Allegra e bainvegni, Grüezi und herzlich willkommen, Buongiorno e benvenuti, Bonjour et soyez les bienvenus!
A warm welcome to the Swiss Residence – which today is practically glowing with football fever. As you have no doubt noticed, we are celebrating Switzerland’s proud role as host of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament. While the trophy went to England, we are delighted to have brought the beautiful game to our beautiful mountains.
But today, we turn from goals on the field to the goals we share as nations.
The 1st of August marks the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291, when three cantons said “no thanks” to foreign rule and forged a pact of freedom and unity. Switzerland was born in a mountain meadow with determination in its heart.
Zimbabwe’s own journey to independence echoes this spirit. In 1980, Zimbabwe broke free from colonial domination with the same tenacity and vision. Different contexts, different paths – but the same shared thirst for sovereignty and dignity.
So today, as we wave Swiss flags and sample cheese, we also salute Zimbabwe’s strength, resilience, and shared belief in the power of self-determination.
This celebration would not be possible without the generous support of our partners. Thank you to Nestlé Zimbabwe, Trauma Centre Borrowdale, Cotecna, Swiss Education Group, Organic Africa, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Stanbic Bank and Safeguard Security Zimbabwe.
And a special “grazie mille” to our top sponsors – Nestlé and Trauma Centre Borrowdale – for not just sponsoring the National Day, but for investing in our communities year-round. That is what real partnership looks like.
This past year, Zimbabwe made headlines by abolishing the death penalty. It was a bold, courageous step, and we were honoured to support it.
Attorney General Mrs. Virginia Mabiza credited the Swiss Embassy’s role in a plenary session of the UN Human Rights Council. While we are of the view that discreet support to delicate processes has the best chances of success, we are of course very proud when successes are publicly acknowledged. More importantly, Zimbabwe is continuing the journey: working on reintegration and rehabilitation for former death row inmates – and once again, we are partnering on this initiative.
Dear Guests,
Following an intensive facilitation process, 27 Swiss farms and around 70 other European farmers received financial compensation at the beginning of this year. This pioneering process set to be completed over the next four years represents a significant and courageous step by the Government of Zimbabwe. I would like to congratulate the Government for taking this leap into the unknown, despite all the pitfalls encountered. As co-chair of the land pillar in the structured dialogue with the Office of the President and Cabinet, I commend this commitment to constitutional obligations and investment certainty. For beneficiaries, it offers a path toward reconciliation – closing a painful page and opening a new chapter. I encourage continued momentum – disbursing the next instalments will keep confidence alive.
Early this year brought the signing of a bilateral Double Taxation Agreement – not exactly the stuff of dinner-table gossip, but vital for business confidence and clarity. Once ratified, it can spark more trade, more investment, and more jobs.
Speaking of clear signals – we also welcomed Zimbabwe’s decision to allow spouses of Swiss diplomats to work locally. After years of constructive negotiation, our partners can finally stop pretending to enjoy diplomatic receptions as their full-time job. I am of course joking, as we all know the invaluable difference our spouses make to everything we intend to do.
Swiss businesses in Zimbabwe – like Nestlé and others – continue to show what’s possible. But we also know they face challenges. Let’s ensure issues are addressed swiftly, with clear responses and real solutions. If Zimbabwe is “open for business,” the doorbell needs to work.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Healing is never easy. But Zimbabwe has taken a brave step in launching the Matabeleland Peacebuilding Outreach Programme in June this year. At the President’s request, and based on our involvement in similar processes, we are sharing Swiss expertise to support this historic process.
Each step is uncharted, but the compass is clear: truth, dignity, and healing. We stand ready to keep walking this road, alongside all Zimbabweans seeking peace. There are a lot of best practices out there, and it is our hope that everyone involved will continue tapping into them. Affected communities and Zimbabwe as a whole would greatly benefit from a successful process. It would represent the best illustration of the 2019 African Union Transitional Justice Policy, which promotes the use of traditional measures and mechanisms when societies aim to overcome past violations, divisions and inequalities to create conditions for security, democratic and socio-economic transformation. As Zimbabwe is running for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council, its promotion of local mechanisms and structures – fully in line with the New Agenda for Peace – would be further demonstration of the country’s pioneering role in peace and reconciliations matters.
Dear Guests,
The African Development Bank-led re-engagement effort – under the respected leadership of former President Chissano – remains the best path forward. It’s about renewing international trust, with tangible reforms and open dialogue.
Of course, none of this works without civic engagement. A vibrant civil society and a free media are not luxuries – they are the lifeblood of accountable governance. Let us keep the space open for those voices, even – or especially – when they are inconvenient.
Zimbabwe’s greatest asset is its people – especially its dynamic, determined youth.
Through the Swiss Support to Arts Development in Zimbabwe (SSADZA) programme, Switzerland has supported over 400 artists – most of them young women. And with 400+ applications received in our latest call, the creative energy here is explosive.
I am pleased to announce that the second call for SSADZA opened two weeks ago, and we look forward to continuing our engagement with artists across Zimbabwe – supporting innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth in this dynamic sector.
Since last August, we have launched various initiatives through our development cooperation on social protection, women’s economic empowerment, climate-smart farming, and youth entrepreneurship. Whether it’s a smallholder farmer improving yields or a young entrepreneur building a business – we have made real impact.
Our Embassy tries to walk the talk on sustainability. You may have noticed the electric vehicles in our fleet outside, a deliberate choice to slash carbon emissions and lead by example. We have also drastically reduced single-use plastics, and even the bean bags seats that are in the tents were made from upcycled materials by a talented local entrepreneur. These steps reflect our unwavering commitment to climate action, proving that diplomacy is not just about words, but is about tangible, responsible choices.
We also work hard to uphold high ethical standards – including preventing sexual exploitation and abuse. Together with the Ministry of Women Affairs, UN Women, and others, we support safe spaces and empowered women.
In this regard, I would like to congratulate Zimbabwe on adopting its second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. Ensuring equal participation and leadership of women in decision-making processes is essential for achieving peaceful and sustainable societies. And in this regard let us not forget the inspirational Kirsty Coventry – Zimbabwean Olympic legend, former Minister of sports and now IOC President, living in the beautiful Swiss city of Lausanne. That is what women’s leadership looks like.
As a HeForShe Champion, I proudly support gender equality upon the request of the Canadian ambassador. And as a football fan (or rather the son of one), I am happy that the Women’s Euro was such a success. Sport uplifts. Sport unites. And sometimes, sport inspires progress where politics cannot.
Before closing, I want to thank my wonderful and dedicated Embassy team – your tireless efforts make all this possible. Not only today, but daily. What we have achieved together is simply amazing.
And now, may I propose a toast:
To the people of Zimbabwe and Switzerland.
To Presidents Mnangagwa and Keller-Sutter.
To partnership, progress, and possibility. Cheers!
