Embassy of the Netherlands in Zimbabwe

11/06/2026

🌍What is the state of play of the global climate change agenda? How can we move towards a just transition, and how can technology bridge the gap?

🎙️Ambassador Matthijs van Eeuwen 🇳🇱 joined French Ambassador
-Bertrand Barets 🇫🇷 to discuss these issues, Dutch support worldwide and in Zimbabwe, and more on 'The Brief' with Gibson Nyakatsino, on Zimpapers TV Network.

📺Watch the latest episode, "Leapfrogging to Green" below.

https://facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=994425316661770

11/06/2026

Our sincere thanks to Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to BENELUX, H.E. Ammon Mutembwa, for warmly welcoming our Deputy Ambassador, Ilyaas Sherally, to the Zimbabwean Embassy in Brussels.🇿🇼🤝🇳🇱

The introductory meeting provided a valuable opportunity to discuss strengthening Dutch–Zimbabwean business ties, progress on BIPPA farmer compensation, Zimbabwe’s investment environment, and to celebrate Zimbabwe’s election to the UN Security Council 🕊️

08/06/2026

05/06/2026

Ambassador Matthijs van Eeuwen paid a courtesy call on Honourable Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. 🇳🇱🤝🇿🇼

There was much to discuss - the doubling of Dutch-Zim trade in the last four years, cooperation in the health sector, BIPPA farmer compensation, and the strong cooperation between Zimbabwe and the promoting rural economic development especially for women and youth. 🌱

And of course, it was a good moment to give congratulations to for securing a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. 🕊️

05/06/2026

🎉 We celebrate the completion of the Energising Development (EnDev) DSS-RBF renewable energy project in . ☀️

Funded by the Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken with €4.9 million, since its inception the project has reached 170.000 people in underserved areas with solar energy and cookstoves - improving lives and lighting up communities where affordability is the major challenge.💡🇳🇱🤝🇿🇼

With oversight from Netherlands Enterprise Agency and GIZ these results were only possible with the leadership and support of the Government of Malawi (represented by Minister of Energy Dr. Jean Mathanga, MP), and the World Bank. We also applaud the efforts of Self Help Africa and CUMO for implementation and fund management work.

The strongest elements of the programme will be handed over to the Government of Malawi for continued rollout. Thus, as said by Deputy Director of our Inclusive Green Growth Department, Sjarah Soede, during a wonderful closing event in Lilongwe - "This is not the end, but the start of a new chapter as we continue to build on this strong foundation towards a more equal and sustainable world."

04/06/2026

📸 Ambassador van Eeuwen paid a courtesy call on 🇿🇼 Minister of Finance, Honourable Prof. Mthuli Ncube.

A positive first exchange touching on the strong Dutch-Zim economic ties, continued macroeconomic stability, BIPPA farmer compensation, arrears clearance and the ongoing IMF SMP. 📊

And of course, our partnerships in the horticulture and water sectors. 🌱🇳🇱🤝🇿🇼

03/06/2026

🌟 Our warm thanks to our partners in the 'HIV Knows no Borders' programme for an informative and inspiring visit to Beitbridge, led by IOM Zimbabwe with Save the Children in Zimbabwe, Family Support Trust and Young Africa Zimbabwe.

Through the regional HIV/SRHR programme run from Maputo, The Netherlands has provided 24.5 million euro to 'HIV Knows no Borders'. This partnership is active in 6 countries, focused on border towns where HIV prevention is more challenging given dynamics of migration, travel, and cross border trade that strains local health services and hampers consistent testing, prevention, information sharing and treatment services. 🌍 🧑‍⚕️

Beitbridge district has a population of around 150.000 people, but more than 4 million documented travelers pass through annually, and many more undocumented. This contributes to Beitbridge having among the highest rates in Zimbabwe.

