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Zimbabwe's lucrative NGO space dealt another blow as Netherlands cuts support
3 hrs ago | Views
Zimbabwean non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that rely on Dutch funding are facing a major setback following the Netherlands government's decision to cut €2.4 billion in international development aid. The budget reductions, set to take effect in 2027, are expected to result in job losses and the discontinuation of key programmes.
The Netherlands' new policy will see funding for gender equality initiatives, vocational and higher education, sports, and cultural projects completely withdrawn, while financial support for climate action, civil society, and United Nations organisations will be significantly reduced. Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Reinette Klever, said the decision reflects a shift towards prioritising national interests over traditional foreign aid spending.
"All the programmes we fund must contribute directly to our own interests: promoting trade, enhancing security, and reducing migration," Klever stated.
In Zimbabwe, the Dutch Embassy in Harare has been a key donor to various organisations focused on human rights, gender equality, climate change, and economic development. Some of the affected groups include Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, which provides legal support to activists, and the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association, which advocates for women's legal rights. Other organisations that have benefited from Dutch funding include Green Impact Centre, Bioskop! Short Film Competition, My Trees Trust, HeForShe Zimbabwe, and BirdLife Zimbabwe.
Beyond Zimbabwe, the Netherlands government has outlined a new approach to its development aid, shifting focus to security in regions surrounding Europe, such as West Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa. The strategy aims to stabilise trade routes, combat terrorist and criminal organisations, and curb migration into the Netherlands.
Klever emphasised that preventing food shortages and providing people with opportunities in their home regions would reduce the need for them to migrate to Europe. She also revealed plans to negotiate agreements with migration-prone countries to discourage migration and encourage repatriation.
The impending funding cuts have raised concerns among Zimbabwean civil society organisations that have long depended on Dutch aid to sustain their operations. Many fear that the withdrawal of support will undermine critical social justice, environmental, and humanitarian initiatives across the country.
The Netherlands' new policy will see funding for gender equality initiatives, vocational and higher education, sports, and cultural projects completely withdrawn, while financial support for climate action, civil society, and United Nations organisations will be significantly reduced. Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Reinette Klever, said the decision reflects a shift towards prioritising national interests over traditional foreign aid spending.
"All the programmes we fund must contribute directly to our own interests: promoting trade, enhancing security, and reducing migration," Klever stated.
Beyond Zimbabwe, the Netherlands government has outlined a new approach to its development aid, shifting focus to security in regions surrounding Europe, such as West Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa. The strategy aims to stabilise trade routes, combat terrorist and criminal organisations, and curb migration into the Netherlands.
Klever emphasised that preventing food shortages and providing people with opportunities in their home regions would reduce the need for them to migrate to Europe. She also revealed plans to negotiate agreements with migration-prone countries to discourage migration and encourage repatriation.
The impending funding cuts have raised concerns among Zimbabwean civil society organisations that have long depended on Dutch aid to sustain their operations. Many fear that the withdrawal of support will undermine critical social justice, environmental, and humanitarian initiatives across the country.
Source - zimlive
