Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has implored Zimbabweans in the United Kingdom to channel their expertise, capital and international networks into infrastructure and economic development projects at home.
Speaking at the UK-Zimbabwe Business Expo and Property Show 2026 in Birmingham on Friday, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said diaspora participation could help address infrastructure and service-delivery gaps in cities, towns and rural growth points.
The event was hosted by the Zimbabweans in Diaspora Organisation (ZIDO).
Minister Garwe said Government was seeking commercially viable partnerships in housing, water and sanitation, energy, roads, waste management and local economic development.
“The question before us is no longer whether there are opportunities in Zimbabwe. The question is how Government and the diaspora can structure those opportunities into bankable projects that create returns for investors and measurable benefits for communities,” he said.
He said diaspora investors should be involved from the planning stage to ensure projects responded to local needs and had sound business models.
Minister Garwe identified Mount Hampden New City as a major investment opportunity and potential model for future urban development.
“Mount Hampden must not be viewed simply as an expansion of Harare. It must be planned as a modern, integrated and productive city, with the infrastructure and services required to support investment and decent living,” he said.
He said investment opportunities extended beyond housing to bulk water, sewerage, roads, electricity, digital connectivity, schools, health facilities, commercial centres and industrial activity.
The approach could also be replicated in other cities and towns, including Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, Masvingo, Victoria Falls, Chinhoyi, Bindura, Marondera, Hwange and Beitbridge.
Minister Garwe also urged diaspora Zimbabweans to invest in rural economies through produce aggregation centres, grain storage, cold rooms, processing facilities, livestock services, tourism and workshops.
“A farmer should not produce maize, fruit, vegetables or livestock and then lose value because there is no storage, processing or reliable market. These are areas where diaspora investment can make a practical difference,” he said.
ZIDO chairperson Blessed Kapesa said the diaspora was ready to contribute to national development, but sustained participation would depend on transparency, accountability and bankable projects.
“Zimbabweans in the diaspora are not merely a source of remittances; we are a reservoir of skills, capital, technology and global networks,” he said.
Kapesa said diaspora Zimbabweans were increasingly looking beyond remittances towards long-term investments that could generate returns while contributing to national development.
“We want to see the diaspora move from being consumers of opportunities to becoming owners of productive assets and partners in development. If Government continues to create a predictable investment environment and presents us with credible, bankable projects, the diaspora has the capacity to bring not only capital, but technology, expertise and international markets,” he said.
Minister Garwe said diaspora investment should be viewed as a partnership in national development rather than a source of remittances.
“Development is not delivered by Government alone, nor by business alone, nor by communities alone. It is built through partnership,” he said.
The call comes as Zimbabwe seeks to mobilise domestic and diaspora investment towards Vision 2030 and the development of resilient and productive communities across the country.
