MORE than 400 young Zimbabwean artists—most of them women—have benefited from the Swiss Support to Arts Development in Zimbabwe (SSADZA) programme, with a fresh round of grants now open for applications.
The initiative demonstrates Switzerland's growing commitment to Zimbabwe's creative economy and youth development.
"With over 400 applications received in our latest call, the creative energy here is explosive," said Swiss Ambassador to Zimbabwe Stéphane Rey during Switzerland’s National Day celebrations in Harare on Friday.
"I am pleased to announce that the second call for SSADZA opened two weeks ago, and we look forward to continuing our engagement with artists across Zimbabwe, supporting innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth in this dynamic sector."
The programme forms part of Switzerland's broader development cooperation with Zimbabwe, which spans justice system reforms, investment promotion and peacebuilding initiatives.
The SSADZA Programme offers vital support to individuals in the arts and culture sector, fostering the development of new creative works while enhancing the sustainability of creatives, creative enterprises, and sector-supporting institutions.
Participants benefit from tailored capacity-building in financial literacy, project management, and storytelling—equipping them with the skills needed to effectively manage, share, and account for their projects and grant funding.
Beyond the arts, Switzerland has increased funding for youth entrepreneurship, climate-smart agriculture and women’s economic empowerment initiatives.
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Zimbabwe’s recent abolition of the death penalty received particular commendation from the Swiss Ambassador. Describing it as a courageous reform, the diplomat noted ongoing collaboration to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of former death row inmates.
In another landmark development, Zimbabwe has begun compensating 27 Swiss and approximately 70 other European farmers under its land reform programme, with full payments expected within four years.
The Ambassador characterised this as a crucial step towards restoring investor confidence while acknowledging the complexities involved.
Economic relations between the two nations strengthened further this year with the signing of an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation with respect to income tax.
“It’s vital for business clarity,” he remarked, noting that Swiss companies such as Nestlé continue to demonstrate the potential for successful investment in Zimbabwe despite ongoing challenges.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade minister Amon Murwira, who was represented at the event, highlighted the growing economic partnership, identifying particular opportunities in agro-processing, tourism infrastructure and renewable energy sectors.
He pointed to the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement as providing a solid foundation for future cooperation while encouraging greater Swiss investment across Zimbabwe’s economy.
The Government of Zimbabwe takes its international and constitutional obligations very seriously," he said in a speech delivered on his behalf by Pearson Chigiji, acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
"It is in this context that the Structured Dialogue on Areas Clearance and Debt Resolution has seen a lot of progress.
"As part of our re-engagement process with international financial institutions and the issue of clearing our debt, Switzerland has been working closely with the Government of Zimbabwe as a partner in the process."
The minister welcomed partnerships with Swiss universities, research councils, science parks and technical institutions.
"We also seek collaboration and partnerships on digital innovation, green technologies, renewable energy, biotechnology and knowledge exchange."
Rey stressed the importance of maintaining space for civil society and media freedom as essential components of accountable governance.
Switzerland’s National Day is commemorated annually on the 1st of August. The day celebrates the signing of the Federal Charter in 1291, Switzerland’s foundational constitutional document.
