Zimbabwe to return 67 seized farms to foreign owners

Zimbabwe says it is returning 67 farms seized during the land reform programme to foreign nationals from Denmark, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands, as part of efforts to improve relations with Western countries and secure debt relief.

Minister of Agriculture Dr. Anxious Masuka told Parliament the farms are protected under Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (BIPPAs).He stated that they are in the process of returning those to them.

The farms were acquired during the fast-track land reform programme launched under former President Robert Mugabe in 2000 to address colonial era land imbalances.

The government is now pursuing reforms and compensation agreements as part of efforts to restore ties with international lenders and unlock debt relief.

Zimbabwe’s foreign debt stood at US$13.6 billion as of September 2025, with international creditors calling for reforms and resolution of land disputes before offering financial support.