 The World Bank suspended its lending program in Zimbabwe when the country went into arrears in 2000. The Bank’s role is currently limited to technical assistance and analytical work focusing on macroeconomic policy, food security/agrarian sector, social sector expenditures and delivery, infrastructure assessment, and HIV/AIDS program support.
World Bank assistance to Zimbabwe totaled US$1.6 billion between 1980 and 2000, when the country went into arrears; Zimbabwe’s arrears to the Bank were estimated at US$600 million at end-June 2008.The arrears to the IMF stood at US$144 million at end-June, and AfDB at US$429 million at end-April 2008 . Resumption of World Bank financial support would hinge, inter alia, on arrears clearance and government commitment to a sound economic recovery program with international support.
In 2007, the World Bank and Development Partners in Zimbabwe established the Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) which is being administered by the World Bank from the Harare Country Office. The objective of the MDTF is to contribute knowledge on the key development challenges facing Zimbabwe within the context and objectives of the second Interim Strategy Note (ISN for 2008-09). The MDTF, through analytic studies and pilot activities, aims to develop suitable instruments that can enable Government and donors to respond quickly to the country’s needs during re-engagement.
The ISN FY08-09 was presented to the Board in May 2007 and aims to maintain operational readiness to re-engage quickly. Strategic outcomes for the ISN are enhanced country knowledge, improved capacity and accountability, and increased harmonization with donors.
Read Zimbabwe Welcome Brochure (March 2009)
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