucknett:
<blockquote>
Dear implementing Partner: Effective January 24, 2025, the Agreement Officer hereby issues an order for the recipient to immediately suspend performance under the agreement your organisation was awarded by USAID/Zimbabwe.
The recipient shall take all reasonable steps to minimize the incurrence of costs allocable to the agreement during the period of award suspension.
</blockquote>
Grant recipients and sub-grantees have been instructed to halt all activities under agreements with USAID until further notice of the suspension being lifted. Wrote Plucknett:
<blockquote>
The recipient shall not resume work under this agreement until notification has been received in writing from the Agreement Officer that this award suspension has been cancelled.
</blockquote>
Furthermore, all diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives in Zimbabwe have been suspended.
Trump wants all foreign assistance programs reviewed to ensure they are efficient and consistent with U.S. foreign policy under the America First agenda.
New US Secretary of State Marco Rubio who is implementing the suspension has said:
<blockquote>
Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, and every policy we pursue must be justified with the answer to three simple questions: Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?
</blockquote>
According to some reports, in 2024 alone, USAID’s funding to Zimbabwe amounted to US$360 million, supporting programs spanning health, agriculture, and governance sectors, as well as providing employment to Zimbabweans who work in NGOs that receive the funding.

USAID, a group that gives money to help Zimbabwe, has stopped giving funds after Donald Trump became president of the USA. They gave $360 million in 2024 for health, agriculture, and other programs. The money is stopped until they get new instructions from the USA. This means people in Zimbabwe won't get help until the USA says they can start again. All the work has to stop now and wait for new instructions.

USAID Suspends Funding In Zimbabwe After Trump's Executive Orders

The United States of America’s most senior diplomat in Zimbabwe, Elaine French, has said her country is the biggest bilateral donor in Zimbabwe and has provided nearly US$5 billion to the southern African country since 1980.
Speaking in <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/zim-free-to-trade-with-the-us/">an interview</a> with AB Communications Editor-in-Chief Moses Matenga on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), French, the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe also said this year, the United States has recommitted the PEPFAR programme with US$209 to support the government of Zimbabwe.
The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is a critical initiative aimed at saving lives, preventing HIV infections, and accelerating progress toward achieving HIV/AIDS pandemic control in more than 50 countries worldwide. Said French:
<blockquote>
I am so proud of the work the US has done especially in the health sector here in Zimbabwe. The United States is actually the biggest bilateral donor in Zimbabwe in particular in the health sector.
Since 1980, the United States has provided nearly US$5bn to the people of Zimbabwe and the vast majority of that has been in health-related issues.
In 1980, at independence, the US made a promise to the people of Zimbabwe to help rebuild the health sector.
That commitment initially was for US$2mn but that US$2mn has actually grown to nearly US$5bn in the last four decades plus.
I think some people might feel that it has diminished in the last years but actually it has since grown. In the last three years alone we have provided a billion dollars to the people of Zimbabwe.
This year we have recommitted the PEPFAR programme with US$209 to support the government of Zimbabwe in terms of addressing and combating the HIV epidemic and this is to support over two million Zimbabweans to live healthier longer lives by provision of Antiretroviral Therapy.
We are not just working in the HIV sphere, we are also giving out support to the Ministry of Health and the government in terms of tackling Tuberculosis and Malaria.
</blockquote>
French also revealed that the U.S. has committed an additional US$11 to assist Zimbabwe to mitigate the effects of the El-induced drought. She said:
<blockquote>
It’s a serious issue and I know it is a serious one for many Zimbabweans. It is not only a serious issue for Zimbabweans but the region as well.
In January, the US committed an additional US$11mn in assistance to some of the most vulnerable people in the country to help them better survive in this difficult period.
That’s an addition to the US$115mn the United States provided in the last five years in the agriculture and food security sectors.
As I mentioned earlier, drought is affecting the entire region and the recent drought declaration by the President, it helps us to look at Zimbabwe and its neighbours and look at how the United States will respond comprehensively to the region.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate has confirmed Pamela Marie Tremont as the country’s new ambassador to Zimbabwe in a Senate vote.
The U.S. has not had an ambassador to Zimbabwe since 2021, when its previous ambassador, Brian Nichols, was reassigned.
The US Embassy in Harare has been overseen by Chargé d’Affaires French since 2022.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"United States Is Zimbabwe's Biggest Bilateral Donor"

