Zimbabwe to Compensate Farmers for Land Seizures

The Zimbabwean government will pay $20 million to foreign and local farmers who lost land during the farm invasions under Mugabe. This compensation aims to rejuvenate the agriculture sector and spur economic revival. The move aligns with efforts to clear foreign debt and strengthen global financial ties.

The Zimbabwean government will begin compensating farmers who lost their lands during the controversial farm invasions under former President Robert Mugabe, with an initial $20 million payment set for this month, stated the finance minister on Friday.

This financial commitment comes from the 2024 budget as part of efforts to revive the collapsed agriculture sector and stimulate an economic resurgence in Zimbabwe. The land seizures in 2000, largely orchestrated by the ruling Zanu-PF party, transferred fertile farms, mostly held by white commercial farmers, to local Zimbabweans.

In addition to local Black Zimbabweans, affected foreign farmers from Belgium, Germany, and other nations will be compensated. Despite a separate $3.5 billion scheme for 4,000 white Zimbabwean farmers introduced in 2020, financial constraints have stalled its progress. The government seeks to repair international relations and address a $12 billion foreign debt while pursuing a staff-monitored program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to bolster economic stability.

(With inputs from agencies.)