United States Ambassador to Harare, Pamela Marie Tremont, has said Chinese investments in Zimbabwe have not improved the lives of ordinary citizens, pointing to rising poverty and growing inequalities as evidence, reported <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/chinese-investment-in-zimbabwe-not-benefiting-citizens-us-ambassador/">ZimLive</a>.
In a podcast interview with J.W. Oliver, Tremont said the number of Zimbabweans living below the poverty line has doubled since 2011, despite the substantial Chinese investment in the country. She added:
<blockquote>
Welfare equality in Zimbabwe is actually getting worse. The rich are getting richer. The poor are getting poorer.
</blockquote>
Tremont identified weak regulations as a key issue, particularly in the mining sector, where labour rights are frequently ignored, and workers are exposed to hazardous conditions. She said:
<blockquote>
Investors have come here without any guardrails, without any guarantees that what they’re taking out of the country is benefiting the people of Zimbabwe.
And so, a lot of that investment and job creation hasn’t really gone to benefit the people of Zimbabwe. Their labour rights aren’t protected.
They’re not paid a fair wage; they’re not given safe work environments. They work in horrific conditions, sometimes using child labour.
</blockquote>
Tremont urged the Zimbabwean government to ensure that foreign investments benefit citizens by providing fair wages and safe working conditions.
She contrasted Chinese investments with U.S.-backed initiatives like Zimworks, which she praised for adhering to higher ethical standards. Said the U.S. ambassador:
<blockquote>
U.S. companies bring a completely different standard of investment to Zimbabwe.
That’s why there’s such a hunger for more first-world investment, which avoids the abuses we’ve seen in sectors like mining.
</blockquote>
There is competition between the United States and China in Zimbabwe which is part of a broader geopolitical and geoeconomic rivalry playing out across Africa.
Since Zimbabwe gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1980, its relations with both the US and China have evolved.
Initially, Zimbabwe maintained strong ties with Western countries, but these relations deteriorated over issues such as land reforms and human rights.
In response, the US and other Western nations imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe, leading to its economic isolation.
This prompted Zimbabwe to seek new allies, adopting the “Look East” policy and strengthening its relationship with China.
As a result, China has become a major investor in Zimbabwe, particularly in sectors like mining, infrastructure, and agriculture.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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Chinese investment in Zimbabwe has not helped regular people. The US Ambassador said poverty has increased and the rich keep getting richer. Chinese companies in mining don't protect workers' rights. The Ambassador wants Zimbabwe to make sure foreign investments pay fair wages and keep workers safe. US companies, like Zimworks, are better at this. Zimbabwe used to be friends with the US but turned to China for help. China now invests a lot in Zimbabwe. The US and China are competing for influence in Africa.

Chinese Investment In Zimbabwe Has Not Benefited Ordinary Citizens - US Ambassador

The United States has called on the Zimbabwean government to implement comprehensive political and financial reforms to restore the country’s former prosperity, reported <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/us-urges-zimbabwe-to-double-down-on-reforms/7876700.html">VOA</a>.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the High-level Structured Dialogue Platform Meeting on Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution in Harare on Monday, Pamela Tremont, the United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe, said that the U.S. seeks to foster cordial relations with the southern African nation. Said Tremont:
<blockquote>
We’re here today as part of our commitment to the Zimbabwe people that is long-standing and consistent, and we’re here to advocate for the reforms that the international community has been asking for for many years.
We’re quite clear — we need public officials to quit using their public offices for private gain. We need the judiciary to be able to deliver justice independently of political considerations.
</blockquote>
She said the United States also wants “the rights to assembly and free speech to be fully respected,” in Zimbabwe.
Akinwumi Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), called for negotiations on the debt to be expedited. He said:
<blockquote>
Even wars never last this long. It is clearly time to bring this to a close — end the decades of untold damage to the economy of Zimbabwe, the suffering of its people, and have a new beginning with collective hope, aspiration and shared prosperity for its people, today and well into the future. It is time to make Zimbabwe beautiful again.
No one, no matter how strong, can run up a hill carrying on their back piles of sand. The $21 billion debt of Zimbabwe, of which the bulk is actually arrears, has made arrears the new debt stacked like piles of sandbags on the back of Zimbabwe.
We all agree we must play our part to correct this anomaly and give a new lease of life to this nation and its people so Zimbabwe can run again.
</blockquote>
Adesina pleaded with institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to finance new loans for Zimbabwe and forgive or reduce old debts.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The United States wants Zimbabwe to make changes for the country to become prosperous again. They want public officials to stop using their power for personal gain, the judiciary to give fair justice, and people to be able to speak freely. The African Development Bank also wants to help Zimbabwe by negotiating the country's debt and getting new loans. They hope to bring hope and prosperity to Zimbabwe and its people. Everyone needs to work together to make Zimbabwe better.

