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Dr Masimba Mavaza
The call by the Zimbabwean government for people living in the diaspora to take part in the development taking place in the country and its vast potential for economic growth and business opportunities have attracted the attention of multi-national companies and investors.
And not to be left out are Zimbabweans living in the Diaspora, and it will not be suprising that some are considering returning home to invest.
President Mnangagwa has been reminding people that his economic development plan does not have a room for anyone to be left out.
The skills and experience those in diaspora have gained can help accelerate economic development in their mother land.
Abide Shumba said he has created many important networks.
“They will give you the best advice,” he said. “Don’t think that the challenges others face are unique to them and won’t happen to you. When we come back, we tend to think that we know better and that we won’t experience the same issues that other returning entrepreneurs face.
“Getting together regularly and talking to other entrepreneurs is important. This peer-to-peer mentorship has really been key for me.”
Emmanuel Tendere, who has since left England, said it was imperative that Zimbabweans take advantage of the opportunities back home.
“First, there is no better time than now,” he said. “I have been reading and hearing about all the business opportunities back home. We came to a point where we said we can continue talking about this or be a part of it.
“As long as you have a solid idea, a plan to execute it and the commitment to make it work, take the plunge – go back home.”
A shoemaker, John Tambudzai, said he too was considering to return home.
“Don’t be afraid of failure,” he said. “There is no such thing. You will always be learning – especially from your mistakes.”
Zvaitwa Mutusva said those itching to return home had to do so without hesitation.
“For eager to return home, I go for it,” he said. “Don’t get stuck on your desk running the numbers and envisaging all the possible and impossible scenarios. Too much analysis leads to paralysis. The best way to make it happen is simply to take a leap and make it happen.”
Mike Shumba, who has established a photographic institute back home advised: “I did a lot of research before I came back, talking to a lot of my friends that were living here who had moved back and understood the challenges and what the opportunities were.
“But I think if you (do that) and see the opportunity and you really want to be part of the story, and you recognise that this is a historic time (and I’m not overstating that, this is really the last frontier and it’s a historic time).”
Zimbabweans have a long history of migrating for various reasons.
From the days of tribal wars that displaced whole tribes in Southern Africa in the 1800s to migrants crossing over from Zimbabwe to South Africa and many other countries.
This leads us to the current generation of Zimbabweans who have left the continent entirely seeking better training and work experiences abroad.
However, a critical and relevant reality that is sometimes overlooked in this issue is how many people wish to return home.
A number of young Zimbabweans in the diaspora are considering to return to Zimbabwe, leaving their “comforts” in the West.
In fact, in all of my years living and working in the West, I have yet to encounter a young Zimbabwean professional who does not aspire to return to the country one day.
As Zimbabwe moves forward, no one wants to be left behind.
The African Union (AU) defines the African diaspora as “those of native African descent living outside the continent, regardless of citizenship or country, who are eager to contribute to the continent’s development and the formation of the African Union.”
While some Zimbabweans are going abroad, others have now realised that home is always best.
Online Reporter