WHILE trade between Zimbabwe and the Netherlands stood at about US$100 million, largely driven by the southern African country’s agriculture, Harare’s slow progress in compensating Dutch investments, which are protected under the Bilateral Investment Promtion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA), has slowed the growth of the agricultural sector. Our deputy news editor, Tinashe Kairiza (TK), spoke to the outgoing Dutch ambassador, Margret Verwijk (MV), on the state of bilateral relations between the two countries. Below are excerpts of the interview:
TK: What have been the highlights of your time in Harare?
MV: There has been a lot to reflect on, but the biggest highlight has been the growing cooperation between Zimbabwe and the Netherlands in agriculture. Both countries have deep farming traditions, so it has been a natural space to work together. It is also a pathway to many other goals — for example, climate action and empowerment of women and youth. At the embassy, we built partnerships across our private sector and climate portfolios, supporting projects that help thousands of farmers boost productivity, lower input costs, and strengthen climate resilience while protecting soil, water and biodiversity.
TK: Has the strategy yielded intended results?
MV: The Multi-Annual Country Strategy guides our work, although we stay responsive to new opportunities and a shifting context. Our mandate is broad. We cover Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi, and our work spans human rights, sustainable trade, social progress, climate action, EU cooperation and consular services. We always partner with strong local organisations that understand the issues best. We have seen important results through our human rights fund.
TK: Zimbabwe and the Netherlands have a standing BIPPA. Following the land reform programme of 2000, Zimbabwe’s government expropriated Dutch farms protected under the agreement. Has compensation been offered?
MV: Dutch farmers and investors suffered major losses and heartbreak during the fast-track land reform process. Many businesses started after the BIPPA was signed in 1996, trusting it would protect their investments. Its breach just four years later, along with the loss of property and the violence that affected farmers and workers across Zimbabwe, was a major setback for the country and has affected Dutch-Zimbabwe relations negatively.
TK: Has compensation been offered?
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MV: This is why the first compensation payment in January 2025 was such an important milestone. It came after nearly 25 years of discussions and marked the start of a multi-year compensation plan. For the farmers, it represents both financial relief and emotional closure. I want to again thank the Government of Zimbabwe for making this possible, and giving value to land.
Hopefully, national budget allocations will facilitate rapid completion of outstanding and agreed-upon compensation. There is still a long road ahead, but full and final compensation for all affected farmers, honouring the BIPPA, and clarifying land ownership policies are essential for rebuilding Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.
Consistent progress and meeting the agreed payment schedule will help restore trust and open the door to stronger Dutch-Zimbabwe trade and investment. Combined with broader reforms identified in the AfDB-led debt dialogue, such as tackling corruption and improving macroeconomic conditions, Zimbabwe has a very bright future.
Good progress has been made such that some farmers wish to continue farming in Zimbabwe and are seeking restitution of their land — something I hope can also be figured out soon so they can continue producing.
TK: What is the value of agricultural goods Zimbabwe exported to the Netherlands in 2024? What are the specific products?
MV: The Netherlands is an agricultural powerhouse, exporting more than US$100 billion of food and agricultural goods and services each year. This makes us a major global trade hub and the gateway into the US$8 trillion EU market.
Most of Zimbabwe’s fresh produce enters Europe through the Netherlands, whether for Dutch shoppers or for onward distribution. Zimbabwe’s fruit and flowers have a strong reputation and demand continues to grow.
According to Trade Map, in 2024 Zimbabwe exported about US$20 million of berries, US$11,2 million of citrus and US$7 million of fresh-cut flowers to the Netherlands. These are significant figures, but still far below the country’s potential, especially given that Zimbabwean companies enjoy duty-and quota-free access to the EU.
TK: Zimbabwe recently enacted the Private Voluntary Organisations Bill (PVO). How does that development affect the support the Netherlands has been extending to Zimbabwe over the years?
MV: The passing of the PVO Act went against years of advocacy from Zimbabwean civil society, academia and international partners. It was a disappointing moment for many friends of Zimbabwe.
I believe the law is already adding pressure to a civil society sector that is vital to the country’s development. These organisations work at the grassroots on health, education, food security, climate, water management and environmental protection. They are often more agile and responsive to local needs than any government can be. They hold duty-bearers accountable and give voice to the marginalised. This Act increases their administrative burden and raises the risk that their work could be disrupted. Civil society in Zimbabwe deserves support, and will continue to receive support, through the EU and other multilateral platforms.
TK: How much did the Netherlands extend to Zimbabwe in 2024 to support various development projects? And how much does Amsterdam intend to extend to Harare this year?
MV: Dutch support to Zimbabwe comes through many channels, so the total is hard to pin down. At embassy level, we have been spending about US$2 million a year on direct interventions with local partners. Beyond that, much larger amounts flow in through centrally-managed funds and multilateral programmes we support. For example, the €80 million regional HIV programme is run from our embassy in Maputo but also works in Zimbabwe, including through youth skills training with Young Africa.
The Netherlands is also a major contributor to the Green Climate Fund, the UN and the EU, so we follow the significant programmes they run here, such as UNDP’s work restoring large irrigation schemes in southern Zimbabwe. After the 2023/2024 drought, Zimbabwe received US$32 million through the African Risk Capacity insurance facility. The Netherlands contributed US$27 million to this programme, helping subsidise insurance premiums for small-scale farmers. Although the Netherlands is going through political change, I expect the focus on economic cooperation to continue, with an emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity and responsible business conduct. However, with major crises closer to home, Dutch development funds have been redirected to other regions to support efforts in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine. As a result, we expect reduced funding for human rights and climate programmes going forward.
TK: What was the volume of trade between the Netherlands and Zimbabwe last year, and what is being done to boost trade?
MV: We estimate that trade between Zimbabwe and the Netherlands reached around US$100 million in 2024, with Zimbabwe enjoying a surplus of about US$17 million thanks to growth in fruit and vegetable exports alongside iron and steel. We work with producers at all stages of their businesses to help them reach export markets, and of course we hope they choose the Netherlands as a trading partner. For the Dutch, as Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector grows and modernises, opportunities to export into Zimbabwe will also increase. Zimbabwean companies are already using world‑leading Dutch equipment in dairy and poultry, and Dutch expertise remains a highly valuable export in its own right.
TK: Any parting messages as you go?
MV: Chara chimwe hachitsvanyi inda (One finger cannot kill a louse). I love this saying — it mixes humour and wisdom in a very Zimbabwean way. First you laugh, then you think. I share this as my parting message. It calls us to work together, Zimbabweans and the Dutch, for the good of all our people.
