To: The Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, The Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives and the spokespersons on Foreign Affairs in the House of Representatives
We, representatives of the Dutch business community, civil society, and organisations and individuals connected with Zimbabwe, call on the Dutch government and the House of Representatives to reconsider the decision to close the Dutch Embassy in Harare.
Closure would diminish Dutch influence in the region, harm economic and consular interests, and could complicate progress on the compensation process for expropriated Dutch farmers. Moreover, this decision comes at a time when Zimbabwe is gaining geopolitical and economic importance and is seeking renewed international engagement.
The decision is also at odds with the ambitions of the Dutch Africa Strategy (2023–2032) and with the recent advice of the Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV) concerning the Netherlands’ network of diplomatic missions, which warns of the consequences of closing embassies.
1. Zimbabwe is becoming increasingly important geopolitically and strategically
Counterbalancing the growing influence of countries including China and Russia is an important principle of the Africa Strategy and of Dutch foreign policy more broadly. Zimbabwe plays an influential role in regional political and economic processes. A Dutch diplomatic presence increases the Netherlands’ ability to monitor developments directly, maintain relationships and advance strategic interests.
The Africa Strategy also underlines the growing importance of critical raw materials. Zimbabwe has reserves of around 40 critical raw materials, with Chinese companies often occupying a dominant position. Withdrawal would reduce the Netherlands’ ability to remain engaged in sectors of major geopolitical and economic significance.
2. Economic opportunities call for greater Dutch engagement, not less
Trade relations between the Netherlands and Zimbabwe have grown in recent years, including in sectors identified as priorities in the Africa Strategy. The Netherlands is an important gateway to the European market for Zimbabwean agricultural products, and Dutch companies see new opportunities in Zimbabwe. The Embassy also supports Dutch businesses in Zambia and Malawi.
A diplomatic presence helps protect economic interests, monitor developments, and identify and seize opportunities for Dutch companies and financiers.
3. Renewed international engagement requires continuity
Recent macroeconomic stabilisation offers prospects for further reforms and renewed international engagement. Progress on debt sustainability could, in time, pave the way for cooperation with international financial institutions and new investment. This outcome is not guaranteed, but it is precisely during an uncertain transition that direct knowledge, relationships and diplomatic influence matter.
The Dutch Embassy contributes to this process, including through its role as co-chair of a committee on land reform. This role helps the Netherlands remain engaged in reform processes and supports continued access for Dutch businesses, financiers and civil society organisations.
4. The compensation process for Dutch farmers deserves to be carefully concluded
After a 25-year impasse, Zimbabwe has begun paying compensation to Dutch farmers whose farms were expropriated. The Embassy’s sustained diplomatic engagement and its role in the broader land reform process have contributed to this progress.
The decision to close the Embassy therefore comes at a particularly unfortunate time for this process and has caused concern among Dutch farmers. Continued engagement with the Zimbabwean authorities remains necessary to monitor implementation and bring the process to a careful conclusion.
5. Human rights, civic space and long-standing relationships are at stake
Through development cooperation, the Embassy has built strong relationships over recent decades with Zimbabwean civil society and other relevant actors. The Netherlands has provided space for dialogue, visibility and solidarity with human rights defenders, including LGBT+ activists working under considerable pressure in Zimbabwe. Protecting their rights and civic space is also an important principle of Dutch foreign policy.
Closure risks weakening the trust that has been built and access to key interlocutors. Once lost, these relationships are difficult to rebuild.
6. Consular and regional services remain necessary
The Embassy in Harare performs an important consular function for Dutch nationals in Zimbabwe and also supports economic services in Zambia and Malawi. Providing these services from a more distant diplomatic post would make them less direct and accessible, particularly in emergencies.
Maintain a Dutch Diplomatic Presence in Zimbabwe
After more than four decades of diplomatic presence, the Netherlands has built valuable knowledge, relationships and trust in Zimbabwe. At a time of geopolitical uncertainty, economic opportunities and possible reforms, it is particularly important to preserve this strategic capital.
According to the AIV, bilateral engagement offers particular added value in countries where the Netherlands has long-standing diplomatic contacts, historical and societal ties, and trade relations. Zimbabwe meets all these criteria. The AIV stresses that the question is not where the Netherlands should withdraw, but rather where bilateral engagement provides added value.
We recognise that cost savings are a legitimate consideration. However, complete closure is not the only option. We therefore call on the government and the House of Representatives to reconsider the decision and explore practical and financially sustainable alternatives, such as a smaller diplomatic representation, a more targeted bilateral mission, or closer cooperation with other European Union Member States. In doing so, the AIV’s advice on the Netherlands’ network of diplomatic missions also deserves careful consideration.
Our appeal is clear: maintain a meaningful Dutch diplomatic presence in Zimbabwe.
Signed in Harare and The Hague, November 5, 2026
Hugo Knoppert, coördinator , Zimbabwe Europe Network
Tanja Lubbers, global head of programs, Hivos
Victor Steenbergen, senior country economist, World Bank
Aart Nugteren, Dutch entrepreneur in Zimbabwe
Dorien Beurskens, CEO, Young Africa International
