Gweru to Host 4th Zimbabwe Annual Diaspora Conference: A Strategic Push for Sustainable Investment Partnerships
Gweru to Host 4th Zimbabwe Annual Diaspora Conference: A Strategic Push for Sustainable Investment Partnerships
Francis
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has officially convened the 4th Zimbabwe Annual Diaspora Conference (ZADC), taking place in Gweru from April 9 to 11, 2026. The high-level summit aims to integrate the global Zimbabwean community into the nation’s primary economic development framework.
This year’s conference is themed “Diaspora Powering Progress: Driving Partnerships, Innovation and Sustainable Growth Towards Vision 2030.” The agenda focuses on transforming remittances into sustainable investments and leveraging the technical expertise of Zimbabweans living abroad to modernise local industries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Dr. Amon Murwira, will host the three-day event. Government officials indicated that the choice of Gweru as the host city underscores a commitment to decentralising economic opportunities and highlighting the industrial potential of the Midlands Province.
The 4th Zimbabwe Annual Diaspora Conference (ZADC) comes at a time when the government is intensifying efforts to formalize the role of those abroad in the national economy. Beyond traditional remittances, which have hit record highs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now pivoting toward “developmental remittances.” This strategy encourages the funding of large-scale infrastructure projects, such as energy plants and transport networks, through public-private partnerships specifically tailored for Zimbabwean citizens living in the UK, South Africa, and the Americas.
During the opening sessions, Professor Dr. Amon Murwira emphasized that the Midlands Province was strategically selected for this year’s summit to showcase the "Gweru Special Economic Zone." This designation offers unique tax incentives and streamlined licensing for diaspora-led manufacturing ventures. By bringing the conference to the heart of the country’s mining and industrial corridor, the government hopes to demonstrate the tangible machinery and land assets available for immediate investment, moving beyond theoretical discussions held in the capital.
