Mutsvangwa: Zimbabweans Abroad Coming Home to Reinvest

A growing number of Zimbabweans who emigrated during the country’s economic and political crises—many settling in South Africa—are now reinvesting in Zimbabwe, with some even returning permanently. This observation was shared by ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa during his recent visit to South Africa.

Mutsvangwa was in attendance at the 2025 Liberation Movements Summit hosted by South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) in Kempton Park. The event, which ended on Monday, brought together prominent southern African liberation parties under the theme: “Defending the liberation gains, advancing integrated socio-economic development, strengthening solidarity for a better Africa.”

Senior representatives from liberation movements, including South Africa’s ANC, Angola’s MPLA, Namibia’s SWAPO, Mozambique’s FRELIMO, Zimbabwe’s ZANU PF, and Tanzania’s CCM, participated in the summit.

Speaking to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika, Mutsvangwa addressed Zimbabwe’s economic recovery and political climate, and the large-scale emigration of Zimbabweans to South Africa—migration that has, at times, strained relations within South African communities.

He acknowledged that Zimbabweans left in pursuit of better economic opportunities, noting that South Africa historically had superior access to financial resources due to its apartheid-era positioning and ties to Western capital. He also highlighted that Zimbabwe, then known as Rhodesia, enjoyed relatively strong capital access compared to other African nations, attracting labor from neighboring countries like Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.

However, Mutsvangwa noted that global financial dynamics have shifted, with countries like China, India, and Saudi Arabia now serving as alternative sources of capital. This, he said, is leveling the global playing field for countries like Zimbabwe.

“Access to capital is no longer controlled solely by the West,” he said. “With this more balanced global economy, Zimbabwe is increasingly reconnected with its diaspora. Many are now investing in the country and feeling confident to return.”

Interestingly, he emphasized that a significant portion of those returning are white Zimbabweans who left after independence in 1980. Their return, he argued, is a sign that confidence in Zimbabwe’s future is growing.

“The return of white Zimbabweans is a strong indicator that the situation is stabilizing. Remember, our economy operates primarily in U.S. dollars—the strongest currency globally—so if we can perform well under such a system, it means we’re making progress,” said Mutsvangwa, who also chairs the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association.

In a related commentary, Dr. Alexander Rusero, head of international relations and diplomacy at Africa University in Mutare, told IOL that Zimbabwe appears to have overcome its most difficult period.

“In all fairness, the worst seems to be behind us,” Rusero stated. “Economically and politically, we’ve moved past the turbulence. One way to assess the situation is by observing the internal dynamics within ZANU PF itself, rather than looking for a strong opposition, which has become increasingly absent.”