Zimbabwe has intensified efforts to position its global diaspora as a key driver of tourism and economic growth, launching a renewed investment campaign aimed at transforming overseas Zimbabweans from remittance senders into long term development partners.
The initiative took centre stage at the inaugural Zimbabwe Diaspora Tourism and Hospitality Investment Forum in Melbourne, Australia, where government officials presented new opportunities across tourism, infrastructure and business while encouraging Zimbabweans abroad to invest in the country’s expanding visitor economy.
Led by Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi, the forum formed part of a broader international engagement designed to position Zimbabwe as one of Africa’s emerging tourism and investment destinations while deepening ties with its diaspora.
The delegation adopted a whole of government approach, bringing together the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Australia, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and the Mosi oa Tunya Development Company. The coordinated engagement reflected the government’s strategy of linking tourism promotion with investment facilitation and broader economic reforms.
Delivering a message from President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Rwodzi thanked Zimbabweans living abroad for their continued contribution to national development while urging them to play a more active role in shaping the country’s future.
“The President appreciates you not only for the financial contributions you make to Zimbabwe, but also for being ambassadors of our nation wherever you are,” she told delegates.
Her remarks reflected a shift in the government’s approach to diaspora engagement, with increasing emphasis on attracting long term investment, entrepreneurship and skills transfer rather than relying solely on remittances.
Rwodzi highlighted tourism’s growing importance to the national economy, revealing that the sector contributed 10 percent of Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product during the first quarter of 2026. She encouraged investors to explore opportunities in hospitality, eco tourism, wildlife conservation, heritage tourism and the country’s emerging gastronomy tourism sector, championed by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
Representatives from the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency outlined reforms aimed at improving the investment climate, including a streamlined digital licensing platform that allows investors to complete registration, licensing and establishment through a one stop investment system.
Officials also highlighted policy measures intended to strengthen investor confidence, including guarantees allowing the repatriation of capital, profits and dividends, provisions for full foreign ownership in most sectors, equal legal protection for investors and incentives available through Special Economic Zones.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe presented an update on the country’s macroeconomic outlook, reporting that inflation has remained in single digits throughout 2026 despite global fuel price volatility. Officials also noted that the banking sector remained stable, with the non performing loan ratio standing at 2.6 percent, well below the Southern African Development Community benchmark of 5 percent.
The forum also underscored the growing role of partnerships between government, the private sector and the diaspora. The Australia Zimbabwe Business Council worked alongside the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and the Zimbabwean Embassy to coordinate the event and mobilise Zimbabweans across Australia.
According to organisers, the forum attracted strong participation both in person and online, reflecting growing interest among diaspora communities in strengthening trade, tourism and investment links with Zimbabwe.
Corporate backing came from Nyaradzo Group and Diaspora Insurance, whose sponsorship highlighted the increasing role of Zimbabwean businesses in supporting citizens abroad through financial services while contributing to wider national development initiatives.
The programme concluded with a Zimbabwe Gastronomy Dinner, giving delegates the opportunity to experience traditional cuisine while networking with government officials, investors and business leaders.
As Rwodzi continues her international engagement, the Melbourne forum signals Zimbabwe’s determination to harness the expertise, capital and global networks of its diaspora to support tourism, create employment and accelerate sustainable economic growth.
