First Capital Bank Joins UK-Backed Zimbabwe Demining Push

In Short

First Capital Bank co-hosted a humanitarian demining event in Harare with the Zimbabwe Mine Action Centre (ZIMAC), the UK and The HALO Trust.

At the event, British Ambassador Gill Lever announced an additional US$2 million pledge to support demining, as partners pushed to clear the final 3 percent of mine-contaminated land by 2030.

What Happened: UK Funding And A Private Sector Signal

The event, hosted at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Harare, highlighted Zimbabwe’s mine clearance progress and aimed to mobilise more funding for remaining minefields.

Zimbabwe has cleared 302,55 square kilometres of contaminated land since independence, which the partners said represents 97 percent of the country’s total minefield area. About 8,1 square kilometres remain, described as roughly 1 100 football pitches.

In remarks read by Permanent Secretary for Defence Aaron Nhepera, Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said Zimbabwe’s earlier target was to complete mine clearance by December 2025, but it was missed largely due to funding fluctuations. She said the new completion date is December 2030, and added that finishing earlier depends on securing maximum stakeholder support.

Muchinguri-Kashiri said the Government mainly funds the Zimbabwe National Army National Mine Clearance Unit. She added that international operators The HALO Trust, Mine Advisory Group and Norwegian People’s Aid are funded by the international donor community, including the UK, USA and Japan.

She commended The HALO Trust and First Capital Bank CEO Tapera Mushoriwa, saying the initiative marks the private sector coming on board.

Why It Matters: Land Access And Investment Conditions

Ambassador Lever said Zimbabwe’s progress reflects the courage and skill of deminers, and urged partners to “accelerate, not step back”. She said every mine removed protects lives and returns land to communities.

ZIMAC Representative Major Patson Mandaba said landmines still pose serious risks to civilians and hinder access to land for agriculture, which is crucial for food security and livelihoods.

The HALO Trust Country Director Oliver Gerard-Pearse said mine clearance opens land and reconnects communities, creating conditions for agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, energy and other businesses to invest.