Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Writer
Zimbabwe is targeting increased investment from its diaspora community to complement remittance inflows, with the Government seeking to channel more resources into tourism infrastructure, hospitality projects and other productive ventures to accelerate economic growth and advance Vision 2030.
The Government is looking beyond traditional diaspora financial support to attract direct investment into the tourism sector, with opportunities spanning hospitality infrastructure, conference facilities, cultural heritage and rural tourism.
The investment drive took centre stage at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2026 in London, where Zimbabwe hosted a Diaspora Engagement Forum and Dinner at Zimbabwe House, urging citizens abroad to become active participants in the country’s economic transformation.
The engagement was officiated by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi and attended by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Col. (Rtd) Christian Katsande, and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Dr George Manyaya.
In an update, Tourism and Hospitality Industry said Minister Rwodzi conveyed President Mnangagwa’s appreciation for diaspora remittances, which have sustained the economy over the years, while emphasising the need to complement these inflows with increased investment into productive sectors.
“The Minister conveyed His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s deep appreciation for Diaspora remittances, which have sustained the Zimbabwean economy over the years, while emphasising his keen interest in seeing these contributions complemented by increased economic investment back home,” the ministry said.
Tourism, she said, was a low-hanging sector offering significant opportunities for Zimbabweans abroad to participate directly in economic development.
“As an important constituency in Zimbabwe’s Economy, the Diaspora must not be left behind in the programmes and projects advancing Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2.”
Drawing attention to the country’s 13 tourism clusters, the Minister identified several investment opportunities, including accommodation and hospitality infrastructure in Victoria Falls, particularly around the Mosi-oa-Tunya development.
Other opportunities include conference facilities in Harare ahead of the 2029 African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda, alongside cultural, heritage and rural tourism projects.
The strategy seeks to leverage diaspora financial resources, international business networks and expertise to expand tourism infrastructure, increase visitor spending and strengthen domestic enterprise development.
Tourism offers significant economic linkages through accommodation, transport, food production, construction, arts and crafts, creating opportunities for small businesses and communities beyond traditional tourism centres.
“She underscored Tourism’s capacity to generate employment, empower communities, expand enterprise opportunities and transform livelihoods, while assuring prospective investors of Government’s readiness to facilitate investment.”
Ambassador Katsande applauded the Diaspora’s continued contribution to National Development and encouraged stronger engagement with Government and the private sector.
Zimbabwe’s participation at WTM 2026 forms part of its broader destination marketing and international market expansion strategy, aimed at attracting visitors, strengthening business relationships and unlocking investment opportunities.
Held annually at ExCeL London, WTM is among the world’s leading travel trade exhibitions, bringing together destinations, airlines, hotels, tour operators and other industry players.
