Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. EUROPEAN Union (EU) ambassador and head of delegation to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann says Team Europe, which comprises 16 European countries, has so far exceeded its previous record of 30% in investment profits in Zimbabwe and is chasing a €1 billion investment target.
In a question and answer session with journalists at a breakfast meeting to mark the 75th Europe Day commemorated every May 9, von Kirchmann said the EU, together with its over 450 million citizens, prioritises its founding values, human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, human rights, strategic resilience as well as fostering peace and security.
This year Europe Day ran under the motto United in Diversity.
“Today’s Europe Day celebrations take place amid an evolving landscape, marked by rising geopolitical tensions and an emerging global crisis. In response, the EU is taking decisive steps to strengthen its strategic resilience, increasing defence spending, investing in innovation and reinforcing its defence industry,” von Kirchmann said.
“Yet even as it adapts to these new realities, the EU remains firmly rooted in its founding values: human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights.
“Central to this vision is the EU’s unwavering commitment to its partnerships — especially those built on mutual trust, shared values and long- term collaboration such as its relationship with Zimbabwe.”
Theme: Global Gateway: Powered by the private sector
The theme highlights the pivotal role of EU’s Global Gateway initiative in mobilising sustainable public and private investment, including in Zimbabwe.
The initiative supports critical infrastructure, green transitions and inclusive growth, recognising the central role of the private sector in driving development.
Partnership between Zimbabwe and EU
Europe is open to co-operation, to fair trade and to a shared future that benefits us all. It is open to a shared future powered by thriving EU and Zimbabwe private sectors.
Trade between the EU and Zimbabwe has increased by over 30% since 2021 and investment has surged by 90% over the past three years, clear indicators of EU’s focus on promoting private sector development and economic co-operation.
Since 1981, EU has been a steadfast and reliable partner to the people of Zimbabwe, maintaining uninterrupted support through periods of both progress and adversity.
This enduring partnership is grounded in shared values, mutual respect and a common vision for a more prosperous and equitable future for both Zimbabwean and European societies.
EU Business Forum May 20-22, 2025.
The forum will be planned in partnership with the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency, ZimTrade and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries.
This initiative aims to promote trade and investment between EU and Zimbabwe, within the framework of the Global Gateway.
EU offers a multi-sectoral range of financial guarantees to de-risk investments, thus supporting private European investors to explore opportunities in challenging markets, particularly in Africa and the EU neighbourhood.
The business forum shall focus on horticulture and agro processing, renewable energy, mining value chain, financial services, transport and logistics as well as technical and vocational education and training.
Team Europe’s position on business and investment
Since May 2012, Zimbabwe has benefited from duty free and quota free access to the markets of all 27 EU member States under a preferential trade agreement, the Economic Partnership Agreement.
According to EuroStat, EU’s official statistics agency, the total trade volume between EU and Zimbabwe reached US$881 million in 2023.
This marks an increase of over 30% since 2021, positioning EU as Zimbabwe’s fourth largest trading partner, after South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and China.
Zimbabwe enjoys a positive trade balance with the EU, exporting more goods to the EU than it imports.
Zimbabwe can export freely to the EU, provided the goods meet EU internal market standards.
These include health, safety and sanitary, phytosanitary requirements as well as voluntary market-driven standards like GlobalGAP, respect for human rights and environmental protections.
The arts and creative sector
The forum was attended by the Greek, French, Swedish, Portuguese, Spanish, German, EU and Italian ambassadors to Zimbabwe who all indicated their unwavering support for the arts industry.
DJ Kolorz (Germany) and Bantu Spaceship (Zimbabwe) were the main acts on the evening of the European Day celebrations in Zimbabwe.
Europe Day guests, as per tradition, enjoy a rich cultural celebration featuring gastronomy, music and artistic expression.
The European Village, which comprises ambassadors and honorary consuls from the 16 EU member States in Zimbabwe, provided mouth-watering dishes.
The Swedish ambassador announced their Harmonies of Expression: A Celebration of Art, Collaboration and Climate Change Awareness, which took place the following day May 10 at the National Galleries in Zimbabwe.
The European Union National Institutes for Culture was formed to support creative work from EU member States.
The French ambassador bragged about their schools, Alliance Française, including their sponsorship for research and innovation.
The Spanish ambassador said they were in full support of cultural activities, such as learning the Spanish language, film and dance.
The Italian ambassador showed support for recycled and upcycled art.
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