Staff Reporter
Government is actively working to strengthen its engagement with the diaspora community as part of its broader economic development strategy.
Speaking at the National Diaspora Policy review workshop in Bulawayo yesterday, Deputy Chief Secretary for Policy Analysis, Coordination, and Development Planning in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Willard Manungo, emphasized the government's commitment to unlocking the diaspora's potential.
The policy review, he explained, follows a “Whole of Government” approach, incorporating input from the diaspora, stakeholders, and other partners.
“The review of Zimbabwe’s National Diaspora Policy aims to empower the diaspora community to tap into the business and investment opportunities in their motherland. It allows them to contribute to Zimbabwe's socio-economic development while safeguarding their rights and interests,” Manungo stated.
He highlighted the government's vision, aligning with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call for self-reliant nation-building: “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, brick upon brick, stone upon stone.”
This policy is seen as a framework to enable a more structured and comprehensive engagement of the diaspora in national economic activities.
The revised policy seeks to outline the role of the diaspora in development, aiming for a sustainable and substantial contribution beyond remittances, extending into areas, such as investment, cultural ties, and philanthropic efforts.
Manungo noted that the diaspora has consistently shown willingness to collaborate with citizens at home in economic ventures.
He stressed the importance of robust engagement, which is central to the policy's success, emphasising that it should support the individual goals of diaspora members while advancing Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 objectives.
This includes involving the diaspora in national planning processes, fostering a sense of inclusion, and leveraging their expertise for development projects.
According to Manungo, government has already taken steps to enhance communication with the diaspora by establishing a Diaspora Desk within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Additionally, stakeholders have recommended forming a Diaspora Advisory Council to provide strategic guidance and ensure that the needs and aspirations of the diaspora community are integrated into policy decisions.
To attract more investment from the diaspora, Manungo highlighted the creation of specific financial instruments, such as diaspora bonds and investment funds. These tools are designed to encourage investment in large-scale projects, such as infrastructure, while offering better security for the investors.
Manungo also emphasised that reducing bureaucratic obstacles, streamlining processes, and offering investment incentives are critical to fostering a favourable environment for diaspora engagement.
He credited President Mnangagwa’s focus on inclusivity as a driving force behind these efforts, aiming to ensure that no one is left behind in the national development agenda.
Meanwhile, a key aspect of the policy review is establishing a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure the policy remains responsive to the evolving needs of the diaspora.
This will allow for timely adjustments, ensuring that the National Diaspora Policy remains effective in leveraging the diaspora’s contributions towards Zimbabwe’s socio-economic progress.