Ambassador Matthijs van Eeuwen and health focal person Gaudencia Muzambi visited project sites where our partners are working closely with local traditional and religious leaders, youth and communities, to empower especially young people with critical information on sexual health, health services and referrals. change agents are leading the way: driving outreach and messaging in an area where 72% of the people are under 35. 👏

28/05/2026

Netherlands Envoy praises IOM health projects in Beitbridge

Progress Moyo

Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Matthijs van Eeuwen has commended the progress of International Organization for Migration (IOM) projects in Beitbridge, saying they have improved healthcare delivery and community wellbeing.

Ambassador van Eeuwen toured several rural and urban project sites in the district on Wednesday and Thursday as part of a review of the Dutch-funded “HIV Knows No Borders” programme.

Speaking to journalists during the tour he said the programme’s funding is nearing completion.

“I have been touring the projects and I am happy with the progress being made. I can see that healthcare services have improved,” he said during the visit.

The ambassador said discussions were underway with other stakeholders to ensure the projects continue after Dutch funding ends.

“The funding is now winding down and we are looking to partner with other stakeholders to continue the projects. We now need to discuss the next steps,” he said.

He revealed that the Netherlands government had committed €89 million to regional projects in Africa, with €24.5 million allocated to IOM for implementation.

IOM Chief of Mission Diana Cartier said the “HIV Knows No Borders” programme was launched with the Netherlands government in 2023, with Beitbridge implementation starting in 2024.

Cartier said the programme has expanded access to healthcare, strengthened HIV prevention and awareness campaigns, promoted sexual and reproductive health education for youths, and enhanced support for vulnerable groups in the district.

22/05/2026

Ilyaas Sherally and Fortune Gwaze of the Embassy joined colleagues from Embassy of the Netherlands in Mozambique for the launch of the VUNWE project in Chimoio. 🎉 🤝

Reaching over 12 million people across the river basins, the VUNWE (2026-2029) is a €6 million transboundary water management initiative funded by the Netherlands Embassy in Maputo. It supports the Buzi, Pungwe and Save Watercourses Commission (BUPUSACOM) to build capacity, climate resilience, improve data sharing, and sustainably manage river basins shared between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Technical support is provided by IHE Delft Institute for Water Education. 🌍

🚰🌄Cooperation across borders is vital to ensure water access for all. This initiative is community-driven, linking people across borders to collaborate for sustainable and equitable water management in the targeted catchments.

The team also enjoyed a tour of Machipanda Border post as the Netherlands explores opportunities to strengthen along the corridor - a busy trade route, with huge, untapped potential. 🛣️

22/05/2026

Siyabonga, Bulawayo! 🙏

Ambassador Matthijs van Eeuwen connected with partners and friends on a first visit to the City of Kings. With cooperation high on the agenda he was joined by our water officer Harry Davies. 🚰

First we met Bulawayo PUM representatives Mike Carter and Kudakwashe Dhliwayo to hear about the impact of the PUM -ZimTrade partnership, which brings senior Dutch experts to support Zimbabwean agriculture, industry, education, tourism, solid waste and wastewater management and more. We also celebrate Mike Carter as he steps down after more than 10 years of dedicated support to the programme.👏

Next stop: the energetic Wetskills finals! This Dutch initiative brings together students and young professionals to solve real water challenges through innovation and competition around the world. The 2nd Bulawayo edition welcomed 26 participants from Harare, Mutare and Bulawayo municipalities, Zimbabwean universities, and a French student studying in NL. Congratulations to Team 2 for taking first place with their winning pitch developed over the 10 day programme: “From Industrial Users to Water Stewards” promoting water recycling in local industry through incentives.🏆

The afternoon was spent with Vitens and The City of Bulawayo water experts at the project site at Magwegwe Reservoir. After structural repairs, setup of 100KVA solar pumping system, chlorinators and sensors, more than 100,000 nearby residents now receive an 50 extra litres of potable water per person per day. Just one example of the impact from this Dutch-Zim partnership. 🇳🇱🤝🇿🇼

We ended the day on a lighter note meeting some of the Dutch community in Bulawayo. A small group but proudly Dutch and Bulawayan at once!

Next week, the journey continues in Beitbridge…🛣️