Online Reporter
Takudzwa Mangrozah and Belindah Chikandiwa
THE Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) hosted an investment and diaspora forum on August 29 at the Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles in the capital, in a powerful display of unity and shared purpose.
Several luminaries, including senior Government officials and representatives from the United Nations, attended the event.
The guests underscored the crucial role played by Zimbabweans living and working abroad in driving national development.
Among the high-profile guests were the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Harare Metropolitan, Charles Tavengwa; Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Kudakwashe Mupamhanga; and International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Zimbabwe Chief of Mission Diana Cartier.
The ceremony saw various awards given to outstanding individuals for their role in national development, including advancing the welfare of the underprivileged.
The event ran under the theme “Diaspora Capital: Unlocking Africa’s Human and Financial Potential”, demonstrating the crucial role of the Zimbabwean diaspora in national development.
Ms Cartier described the Zimbabwean diaspora as “indispensable” drivers of innovation, noting that their financial contributions account for between 9 percent and 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
“The Zimbabwean diaspora is vast, diverse, vibrant and indispensable,” she said.
“They stabilise the economy, not only with their remittances but also with their expertise, investments, business support, and as cultural ambassadors.”
She spoke on the need for a strategic shift of vision on diaspora remittances, “from remittances as consumption to remittances as capital for Zimbabwe’s future”.
Ms Carter noted this could be achieved through digital financial inclusion, diaspora bonds and public-private partnerships to derisk investments in key sectors.
Echoing a similar sentiment, Deputy Minister Mupamhanga said the diaspora residents’ contribution stretch beyond economic benefits.
“It is not just about sending money for the kids here,” Deputy Minister Mupamhanga said. “A lot of people are getting involved in rural districts and areas where development is starting. We want to improve it.”
He also spoke about the importance of valuing the contributions of sports, arts and music, noting that these fields are “critical to a nation and a society”.
“They provide the memory of who we are . . . as we strive for economic development and growth . . . These people are essential to our culture,” he said.
Minister Tavengwa, who was represented by Ms Spiwe Nyamatore, a director in the Office of the President and Cabinet, reiterated the Government’s plans to review the National Diaspora Policy.
“This policy framework is responsive to the realities on the ground and will institutionalise diaspora participation in national development planning, consistent with Agenda 2063,” he said.
He stressed the Government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for investment, pointing to the ongoing implementation of key infrastructure projects.
These include upgrades to the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, whose capacity has been increased significantly, and several Presidential community development programmes nationwide, including digitisation.
“The Government is committed to connecting the diaspora with opportunities available in various areas of industry and promise,” he stated.
“We are optimistic that this policy will build strong investor confidence through transparency.”
Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, underlined the value of the diaspora in local development, commending their significant support in healthcare and education.
“There should be transparency when sending money to Zimbabwe,” he said. “This will make the country a more secure destination for investment, assuring the diaspora that their contributions are protected.”
During ZAA’s Global Awards at Manna Resort in Harare on August 30, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa received the Outstanding National Brand Promotion, Local Community and Diaspora Engagement Award.
She said the accolade was a collective achievement that reflected the teamwork and vision of her ministry.
Minister Mutsvangwa paid tribute to President Mnangagwa’s vision of a new, economically empowered Zimbabwe, which he has sought to achieve by guiding key and transformative Government programmes.
She also highlighted her work in launching community and campus radio stations during her tenure as the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, saying the initiatives were aimed at giving people in rural areas a voice and promoting inclusive access to information.
She further underscored the importance of international engagement through initiatives such as the True Zim Tour, which showcased Zimbabwe’s potential and strengthened people-to-people diplomacy with the diaspora.
Commenting on programmes in her current portfolio, the minister said empowering women and supporting small and medium enterprises remained a central pillar in the drive towards transforming Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income country by 2030.
“The recognition we receive from the diaspora community is a powerful affirmation of our shared national purpose and serves as motivation to continue working with loyalty and dedication to our beloved nation,” she said.
Other award winners at the event included broadcasters Tilda Moyo and DJ Ollah 7; musicians Feli Nandi and Albert Nyati; and educator Professor Paul Mapfumo, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe.
Disability rights activist Betty Jiri, the widow of the late disability rights champion and national hero Jairos Jiri, was also one of the award winners. She commended the Government and ZAA for recognising her efforts in advocating for the rights of the disabled.
