Four senior Zimbabwean officials have been removed from UK sanctions lists in a move that could signal improving relations between London and Harare.
The UK announced on Tuesday it was delisting Owen Ncube, Isaac Moyo, Godwin Matanga and Anselem Sanyatwe, along with state-owned Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI). All had been subject to travel bans and asset freezes since 2021.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said the move followed similar action by the European Union, which delisted ZDI in February while maintaining its broader Zimbabwe sanctions framework.
The four men were originally sanctioned over alleged involvement in serious human rights violations, including the killing of protesters.
Owen Ncube, now Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs, was previously minister for national security when he ordered internet shutdowns during violent protests in January 2019. At least 17 people were killed during the unrest.
Isaac Moyo headed Zimbabwe’s Central Intelligence Organisation until earlier this year. He was sanctioned for alleged involvement in torture and intimidation of opposition figures and journalists.
Godwin Matanga served as police chief until December 2024. The UK cited his role in post-election violence in August 2018 that left six civilians dead.
Anselem Sanyatwe, now sports minister, previously commanded the presidential guard and was involved in the 1 August 2018 crackdown when soldiers opened fire on opposition protesters in central Harare.
Zimbabwe Defence Industries was blacklisted after late President Robert Mugabe expelled EU election observers in 2002. The company was accused of supplying weapons used against civilians.
The delistings represent a diplomatic victory for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has sought to rebuild ties with Western nations since taking power following Mugabe’s removal in 2017.
“The revocations follow a similar move from the European Union in February 2025,” the FCDO statement said, noting the US had also removed designations in March 2024.
Zimbabwe has faced Western sanctions for more than two decades over concerns about governance and human rights. The measures have been a constant source of friction, with Harare arguing they harm ordinary citizens rather than officials.
The UK maintains that its targeted sanctions affect only specific individuals involved in human rights abuses and do not target Zimbabwe’s economy or people.
Mr Mnangagwa’s government has made repeated appeals for sanctions relief, arguing the measures hinder economic recovery in a country already struggling with inflation and currency instability.
The timing of the UK’s decision suggests growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s reform efforts, though significant challenges around democratic governance remain.
Trade between the UK and Zimbabwe reached $175 million last year, according to the British embassy in Harare, which has said it wants to increase commercial ties.
The move comes as Zimbabwe continues efforts to attract foreign investment and rejoin the international community after years of isolation during the Mugabe era.