The Zimbabwean government has begun compensating white commercial farmers who were displaced during the controversial land reform programme under former president Robert Mugabe, disbursing R58 million in cash and issuing over R5.7 billion in treasury bonds.
The payouts mark a turning point in Zimbabwe’s long-standing battle to resolve the fallout of its chaotic land seizures in the early 2000s.
Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube confirmed that 378 farmers have already received the initial cash compensation, which represents just 1% of the R5.8 billion earmarked for the first phase of payments.
“We’ve gone through a rigorous verification process and now know exactly who qualifies for compensation,” said Ncube. “This is a multi-year programme and not a once-off payout.”
Long Road to Compensation
Under Mugabe’s land reform programme, thousands of white farmers were forcibly removed from their land, leading to a sharp decline in agricultural output and a severe economic crisis.
While the policy aimed to redistribute land to Black Zimbabweans, it was widely criticised for its execution, which often lacked legal due process and resulted in economic destabilisation and food insecurity.
Now, more than two decades later, the government is making good on its commitment to compensate farmers who were protected under Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (BIPPAs).
Last year, Zimbabwe also announced plans to distribute R350 million to a smaller group of 94 former farmers, as part of the same initiative.
A Step Towards Rebuilding Trust
The move is seen as part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to restore investor confidence, especially among international lenders and diplomatic partners who have long cited land reform issues as a barrier to economic recovery.
Ncube reiterated the government’s intention to keep the compensation process transparent and structured, promising regular updates and continued engagement with affected farmers.
“This compensation is not just about the past—it’s about rebuilding trust and creating a path for Zimbabwe’s agricultural and economic revival,” Ncube added.
Key Takeaways:
- R58 million in cash paid to 378 displaced white farmers.
- Over R5.7 billion issued in treasury bonds as part of compensation.
- The programme follows decades of land reform conflict under Robert Mugabe.
- The initiative is part of a multi-year, legally verified compensation effort.
- Zimbabwe aims to rebuild investor confidence and international relations.