United States Urges Zimbabwe To Implement Reforms For Prosperity

The United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, has reportedly raised concerns with the government about alleged State security surveillance during her travels across the country.
Tremont, who assumed her post in July 2024, took up the role after a gap of several years without a permanent U.S. Ambassador in Zimbabwe.
Before her appointment, the U.S. Embassy in Harare was led by Chargé d’Affaires Elaine French, who served from August 2022.
Tremont’s predecessor, Brian Nichols, held the position of U.S. Ambassador from 2018 until 2021.
According to a source cited by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200034846/us-ambassador-moans-over-cio-tails">NewsDay</a>, Ambassador Tremont has grown “weary” of the suspected surveillance, expressing concerns about being trailed during her travels throughout Zimbabwe. Said the source:
<blockquote>
She (Tremont) recently sent a team to government officials to discuss the matter of her security. They came and presented their case. They said she had grown tired.
</blockquote>
The U.S. Embassy declined to comment on the matter, as diplomatic protocol prohibits the disclosure of details regarding communications between embassies and host governments.
Lynette Nguluvhe, deputy spokesperson for Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, said they had not yet received any formal report on the issue.
Presidential spokesperson George Charamba recently issued a stern warning to Ambassador Tremont, referring to her as “a girl” and suggesting that she would soon learn that Zimbabwean authorities “don’t play” when provoked. He wrote on X:
<blockquote>
I think this Tremont girl they sent to us does not quite understand the Zimbabwean psyche. She will soon know hake. We don’t play when you angry us!
</blockquote>
In March 2024, the United States accused Zimbabwe of harassing, detaining, and deporting several of its nationals working in the country as aid workers.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) claimed that its officials and contractors had been subjected to both “verbal and physical” intimidation by Zimbabwean authorities. T
The agency said the individuals were in the country to support initiatives aimed at promoting civic participation, strengthening democratic institutions, and advancing human rights.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, is upset because she thinks she is being followed by the government's security agents when she travels around the country. She has complained about this surveillance to the government. The previous US Ambassador to Zimbabwe was Brian Nichols. The US Embassy in Harare declined to comment, and the Zimbabwean government said they have not received a formal report on the issue. A spokesperson for the Zimbabwean president warned Ambassador Tremont, calling her "a girl" and saying that she will soon learn that they don't play games. The United States accused Zimbabwe of mistreating American aid workers in the country.

Ambassador Tremont Complains Of Being Tracked By CIO During Travels

Pamela Tremont, the new US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, remains unbothered by the anti-sanctions protestors camped outside the embassy, describing their presence as “just for show.”
The protestors, part of the Broad Alliance Against Sanctions (BAAS), have been living at the US Embassy’s entrance since March 2019, insisting they will leave only when sanctions are lifted.
Speaking to local news editors, Tremont said she had not engaged the anti-sanctions protestors. She said (<a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/they-are-for-show-us-ambassador-unfazed-by-zimbabwe-anti-sanctions-protestors-camped-at-embassy-for-over-5-years/">via NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
We hear a lot about the sanctions from the government already without having to engage protestors.
</blockquote>
Tremont also dismissed the claim by Zimbabwean authorities that the sanctions are “illegal,” stating that the US has the right to regulate its own banks and prevent them from being involved in corruption.
In March 2024, US President Joe Biden announced the termination of the Zimbabwe sanctions programme, which was initially imposed due to violent land seizures in the 2000s.
The sanctions were established through Executive Orders in 2003, 2005, and 2008, blocking properties of individuals associated with actions against those on the US sanctions list.
Following the end of the broader sanctions, the US imposed stricter restrictions on certain individuals and entities under the Global Magnitsky Act, focusing on human rights abuses and corruption.
People still on the sanctions list include President Emmerson Mnangagwa, his wife Auxillia Mnangagwa, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Owen Ncube, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, and CIO Deputy Director Walter Tapfumaneyi.
The Zimbabwean government argues that the sanctions adversely affect ordinary citizens and has demanded their removal.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The new US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, isn't bothered by protestors outside the embassy who want sanctions lifted. She thinks their protest is just a show. The protestors, part of the Broad Alliance Against Sanctions, have been there since March 2019. Tremont says the US has the right to prevent corruption with sanctions. President Joe Biden ended some sanctions in 2024. Some people, like President Mnangagwa, are still on the list for sanctions. The Zimbabwean government says sanctions hurt normal people and wants them gone.

