Zimbabwean Diaspora Plays Crucial Role in Economic Development
By Harry Taruva for Kwedu News
Zimbabwe ‘ s Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand says the diaspora community can act as a springboard to the country’s economic development.
Speaking during the Zimbabwe Annual Diaspora Conference in Manicaland, on diaspora engagement initiatives and experiences in Australia and New Zealand, Ambassador Joe Tapera Mhishi said there is potential in the diaspora driving growth and investment in Zimbabwe.
The Embassy of Zimbabwe in Canberra, Australia has implemented several initiatives to foster solidarity and partnership with the diaspora community, he said.
“We have adopted a number of initiatives as part of our strategy for forging partnership and addressing common objectives in working with Zimbabwe’s diaspora in the Pacific region,” mbassador Mhishi said.
The initiatives include mounting diaspora engagement and consular services provision visits to various states that make up the Commonwealth of Australia and to New Zealand.
“Due to resource constraints, priority is on New Zealand and those Australian states located furthest from Canberra,” Ambassador Mhishi said.
“The diaspora policy of the government of Zimbabwe is part of the broad mandate of Zimbabwe’s Embassy in Canberra,” he said, adding that, “the Embassy works with Zimbabwe’s diaspora in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Island States by virtue of its geographic proximity to those jurisdictions.”
The Embassy also participates in annual diaspora community-organized events, such as the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards, The ZIMAA Gala Dinner, Independence Day celebrations, and ZimPride sporting events.
“These events provide a platform for us to engage with the diaspora community and showcase Zimbabwe’s potential for investment and growth,” Ambassador Mhishi said.
Investment Opportunities
The Zimbabwean diaspora in Australia and New Zealand has shown significant interest in investing in the country, he said.
The Embassy also said it is currently facilitating several projects in Zimbabwe by its diaspora community.
“We have received several project proposals from diaspora individuals and companies, and we are working to facilitate these investments,” Ambassador Mhishi revealed.
Some notable investment initiatives include a diaspora-led project proposal for advanced livestock genetics that would rapidly increase Zimbabwe’s livestock herd.
Ambassador Mhishi said such projects have the potential to transform Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector and increase food security.
Another consortium of Zimbabwean diaspora and Australian companies has worked on improving Harare’s water supply and is bidding for public infrastructure projects in Marondera and Bindura.
He said the projects highlight the diaspora’s keen interest in working with Zimbabwe.
“These projects demonstrate the diaspora’s commitment to contributing to Zimbabwe’s development,” Ambassador Mhishi said.
The Zimbabwean diaspora community is also engaged in philanthropic work, including donations of medical equipment, books, and sports equipment to beneficiaries in Zimbabwe.
“The diaspora community is playing a vital role in supporting Zimbabwe’s social and economic development.
“With proper support, the Zimbabwean diaspora in Australia and New Zealand can make a significant impact on Zimbabwe’s economy,” Ambassador Mhishi said.
“The demographic of Zimbabwe’s diaspora in Australia and New Zealand includes highly educated and highly resourced individuals with the capacity to take out bank loans/credit and grants to fund investment projects in Zimbabwe,” he added.
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Below…..Zimbabwe’ s Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand…Mr Joe Tapera Mhishi
