Chronicle Correspondent
ZIMBABWE’S growing diaspora remittances are emerging as an increasingly important pillar of the country’s economic resilience amid calls for stronger collaboration between Government, business and Zimbabweans abroad to channel a greater share of these inflows into productive investment.
Speaking at the recent United Kingdom (UK)-Zimbabwe Business Expo and Zimbabwe Diaspora Summit, Pan-African strategic communicator, broadcaster and Vhafuwi Africa CEO, Mr Godfrey ‘Chief’ Koti
said the growing remittance inflows reflects the continued confidence of Zimbabweans abroad, which presents a massive opportunity to deepen their contribution to national development in line with the country’s economic transformation agenda.
The event, organised by the Zimbabwean diaspora organisation led by Blessed Kapesa, brought together members of the Zimbabwean diaspora, business leaders and policymakers, including Minister of Women Affairs, Small and Medium Enterprises, Cde Monica Mutsvangwa, and Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe.
The call comes against the backdrop of strong foreign currency inflows into the economy. According to Treasury, foreign currency receipts reached US$10.72 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 47.8 percent increase, while diaspora remittances rose 41.4 percent to US$1.55 billion. This follows US$2.45 billion in remittances recorded in 2025, a 15.1 percent increase from the previous year.
Mr Koti said the figures should be viewed not only as an indication of the diaspora’s continued support for families at home, but also as an opportunity to deepen the diaspora’s role in Zimbabwe’s investment and development agenda.
“You could feel the confidence in that room. When Government, business leaders and diaspora professionals sit on the same table, a country is strengthening the trust and partnerships needed to move forward,” he said.
“Remittances have supported families, paid school fees and helped communities through difficult times, and that contribution cannot be understated. The opportunity now is to give every dollar an additional life supporting families today while also helping to build businesses, create jobs and finance the future.”
Mr Koti said sectors such as housing, agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism, SMEs and infrastructure offered opportunities for diaspora capital to participate directly in Zimbabwe’s economic development.
“The conversation has to move from how much money Zimbabweans abroad are sending home to how we can create more opportunities for them to participate in the growth of the economy,” he said.
“The diaspora is not simply a source of remittances. It’s a pool of capital, skills, networks, technology and international market access. If we create the right investment opportunities, Zimbabweans abroad can become partners in building the economy.”
Mr Koti said the approach was consistent with the broader thrust of Zimbabwe’s economic transformation agenda, which places emphasis on productive investment, value addition, industrialisation and private-sector participation.
He said Zimbabwe’s growing engagement with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) also presents an opportunity to expand the conversation from diaspora investment into regional trade and continental value chains.
Zimbabwe is set to host the 19th Meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers Responsible for Trade in Victoria Falls in 2027, following a decision adopted at the 18th Council meeting in Abuja, while the country is also preparing to host the 2029 Intra-African Trade Fair.
“These developments give Zimbabwe an important platform to position itself within Africa’s emerging trade and investment architecture,” said Mr Koti.
“AfCFTA only becomes meaningful when businesses begin using the opportunities it creates. Zimbabwean SMEs need to understand the continental market, identify where their products can compete and build partnerships across borders.”
He said the diaspora could play an important role in this process because many Zimbabweans living abroad operate within markets that Zimbabwean businesses are seeking to enter.
“The diaspora understands both Zimbabwe and the markets where they live. That gives them a unique role as bridges for trade, investment, skills and market access,” said Mr Koti.
He said the successful implementation of the country’s economic ambitions would require continued collaboration between Government, the private sector and the diaspora, alongside investment-ready projects and accessible financial mechanisms.
“Capital follows opportunity, but it also follows confidence,” he said. “The more we create credible projects, strengthen investment channels and give Zimbabweans abroad meaningful opportunities to participate in the economy, the greater the potential for remittances to contribute to long-term development.”
Mr Koti said Zimbabwe’s hosting of major continental trade and investment platforms should also be leveraged to showcase the country’s investment opportunities and connect local businesses with African and global markets.
“Zimbabwe has an opportunity to tell its story from a position of greater confidence,” Mr Koti said.
“We should use these platforms to showcase what Zimbabwe can produce, what Zimbabwe can offer and where investors and businesses can partner with us.
“Nations are built through trust, partnerships and the willingness of their people to invest in their future. The Zimbabwean diaspora has already demonstrated its commitment through the billions it sends home. The next opportunity is to deepen that partnership and turn more of that support into productive capital, jobs and sustainable economic growth.”
