Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
Hwange was alive with optimism last week as community leaders, investors, and members of the diaspora gathered for the Hwange Diaspora Investment Event, a key platform promoting sustainable local development and investment in Matabeleland North.
The event, the third in the Matabeleland North Diaspora Investment Series following Nkayi and Binga, was held on Thursday under the theme: “Investing in the Future with Hwange Community.” It brought together government officials, traditional leaders, private sector players, and development partners to pool diaspora and local resources for economic growth and infrastructure development.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North, Cde Richard Moyo, in remarks read on his behalf by Mr Godfrey Mkwakwami, director for Economic Development and Investment, described the initiative as “a crucial platform that brings together communities, investors, and partners in pursuit of a shared vision — sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.”
“Since the first Matabeleland North Diaspora Investment Conference held in Lupane in 2023, we have witnessed remarkable progress. In Nkayi and Binga alone, over US$200 000 was mobilised to support community-driven projects. This demonstrates that when we combine ideas, skills, and resources, there is no limit to what we can achieve,” Moyo said.
He noted that the event aligns with the Government’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030, which aim to create a prosperous, upper-middle-income economy through devolution, rural industrialisation, and private sector-led growth.
Speaking on behalf of the Hwange Rural District Council (HRDC), Environment Officer Mr Xolelani Ncube described the event as a historic opportunity to rebuild community assets through collective action and innovative financing.
“Anything for us without us is not for us. If you want to go faster, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” he said.
Minister Ncube highlighted priority areas for diaspora investment, including the construction and renovation of ECD classroom blocks, teachers’ cottages, clinics, libraries, and sports facilities. He also emphasised water and sanitation projects such as borehole drilling, solar-powered systems, and piped water schemes, as well as smallholder irrigation, village business units, and initiatives for climate change adaptation, resilience building, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation. He noted that the Government had already established a fund to support affected communities.
He reiterated Hwange District’s commitment to the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” mantra and a whole-of-Government approach to inclusive local development, linking these efforts to Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Representing the US government-funded Amalima Loko programme, Mr Dominic Graham, Chief of Party, traced the initiative to the 2023 Lupane Diaspora Conference.
“Our goal is to make Matabeleland North a food secure, stable, and prosperous region. We work on multiple fronts, from soil and water conservation to livelihoods, agriculture, and off-farm income generation,” he said.
Amalima Loko, implemented by a consortium of non-profits including CNFA, ORAP, Dabane Trust, IMC, and Silveira House, has supported the drilling of over 300 boreholes, installation of weir dams and irrigation schemes, and development of village action plans in collaboration with traditional leaders and Local Government. Across Matabeleland North, approximately 5,600 savings and lending groups have mobilised US$4,7million in savings and US$10,5 million in loans.
Graham emphasised the role of the diaspora in supporting local enterprises through zero-interest community loans, ensuring that resources continue to circulate within villages to benefit small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The Hwange Diaspora Investment Event showcased several community initiatives and entrepreneurial ventures, from agribusiness and eco-tourism to infrastructure and renewable energy projects. Project proponents presented their business ideas to potential investors both in person and online.
In closing, Minister Moyo commended the Hwange community and partners for their “visionary collaboration” and encouraged continued engagement between the diaspora, private sector, and local institutions.
“Your dedication is building schools and clinics, providing safe water, and empowering enterprises. Your investment is laying the foundation for a future where every community member can thrive. Let us continue to build bridges, create opportunities, and empower communities together,” he said.
