Zimbabwe is set to host its inaugural Zimbabwe-European Union Business Forum in May, a landmark event bringing together 250 businesses from Zimbabwe and Europe. The three-day forum, organised by the EU Delegation in Zimbabwe, aims to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic ties between the two regions.
Key sectors driving Zimbabwe’s economic growth, including agriculture, renewable energy, and mining, will be the focus of discussions. Additionally, financial services, transport, and logistics—critical to enhancing trade and investment—will be addressed.
The EU considers Zimbabwe a strategic trade hub in Southern Africa, providing access to key regional markets such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). With vast mineral resources and a robust agricultural sector, Zimbabwe presents significant opportunities for European investors.
“Zimbabwe is strategically located in Southern Africa, with access to a large and growing regional market (SADC, COMESA, AfCFTA), and contributing significantly to regional trade and connectivity. In addition, the country is rich in natural resources, including an abundant and diverse mineral resource base, thus providing a unique combination of attributes crucial in investment and trade potential for international businesses,” the EU stated.
Currently, trade between Zimbabwe and the EU stands at approximately US$700 million annually, with Zimbabwe maintaining a trade surplus. The EU remains the country’s fifth-largest trading partner and a leading destination for its horticultural exports.
Despite Zimbabwe’s investment potential, concerns over policy consistency, particularly regarding currency stability and economic reforms, have affected investor confidence. The EU’s Head of Delegation in Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann, noted that while the EU is committed to fostering business connections, the Zimbabwean government must ensure investor-friendly policies.
“We as the EU are trying our best to bring the companies here, but the government has to do its part to make Zimbabwe as attractive as it is and to make entrepreneurs see Zimbabwe as a country full of opportunities,” von Kirchmann said.
The forum is expected to pave the way for increased trade and investment, fostering stronger economic partnerships between Zimbabwe and Europe.
