Deputy Chief Secretary for Policy Analysis, Coordination, and Development Planning in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), Willard Manungo said this during a three-day National Diaspora Policy review workshop held in Bulawayo.

The review is being conducted within a context of a whole-of-government approach, incorporating inputs from the diaspora community, cooperating partners, and other stakeholders.

“Government recognises the significant contribution the diaspora makes to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development, particularly through remittances and knowledge transfers.”In 2023, 17 percent of the total foreign currency receipts flowing into the country were accrued from the diaspora community. This necessitates the inclusion of our diaspora in national planning initiatives,” Manungo said.

He emphasized that this approach aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s directive to ensure inclusivity in national development as outlined in Vision 2030, which aims for an empowered upper middle-income society.

The review of Zimbabwe’s National Diaspora Policy aims to empower the diaspora community to capitalise on business and investment opportunities in their homeland while safeguarding their rights and interests.

“The participation of the diaspora in national development programs and individual entrepreneurial initiatives fulfils President Mnangagwa’s call that ‘nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’— the country is built by its people, brick by brick,” he said.

Manungo added that the revised policy will provide a comprehensive framework for engaging the diaspora in national socio-economic development.

“This review allows for a clear articulation of the diaspora’s role in national development, creating pathways for more significant and sustainable contributions beyond remittances tied to cultural ties and philanthropy,” he explained.

He noted that the diaspora community has consistently shown readiness to partner with residents in socio-economic development initiatives back home.

The government has already made strides by establishing a Diaspora Desk within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Manungo said.

“The policy promises to create an enabling environment by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, simplifying processes, and offering incentives for diaspora investments, which could attract more capital inflows.

“It aligns with global objectives to lower remittance transfer fees, making it easier and more affordable for the diaspora to send money home,” Manungo added.

He also highlighted the importance of skills and knowledge transfer, stating that the National Diaspora Forum should facilitate the sharing of expertise through skills transfer programs, innovation hubs, and mentorships, which could significantly enhance local industries and foster innovation.

“This could involve exchange programs benefiting from the knowledge and experience of our non-resident citizens across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and technology,” he added.

Manungo further discussed the government’s support for structured export of semi-skilled and skilled labour through bilateral agreements, ensuring that Zimbabwean workers abroad have access to decent employment conditions while contributing to national development through remittances.

Turning to tourism, he noted that the review of the National Diaspora Policy should promote diaspora tourism campaigns and heritage initiatives, encouraging Zimbabweans abroad to visit home, invest in local businesses, and explore cultural or heritage sites.

“Tourism packages could be tailored to diaspora needs and preferences, while cultural immersion programs for second and third-generation.

“Zimbabweans abroad can help them stay connected to their roots through internships, volunteer work, and study programs in Zimbabwe,” he said.

Government recognises that the success of the National Diaspora Policy will require overcoming bureaucratic inefficiencies and building trust with the diaspora, Manungo added.

New Ziana