Zim diaspora: A vital force in driving national development
the last few decades, Zimbabwe has witnessed a significant number of its citizens leave the country in search of job and business opportunities in other parts of the world, a phenomenon largely viewed as brain drain. But as time has revealed, this is now
THE country, as with many others, is benefiting from its diaspora. Across the globe, Zimbabweans have embarked on journeys far from their homeland, seeking opportunities and a brighter future.
These diaspora communities — scattered across different countries — have made significant contributions not only to their adopted nations but also to the development of their homeland.
Through their skills, remittances, knowledge transfer and philanthropic endeavours, Zimbabweans living in the diaspora have become a crucial force driving positive change and progress here.
Economic contributions
One of the most visible and impactful ways in which Zimbabweans in the diaspora contribute to their country is through remittances.
According to the World Bank, remittances sent to Zimbabwe reached approximately US$1,8 billion in 2020, surpassing development aid and foreign direct investment.
These financial inflows provide a lifeline to countless families, supporting education, healthcare, housing and entrepreneurship.
They stimulate local economies, reduce poverty and enhance the overall standard of living.
Furthermore, many Zimbabweans living abroad have acquired valuable skills and expertise in most sectors, including finance, technology, healthcare and engineering.
They often occupy positions of influence and responsibility in their adopted countries, bringing back their knowledge and experience to contribute to Zimbabwe’s development.
These individuals play a pivotal role in transferring technology, promoting best practices and fostering innovation in their respective fields.
A fortnight ago, President Mnangagwa revealed that Zimbabwe is reviewing its Diaspora Policy to ensure the full participation of Zimbabweans living abroad in the country’s economic growth and development agenda.
The President is also already on record saying the diaspora community is a vital cog in Zimbabwe’s economic turnaround.
“I am equally pleased and encouraged that some of the Zimbabweans in the diaspora have expressed interest in inclusion in financial initiatives, mostly the issue of Diaspora bonds. Government is in the process of reviewing the National Diaspora Policy towards creating win-win situations for both the diaspora and the Government at home,” said the President while addressing Zimbabweans living in Egypt.
Knowledge transfer and capacity building
The Zimbabwean diaspora also plays a crucial role in knowledge transfer and capacity-building.
Many professionals living abroad actively engage with their home country by sharing their expertise through mentorship programmes, academic collaborations and professional networks.
This exchange of knowledge and skills helps to bridge the gap between the diaspora and local professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
Additionally, diaspora communities often organise workshops, seminars and conferences aimed at empowering individuals and communities in Zimbabwe.
They facilitate knowledge sharing, entrepreneurship training and vocational skills development, equipping people with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
These initiatives empower Zimbabweans to seize economic opportunities, create jobs and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
Philanthropic endeavours
Zimbabweans in the diaspora frequently demonstrate their commitment to their home country through philanthropic initiatives.
Recognising the challenges faced by their compatriots, they establish charitable organisations, sponsor community projects and provide financial assistance to marginalised groups.
These initiatives focus on education, healthcare, water and sanitation, and poverty alleviation, among other areas.
Beyond financial contributions, Zimbabweans in the diaspora actively participate in volunteer activities and engage in advocacy efforts to address social issues. They leverage on their networks and resources to raise awareness, mobilise support and bring about positive change in society. Their philanthropic endeavours not only uplift the lives of individuals but also contribute to the nation’s broader development and social cohesion.
It is imperative for both Government and society to recognise and harness the potential of the diaspora community by creating an enabling environment that encourages their engagement and investment in Zimbabwe’s future.
By fully embracing the skills and resources of the diaspora, Zimbabwe can leverage on this valuable human capital to overcome challenges, drive innovation and build a prosperous and inclusive nation.
The time has come for Zimbabweans to unite, harnessing the power of their collective effort to shape a brighter future for their beloved homeland.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is on record as saying diaspora communities can make unique contributions to the development of their home countries, especially toward building physical capital and productivity, and ultimately helping to boost job creation, living standards and higher growth.
The African Union (AU) is also on record emphasising the diaspora’s potential to positively contribute to their respective countries and the continent at large.
“The African diaspora consists of peoples of African origin living outside the continent, irrespective of their citizenship and nationality, and who are willing to contribute to the development of the continent and building of the African Union.”
Article 3 of the Protocol on Amendments of the Constitutive Act of the AU stresses the crucial role that the African diaspora plays in the development of the continent and outlines that the AU will “invite and encourage the full participation of the African diaspora as an important part of our continent, in the building of the African Union”.
One of my avid readers, Tinashe, expressed optimism that truly, the country can achieve Vision 2030 two years ahead of schedule as enunciated by the President recently.
“Good afternoon and how are you, ma’am. Your article on increased FDI and the figures you alluded to shows that double-digit growth rate is achievable.
“True foreign direct investment is important because we can look at the Manhize project in Mvuma, we are going to be the largest steel producers; that means more jobs are going to be created and that Manhize project is going to create self-projects after the construction of a dam, like fishing, horticulture . . .
“Our President is a hardworking President and I believe 2028 we will be an upper middleclass (economy). Your article, ma’am, makes us Zimbabweans. We made the right decision in giving our President another term. Thank you!” he said.
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