Press Release
The SDC and ARC Boost Zimbabwe’s Digital Disaster Response transformation with Technology Handover
Harare, Zimbabwe – 24 October 2025 – The African Risk Capacity (ARC), with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), today handed over advanced information and communications technology (ICT) equipment to the Government of Zimbabwe to strengthen the country’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
The donation—which includes laptops, tablets, and a high-resolution digital camera - forms part of ARC’s broader initiative under the SDC-funded project aimed at enhancing disaster risk management and social protection systems across Africa. It was facilitated by the World Food Programme (WFP) and will be used by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare (MPSLSW) and the Department of Civil Protection to enhance digital systems for disaster management, from early warning to real-time response.
Through this support, Zimbabwe will be better equipped to digitalize its beneficiary targeting, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems, and improve the speed and accuracy of data collection and analysis during disaster response operations.
Speaking during the handover ceremony representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, expressed appreciation for ARC and its partners’ continued commitment to strengthening Zimbabwe’s resilience to climate-related shocks.
“This ICT equipment will go a long way in supporting our efforts to modernize disaster response mechanisms. By adopting digital tools, we can improve data management, transparency, and coordination in providing timely assistance to vulnerable communities, “said George Guvamatanga, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Finance and Investment Promotion. “We are grateful to the SDC, WFP and ARC for their partnership and support in this important initiative,” he concluded.
“We are not just handing over technology; we are handing over tools that will help protect lives and livelihoods — because preparedness today means fewer losses tomorrow,” said Ms. Liliane Tarnutzer, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland.
“Today’s handover is a significant step in our broader effort to strengthen Zimbabwe’s disaster response systems. It represents our shared commitment to building national systems, investing in preparedness and using data and technology to improve response,” said Barbra Clemens, WFP Zimbabwe Country Representative and Director.
As countries strengthen their disaster preparedness and response strategies, the role of a collaborative effort to ensure effective response is clear. The handover event, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Department of Civil Protection, SDC, WFP, and ARC, provided an opportunity for partners to discuss ongoing and future collaboration in building a digitally enabled disaster management ecosystem in Zimbabwe.
“The Government of Zimbabwe further acknowledges with thanks the support of more than US$7 million received from SDC for Zambia and Zimbabwe through the ARC programme. This funding has provided premium financing and supported capacity-building activities in both countries over the last five years,” affirmed Guvamatanga.
Through this investment in ICT equipment, the partners reaffirmed their commitment to continue working with the country to achieve a data-driven, efficient, and accountable disaster management system that safeguards lives and livelihoods.
—Ends—
Media Contacts
For African Risk Capacity Group:
Michele Karambiri, Head of Communication, ARC Group
Email: michele.karambiri@arc.int
For the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare:
To be confirmed by the Ministry
For the World Food Programme (WFP):
To be confirmed by WFP Zimbabwe Country Office
For more information, please visit: www.arc.int
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