After the establishment of diplomatic relations soon after Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, relations developed positively for a long time. They deteriorated significantly as a result of the state-decreed expropriation of farms from 2000 onwards, which also affected German landowners, and politically motivated violence during the elections in 2002 and 2008.

Owing to political developments in Zimbabwe, development cooperation with the country was suspended in 2002. Currently, selected measures – together with the EU, UNICEF and the World Bank – are being supported that contribute, in particular, to the immediate improvement of people’s livelihoods and to the promotion of democracy and the rule of law at local level. Moreover, Germany supports NGO projects, including those in the areas of food security, drought protection and water supply.

At the regional level, support is being provided to projects of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), in particular in the field of regional economic integration and to strengthen cross-border protected areas, nature conservation and sustainable development, from which the country also stands to benefit. Measures within the framework of a regional project to prevent violence against women are also being implemented in Zimbabwe.

Since 2013, Germany has supported a policy of re-engagement within the framework of the EU. The Zimbabwean Government is only partially implementing the necessary political reforms, however, and is maintaining its repressive measures against the opposition.

A cultural agreement has been in place since 1998. German cultural activities centre on the education sector and cultural exchange. The Faculty of Linguistics at the University of Zimbabwe teaches German as a subsidiary subject, supported by a seconded lector. A Goethe-Zentrum in Harare offers language courses and cultural events.

Twinning arrangements are in place between Harare and Munich and also between the municipalities of Kernen and Masvingo.