According to the latest report from USAID’s Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWSNET), approximately 9,000 cattle in Zimbabwe have succumbed to drought-related conditions. Additionally, over 1.4 million cattle are currently at high risk due to the scarcity of pasture and water.
FEWSNET has issued a warning that the limited availability of pasture during the dry season is likely to result in higher-than-normal livestock deaths. It said:
<blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, over 9 000 drought-related cattle deaths have been reported, and over 1,4 million cattle were reported as being at high risk of drought conditions and death due to lack of pasture and water.
Water and pasture conditions are expected to be poor, especially in typically low-rainfall areas following cumulatively below-average rainfall that has limited pasture regeneration throughout the rainy season.
Poor livestock body conditions, particularly for cattle, will likely lead to higher-than-normal livestock deaths in the dry season as the limited pastures deplete and high prices limit access to supplementary feeds.
</blockquote>
The agency said an increase in human-wildlife conflicts is expected in some areas bordering parks and forests as wild animals seek water and food among communities.
It further asserted that there was an urgent need for comprehensive national assessments of crop conditions, livestock health, and overall livelihood impacts of the extended dry conditions. FewsNet said:
<blockquote>
These assessments are crucial for accurately determining the extent of damage and areas requiring immediate intervention and will not only guide targeted relief efforts but also inform policy development and programme implementation aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience. Further, Member States need to start preparing for in-depth assessments that will inform responses.
</blockquote>
Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, is experiencing extreme weather patterns due to climate change and El Nino.
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon characterized by the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
In Southern Africa, El Niño tends to bring drier and warmer conditions. Reduced rainfall during El Niño events exacerbates droughts, affects crop yields, and impacts water availability.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

9 000 Cattle Succumb To Drought-related Conditions

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a US$2 million contribution from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to support more than 2 000 vulnerable families in three urban areas over the next year.
Under the initiative, WFP will create assets and develop transformative skills that will improve vulnerable families’ and communities’ access to livelihood opportunities.
Targeted communities will benefit from community-shared assets such as greenhouses, and income-generation activities.
As part of the programme, WFP will provide internal savings and lending (ISAL) training to boost financial literacy among participants while the youth will undertake digital and vocational skills development training. USAID Acting Mission Director Priscilla Sampil said:
<blockquote>
The Urban Resilience program will improve the ability of these urban households to meet their basic food and nutrition needs while reducing the negative coping strategies and need for urgent assistance.
This is our third round of USAID funding to the World Food Programme’s Urban Resilience Program, demonstrating the U.S. government’s commitment to tackling food insecurity and poverty in urban areas.
</blockquote>
Approximately 1.5 million people living in urban areas are food insecure according to the latest government assessments.
People who live in urban areas have fewer opportunities for subsistence livelihoods compared to rural areas.
As a result, most urban residents live hand-to-mouth, working multiple jobs in the informal sector.
Unless assistance is provided urgently, people will continue to face constraints due to economic challenges as a result of inflation and rising food costs. 
Francesca Erdelmann, the WFP Representative and Country Director, said:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwean cities are growing and face the challenge to provide decent livelihoods for their dwellers.
With USAID’s support, we will continue supporting income-generating activities while working with national and local institutions to advance policies and social protection for the urban poor.
</blockquote>
Since Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, the United States has invested nearly $4.5 billion in Zimbabwe through initiatives to enhance food security, support economic resilience, improve health outcomes, and promote democratic governance.
USAID’s latest contribution to WFP’s food and resilience activities in Zimbabwe brings the total contributions from the United States to over US$8.9 million this year.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

