Japan Donates US$1.3 Million To Support 32,000 Vulnerable Zimbabweans

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today, 6 August 2025, welcomed a contribution of US$1.3 million from the Government of Japan to support 32,000 vulnerable people in Zimbabwe with nutritious food assistance.

The contribution will enable WFP to deliver cereals, pulses, and vegetable oil, ensuring that families have access to essential nutrition during the January-to-March lean season — the period between harvests when food supplies are typically at their lowest.

His Excellency, Shinichi Yamanaka, the Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, said:

“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.

“We will continue our support to allow all Zimbabweans to meet their food security needs.”

WFP’s Lean Season Assistance response, supporting communities in the most food-insecure districts, is in line with the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment (ZimLAC), a multi-stakeholder body responsible for conducting regular livelihood assessments.

Barbara Clemens, WFP Zimbabwe Country Director and Representative, said:

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

“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.”

WFP supports the Government of Zimbabwe’s Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy, which aims to protect the most vulnerable people from worsening food insecurity.

Edgar Moyo, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, said:

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, in line with the mandate from His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The Government of Japan’s continued support underscores the strong and enduring partnership between Japan, WFP, and the Government of Zimbabwe.

Between 2015 and 2021, Japan provided food assistance through WFP amounting to US$15.8 million.

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