Zimbabwe: The Biden administration wants to invest in the country under certain conditions including curbing corruption
Africa News Broadcast 
Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, Bulawayo, is grappling with a severe water shortage due to drought and mismanagement. Local entrepreneurs are looking to the United States for assistance in this crisis. Earlier in the month, Ian Hume, a former World Bank executive, registered as a lobbyist for three Zimbabwean companies aiming to construct a dam on the Umzingwane River. This dam is projected to produce 70,000 cubic meters of water daily, which would boost Bulawayo’s water supply by over 50%. Hume’s mission is to secure support from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
In his submission to the US Department of Justice, Hume stated that he approached the DFC in 2021, inspired by the agency’s goal to provide infrastructure funding in developing nations, particularly in Africa, as a countermeasure to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
At that time, the DFC’s Office of Structured Finance and Insurance expressed willingness to invest in Zimbabwe, subject to certain conditions.
The agency responded to Hume’s inquiry about supporting projects in Zimbabwe with a conditional affirmation, stating that while they are open to such prospects, US government sanctions and restrictions would necessitate a focus on private sector initiatives rather than government-involved projects.
The Glass Block dam project, which had been inactive for three years, has gained new momentum with the approach of municipal elections in September.
Peter Edmeades, an engineer on the project, communicated to Hume on June 18 that the election of David Coltart as mayor has brought renewed dedication to the project, which is estimated to cost around $100 million. He also mentioned that the project enjoys backing from the central government in Harare.
The initiative to build the Glass Block dam is led by three private founding partners, including JR Goddard.
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