USAID Extends US$2 Million To WFP To Address Urban Food Insecurity In Zimbabwe

The USAID Resilience Anchors has provided a clean water point for villagers in Ward 23 in Nyangambe village 2, Chiredzi, who were forced to travel long distances in search of safe water sources.
More than 600 inhabitants of the dry and arid community of Nyangambe valley conservancy were exposed to attacks by wildlife due to the long distances they had to travel to fetch water from open ponds, exposing them to waterborne diseases.
The installation of a solar-powered water point for the community by the USAID Resilience Anchors has been a boon for villagers.
The boreholes were installed as part of efforts to improve access to water for multi-purpose use and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Svodai Musaingira (46), who came to the area as a bride many years ago, told <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/news/article/200009274/water-project-offers-lifeline-for-arid-chiredzi-communities">Southern Eye</a> that they had been prone to wildlife attacks within the conservancy. She said:
<blockquote>
Before the start of this project, we had to walk over 5km in the early hours of the morning in search of water.
We would come back with large buckets of water on our heads so we would be able to sustain our families.
We have also been prone to attacks by wildlife within the conservancy as they would come out in their numbers to terrorise us.
But looking at it from another angle they would also be in search of clean water to drink.
We were frequently exposed to cholera because we would get water from dirty ponds, which animals such as dogs also relied on.
We now have access to clean water therefore we no longer have cases of cholera outbreaks.
</blockquote>
Another beneficiary of the project, Canias Chikamhi (53) who is the chairperson of the Nyangambe water point said:
<blockquote>
The water situation in our community was so bad that it was difficult for someone to access at least 20 litres of water.
We were happy when the Resilience Anchors came in and offered to help out with our situation.
Parents had to walk as long as 5km in search of water. Those distances could only be accessed by those with scotch carts. Children would also misbehave with those scotch carts leading to accidents.
Since we now have access to clean and potable water, we have not yet come across cases of cholera in the present day.
I cannot specifically remember how many years it has been since we experienced cholera, maybe six years back.
</blockquote>
Cases of human-wildlife conflict have been on the rise in recent years and this has been attributed to a population increase of both humans and wildlife, the effects of climate change, deforestation, illegal cutting of grass, and general mismanagement of natural resources.
Nyangambe Wildlife conservancy vice chairperson Joram Mutovo told Southern Eye said the water point project has greatly reduced human and wildlife conflict.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

USAID Water Project A Boon For Dry Chiredzi Communities

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), a food security arm of the USAID, has predicted above-normal rainfall for March.
In its latest food security outlook covering the February to September 2023 period, FEWS NET noted that during January and February, most northern areas of the country received good rainfall. 
However, in most southern areas, especially Masvingo, Matabeleland South, parts of Manicaland and Midlands and also <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Matabeleland_North_Province">Matabeleland North Province</a>, rainfall was erratic and poorly distributed. FEWS NET said in its update:
<blockquote>
Normal to above-normal rainfall is expected across the country through March, which is likely to support average crop production if it is well distributed across the remainder of the season. Crop recovery is expected in typical deficit-producing areas that recorded earlier dry spells. However, affected areas may record lower-than-expected yields.
The 2022/23 cropped area for maize and small grains in some southern areas is likely to be below last year, though likely near-normal. The potential area reflects poor rainfall progression in some areas, as well as access challenges to crop inputs. Crop input prices are expected to remain significantly above average both in United States dollars (US$) and Zimbabwe dollars (Zim dollar).
</blockquote>
<h2>Also in the update:</h2>
<blockquote>
1). After the harvest in April/May, maize grain prices are expected to drop before rising through September as own-produced stocks deplete and market demand rises.
2). Parallel market exchange rates will keep Zim dollar maize prices above normal in most markets throughout the projection period.
3). Maize meal supply across the country is expected to be normal throughout the outlook period. 
4). Commercial millers are likely to continue relying on either <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Grain_Marketing_Board">GMB</a> purchases or their own imports of maize grain through March/April.
5). With the start of the harvests in April, maize grain imports are likely to stop or be suspended. The government is likely to maintain the suspension of maize meal imports instituted in November 2022 to protect local millers from cheap imports.
6). Agricultural labour opportunities are expected to improve with the favourable rainfall forecast through March across the country, but liquidity challenges and the below-normal 2022 harvest will limit cash and in-kind payments.
7). Water access and availability for livestock and other livelihoods are expected to improve across the country through the end of the rainy season. However, rivers and reservoirs in some drier parts of the country are expected to be below normal levels, negatively impacting availability and access during the dry season.
8). Beyond the rainy season, pasture conditions in arid areas are likely to quickly deteriorate. 
9). Livestock disease prevalence will likely remain high due to above-average prices and limited access to drugs. 
10). Income from livestock sales will continue to be impacted by liquidity challenges, poor demand, and poor care practices that impact livestock body conditions.
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

