Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe ,Zimpapers Business Hub
CALLS have intensified for the Government to establish Incentives for Diaspora Business Investment (IDBI) and launch Diaspora Bonds or Investment Funds aimed at financing key national infrastructure and development projects.
This strategic proposal was tabled during the ongoing Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference (ZEDCON 2025) in Bulawayo, where experts underscored the transformative power of Zimbabwe’s diaspora community in driving economic growth.
Zimbabwe’s diaspora is increasingly being recognised as a critical pillar in the nation’s economic revival due to its proven capacity in remittances and a rich reservoir of global skills and expertise.
With thousands of Zimbabweans excelling abroad in sectors such as finance, technology, healthcare and engineering, there is a growing call to tap into this human capital for national development.
Diaspora professionals, often in positions of influence globally are already contributing through knowledge transfer, innovation and promoting global best practices.
Zimbabwe Open University lecturer Mr Charles Mushaka, who presented on Harnessing Diaspora Potential: International Case Studies said diaspora communities are transformative partners in national development.
“Zimbabwe can unlock this potential by adopting proven strategies from lndia, Ethiopia and Ireland.
“For Zimbabwe, integrating these lessons into a national diaspora engagement strategy could unlock significant developmental potential,” he said.
In policy recommendationS, Mr Mushaka said there is need for creation of Incentives for Diaspora Business Investment (IDBI).
“It include provision of tax incentives, simplified registration, and land access for diaspora-led ventures eg, the Global Irish Network streamlined support for diaspora investors encourages return and investment by reducing entry barriers.
“Launch Diaspora Bonds or Investment Funds to fund national infrastructure and development projects. For instance, Ethiopia used diaspora bonds to fund the Grand Renaissance Darm,” he said.
He added that it is critical to introduce diaspora fellowships and visiting scholar programs. facilitate platforms for diaspora experts to contributor skills via online mentoring and consulting eg India’s Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN)
“Launch a Diaspora Database and Digital Platform. Zima Diaspora Digital Hub (ZDDH) can be developed to map skills, location, and interests of Zimbabweans abroad and link them to local opportunities.
“This is critical as centralised data makes engagement strategic and measurable.”
