Zimbabwe to return 67 seized farms to European owners

Zimbabwe’s government has announced it will return 67 farms previously seized from European owners, as part of a push to meet international obligations and rebuild trust with foreign investors.

Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka told parliament that the farms are protected under bilateral investment treaties with countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Denmark.

The decision marks an effort to close a long-running chapter of land disputes dating back to the early 2000s, when thousands of white-owned farms were expropriated under former President Robert Mugabe. That controversial land reform program led to legal battles, international sanctions, and a severe economic downturn.

Zimbabwe’s current administration has pledged to resolve outstanding compensation claims and restore ties with Western governments. Officials say the move is intended to boost investor confidence and signal the country’s commitment to the rule of law.