The three-day event brings together over 300 business leaders, investors, policy-makers, and entrepreneurs from across the EU and Zimbabwe, all aiming to explore practical avenues for commercial collaboration. Organised by the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe in partnership with the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), ZimTrade, and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), the Forum is held under the theme “Unlocking Trade and Investment under the Global Gateway Initiative.”

In his opening remarks, EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann highlighted that the idea for the Forum was born just a year ago—an ambitious vision that has materialised faster than many expected. “When we looked at the positive development of trade and investment with the EU over the last years, we felt that the time was ripe to bring EU companies to Zimbabwe”. Over the past three years, EU–Zimbabwe trade has grown by 30%, reaching USD 880 million thanks to the EPA agreement, while EU foreign direct investment has nearly doubled, now at USD 870 million.

This momentum is reflected in the impressive turnout: 64 companies from 12 EU Member States—including France, Germany, Austria, Finland, Poland, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and  Czech Republic—are meeting with over 150 Zimbabwean firms through structured business-to-business sessions, dialogue panels, and field visits. More than 600 companies expressed interest in participating but only 300 could be confirmed for in-person attendance due to the space limitations.

Despite this strong interest, the investment landscape remains complex. Concerns around currency volatility, regulatory unpredictability, and access to finance are frequently raised by prospective investors. In this context, the Forum is designed not to overlook these realities, but to provide a frank and constructive space for dialogue and connection.

Sector focus has been strategically aligned with Zimbabwe’s potential growth areas—horticulture, agriculture and agro-processing, renewable energy, and mining value chains. Cross-cutting enablers such as logistics, financial services, and vocational skills development (TVET) are also on the agenda. Even before the Forum opened, over 150 B2B meeting requests had already been received. Digital matchmaking tools and curated networking sessions are in place to help participants find realistic and mutually beneficial partnerships.

The Forum also coincides with broader developments in EU–Africa trade relations. Negotiations to deepen the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU and the Eastern and Southern Africa region—including Zimbabwe—are progressing. If finalised, this would be the first such agreement between the EU and an African region, potentially enhancing trade and investment.

The EU’s Global Gateway strategy underpins the Forum’s approach—emphasising the role of the European and Zimbabwean private sector, the development of sustainable infrastructure, and inclusive business growth. 

As the EU–Zimbabwe Business Forum continues, the focus remains firmly on building practical partnerships, addressing shared challenges, and identifying real opportunities. The strong turnout signals a clear appetite for deeper business ties—but it is ultimately the private sector that drives investment, creates jobs, and powers inclusive growth. While no single event can remove all barriers, the Forum represents a meaningful step toward a more open, connected, and mutually beneficial economic relationship between the European Union and Zimbabwe.

Livestream access is available to ensure broader participation across Zimbabwe and the EU. For more information, visit: https://app.swapcard.com/event/european-union-zimbabwe-business-forum-on-horticulture-and-agro-processing-renewable-energy-and-mining-value-chain