UNDP Zimbabwe
| Annual Report
2023 in Review
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UNDP Zimbabwe
| Annual Report
2023 in Review
UNDP Zimbabwe | Annual Report
2023 in Review
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Smiling woman with UNDP t-shirt and helmet standing in front of a solar panel array
Highlights of the Year
Our Impact
in Numbers
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1.2 million
people continuing with their Anti-Retro Viral therapy
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270,000+
Tree seedlings nurtured and planted in the 2023/24 tree planting season
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5,000
Households reached through 386 Village Saving and Lending groups as part of women’s economic empowerment
Woman holding tray of products
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12,000
girls have an opportunity to pursue their education and reduce vulnerability to HIV, thanks to vital education subsidies
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447
solar-powered boreholes installed at health facilities to provide safe water access at for staff and patients
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64
Small businesses generating income & creating employment from 8 solar powered kiosks, generating 220 kW of power.
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33,000
Health workers supported with remuneration incentives to mitigate loss of critical health workforce
Woman watering vegetable field
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150
Households that have switched to using clean cooking energy after biogas digesters were installed
Man walking past tree seeding
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2
UNDP recommendations integrated into the 2024 Zimbabwe National Fiscal Budget
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10MW
Power generated by solar systems installed in over 1,050 health facilities to power critical medical processes
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302,000
small holder farmers received regular tailored weather information
Woman looking at cellphone
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1.1 million
people supported with climate-smart technical capacity to improve agricultural productivity
Two rangers beginning patrol
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1
Elephant lost to poaching - down from 6 - due to increased efforts in wildlife protection
Resident Representative Remarks
Foreword
Dr. Ayodele Odusola
Portrait photo of UNDP Zimbabwe Resident Representative Dr Ayodele Odusola

2023 marked a significant milestone – the halfway point towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Zimbabwe, like many countries, faces challenges on this path.

However, as an African proverb wisely says,

“If you are building a house and a nail breaks, do you stop building or do you change the nail?”

Zimbabwe has embraced this spirit, adapting, and innovating to overcome obstacles.

UNDP remains a steadfast partner, connecting people, ideas, and resources.

In 2023, we doubled down on efforts with a ripple effect on the SDGs. Our strategic interventions drove progress on all aspects of the SDGs: People, Planet, Prosperity, and Peace.

  • We supported healthcare, ensuring continued HIV treatment for over 1 million and a robust medical supply chain.
  • 9 irrigation schemes were developed for food security, 150 rural households switched to clean biogas and over 270,000 trees planted.
  • Climate-smart agriculture practices reached over 540,000 farmers.
  • Savings and Lending Groups fostered self-reliance, collectively saving over US$260,000 for members.
  • Policy advocacy led to key recommendations on domestic resource mobilization being adopted in the 2024 national budget.
  • The virtual court system reduced caseloads and improved access to justice.
  • We also contributed to national voter education reaching 5.9 million people.

These are just a few highlights from 2023. This report goes beyond statistics. We share the stories of the remarkable people and communities driving these changes.

This progress would not be possible without our dedicated partners:

  • The Government of Zimbabwe at all levels.
  • Our development partners whose generous support we channel towards the country’s development.
  • And mostly importantly, the men, women, and young people in the communities we serve.

As we move forward, our commitment to Zimbabwe remains steadfast.

Particularly, we stand ready to assist in the recovery from the devastating effects of the El Niño drought, as well as in bolstering efforts towards re-engagement and clearing debts and arrears. Internally, we are streamlining our programmes to ensure optimal delivery, maximum impact, and broader reach within the limited time frame for SDG attainment. A strong focus will also be on expanding initiatives aimed at fostering prosperity, ultimately benefiting all Zimbabweans.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We invite you to explore the stories within.

Enjoy!

Amplifying Reach & Resources
Partnerships
Appreciating the following partners for the development assistance, their continued trust and partnership in 2023
Government of Denmark
European Union
Government of France
Global Environment Facility
Government of Germany
The Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB & Malaria
Green Climate Fund
Government of Ireland
Government of Japan
Joint SDG Fund
Montreal Protocol
Government of Netherlands
Government of Norway
Swedish National Audit Office
United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund
Looking to the future: 2024 & Beyond
The journey towards achieving the SDGs in Zimbabwe is far from over, but the progress made to date serves as a springboard for an ambitious future.

To achieve even greater impact, we recognize the need for strengthened partnerships and pulling together resources. We invite a broader range of development partners passionate about development to join our journey.

As the United Nations’ integrator and development agency, we stand ready as a bridge, connecting partners with the most pressing needs and opportunities in Zimbabwe. We are confident that through collective action, we can unlock the immense potential Zimbabwe holds.
Sunset cityscape of Harare
Making History: Supporting Zimbabwe’s Debt Resolution
In 2023, UNDP was privileged to play a role in Zimbabwe’s groundbreaking Debt Dialogue process as co-chair of the Lands Sector Working Group.

This first-of-its-kind initiative brought together the country and its creditors to address longstanding debt and arrears.

A successful resolution will pave the way for increased investment, economic growth, and accelerated progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Making Work, Work.
Operational
Efficiency
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53%:47%
Ratio of male : female working for UNDP Zimbabwe
(August 2023 snapshot)
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US$ 176
million
worth of support channeled towards various development initiatives in 2023
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$US140 million
Value of procurement transactions handled
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US$12,600
Value of costs avoided in 2023 from switching UNDP offices to solar power
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Clean
(Unmodified)
Audit rating of the 10 implementing partners audited in 2023
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48,000 kWh
Amount of energy generated from the solar plant and used in 2023, with 2,700 kWh expended into the national grid