Development Ratings

? Employing only African nationals in Zimbabwe reduces the ‘British’-connection risk. The Zimbabwe Health Ministry has historically depended on Riders as an essential part of its health delivery system. The scaling down of operations in 2007 and the temporary suspension of all NGO activities in 2008 was not good news for the health needs of the local people – the recent cholera outbreak illustrates this. Riders’ contribution in Zimbabwe is needed more than ever.

There is a risk that donor support may be undermined by the lower income in 2007 that is largely due to the effects of hyperinflation and paper exchange rate losses. It is estimated that adjusted income would have actually been flat year on year, even given the reduced Zimbabwe business income.

Potentially, there are risks from corruption, and late service payments due to bureaucracy. It is unlikely that government officials would want to co-opt Riders’ motorcycles with the same alacrity as 4x4s! Ministries tend to prioritise Riders’ service payments directly after staff wages and medicines. Corruption risks are also reduced by the ‘per kilometre’ costing system and the use of log-books.

Inherent social, climatic and civil unrest risks could affect employees and service delivery. This is partially mitigated by local staff and Riders’ known contribution to health provision.