Londile Moyo
Patrick Chitumba [email protected]
ZIMBABWE is intensifying efforts to improve the ease of doing business for entrepreneurs, and reducing bottlenecks for the diaspora to invest back home.
This is being done through constant engagements and policy reviews. Zimbabwe receives over US$1,8 billion annually in diaspora remittances, making it one of the country’s largest sources of foreign currency inflows.
Government projections under the National Development Strategy 1 and 2 indicate that structured diaspora investment could unlock billions more in sectors such as mining, agriculture, housing and manufacturing.
The positive development, aimed at fostering socio-economic development, came out during the recent 4th Zimbabwe Annual Diaspora Conference held in Gweru.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is engaging global citizens to drive investment, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
The Diaspora community plays a pivotal role in helping Zimbabwe achieve its national aspiration of becoming an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society by 2030, a senior Government official said.
Speaking at the conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, represented by Deputy Minister Sheila Chikomo, said Zimbabweans living abroad are uniquely positioned to contribute to national development.
“Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to improve ease of doing business, reducing bottlenecks for the diaspora to be able to invest back home. This is being done through constant engagements and policy review like what we are doing at this conference,” said Prof Murwira.
He said the Diaspora’s exposure to advanced technologies, global best practices, and diverse expertise across various disciplines makes them a vital partner in shaping the country’s development trajectory.
Prof Murwira said President Mnangagwa has reaffirmed the importance of the Diaspora by designating it as Zimbabwe’s “11th Province”, underlining its role as an active participant in national development rather than a passive observer.
He noted that Zimbabwe is endowed with vast and commercially significant mineral resources, presenting opportunities for value addition and industrial growth.
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“The Government has already taken bold measures to curb the export of raw mineral ores, prioritising beneficiation and industrial processing,” he said.
This creates opportunities for Diaspora professionals to contribute through advanced technologies, specialised skills, and access to global markets.
Such initiatives are critical in ensuring that the country’s natural resources translate into sustainable economic growth, job creation, and increased export value.
The Diaspora’s role in promoting local production and strengthening economic self-sufficiency was also highlighted.
“Your presence in diverse economies provides access to new markets, trade partnerships, and investment opportunities. Strengthening financial instruments, investment platforms and policy frameworks remains key to harnessing this potential and achieving Vision 2030 targets,” he said.
Prof Murwira emphasised the importance of tourism, describing it as one of Zimbabwe’s greatest assets, and urged Zimbabweans in the Diaspora to act as ambassadors by showcasing the country’s natural attractions and cultural diversity to the world.
On the economic front, he said the Government continues to implement measures aimed at improving the ease of doing business through sound fiscal and monetary policies.
“Zimbabwe is open for business, and in this environment, both Diaspora and foreign capital can thrive, driving investment, innovation, and sustainable growth,” he said.
The Government acknowledges the significant contribution of Diaspora remittances, which have risen from US$1 billion in 2020 to US$2,45 billion in 2025.
To maximise the impact of these contributions, policies are being rolled out to promote financial inclusion, expand digital and formal remittance channels, and create investment frameworks that channel funds into productive sectors.
International Organisation for Migration Zimbabwe chief of mission, Ms Diana Cartier, said effective Diaspora engagement has the potential to transform economies.
She urged Zimbabwe to institutionalise its engagement with the Diaspora, positioning it as a strategic development partner.
“Diaspora can power progress when supported by coherent, enabling and forward-looking policy frameworks,” she said.
The Diaspora community, participating both online and in person, complained about the bureaucracy in government departments when processing paperwork.
They complained about rampant corruption and abuse of power by certain Government departments.
According to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, remittances have consistently contributed between seven and 10 percent of the national GDP in recent years.
However, more than 70 percent of these inflows are currently directed towards consumption, including household support, education and healthcare, with limited channelling into productive sectors.
An estimated three million Zimbabweans are living and working abroad, possessing critical skills and capital that can significantly accelerate industrialisation and economic transformation.
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