Tremont Dismisses Anti-Sanctions Protestors Outside U.S. Embassy As "Just For Show"

Mpilo Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narcisius Dzvanga, has slammed the City of Bulawayo and the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) for failing to exempt the hospital from water and power cuts, respectively.
Dzvanga made the comments after a power outage interrupted a visit by United States Ambassador Pamela Tremont, who was touring the hospital’s HIV laboratory, which is supported by the U.S. government.
Senzeni Ncube, writing for <a href="https://cite.org.zw/power-outage-disrupts-u-s-ambassadors-visit-to-mpilo-hospital/">CITE</a>, reported that due to the power outage, Ambassador Tremont was unable to see the laboratory equipment in operation. Said Dzvanga:
<blockquote>
As I was coming here, I had my secretary send a reminder to the parent ministry about our request for exemption from outages.
We have several key institutions here, including lines that serve the State House and even water supply, but they can’t separate us from the general grid.
</blockquote>
Dzvanga said that Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart indicated it is feasible to dedicate a water supply to Mpilo without interruptions, although ZESA said it would be difficult to guarantee uninterrupted power supply. He said:
<blockquote>
At the ministerial and cabinet level, it has been long agreed that all health institutions must be exempt from power cuts, including cases of non-payment for water and electricity.
</blockquote>
Dzvanga also revealed that Mpilo Hospital has a solar farm capable of powering the entire facility, but a vital cable for connection is still being sourced from Germany.
He added that once the power cable is installed, the hospital will no longer experience power outages.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The boss of a hospital in Zimbabwe is mad because they had no power during a visit by a US Ambassador. He wanted the hospital to be exempt from power and water cuts. The Ambassador couldn't see the lab equipment working due to the power outage. The hospital has a solar farm that can power everything, but they need a cable from Germany. Once they have the cable, they won't have any more power outages. The hospital boss wants all health institutions to be exempt from power cuts.

Power Outage Disrupts U.S. Ambassador’s Tour of Mpilo Hospital’s HIV Laboratory

United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont has sought to reassure the public regarding concerns over a potential condom crisis in the country, following the announcement that the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) will end its 20 years of funding.
Gertrude Ncube, the HIV Prevention Coordinator at the Ministry of Health and Childcare, recently said that funding for the purchase of “maDeMbare” condoms will cease in 2026, attributing this decision to donor fatigue. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
As we are here gathered as government, civil society and partners, let us know that our condom funding is at stake and PEPFAR has already told us that from 2026, there won’t be any condoms funded by them.
We need as a country to look at how best we mobilise even domestic funding actually to fund condoms.
</blockquote>
“Madembare” refers to a type of condom distributed for free, particularly in areas with high sexual activity, to help prevent HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
These condoms are known for their strong, often unpleasant smell, which has led to some users rejecting them.
With PEPFAR accounting for 77% of all condom funding in Zimbabwe, its withdrawal could have a detrimental effect on efforts to combat the spread of STIs in the country.
However, during a recent press event at the US Embassy’s postponed Independence celebrations, Ambassador Tremont assured journalists that discussions are underway with their partners to ensure the continuation of their programmes. Said Tremont (via <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/boost-for-hiv-fight-as-us-ambassador-reveals-presidential-plan-is-engaging-partners-to-continue-programme/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
PEPFAR is not exiting in the foreseeable future. It was an emergency response so we are looking to our PEPFAR partners to start looking at the sustainability of the programme.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, is trying to calm fears about a possible condom shortage in the country. The program that funds condoms is ending after 20 years, but discussions are happening to keep it going. "Madembare" condoms, which are smelly but important for stopping HIV/AIDS, might be affected. The US is a big part of funding condoms in Zimbabwe, so it's important to find a solution. Don't worry, says Ambassador Tremont, they are working on keeping the program going for now.

