Government to Compensate Over 700 Former Commercial Farmers This Year

The Government is set to compensate more than 700 former white commercial farmers whose land was acquired during the Fast-Track Land Reform Programme, as efforts intensify to resolve outstanding legacy issues linked to the historic land redistribution exercise.

Under the Global Compensation Deed (GCD)  an agreement between the State and representatives of former farm owners  Zimbabwe undertook to pay US$3,5 billion to approximately 3 500 former farmers as compensation for improvements made on expropriated land.

This year, about 740 former farmers are expected to receive payments, with the 2026 National Budget allocating US$10 million toward the programme as part of a phased settlement approach.

The compensation initiative forms a critical component of Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance and debt resolution strategy, which international financial institutions regard as a key reform requirement for restoring access to concessional funding, grants and debt relief.

Authorities say finalising compensation claims will help rebuild investor confidence, demonstrate respect for property rights and advance the country’s re-engagement agenda with global lenders such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

To ensure fiscal sustainability, Treasury has adopted a gradual payment framework that balances economic realities with the obligation to honour compensation commitments.

In line with the GCD, compensation applies strictly to improvements made on the land, including infrastructure, buildings, irrigation systems and equipment. No payment is made for the land itself, which remains vested in the State.

Addressing journalists during a question-and-answer session on the Land Tenure Title Deeds Programme in Harare on Tuesday, Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said the compensation process has been ongoing and consistently supported through annual budget provisions.

“Compensation of former white commercial farmers is continuing. Each year, the national budget sets aside resources roughly 10 percent for this purpose, and Government has remained consistent in meeting this obligation over the past few years,” Prof Jiri said.

He added that Zimbabwe has received positive feedback from both domestic and international stakeholders for maintaining regular payments.

“There has been recognition from various countries and partners who have commended Government for honouring these commitments. The process is ongoing,” he said.

Treasury has confirmed that the compensation programme is embedded within the Roadmap for Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution, which authorities view as essential for unlocking affordable financing, boosting investment and supporting economic recovery.

As at September 2025, compensation liabilities stood at US$3,191 billion, representing a significant portion of the country’s domestic debt.

Government maintains that settling these obligations is vital to improving Zimbabwe’s debt profile and strengthening re-engagement with the international community.

Beyond compensation, Prof Jiri said land tenure reforms are also being rolled out to improve agricultural productivity and provide greater security of tenure.

He revealed that unoccupied or abandoned farms, including those previously covered under Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (BIPPAs), are now eligible for title deeds under the ongoing reforms.

“Previously, abandoned farms would be reallocated to new beneficiaries. However, under the title deeds programme, unoccupied BIPPA farms can now be issued with title deeds to allow continued and productive use,” he said.

Prof Jiri further noted that white former commercial farmers who remained on their land after the land reform programme are also eligible for title deeds, a move aimed at promoting stability, safeguarding investment and sustaining agricultural output.

He said the combined impact of compensation payments and land tenure reforms would enhance confidence in Zimbabwe’s land administration system while consolidating the achievements of the land reform programme.

Compensation is being implemented in accordance with Section 72 of the Constitution, which provides that no compensation is payable for land acquired for public purposes, except for improvements made prior to acquisition.