BULAWAYO, Apr. 10 (NewsDay Live) — Zimbabwe’s diaspora is being positioned as a key engine for economic revival following a landmark partnership between the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen diaspora engagement and harness migration for sustainable development.
The agreement, inked by ZAA president Conrad Mwanza and IOM Zimbabwe head of mission Diana Cartier, is set to unlock new opportunities for investment, skills transfer and collaboration between Zimbabweans abroad and local stakeholders.
Under the deal, ZAA and IOM will roll out joint diaspora programmes, host forums and strengthen communication on migration issues, while promoting a shift from the “brain drain” narrative to one that recognises diaspora capital and expertise.
Mwanza said the partnership comes as Zimbabwe increasingly looks to its diaspora for economic stimulus and innovation.
“The diaspora is not just a source of remittances, but a strategic partner in driving economic growth, innovation and skills development,” he said.
Cartier said the initiative aligns with IOM’s mandate to promote safe, orderly and humane migration that contributes to sustainable development.
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“This collaboration creates a platform to deepen diaspora engagement and ensure their contributions are fully integrated into national development processes,” she said.
Diaspora remittances remain a major source of foreign currency for Zimbabwe, but analysts say significant untapped potential lies in leveraging skills, networks and investment.
The ZAA–IOM partnership aims to close that gap by creating structured platforms for engagement and elevating diaspora-led initiatives.