US Ambassador Pamela Tremont Responds To Fears Of Condom Crisis In Zimbabwe

The United States has said Zimbabwe’s economic growth potential is boundless, thanks to its significant human talent and rich natural resources.
In a statement on Monday, August 19, shared with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200031175/united-states-offers-help-to-zim">NewsDay</a>, US Ambassador Pamela Tremont highlighted America’s longstanding support for Zimbabwe since its independence. This support has included funding for food security initiatives and demining programmes.
Tremont said that since Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, the US has committed over $5 billion in humanitarian, health, and development assistance, with more than $1 billion allocated in just the past three years. She said:
<blockquote>
We have provided US$62 million in assistance in 2024 to counter the effects of the current drought in Zimbabwe.
This funding will address short-term food insecurity and long-term strategies to improve agricultural practices and strengthen community resilience.
On agriculture, US support for demining programmes has made more than 3,000 acres of land available for cultivation.
Together, we are returning land to farmers that had been unsafe for communities and their livestock since Zimbabwe’s hard-fought liberation struggle.
Broad-based economic prosperity is impossible without strong democratic institutions, good public health, and regional security.
The United States supports these things because they are critical elements for Zimbabweans to chart their own future.
</blockquote>
Tremont said the United States aims to strengthen its economic ties with Zimbabwe to advance mutual interests between the two countries. Said Tremont:
<blockquote>
Our hope is to collaborate on improving the investment climate in Zimbabwe to expand economic opportunities for people and communities, forge stronger business linkages and attract investors to look closely at Zimbabwe’s educated labour force and long-term growth potential.
We believe the government and people of Zimbabwe need to share their story that Zimbabwe is a good business partner that combats corruption, provides certainty in regulatory, monetary and tax policy and applies equal justice under the law.
Zimbabwe has a rich history, enormous human talent and abundant natural resources. It shows promise as a great leader in southern Africa and a vibrant participant in global conversations.
Zimbabwe’s potential is limitless. We look forward to deepening our partnership to advance our mutual interests.
</blockquote>
In its 2024 Zimbabwe Investment Climate report, the US State Department’s Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs noted that inconsistencies in policy, corruption, administrative delays, and high costs are significant obstacles to business development in Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The United States thinks Zimbabwe has a lot of potential to grow because of its smart people and good resources. The US has helped Zimbabwe with money for food and clearing land for farming. They want to work with Zimbabwe to make it easier for businesses to grow there. But, the US says Zimbabwe needs to fix some problems like corruption and high costs for businesses to be successful. They believe Zimbabwe can become a strong leader in Africa and the world. The US wants to help Zimbabwe reach its full potential.

Zimbabwe's Potential Is Limitless - United States

The United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, has called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to uphold democratic principles and ensure transparency, saying these are the values “the Zimbabwean people fought for in the liberation struggle”.
Tremont presented her credentials to President Mnangagwa at the State House on Wednesday morning officially beginning her diplomatic tour of duty in the country.
Addressing the media in Harare on Thursday, Tremont said the responsibility lies with the Zimbabwean government to uphold the rule of law and respect constitutionalism. She said (via <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/economic-growth-in-zimbabwe-is-impossible-without-respect-for-human-rights-says-new-usa-ambassador/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
Broad-based economic prosperity is impossible without strong democratic institutions, good public health, and regional security.
The United States supports these things because they are critical elements for Zimbabweans to chart their future.
The democratic principles that we advocate for in Zimbabwe are based on the protection of the rights that are enshrined in the Zimbabwean constitution.
These are the rights and protection that the Zimbabwean people fought for in the liberation struggle.
They happen to be many of the shared protections in the Constitution. We believe that Zimbabwe should uphold its constitution because that is what people here deserve.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s relations with the United States have been strained since around 2000 when the Zimbabwean government launched its fast-track land reform program, which resulted in the seizure of farms owned by white landowners.
In response, the U.S. government has maintained targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe since 2001.
While these sanctions were removed earlier this year, President Mnangagwa and his close associates were then sanctioned under the U.S. Magnitsky Act for alleged serious human rights abuses and corruption. She said:
<blockquote>
Our sanctions transition in March was a historic event. We eliminated the Zimbabwe-specific targeted sanctions and we put fewer people on the global magnitsky list.
The global Magnitsky holds people accountable for corruption and human rights abuses and prevents US financial institutions from being complicit.
On the policy issue, I want to improve relations. That is what every ambassador wants to do in the country they come to.
So I am looking at new ways to do that with the Zimbabwean government, civil society, and business.
</blockquote>
The United States had not had a serving ambassador in Zimbabwe since 2021, when the previous envoy, Brian Nichols, departed.
Since then, Elaine French has been serving as the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Harare until Tremont presented her credentials.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The new U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, wants the country to uphold democratic principles and transparency. She believes these values are important for the Zimbabwean people to move forward. The United States supports these things because they are crucial for a better future for Zimbabweans. Relations between Zimbabwe and the U.S. have been strained in the past, but the U.S. recently removed some sanctions. Ambassador Tremont is focused on improving relations with Zimbabwe through new ways of cooperation. She is the first serving U.S. ambassador to Zimbabwe since 2021.

