adminCletus Mushanawani Senior Writer
Government yesterday signed a Memorandum of Agreement with ZimThrive to encourage the Diaspora community to consider investing back home.
The signing ceremony, which was presided over by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Secretary Ambassador John Manzou and ZimThrive Southern Africa coordinator and Government liaison officer Mr Farai Madziwanyika at Munhumutapa offices in Harare will see the two bodies cooperating in several areas that are set to unlock investment opportunities in the country as well as attract more tourists.
ZimThrive was established in 2018 by a group of Zimbabweans living abroad.
The idea came about when Mildred Munjanganja from Bulawayo, but based in Florida, United States of America, was having an online conversation with Mike Tashaya from Gokwe, who is based in Manchester, United Kingdom, that basically said: “Wouldn’t it be great to have an occasion in Zimbabwe where we all go back together at the same time for a grand reunion, as we never seem to be in the country at the same time.”
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Manzou encouraged the Diaspora community to take up investment opportunities that are available in the various reform programmes taking place including the privatisation of some State enterprises, setting up of industries in special economic zones, agro-processing and manufacturing industries, beneficiation and value addition in the mining sector.
“These are some of the areas that we have agreed to work together with ZimThrive and the Diaspora at large to enhance the economic development of our country.
“Let me emphasise that the Government under President Mnangagwa values re-engagement. In fact, wherever President Mnangagwa goes on visits outside the country, he has made it a point to use that opportunity to interact with members of the Diaspora because he feels they are very important in terms of the development of the country.
“The Diaspora community also plays a very important role in achieving President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of having a middle income economy. He has also orientated our diplomatic missions to make sure that in their activities abroad, the Diaspora community is also involved,” said Ambassador Manzou.
As part of marketing Zimbabwe and luring more tourists, ZimThrive has come up with a month-long initiative running under the theme “Homecoming”, which falls in April when Zimbabwe will be celebrating its 40th independence anniversary.
The event will simultaneously raise ZimThrive’s strategic efforts to get the Zimbabwean Diaspora across the globe to return to Zimbabwe and help rewrite the country’s narrative through the promotion of various social and business events in the country, as well as collaborating with a wide range of business, social and community organisations to bring music, art, fashion, business and tourism expos.
Mr Madziwanyika said they had resolved to showcase Zimbabwe as a fantastic tourist destination.
“Surely, if we love our country Zimbabwe, can we not put our experiences and efforts gained both locally and abroad together and instead of permeating hate and negativity as we do on social media, permeate a love for our country and one another that begins to change our attitudes?
‘As ZimThrive, we have chosen to change mindsets. We have decided to showcase our country as the fantastic tourist destination that it is. We want to show off Victoria Falls, Nyanga, Great Zimbabwe Ruins and Matopos in Bulawayo. We have decided to showcase our heritage, our culture, our love as a people, our Zimbabweanness,” said Mr Madziwanyika
He said they had lined up a wide range of events for April which include the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards in Victoria Falls, Kites for Peace Family Fun Day in Harare, the International CEO Eat Out, Bush Dinner Experience at the Lion and Cheetah Park, a Ladies’ High Tea, the Mazowe 17km Run and Classy Zim Weddings Exhibition, among other activities.
“We will continue to be ambassadors of Zimbabwe wherever we are as we speak of the wonderful country it is despite the challenges it is experiencing. We have demonstrated through the putting together of ZimThrive that we are capable as many Zimbabweans who have never even met each other dotted all over the world have set up an 80-plus member WhatsApp group and put together this initiative.
“We have people on our group from the USA, UK, Israel, Australia, South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, just to name a few. We have combined experiences, talents, the little finances we could and put together what we present today, all for the love of our country. Let us build on that spirit and continue to engage.”
Online Reporter