AUDA-NEPAD, in collaboration with CCARDESA (on behalf of SADC), undertook a technical mission to Harare, Zimbabwe, from 23–25 September 2025, to consult on the Second Zimbabwe Agricultural Investment Programme (ZAIP II) 2024–2030. The mission responded to a government request for support in aligning the national agricultural investment plan with the newly endorsed Kampala CAADP Declaration on Building Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems, adopted by African Heads of State in January 2025.
The AUDA-NEPAD and CCARDESA delegation engaged with senior government officials, farmers’ unions, FAO, and development partners. Discussions focused on strengthening policy alignment, enhancing coordination, and identifying technical and financial support areas for implementing ZAIP II.
Zimbabwe was commended for its strong political commitment to food systems transformation and for implementing innovative programmes such as the Pfumvudza/Intwasa scheme, which supports over 1.6 million smallholder households. The country’s financing innovations, including the Crop Purchase Buffer Fund and Seed Revolving Fund, were recognised as important tools for scaling agricultural investment. The mission also highlighted the need to align ZAIP II with the Kampala CAADP Declaration, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and improve coordination among development partners. Enhancing research on climate-induced pests, expanding access to weather information for farmers, and mechanising smallholder production were also identified as priorities.
AUDA-NEPAD and CCARDESA (on behalf of SADC) reaffirmed its commitment to support Zimbabwe through a roadmap for joint work that includes the technical review of ZAIP II, development of a soil health strategy, revitalisation of the Africa Centre for Fertiliser Development, and mobilisation of investments in strategic value chains. This mission underscored AUDA-NEPAD and SADC’s role in accompanying Member States to domesticate continental frameworks and accelerate the transformation of Africa’s agrifood systems.