USAID Has Predicted Above-normal Rainfall For March

USAid Zimbabwe acting mission director Priscilla Sampil said that any law passed by the Zimbabwean government that restricts the operations of Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs) and NGOs will negatively affect vulnerable people.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006897/senate-passes-pvos-billas-usaid-warns-of-funding-threat">NewsDay</a> on Thursday after the Senate passed the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs) Amendment Bill, Sampil said USAid has provided US$4.5 billion in support to Zimbabwe since 1980. She said:
<blockquote>
USAID remains committed to working with and supporting the people of Zimbabwe through assistance programs that promote a more resilient, inclusive, and democratic society.
This work is conducted through international partners as well as local PVOs and NGOs to ensure they benefit the people in need.
Without commenting on the contents of any proposed legislation, we note that anything that restricts the ability of these organisations to operate, and anything that creates a sense of trepidation or uncertainty among them, is likely to be unhelpful.
USAID has provided over $4.5 billion in assistance to Zimbabwe since 1980. US investments of more than $1.3 billion since 2006 to fight HIV and AIDS have contributed to an 80% decline in the annual number of HIV-related deaths.
</blockquote>
The PVOs Amendment Bill now awaits President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s assent to become law.
The Bill has been criticised by opposition parties and civic groups who argued that it will restrict the democratic space.
The proposed law will reportedly give broad powers to the government to control the operations of civil society organisations (CSOs).

PVOs Amendment Bill... Enacting Restrictive Laws Unhelpful, Says USAID

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has today [20 October 2022] contributed US$36.7 million on behalf of the American people to help the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) provide food assistance at the peak of the lean season between October and March next year.
In a year marked by COVID-19, climatic shocks, and food and fuel price hikes, the contribution will help WFP provide assistance to some 700 000 people in eight districts in Zimbabwe: Bikita, Buhera, Chivi, Hwedza, Mangwe, Mt. Darwin, Mudzi and Nkayi.
To cope during the lean season – the period between household food stock depletion and the next harvest – rural Zimbabweans often reduce the number of quality meals consumed daily and borrow or sell their productive assets.
Food assistance will help mitigate these negative coping strategies and stop the most vulnerable from sliding further into food insecurity.
The latest estimates from the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC) report, coordinated by the Food and Nutrition Council, show that some 3.8 million people will not have enough cereal to eat during the peak of the upcoming lean season.
With the contributions from USAID and other donors, WFP will complement the national Food Deficit Mitigation Programme and distribute food in partnership with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to 3.8 million people. Said United States Mission Chargé d’ Affaires Elaine French:
<blockquote>
Achieving food security during Zimbabwe’s lean season is always challenging. Geopolitical events on the other side of the world have made it even more so this year. But the United States of America is ready to assist.
Today, I am happy to announce US$36.7 million for 2022/23 Lean Season Assistance funding provided by the U.S. Government for the people of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
<h2>Toward more resilient communities</h2>
To break the cycle of relapsing into food crises, USAID is aware that more investments are needed in resilience-building and early warning systems.
The chances that Zimbabwean smallholder farmers fall repeatedly into food insecurity decrease if they have access to productive assets and can save, borrow and lend money.
The U.S. Government has also pledged an additional US$9 million towards WFP’s food assistance for assets program in 2023.
Through this initiative, WFP will provide lifesaving food in exchange for work on community assets like feeder roads, community gardens, dams and irrigation systems.
The community-centred approach also promotes nutrition, gender equality, and social protection. Roberto Borlini, WFP Head of Programme in the country, said:
<blockquote>
WFP and the United States are committed to supporting humanitarian and social assistance for those who need it most in Zimbabwe.
While we will provide short-term assistance during this lean season, we will also continue creating livelihood opportunities, to increase the purchasing power of families, enabling them to meet their food needs.
</blockquote>
The latest contribution brings the total funding from USAID to WFP activities to US$44.2 million for 2022.
The United States remains the largest bilateral donor of emergency humanitarian assistance in Zimbabwe.

