Harare—Opposition leader Elisabeth Valerio has issued a scathing statement condemning government corruption, calling for urgent reforms to curb financial mismanagement and reduce Zimbabwe’s dependence on foreign aid.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Valerio highlighted the stark contrast between the nearly $782 million Zimbabwe receives in foreign aid annually—much of it from the United States—and the $1.8 billion the country loses each year to corruption. She cited figures from the World Bank and Prosecutor General Loice Matanda-Moyo to argue that Zimbabwe is not a poor country but rather a mismanaged one.
“Zimbabwe does not need to beg for aid if our resources were properly managed,” Valerio said. “We have the capacity to be self-sufficient, to provide for our people, and to stand strong even in the face of shifting foreign policies, such as the recent changes introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump.”
A significant portion of the aid Zimbabwe receives comes from PEPFAR, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which contributes over $200 million each year to sustain the healthcare system, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS. But despite this assistance, Zimbabweans continue to struggle with poor healthcare, inadequate infrastructure, and rising poverty.
Valerio pointed to government extravagance as a key issue, criticizing the ruling elite for prioritizing luxury over public welfare. “Expensive cars, endless foreign trips, and corrupt procurement deals have taken precedence over ensuring that our hospitals have medicine, that our schools are well-equipped, and that our people have access to clean water and affordable food. This is a betrayal of the highest order,” she said.
She also warned that corruption is seeping into some members of the opposition, calling on political leaders to uphold integrity and resist the temptation of personal enrichment. “We must be vigilant, we must remain principled, and we must reject those who seek to exploit the people’s struggle for personal gain,” she added.
Valerio’s message was clear: Zimbabwe does not need more foreign aid—it needs accountable leadership. “We demand action. We demand accountability. We demand a Zimbabwe that works for its people.”
Her call for reform comes at a time when global aid policies are shifting, with uncertainties around future U.S. support. If corruption continues unchecked, Zimbabwe may find itself increasingly isolated, with fewer lifelines to rely on.
