Zimbabwe and the Netherlands have launched the Netherlands–Zimbabwe Business Network (NZBN), a new platform aimed at strengthening trade, investment and long-term economic cooperation between the two countries.

The launch brought together representatives from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, ZimTrade, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), alongside Dutch and Zimbabwean businesses and organisations.

“We were honoured to host leadership from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, ZimTrade and ZIDA, together with Dutch and Zimbabwean companies that form the foundation of this network,” organisers said in a statement.

The NZBN will serve as a platform for connecting businesses, sharing market intelligence and creating investment opportunities. It is designed to foster practical partnerships by providing Dutch companies with insights into Zimbabwe’s business environment, while giving Zimbabwean firms greater access to Dutch expertise, technology, finance and European markets.

The initiative comes as bilateral trade continues to grow, with Dutch investment already active in agriculture, horticulture, water management, logistics and renewable energy. Zimbabwe also offers significant opportunities in agri-processing, manufacturing, mining value chains and infrastructure.

Beyond facilitating business connections, the network plans to host trade missions, business matchmaking events, sector briefings and policy dialogues aimed at improving the ease of doing business and expanding commercial opportunities.

Backed by government institutions including ZimTrade and ZIDA, the NZBN is expected to strengthen ties between the two economies while supporting sustainable growth, innovation and investment.

Organisers have invited more companies—particularly Dutch businesses—to join the network as it begins building a new chapter of economic partnership between Zimbabwe and the Netherlands.