USAID and WFP Join Hands As Lean Season Sets-in Rural Zimbabwe

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) says it has established modalities to ensure that the allocation of food aid is not politicised in rural areas ahead of the 2023 general elections.
USAID on Thursday gave the World Food Programme (WFP) US$36 million worth of food aid that will be distributed to people living in rural areas who are facing food shortages.
USAID director for Humanitarian Assistance and Resilience, Marialice Ariens, said they are working with WFP and Government to make sure food aid reaches the needy. She said:
<blockquote>
The United States government takes targeting seriously. We have key beneficiary criteria when we decide who we are going to assist.
WFP also has a validation exercise, so a follow-up post the initial target to make sure that the people targeted are indeed the most vulnerable will be done.
</blockquote>
Opposition political parties have on numerous occasions accused ZANU PF of withholding food aid from perceived opposition supporters as a form of punishment and using the same to reward those who vote for the ruling party.
According to WFP, 3 million Zimbabweans are projected to face acute food shortage in the first quarter of 2023 owing to poor rainfall during the 2021/22 summer cropping season.
WFP head of programmes in Zimbabwe, Roberto Borlini said they will continue working in collaboration with the United States of America to support those in need of assistance. Said Borlini:
<blockquote>
WFP and the United States are committed to supporting humanitarian and social assistance for those who need it in Zimbabwe.
While we will provide short-term assistance during this lean season, we will also continue creating livelihood opportunities, to increase the purchasing power of families, enabling them to meet their food needs.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/usaid-wary-of-food-politicisation/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

USAID Pledges To Guard Against Politicisation Of Food Aid

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has injected US$5 million to help fight social, political and economic challenges faced by youths in Zimbabwe.
USAID, in partnership with Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT),  Youth Advisory Board, and youth-led committees, are working to support young people build their skills and improving the business enabling environment.
Speaking to journalists Wednesday in Harare, the coordinator for USAID’s Local Works Zimbabwe Youth Program, Bigbouy Chikwavarara, said the program seeks to support youth entrepreneurship development. <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/usaid-injects-millions-to-support-youth-entrepreneurs/">He told NewZimbabwe.com:</a>
<blockquote>
Through the Local Works Zimbabwe Program, USAID supports young entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses to generate jobs and incomes in both the formal and informal sectors of the Zimbabwean economy.
This is a US$5 million project which will seek to support youth so that they can start and grow their enterprises.
We really believe that this is necessary at this point in time and we know that USAID alone cannot do it , so we are believing that collaboration action is the way to go.
</blockquote>
He added that lots of young people had brilliant ideas that can transform communities if they get the requisite support. 
YETT director, Rosewita Katsande said they were keen on identifying locally, sustainable youth-led solutions that can then be implemented.
Reports have indicated that the country’s unemployment rate now stands above 85%.
<h2>More: <a class="external text" href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/download/" rel="nofollow">Pindula News </a>is best enjoyed via <a class="external text" href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/download/" rel="nofollow">the App. Download it here</a></h2>

USAID Injects US$5 Million To Fight Socio-economic, Political, Issues Affecting Zim Youths

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received US$5.7 million from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to support people experiencing vulnerability to food insecurity across urban and rural areas.
This brings USAID’s contributions to over US$45 million over the last year.
Urban populations will benefit from the contribution through WFP’s Urban Resilience Building Programme which aims to reach up to 140,000 households across 19 urban domains. 
Additionally, 14 000 rural households in eight districts will receive support through WFP’s Food Assistance for Assets Programme. Both programmes will develop community skills and create assets to better prepare communities with sustainable livelihood 
opportunities – and improve their capacity to cope with shocks such as COVID-19 and climate change. Said USAID Acting Mission Director Zeb Simpson:
<blockquote>
The United States will continue to bring critical food assistance to the most vulnerable Zimbabweans. At the same time, we are working to equip households and communities with the skills and resources they need to overcome the shocks and challenges they face.
</blockquote>
The situation is of particular concern in urban areas, where 42 per cent of the population are estimated to be food insecure, many impacted by the loss of informal jobs. 
Innovative projects like hydroponics will be established in and around cities- which encourages food production through environmentally sustainable techniques. This will empower communities with the tools required to grow and sell food to generate income as many urban livelihoods have been devastated by COVID-19. 
Complementary skills building will also be provided to communities such as financial literacy, vocational and digital skills, marketing and micro-business management training.
The rural resilience activities will support community-based asset building, promote village savings and lending groups, and provide training on improving crop storage conditions to reduce harvest loss. In exchange for participation, food assistance will be provided to supplement shortfalls during the upcoming lean season. 
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

