In 1965, Rhodesia (present day Zimbabwe) obtained its independence from the United Kingdom. Mexico refused to recognize or establish diplomatic relations with the nation due to its apartheid like system.[1] At the end of the Rhodesian Bush War in December 1979, Rhodesia changed its name to Zimbabwe in 1980. Mexico and Zimbabwe established diplomatic relations in March 1985.[2] In 1990, Mexico opened a resident embassy in Harare, however, the embassy was closed in 1994 and Mexico accredited its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa to Zimbabwe.[3]
In May 2013, Mexican Economy Undersecretary Francisco de Rosenzweig paid a visit to Zimbabwe, along with the Mexican Ambassador to Ethiopia, Juan Alfredo Miranda Ortiz, to promote the candidacy of Dr. Herminio Blanco Mendoza as Director-General of the World Trade Organization.[8] Since 2008, the Mexican government offers each year scholarships for nationals of Zimbabwe to study postgraduate studies at Mexican higher education institutions.[2]
In 2018, trade between Mexico and Zimbabwe totaled US$1.4 million.[9] Mexico's main exports to Zimbabwe include: wheeled tractors; cards equipped with an electronic integrated chips; control units and adapters; white corn; and zinc minerals. Zimbabwe's main exports to Mexico include: vermiculite; perlite and chlorites; undilated strips and films; thermoplastic materials for welding; and statuary and sculpture materials.[2]