Beyond Remittances: Government Urges Diaspora to Lead Mineral Beneficiation Drive
Beyond Remittances: Government Urges Diaspora to Lead Mineral Beneficiation Drive
Francis
0
2
GWERU – Delivering a keynote address in the Midlands capital today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Dr. A. Murwira, officially designated the global diaspora as Zimbabwe’s "11th Province." Addressing the 4th Zimbabwe Annual Diaspora Conference (ZADC 2026), the Minister emphasized that Zimbabweans abroad are no longer just observers, but "active architects of Zimbabwe’s future" under the visionary leadership of President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa.
The Minister highlighted a significant surge in financial support, revealing that diaspora remittances have grown from US$1 billion in 2020 to an "impressive US$2.45 billion in 2025." While these flows sustain families and fuel small businesses, Prof. Murwira urged the community to move further into strategic investment, noting that their "intellectual, financial, and cultural contributions" are integral to the nation's developmental obligations.
Invoking the doctrine of "Nyika Inovakwa neVene Vayo, iLizwe Lakhiwa ngaBanikazi Balo," the Minister reminded delegates that Zimbabweans, wherever they are, remain the builders of their nation. He proclaimed with conviction that the nation’s "spirit cannot be bought" and its "destiny cannot be dictated by others," asserting that sons and daughters of the soil carry the sole responsibility to shape the future with courage.
A primary focus of the conference is the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), a "bold new economic blueprint" aimed at accelerating growth and structural transformation. Prof. Murwira called on the diaspora to play a pivotal role in this journey, specifically in infrastructure development and value chain optimization. He noted that the diaspora's exposure to "advanced technologies and global best practices" uniquely positions them as vital partners in this trajectory.
Regarding the mining sector, the Minister underscored that Zimbabwe possesses one of the world's most "diverse and commercially significant mineral endowments." He defended the government’s bold measures to halt the export of raw mineral ores, prioritizing local beneficiation and processing. Diaspora professionals were specifically invited to bring "advanced processing technologies and skills" to ensure resource wealth translates into sustainable growth and employment.
The Minister also positioned the diaspora as Zimbabwe’s "natural bridge" to international trade. Because of their presence in diverse global economies, he noted that the diaspora provides the nation with critical access to new markets, trade partnerships, and investment opportunities. He further challenged the community to act as ambassadors for tourism, promoting Zimbabwe as a "destination of choice."
On the diplomatic stage, Prof. Murwira announced that Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2027–2028 has gathered "significant momentum." Endorsed by SADC and the African Union Commission, the bid is seen as a testament to the international community's confidence in Zimbabwe’s ability to contribute to global peace and security.
Reflecting on the domestic environment, the Minister assured the diaspora that the government remains steadfast in its mission to ensure "no one and no place is left behind." He emphasized a "whole-of-society approach" where the private sector and civil society work alongside the government to drive the transformation required to reach Upper Middle-Income status by 2030.
To support these investments, the Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the "ease of doing business" through robust fiscal and monetary policies. He declared that "Zimbabwe is Open for Business," creating a climate where both diaspora and foreign capital can flourish through innovation and sustainable growth.
Concluding his remarks in Gweru, Prof. Murwira paid tribute to the diaspora’s solidarity with their motherland. He reaffirmed that the Second Republic is committed to inclusivity, grounded in the "timeless truth" that regardless of where life leads them, "above all else, we are Zimbabwean."