USAID Donates US$5.7 Million To WFP For Vulnerable People In Zimbabwe

Opposition MDC Alliance led by Mr Nelson Chamisa has frowned upon the recently gazetted Private Voluntary Organisation Amendment Bill which seeks to ban Non-Governmental Organisations from political lobbying. 
The party’s Secretary-General, Chalton Hwende, said the bill was targeted at the opposition party. He said:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe is now a fully-fledged Dictatorship. Laws are being created targeted at only the MDC Alliance and President @nelsonchamisa . NGOs to be barred from political lobbying.
</blockquote>
Last week the Clerk of Parliament, Mr Kennedy Chokuda, gazetted the Bill that seeks to among other things penalise non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that dabble in politics.
The Bill seeks to amend section 10 of the principal by the insertion of the following paragraph after paragraph (e) as follows — 
<blockquote>
(e1) when any private voluntary organisation that supports or opposes any political party or candidate in a presidential, parliamentary or local government election or is a party to any breach of section 7 under Part III of the Political Parties (Finance) Act [Chapter 2:12] as a contributor of funds to a political party or candidate or otherwise shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of level twelve or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or both such fine or such imprisonment.
</blockquote>
Ahead of the 2023 polls, the United States of America, through USAID, had set aside US$5 million to fund NGOs for the “promotion of the rule of law, constitutionalism and democracy.”
Opposition MDC-T leader, Mr Douglas Mwonzora said the country should make use of laws such as the Political Parties Finance Act to stop foreigners from funding political activism through NGOs. He said:
<blockquote>
Our position is that there must be minimal interference with the work of civil society organisations, they provide the necessary checks and balances on possible government excesses. But we have laws such as the Political Parties Finance Act, which proscribes foreign funding and that has to be used.
</blockquote>
MDC Alliance was stripped of rights to the funding provided under the Political Parties Finance Act it was “entitled” to following the 2018 elections. 
The funds are being received by the MDC-T which was declared the legitimate beneficiary by a 2019 Supreme Court ruling on the MDC leadership wrangle.
MDC Alliance has allegedly been getting funding from members, wellwishers and some Western states to fund its operations.  
Meanwhile, ZANU PF’s chief whip Mr Pupurai Togarepi said the ruling party will swiftly pass the Bill into law to close the door on delinquent activities in the NGOs.
Government has in the past accused NGOs of abandoning their mandates by pursuing a political agenda in support of regime change. 
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/bill-set-to-scuttle-mdc-a-election-plans/">The Herald</a>

MDC Alliance Responds To Bill Which Bans NGOs From Political Lobbying

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has availed about US$2m to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) towards livelihood support for vulnerable and disaster-prone communities in Zimbabwe.
According to a joint statement by USAid and IOM released on Wednesday, the project funded to the tune of US$1 993 499, will run until November next year.
The project will provide psychosocial support and income-generating activities that will reintegrate and build resilience for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees.
It is also expected to assist host communities in Masvingo, Manicaland and Matabeleland South provinces. IOM said:
<blockquote>
This support is in addition to the USAID-supported project in Manicaland already providing transitional shelter and camp coordination and camp management assistance for Cyclone Idai survivors.
</blockquote>
The UN agency says over 300 000 Zimbabweans have returned to the country due to the Coronavirus pandemic. 
It added that insufficient solutions and resources have resulted in long-term displacements and reinforced the need for an additional emergency response to address basic household needs.
The project will support 3 600 vulnerable households (15 480 individuals), including IDPs, returnees, and host communities.
IOM Zimbabwe Chief of mission Mario Lito Malanca welcomed the support from USAID and said leaving IDPs and migrants in continued deprivation, without the prospect of a durable solution, is a humanitarian concern and also an obstacle to long-term peace, recovery, and reconstruction. 
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/10/us2m-for-displaced-zimbos/">NewsDay</a>

