Online Reporter
Daniel Chigunwe
Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe’s “open for business” policy thrust continues to spur investment interest from citizens living abroad, with growing confidence attributed to investor-friendly reforms under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa.
The Government and the business sector have commended the renewed momentum that is seeing Zimbabweans living abroad responding positively to President Mnangagwa’s mantra of “nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” in another stride, which is aimed at increasing participation of the diaspora community in the national economic agenda.
The Zimbabweans in the Diaspora Organisation (ZIDO) has emerged as a pivotal player with its key role in facilitating engagement platforms that bring together Government, the private sector and diaspora investors to identify and pursue bankable opportunities in line with Vision 2030.
Recently, ZIDO, led by its chairperson, Mr Blessed Kapesa, hosted its annual 2025 Diaspora Homecoming and Business Summit in Harare, now in its third year, attracting Government delegations, corporates and diaspora communities, with investment opportunities topping the agenda.
The growing role of the diaspora is reflected in remittance inflows, which rose from about US$1,4 billion in 2021 to US$2,2 billion in 2024, with projections indicating the figure could surpass US$2,7 billion for 2025.
Addressing delegates at the summit, held under the theme “Coming Home to Build”, Deputy Chief Secretary for Policy Analysis, Coordination and Development Planning, Dr Willard Manungo, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to creating a conducive investment climate for Zimbabweans living abroad.
“As Government, we continue to create an enabling environment to ensure that you are fully engaged, enabled and empowered to actively contribute to the development of our motherland, Zimbabwe.”
Dr Manungo said ongoing reforms were aimed at sustaining economic growth through infrastructure development, promotion of local production and value-chain optimisation across key sectors.
“In pursuit of the sustained upward developmental trajectory, Government has undertaken comprehensive reforms and implemented various strategies, which include massive infrastructure development, promotion of local production, particularly value chain optimisation across key sectors, an efficient fiscal and monetary policy framework, and a wholesome reindustrialisation strategy, which respects local and Diaspora investments much the same as foreign direct investment,” he said.
As the country prepares for the implementation of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), calls have intensified for increased investment that supports rural industrialisation and modernisation, an area where diaspora investors are being encouraged to play a greater role, with ZIDO chairman Mr Kapesa saying the summit’s theme resonated with national development priorities.
He also expressed excitement over the 2025 edition of the homecoming and business summit, which drew more than 300 delegates, including senior Government officials, corporates and business leaders.
“Our theme of coming home to build resonates strongly with the clarion calls for rural industrialisation and modernisation,” he said.
“We are thrilled with the 2025 event, which drew more than 300 delegates, including high-profile Government representatives, corporates and the business entity. This is testament to the popularity of the Second Republic government under President Mnangagwa.
“As Zimbabweans living abroad, we are eager to contribute towards the building of our country and as such, the enabling environment that has been created by the Government is inspiring confidence and opening opportunities which we are harnessing.”
Related stories:
Mash Central eyes Diaspora investment
Meanwhile, Mashonaland Central Province has begun recording tangible benefits from diaspora-led investments, particularly following investment expos held in the United Kingdom, with Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Cde Christopher Magomo, saying restored investor confidence is translating into on-the-ground projects.
Minister Magomo said engagements in cities such as Birmingham had helped address information gaps, resulting in increased investment activity in districts such as Mazowe.
“As ministers, we have made it a priority to unpack the positive policy framework of the Second Republic, which has helped rebuild confidence among Zimbabweans living abroad,” he said.
“I have attended these expos held by ZIDO in the UK and I confirm that the mindset and attitude have shifted positively. We are seeing infrastructure development initiatives being spearheaded by the diaspora community.
“There are also growing synergies between diaspora investors and local authorities in Mvurwi and Shamva.”
He added that the province had introduced a one-stop-shop approach to improve ease of doing business and accelerate project implementation.
“We are focused on creating an efficient and supportive environment that translates interest into sustainable development outcomes,” said Cde Magomo.
