Japan supports food and nutrition assistance for refugees in Zimbabwe

The contribution will provide food assistance to 11,300 refugees and asylum seekers, including specialised nutritious foods for children under 5, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with chronic illnesses, as well as nutrition education for families.

"Japan is committed to advancing human security and ensuring that the most vulnerable people have access to the support they need to live healthy and dignified lives," said His Excellency Nobutaka Maekawa, Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe. “Through this partnership with WFP and the Government of Zimbabwe, we are helping refugee families improve their food security and nutrition while supporting their resilience and future self-reliance.”

Zimbabwe hosts more than 23,000 refugees and asylum seekers, most of whom live at Tongogara Refugee Settlement. Women and children account for more than three-quarters of the settlement’s population, while limited livelihood opportunities contribute to food insecurity among families. 

“For refugee families at Tongogara, reliable access to nutritious food is essential to their health and dignity,” said Barbara Clemens, WFP Representative and Country Director in Zimbabwe. “Japan’s contribution will help WFP provide vital assistance while protecting the nutritional wellbeing of children, pregnant and breastfeeding women and others with specific needs.”

WFP works with the Government of Zimbabwe and humanitarian partners to provide food and nutrition assistance to refugees and asylum seekers at Tongogara, while supporting longer-term resilience and self-reliance.

"The Government of Zimbabwe appreciates the continued support of the Government of Japan and WFP in assisting refugees and asylum seekers hosted in our country,” said Hon. Edgar Moyo, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. “This contribution strengthens our collective efforts to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to adequate food and nutrition, while reinforcing Zimbabwe's commitment to providing protection, dignity and opportunities for those seeking refuge within our borders." 

Japan is a longstanding partner of WFP in Zimbabwe and has contributed USD 18 million since 2021 to support food security, nutrition and resilience programmes for vulnerable communities across the country.

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of weather extremes.

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