Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo in New York, USA
BORDERS must never become barriers to the flow of global knowledge, expertise and best practices back to Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa has said, urging the country’s Diaspora community to play a greater role in national development.
Addressing Zimbabweans living in the United States at a Diaspora interface on Sunday night, the President said Zimbabweans abroad were excelling in leading hospitals, universities, financial institutions, technology companies and international organisations.
He said such people were tremendous national assets which the Second Republic was committed to harnessing for collective prosperity.
“We no longer lament ‘brain drain’ and have now turned it into brain circulation. You need not return permanently to contribute or make an impact. A surgeon can remotely train doctors at home; an engineer should advise on infrastructure; a professor must pursue avenues to increase synergies and collaboration with learning institutions; an ICT specialist should boldly mentor other young innovators back home and a banker proffer responsive, out-of-the-box financing for transformative developmental projects,” said the President.
He said Diaspora capital, expertise, and networks must be harnessed to accelerate development.
The ease of doing business reforms being championed by the Second Republic, President Mnangagwa said, were a great success, resulting in increased local and foreign investments.
“Earlier today, we held a well subscribed Zimbabwe Business Forum. I invite you, the Diaspora here in New York and beyond, to remain engaged and confident in your country. I challenge you, above all, to participate and contribute meaningfully to the prosperity of the nation so that we realise development and prosperity that leaves no one and no place behind. Bring your ideas, expertise, networks, technology, investment, knowledge and experience you have gained across the world,” said the President.
He rallied the Zimbabweans living in the Diaspora to amplify Africa’s voice on the international stage and demonstrate that Zimbabwe has a rightful place in global affairs, as has been demonstrated by the country’s election for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2027-2028.
President Mnangagwa then apprised the Diaspora community on developments back home.
“I know that you are eager to know of developments back home. Our national development agenda, under NDS2 (National Development Strategy 2) (2026-2030), recognises the Diaspora as a key and strategic partner in achieving Vision 2030.
“Infrastructure development, industrialisation, and innovation are central pillars of this strategy”.
“Ask yourself,” he implored the Diaspora, “what can I bring to Zimbabwe? What skill can I transfer? What investment can I make? What market can I open? What young Zimbabwean can I mentor?”
The President said if these questions were answered through concrete action, their cumulative effect on Zimbabwe would be far-reaching.
“Together, let us transform the Diaspora into a greater force for investment, innovation, skills transfer, industrialisation and national development.
“Zimbabwe is our home, heritage, shared responsibility, and its future is for us to build together. Only through collective efforts can we promote economic growth and enhance the welfare of all Zimbabweans. That burden lies with all of us, Nyika inovakwa nevene vavo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo,” he said.
President Mnangagwa then assured the Diaspora community that members of his delegation were available to answer any questions and inquiries that they may have.
“Though you live and work beyond our borders, you remain an integral part of the Zimbabwean family. Home is home, regardless of the physical distance between us. Your patriotism and commitment to uphold our Zimbabwean identity is highly commendable,” he said.
Over the years, the Diaspora has supported families, educated children, built homes, and established businesses, contributing to national development.
Foreign currency inflows, including remittances, now exceed US$2,4 billion annually, significantly contributing to economic development.
“The more we work together, the more we prosper,” the President said.
However, President Mnangagwa said the Diaspora community’s linkages with home should not be based on remittances alone.
He said under his administration, engagements with citizens in the Diaspora are moving from remittances to investment; from individual family support to national transformation; and from the movement of people, to the movement of knowledge, technology and capital.
“Opportunities abound across agriculture, mining and beneficiation, manufacturing, tourism, infrastructure, financial services, renewable energy, health, education and the digital economy.
Some projects may be beyond the capacity of one individual, but within the reach of the collective strength of Zimbabweans acting together.
“As such, my Government continues to provide an enabling environment for Diaspora participation,” he said.
The Second Republic, he assured the Diaspora, was simplifying bureaucracy, modernising passport services, establishing Diaspora service centres, and ensuring that investments are facilitated and protected.
“Dedicated focal persons across Ministries and Agencies are mandated to promptly address Diaspora enquiries. We are also strengthening platforms such as the Zimbabwe Annual Diaspora Conference, which has become a vital forum for dialogue, collaboration and project incubation.
“Your overwhelming participation in the last conference in Gweru, demonstrates the Diaspora’s readiness to play its part in our nation’s ongoing growth story,” said President Mnangagwa.
