Compensation of white farmers by Zimbabwe - Statement

Press Statement on the Implementation of Compensation of Former Farm Owners by the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe

1. As stated in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) (October 2018-December 2020), the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe under the New Dispensation, is committed to finalise compensation to all former farm owners who were affected by the Land Reform Programme. This is being done in accordance with the country's Constitution and Zimbabwe's obligations under the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (BIPPAs).

2. In this regard, the Ad Hoc Compensation Working Group, comprising Government officials and representatives of former farm owners, is currently working towards the computation and establishing the Compensation Quantum figure for farm improvements based on an agreed method of valuation. Given the significant progress made to-date, it is anticipated that this comprehensive farm improvements valuation exercise will be completed by the end of May 2019.

3. The completion of the work of the Ad Hoc Compensation Working Group will enable Government and former farm owners, in conjunction with cooperating partners, to progress towards closure of the land issue.

4. Reflecting Government's commitment to compensate former farm owners for farm improvements and recognising that a large number of farmers are still to be compensated, Government allocated RIGS$53million in the 2019 National Budget for interim advance payments. These interim advance payments will be made to former farm owners affected by the land reform program and who are in financial distress.

5. The process to identify and register former farm owners who want to participate in the interim advance payments scheme has now commenced and is being coordinated by the Commercial Farmers Union (CFU), and the Compensation Steering Committee (CSC) representing former farm owners.

6. The registration process and the list of farmers should be completed by the end of April 2019, after which the interim advance payments will be paid directly to former farm owners by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement. Government will put in-place institutional arrangements to expedite the disbursements for these interim advance payments.

7. In the meantime, Government's accelerated farm valuation exercise for farm improvements is expected to be completed by end April 2019. This will pave the way for both parties to reach an agreement on the Compensation Quantum figure for farm improvements by end of May 2019.

8. Consultations on sustainable options for mobilizing the requisite compensation resources are being explored in conjunction with the International Financial Institutions and other Stakeholders. Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Minister of Finance and Economic Development 05 April 2019