The relations between Algeria and Zimbabwe go back to their common struggle against colonialism. Algeria which gained its independence through armed struggle has naturally supported its Zimbabwean sister to end the racial regime of Ian Smith. Algeria and Zimbabwe together with other African countries backed the movement against the apartheid regime in the region.

The two countries are enjoying excellent bilateral relations founded on solidarity and friendship. This is why they share the same views on the regional and international issues of common interest. In this regard, the two countries are supporting the right for self determination of the western sahara and members of the African union and G15.

Algeria opened its Embassy just after the Zimbabwean independence (18 April 1980). On the 1st April 1981 the two countries signed an agreement on the establishment of a bilateral permanent joint commission which has held two sessions and is now preparing to hold the third session in Harare. Several agreements in critical fields such as agriculture, mining and energy, education, sport, culture, visas, diplomatic dialogue are about to be signed during the third session of the Joint Permanent Commission.

The former Algerian president Chadli Bendjedid visited Harare (1981) and President Robert Gabriel Mugabe visited Algeria as Prime Minister (1983).

The President of the Republic Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has sent the President of the National Council (The Senate) as his personal representative during the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Zimbabwe independence (18 April 2005).

At this occasion, The Government of Zimbabwe named one of its buildings after the former algerian head of state Ahmed Ben Bella as recognition of Algerian support of Zimbabwe liberation struggle.

His Excellency the president of the republic Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika is according great importance to strengthening the bilateral relations with Zimbabwe in particular and the African continent in general.   
In the spirit of solidarity and sharing knowledge Algeria has extended scholarships to Zimbabwe which has seen 122 students are currently studying  in Algeria.        

An Algerian trade delegation visited Zimbabwe in 2006 and found  great potential for a complementary trade between the two countries such as exporting to Algeria: tobacco, cotton, timber, beef, sugar, tea, coffee, minerals and importation by Zimbabwe: agriculture equipment, tractors, irrigation equipment, fertilizer, oil, chemicals, pesticide, etc. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the end of the visit.

The Minister of Trade of Zimbabwe was invited by his Algerian counterpart to pay a business trip to Algeria.