Japan Boosts Zim’s Food Security with US$1.3 Milli...

Japan Boosts Zim’s Food Security with US$1.3 Million Donation

Zim Now Reporter

The Government of Japan has committed US$1.3 million to support 32,000 vulnerable Zimbabweans with life-saving food assistance during the peak of the upcoming lean season, the United Nations World Food Programme announced on August 6, 2025.

This contribution will enable WFP to deliver cereals, pulses, and vegetable oil to families in food-insecure communities between January and March 2026 — a critical period when food stocks from previous harvests typically run low.

Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Shinichi Yamanaka, expressed deep concern over Zimbabwe’s ongoing food security challenges.

“The government of Japan and the Embassy of Japan in Zimbabwe are very concerned about the food insecurity in Zimbabwe. I hope that this food assistance will help these vulnerable people to overcome the lean season,” he said.

Yamanaka reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to continued humanitarian support for Zimbabwe.

The aid will complement WFP’s Lean Season Assistance response programme, which targets the most affected districts based on findings from the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment, a multi-stakeholder platform that monitors food security and household vulnerabilities.

WFP Zimbabwe Country Director and Representative, Barbara Clemens, said the Japanese donation will make a significant difference at a time when many families face heightened hunger.

“Thanks to this support from the Government of Japan, many families will not worry about their next meal when hunger is at its worst,” she said.

“This contribution is a show of solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe, and we remain resolute in ensuring the right food reaches the right people at the right time.”

The support aligns with Zimbabwe’s Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy, a government-led initiative aimed at cushioning the most vulnerable communities from food insecurity.

Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo, welcomed the assistance, emphasizing the collaborative efforts with development partners.

“We are grateful to Japan for their commitment to supporting the people of Zimbabwe. This contribution reflects our continued partnership with WFP to ensure food reaches those who need it the most and no one is left behind,” he said.