USAID Donates US$2 Million For Displaced Zimbabweans

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the Local Works Zimbabwe Youth Program, a US$5 million economic empowerment initiative.
This youth-led initiative is premised at creating economic opportunities to address issues such as youth unemployment, and rising poverty by increasing incomes.
Speaking at the Local Works Zimbabwe Stakeholder Meeting held on October 7, USAID/Zimbabwe Mission Director Art Brown said:
<blockquote>USAID would like young people to take the driver’s seat. Our approach under the Local Works program is slightly different from the traditional method of development program design and implementation.
We want you as young people to take the lead in defining and addressing the diverse challenges you face so that we support you to meet your social and economic needs.</blockquote>
Through the Local Works Zimbabwe, USAID will facilitate the creation of a collaborative action network of local actors, promote multi-stakeholder dialogue, generate cross-sectoral partnerships, and discover sustainable collaborative solutions to the most pressing challenges identified by Zimbabwean youth.
USAID will also support young Zimbabweans, along with other local actors – communities, youth networks, organizations, private sector, and others – to set their own development agenda, develop solutions, and ultimately, make those solutions a reality.
The agency aims to facilitate the design of the Local Works Zimbabwe Youth Program and support the establishment of a Youth Advisory Board, which will oversee the design and implementation of this initiative.
USAID also intends to engage the private sector, including identifying opportunities for co-design and co-financing of activities, all while promoting innovation and increased economic opportunities for the youth.
Zimbabwean youths, like women and people with disabilities, remain more vulnerable to the bumps of life mainly because they do not own means of production.
More: <a href="https://healthtimes.co.zw/2020/10/07/us-government-launches-us5-mln-initiative-to-expand-economic-opportunities-for-zim-youth/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=us-government-launches-us5-mln-initiative-to-expand-economic-opportunities-for-zim-youth&amp;utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=us-government-launches-us5-mln-initiative-to-expand-economic-opportunities-for-zim-youth" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Health Times</a>

USA Launches $5m Initiative To Empower Zim Youths

The USAID has said that Zimbabweans are now spending more of their incomes on food as prices continue increasing.  
This was said by Jason Taylor the USAID chief office humanitarian assistance and resilience in Zimbabwe. Taylor was speaking at a public discussion forum on the economic decline and food insecurity crisis in Zimbabwe held in Washington DC, US, last Wednesday. Taylor said:
<blockquote>We have experienced in Zimbabwe a steady macroeconomic deterioration for a period of years and things are now just starting to bite. This deterioration is categorised most recently by price spikes, which immediately followed fiscal and monetary policies implemented by the government last October. We have seen price increases for imported goods that are exacerbated by the falling value of the local currency.
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Inflation is now at 66,8% as of March. This is the official rate and this is up from 59,4% in February, a significant increase in one month. Informal estimates are much higher, so no matter how you are looking at it, it is not a good picture. This inflation impact is severe for ordinary Zimbabweans who have seen prices rise, but wages are not keeping up.
Even if wages are rising, they are not competing with the prices that we are seeing… So, in 2016, the average poor household in urban areas spent 28% of their income on food. In 2018, that had risen to 44%. Let me let that sink in a bit. Twenty eight percent to 44%, that is a startling increase, and yet household dietary diversity is worse. So, put bluntly, people are spending more on food, but they are eating worse.</blockquote>
Prices of commodities continue rising unabated. The business community attributes the price hikes to the scarcity of foreign currency which is needed for importation of goods. Meanwhile, the government and the ruling ZANU PF have been sending threats to businesses. They argue that the business sector is deliberately raising prices to effect regime change.
Things started falling apart after the government introduced austerity measures which among other things introduced the infamous 2% tax.
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<h3>Related:</h3>
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<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/05/03/austerity-will-result-in-more-money-in-your-pocket-mthuli-ncube/" rel="bookmark">Austerity Will Result In More Money In Your Pocket – Mthuli Ncube</a></li>
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</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/05/zimbabweans-eating-less-as-economy-deteriorates/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a>

USAID: People Are Spending More On Food, But They Are Eating Worse

The United State Embassy alleged that there was possible misuse and diversion of funds by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). This comes after the United States Agency for International Development USAID cut its funding to Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights), Election Resource Centre (ERC) and Counselling Services Unit (CSU). USAID also demanded that all the CSOs should return money that they had not used. Writing on Twitter, the Embassy said,
<blockquote>We remain committed to assisting the people of Zimbabwe and invest millions of dollars each year to support a wide range of programs to benefit them. Attempts to divert U.S. funds from their intended use is unacceptable under any circumstances #USZim
Earlier this year, as a result of regular internal oversight, USAID became aware of the possible misuse of U.S. assistance funding.
When USAID learned of the situation, an investigation was immediately launched and several issues were brought to light. Those issues have been dealt with accordingly.
The investigation remains open.</blockquote>

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