Online Reporter
Kuda Bwititi
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZANU PF regards the Zimbabwean diaspora as a cornerstone of the national economy and a strategic pillar of the country’s foreign policy, with expatriates expected to play a central role in advancing the country’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the party’s National Political Commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, has said.
Addressing a virtual Zimbabwean gathering organised by the ruling party’s Far East Asia District in Beijing yeaterday, which covers China, Thailand, Japan and South Korea, Cde Machacha said the party was celebrating the economic indispensability of Zimbabweans abroad while mobilising them as political and diplomatic ambassadors.
“Zimbabweans in the diaspora play a critical and irreplaceable role in the economic development of our country,” said Cde Machacha in a video message to the gathering.
Through remittances, investments, skills transfer, innovation and international networks, you have continued to support families, communities and the national economy during challenging and transformative times.”
He said diaspora remittances had become a “key pillar of economic stability,” underpinning household welfare, education and small business development, while also highlighting the community’s growing professional and technical influence.
“Your role in attracting foreign direct investment, facilitating trade linkages, promoting tourism and supporting industrial growth cannot be overstated. “You are ambassadors of Zimbabwe’s economic potential,” he said. Beyond economic contributions, Cde Machacha assigned the diaspora a direct political and ideological role in advancing the ruling party’s narrative internationally.
“Comrades, the diaspora also has a critical political and ideological role. You are the frontline marketers of Zanu PF policies, programmes, and achievements in your respective countries of residence,” he said.
“It is important that you articulate the true Zimbabwean story, a story of resilience, reform and progress, countering misinformation and negative narratives that seek to undermine our sovereignty and national image.”
Cde Machacha urged Zimbabweans abroad to proactively explain Government policies “anchored on peace, unity, development and economic empowerment” in their engagements with host governments and institutions.
He highlighted Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, with elections due in June this year for the 2027–2028 term, saying the diaspora would be critical lobbyists in the campaign.
