By Wallace Mawire
The first-ever EU–Zimbabwe Business Forum was launched in Harare, Zimbabwe marking a milestone in efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties between the European Union and Zimbabwe.
The three-day event brought 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 was 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 as an ambitious vision that has materialised faster than many expected.
The Ambassador said when we looked at the positive development of trade and investment with the EU over the last years, they felt that the time was ripe to bring EU companies to Zimbabwe.
He said 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.
He said the momentum is reflected in the impressive turnout such as 64 companies from 12 EU Member States,including France, Germany, Austria, Finland, Poland, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and Czech Republic, meeting with over 150 Zimbabwean firms through structured business-to-business sessions, dialogue panels, and field visits.
He said more than 600 companies expressed interest in participating but only 300 could be confirmed for in-person attendance due to the space limitations.
He said despite the strong interest, the investment landscape remains complex.
He said concerns around currency volatility, regulatory unpredictability and access to finance are frequently raised by prospective investors.
He said in that context, the Forum is designed not to overlook these realities, but to provide a frank and constructive space for dialogue and connection.
He said sector focus has been strategically aligned with Zimbabwe’s potential growth areas which include 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.
The Ambassador said even before the Forum opened, over 150 B2B meeting requests had already been received.
Digital matchmaking tools and curated networking sessions were held to help participants find realistic and mutually beneficial partnerships.
The Forum also coincided 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.
He said 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, emphasizing 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 Ambassador said the focus remains firmly on building practical partnerships, addressing shared challenges and identifying real opportunities.
He said the strong turnout signaled a clear appetite for deeper business ties, but it is ultimately the private sector that drives investment, creates jobs and powers inclusive growth.
He said while no single event can remove all barriers, the Forum represented a meaningful step toward a more open, connected and mutually beneficial economic relationship between the European Union and Zimbabwe.
