Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has enjoined Zimbabweans living abroad to intensify investment and skills transfer back home as the country pushes to accelerate economic growth and industrial transformation.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) Diaspora Investment and Skills Forum in Birmingham yesterday, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire said the Diaspora remained critical to Zimbabwe’s development agenda through investment, innovation and expertise.
He said Zimbabweans abroad were making significant contributions globally in sectors such as healthcare, technology, engineering, business and academia, and should also play a greater role in national development.
“The Zimbabwean Diaspora remains one of our nation’s greatest assets,” said Minister Machakaire.
“Beyond remittances, you contribute through skills, knowledge, investment, global networks and international experience.”
Minister Machakaire said Government was encouraging greater diaspora participation in key economic sectors including technology, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, tourism, real estate and the creative economy.
“Zimbabwe is open for investment. Zimbabwe is open for partnerships. Zimbabwe is open for innovation,” he said.
“This is the time to invest back home. This is the time to build industries. This is the time to create jobs and opportunities for future generations.”
The Minister said Zimbabwe’s development required collective participation from citizens both at home and abroad.
“Our country needs builders. Our country needs solutions. And our country needs Zimbabweans who are prepared to contribute positively towards progress and transformation,” he said.
“No one will develop Zimbabwe for us if we do not participate ourselves.”
Minister Machakaire also said Government was seeking stronger partnerships to improve support systems for Zimbabwean healthcare professionals working abroad, including secure employment opportunities, pension protection and professional welfare.
He said Zimbabwe was undergoing transformation driven by innovation, industrialisation and digitalisation, with youths increasingly embracing technology and entrepreneurship.
“As Government, we remain committed to supporting ICT development, innovation hubs, digital skills, technology-driven enterprises and youth empowerment,” Minister Machakaire said.
“Zimbabwean youth must not only consume technology — they must create it, own it and lead through it.”
The forum brought together Zimbabwean business leaders, professionals, investors and development partners from across the diaspora to discuss investment opportunities, partnerships and skills exchange initiatives aimed at contributing to Zimbabwe’s economic development.