New U.S. Ambassador, Pamela Tremont, Challenges Zimbabwe To Uphold Democratic Principles

The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe has criticised the United States government after the country’s Ambassador-Designate to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, claimed that Chinese investments in Africa do not benefit ordinary people but benefit those in power.
Tremont made the remarks while responding to questions from US senators about how America can better counter Chinese influence in Africa and growing investment during the nomination hearings on 1 March.
In a statement issued on Sunday, 19 March, the Chinese Embassy said the United States should respect the right of Zimbabweans and Africans to choose their friends without external interference. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The US senators and government officials wantonly discussed Zimbabwe’s internal affairs and even smeared China-Zimbabwe cooperation.
I want to challenge them, ‘Who gives them the right to point fingers at other countries’ diplomatic relations?’ The US’ old habit never changes’.
We strongly suggest that the US politicians should study the word ‘respect’ and respect Zimbabwe’s independence and sovereignty, respect the African countries and African people, and respect the normal cooperation between Zimbabwe and other countries.
Zimbabwe has the right to develop friendly relations with any other country without external influence or pressure.
Please remember, Zimbabwe should not be used as a battlefield for the US to counter China, and should not be used as a wrestling ground for major-country rivalry.
We believe that the Zimbabwe government and its people will not allow this to happen in their territory.
</blockquote>
The Chinese Embassy rejected Tremont’s assertion that Chinese projects such as the new Parliament building in Mount Hampden will not benefit the people of Zimbabwe, saying:
<blockquote>
Is the US Capitol not serving the interests of the US people, and is it just benefiting the US congressmen and senators?
If so, the US should stop its budget for maintaining and protecting the Capitol. The US always advocates its model of “democracy”.
Why does Zimbabwe not need a new Parliament building to develop the nation’s democracy?
… It’s easy to find out where the Chinese funds are used and what benefits are generated. This is the best transparency.
If the US failed and even doesn’t want to find out the truth, it is not qualified to comment. We noticed that the new ambassador alleged the US invested US$4.5 billion in Zimbabwe. It is more than one-third of the foreign currency inflows of Zimbabwe for a whole year.
We are curious where the money went, what projects have been completed, what benefits have been brought to the Zimbabwean people, and how much has been spent on “defending democratic space to improve the election system.
If anyone wants to talk about competition, let’s compete on ‘Who contributes more to the development of Zimbabwe?’
If anyone wants to counter something, let’s counter-hegemony and interference in other countries’ internal affairs.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chinese Embassy In Zimbabwe Criticises United States Over Diplomat's Remarks

United States of America Ambassador-Designate to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, says Zimbabweans are aware that Chinese investment in the country does not benefit ordinary people but benefits those in power.
Tremont made the remarks while responding to questions from US senators about how America can better counter Chinese influence in Africa and growing investment during the nomination hearings on 1 March.
She claimed the US$4.5 billion investments by the United States directly benefited Zimbabweans while Chinese investments, such as the Parliament building do not necessarily benefit the Zimbabwean people. <a href="https://cite.org.zw/zimbabweans-aware-chinese-investments-dont-really-benefit-them-us-official/">CITE</a> quoted Tremont as saying:
<blockquote>
Yes, Zimbabwe and China have a long-standing relationship that goes all the way back to Zimbabwe’s war of independence.
I think the difference between Chinese investments in Zimbabwe and perhaps other places in Africa, is the US investments of US$4.5 billion that we have invested in Zimbabwean people, have been for the people.
700 000 Zimbabweans benefited from our food security and agricultural programme last year.
It is tremendously important in light of the food shortages brought on by Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine whereas the Chinese investments are much more for the government of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
She was responding to Senator John Barrasso’s observation that in 2022, President Emmerson Mnangagwa commended Zimbabwe’s “excellent relations” with China.
The Chinese built Zimbabwe’s new Parliament building in Mount Hampden at a cost of US$200 million “for free”.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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