Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka [email protected]
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa and the Second Republic have been commended for advancing progressive development policies and actively embracing the diaspora through the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” mantra and the recognition of Zimbabweans abroad as the country’s 11th province.
The commendation was made during the 16th edition of the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards UK (ZAA) held in Birmingham on Friday night, where incoming ZAA UK 2026 chairperson and United Kingdom-based politician and legal expert, Cde Pardon Tapfumaneyi, praised the Second Republic for fostering an inclusive national development framework.
The colourful ceremony was attended by Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tinoda Machakaire, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Retired Colonel Christian Katsande, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders and members of the Zimbabwean community in the UK.
Addressing delegates, Cde Tapfumaneyi, who recently joined Zanu-PF under the Dzokai Kumusha/Buyani Ekhaya Programme, said the Second Republic has fundamentally transformed relations between Zimbabwe and its diaspora communities through deliberate engagement and inclusive policies.
“We thank His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe Dr ED Mnangagwa and the Government for the development and open-door policy — ‘Zimbabwe is open for businesses’. The launch of the diaspora as the 11th province by His Excellency President Dr ED Mnangagwa is not symbolic. It is practical. It recognises that over three million Zimbabweans abroad send remittances, transfer skills and carry Zimbabwe’s name into boardrooms and parliaments worldwide.”
Cde Tapfumaneyi said the diaspora is now an integral component of Zimbabwe’s socio-economic transformation agenda.
“For years we spoke of the diaspora as ‘out there’. Today, we speak of it as ‘in here’ — an integral part of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Cde Tapfumaneyi applauded the Second Republic for creating a conducive environment that promotes investment, skills transfer and partnerships between Zimbabweans abroad and those at home.
“Zimbabwe is standing at a point where investment is more than money. It is about belief. Investment in Zimbabwe means supporting the young entrepreneur in Mutare who needs seed capital, the nurse in London who wants to mentor students back home, the engineer in Manchester who wants to transfer skills through a vocational programme.”
Cde Tapfumaneyi said national development can only be accelerated through collaboration between Government, the diaspora and local communities.
“The Government cannot do it alone. The diaspora cannot do it alone. But together, we can close the gap between potential and progress. When you invest in Zimbabwe — whether it’s US$100 to a family business, time to mentor a student, or a partnership with a local vocational centre — you are investing in stability, in jobs and in the future that makes return and circular migration possible,” he said.
Cde Tapfumaneyi also commended Minister Machakaire for engaging young Zimbabweans in the diaspora and ensuring they remain connected to national development initiatives.
“Your presence here matters. It tells every young Zimbabwean in this room that the Ministry of Youth sees you, hears you and wants to walk with you,” he said.
Cde Tapfumaneyi said the recognition of the diaspora as the 11th province must translate into tangible opportunities for young Zimbabweans both at home and abroad.
