Giving Compass' Take:

• Devex reports on a visit to Zimbabwe by European Development Commissioner Neven Mimica and what it might mean for future development for the African nation that's going through a transition after President Robert Mugabe's ouster.

• Should the EU — and all dev orgs — tread lightly whenever there is a big political upheaval like the one in Zimbabwe? The government is in severe debt, but opportunities for cooperation are on the table.

• Here are some other ways the international community can help Zimbabwe.

The end of Robert Mugabe’s 37-year reign is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the international community to engage with Zimbabwe, European Development Commissioner Neven Mimica said during an official visit to the country on Monday, outlining the reforms Brussels wants to see before increasing its support.

The commissioner said a successful democratic election this summer, and moves to clear billions of dollars worth of debt with institutions, including the World Bank and the European Investment Bank, are among measures he sees as key. He added that the EU would look at “upscaling our development cooperation envelope” if conditions are met.

Mimica’s one-day visit, the first by a European Union commissioner since 2009, included a meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took power last November with military backing. Mnangagwa, the former vice president of Mugabe’s ruling Zanu-PF party, quickly announced a reform agenda aimed at attracting foreign investors to a country in economic strife, where 93 percent of working-age people are in the informal sector.

Mnangagwa’s first 100 days have received mixed reviews. Locals in the capital report feeling freer to talk politics since 94-year-old Mugabe was ousted, but there are concerns over possible repeats of electoral violence and fraud when the country goes to the polls in July.

Mimica said ensuring the vote is free, fair, and transparent is a key starting point if the transition is to be credible, legitimate, and well accepted by the people.

Read the full article about the EU considering increased support for Zimbabwe by Vince Chadwick at Devex International Development.