Diasporans heed Govt calls

MOST Zimbabweans living and working abroad are channelling their investments into the country’s real estate and agricultural sectors, it has been learnt.

Government is presently on a charm offensive to attract investments from the Diaspora.

Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ambassador James Manzou said the current trend was “commendable” and would most likely trigger further investments.

“Investments from Diasporans have been registered across all the economic sectors of the country.

‘‘But overall, most of them have been targeting the real estate and agriculture sectors. These include investments in the provision of agriculture equipment, farming, and construction of houses and commercial structures,” said Ambassador Manzou.

“This is very commendable because investment from a country’s own nationals boosts foreign direct investment ( FDI) through confidence-building since it enhances the predictability of a country’s investment policy.”

Diasporans are also reportedly targeting mining, health, manufacturing, tourism, energy, as well as the motor industry.

Ambassador Manzou said Government would also redouble efforts to engage the Diaspora community.

All diplomatic missions have since been mandated to actively engage Zimbabweans in their jurisdictions in order to continuously apprise them on developments in the country.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has lined up more Diaspora engagement missions in 2020. These shall be inbound as well as outbound engagement missions.

‘‘In April this year, the ministry, in collaboration with other stakeholders, shall host Diasporans from across the globe through different lined-up events such as the country’s 40th birthday celebrations, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, Zimbabwe’s Achievers Awards, among other events,” Ambassador Manzou said.

Last year, Government set up a National Diaspora Taskforce ( NDT) —comprised of all line ministries and Government departments that handle Diaspora issues — to serve as a one-stop shop for Diasporans.

The NDT is mainly tasked with coaxing Zimbabweans living abroad to “participate in investment, trade, tourism and philanthropic projects in the country, facilitate re-integration of the returning residents and mainstream their participation in the development of the economy”.

It also helps address challenges faced by Zimbabweans in the Diaspora.