Zimbabwe

All mined areas remaining in Zimbabwe are now confirmed hazardous areas (CHAs). The challenge for Zimbabwe in meeting its Article 5 deadline under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) remains securing the funding needed for clearance amid competing and significant social and economic challenges. Use of newer metal detectors have continued to increase demining efficiency in Zimbabwe in 2023, but the programme fell behind its annual land release target for the first time since 2018. In April 2024, Zimbabwe stated its intention to seek a two-year extension to its Article 5 deadline – to the end of 2027.

Zimbabwe has had a consistently strong demining programme over the last five years, with total clearance of 11.65km². But scope for cancellation and reduction of mined area is now low as the remaining polygons, especially in the cordon sanitaire minefields, are narrow. This means that clearance of most of the remaining mined area will be needed. Despite continued resource mobilisation efforts, Zimbabwe remains short of the funds needed to meet its current Article 5 deadline. Efforts by the Zimbabwe Mine Action Centre (ZIMAC) and operators have seen the proportions of women working in mine action at all levels improving overall over the last five years, particularly since 2020.

• Zimbabwe should continue to prioritise efforts to secure additional national and international funding.
  Zimbabwe should elaborate a gender and diversity policy and implementation plan for the mine action programme.

Click here to download the "Clearing the Mines 2024" report for Zimbabwe.