Canada-Zimbabwe relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada established diplomatic relations with Zimbabwe in 1980 following the latter’s independence. In Zimbabwe, Canada maintains an embassy in Harare, which is concurrently accredited to Botswana and Malawi. In Canada, Zimbabwe maintains an embassy in Ottawa.
In 2008, Canada adopted the Special Economic Measures Act (Zimbabwe) Regulations. These measures prohibit arms trading with Zimbabwe and impose sanctions against listed Zimbabweans and entities. The measures will remain in place until there are positive shifts in Zimbabwean policy that result in improvements in human rights, democracy, freedom and the rule of law.
Trade relations
Two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Zimbabwe was valued at $17.4 million in 2018, comprising $12.3 million of Canadian exports to and $5.1 million of imports from Zimbabwe. Top Canadian merchandise export to Zimbabwe is vegetable products. Top Canadian merchandise import is minerals. Canadian investment in Zimbabwe is predominantly in the mining sector.
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International assistance
The majority of Canada’s assistance to Zimbabwe is channelled through regional and multilateral organizations and is implemented by Canadian and international non-governmental organizations in partnership with Zimbabwean local organizations. Canada’s international assistance to Zimbabwe includes initiatives in areas such as gender equality, scholarships, infrastructure project preparation, health, and climate change resilience. In response to Cyclones Idai and Kenneth, that struck the country in March and April 2019, Canada provided $1.58 million in humanitarian assistance funding to UN agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and non-governmental organizations. Through these partners, Canada helped provide access to emergency food rations, safe water and sanitation services, and healthcare to affected communities.
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives administered by the Canadian embassy also provides support to local organizations to promote good governance, human rights and the empowerment of women.
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Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Zimbabwe work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
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