Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT is committed to providing a formal framework for the country’s Diaspora participation in the economy, Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Charles Tawengwa, has said.
The minister made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf at a Diaspora Forum organised by the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) in Harare yesterday.
“We are committed to institutionalising the Diaspora participation in key priority areas, namely infrastructure, agriculture, mining, health, education, ICT and renewable energy, among other sectors.
“Through this engagement Government will be able to develop innovative financial instruments like Diaspora bonds,” he said.
The Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Kudakwashe Mupamhanga, echoed similar sentiments, saying there was need to create trust between Government and the Diaspora.
“So, we need to structure institutions that allow the Diasporans to save their money safely and we also need to incentivise them. We also need to look at who is sending the money and how much money they are sending and then somehow incentivise them,” Deputy Minister Mupamhanga said.
Director of International Communication Services in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Richard Mahomva commended the role played by nationals living abroad.
“It shows that we have put many diplomats who are not on the payroll of the State and for me, that is very crucial,” he said.
International Organisation of Migration Chief of Mission to Zimbabwe, Ms Diana Cartier, said the country’s Diaspora played a critical role in the country’s development.
“But beyond remittances, the Diaspora invests in businesses, supports communities, transfers skills and serves as cultural ambassadors.
“Simply put, Diaspora is not at the periphery, it is pivotal to Zimbabwe’s journey toward prosperity, unity, and transformation,” she said.
ZAA Global chairman, Diaspora Forum and Awards, Dr Ted Nyatanga said: “ZAA has worked hand-in-hand with governments and non-state leaders like the IOM and many other partners to ensure that our contributions are aligned with national priorities.
“Through digital platforms, regional chapters and targeted programmes, we are creating consistent pathways for engagement.”
British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pete Vowles, said it was important that there was need to enhance the impact of Diaspora remittances on communities.
