President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on Zimbabweans living abroad to expand their contribution beyond remittances into strategic investment, technology and skills transfer, saying the diaspora is a key partner in the country’s development.
In a statement posted on X following an engagement with Zimbabweans in New York, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe wanted to draw more extensively on the expertise and capital of its citizens overseas under the National Development Strategy 2, covering 2026–2030.
“For years, you have supported families, built businesses, and sent home over USD 2.4 billion in annual remittances,” he said.
“But our engagement is evolving—we are moving from remittances to strategic investment, and from the movement of people to the movement of knowledge, technology, and capital.”
The President praised Zimbabweans abroad for maintaining links with their country and supporting families and businesses. He said professionals did not have to relocate permanently to contribute to national development.
“Whether you are a surgeon, an engineer, a professor, an ICT specialist, or a financier, you do not need to return permanently to make a lasting impact,” he said.
“Your skills, expertise, and global best practices are tremendous national assets.”
President Mnangagwa described the approach as “brain circulation”, saying Zimbabwe was seeking to benefit from the experience its citizens acquired abroad.
He said his administration was simplifying bureaucracy, modernising passport services and establishing diaspora service centres to strengthen engagement and facilitate investment.
Agriculture, mining, renewable energy, the digital economy and infrastructure were among the sectors he identified for diaspora participation.
The statement did not provide implementation timelines for the service centres or details of the investment protection arrangements cited by the President.
President Mnangagwa also linked diaspora engagement to Zimbabwe’s international role, pointing to the country’s election to a non-permanent United Nations Security Council seat for 2027–2028.
He urged Zimbabweans abroad to help amplify Africa’s voice in global affairs while remaining involved in development at home.
“No matter the physical distance or where you live and work, you remain an integral part of the Zimbabwean family. Home is home,” he said.
The message drew supportive comments from some X users, who highlighted the diaspora’s contribution through finance, professional expertise and business links.
Responding to the President’s post, Dumbuchena Murefu, using the handle @DumbuchenaM, said Zimbabweans overseas remained an important part of national development.
“Nation building is a collective responsibility. Whether at home or abroad, every Zimbabwean has a role to play in strengthening the country’s economy, supporting communities and contributing to its development,” the user wrote.
Another user, lecy, posting as @leclymoyana, welcomed the emphasis on investment, skills, technology and capital alongside remittances, linking the approach to NDS2 and Vision 2030.
Mambo dombo, using @mambo_domboo, said the engagement highlighted the need for stronger pathways through which Zimbabweans abroad could contribute investment and expertise.
The comments reflected support from those users for broader diaspora participation, a central theme of the President’s appeal.
“The more we work together, the more we prosper!” President Mnangagwa said.
