Staff Writer
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume represented the City at German Unity Day celebrations held at the German Ambassador’s residence in Chisipite, Harare, reaffirming the capital’s longstanding partnership with Germany.
German Unity Day, commemorated on 3 October, marks the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990 after more than four decades of division.
The City of Harare said Mayor Mafume’s participation reflected the importance the capital attaches to its longstanding cooperation with Germany, particularly in development, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
“Harare values relationships built on development, investment and people-to-people exchange, not just protocol,” the City of Harare said.
Germany is among Zimbabwe’s key development partners, with cooperation extending to projects that have had a direct impact on Harare and its residents.
Through the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, implemented by GIZ and KfW Development Bank, Germany has been a key contributor to the ZimFund, a multi-donor fund managed by the African Development Bank.
The fund financed emergency rehabilitation of Harare’s water and sanitation infrastructure, helping to improve water supplies to households and clinics, strengthen water management systems and reduce the risk of water-borne diseases.
According to the City of Harare, German cooperation has also supported urban development, health, energy and governance, while cultural and academic links have been strengthened through institutions such as the Goethe-Institut, DAAD scholarships and university exchange programmes.
“These partnerships have created opportunities for students and professionals to access German education, training and skills development,” the City said.
The City also noted that German investors and trade partners continue to show interest in Zimbabwe, with Harare serving as the country’s major hub for business, industry and services.
The City of Harare said participation in German Unity Day was more than a ceremonial engagement, providing an opportunity to reinforce existing cooperation and explore new areas of collaboration.
“Harare looks forward to deepening cooperation in infrastructure, climate resilience, waste management and youth opportunities in the years ahead,” the City said.
The engagement highlights the potential for the longstanding Harare-Germany partnership to continue contributing to development, skills, investment and improved services in the capital.