Nkosentsha Khumalo
Officials from the Zimbabwean government, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), and other key stakeholders convened in Bulawayo yesterday for the National Diaspora Policy Review workshop.
The purpose of the gathering was to critically examine the current National Diaspora Policy and identify areas for improvement.
The workshop served as a crucial step in ensuring that the policy effectively addresses the needs and concerns of Zimbabweans living abroad, as well as harnesses their valuable skills and resources for the country’s development.
The Zimbabwe National Diaspora Policy is a government initiative that outlines the strategies and mechanisms for engaging with and leveraging the resources of the Zimbabwean diaspora.
The policy seeks to recognize and value the contributions of Zimbabweans living abroad, as well as address the unique challenges they face.
The aim of the policy is also to create a framework for diaspora engagement that promotes partnerships between the government, diaspora organizations, and other stakeholders.
In his opening remarks at the National Diaspora Policy Review workshop in Bulawayo, the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Paul Nyoni assured that the Zimbabwean government is focused on promoting inclusive social economic development and harnessing the resources of the diaspora community to create a more prosperous nation.
Nyoni said the government aims to create a policy framework that is clear, predictable, and “boring” in a positive sense, where everyone, even those abroad, knows what they need to do to participate in the country’s development.
Nyoni also noted the workshop’s objective is to develop a progressive diaspora investment policy that will make it possible for Zimbabweans abroad to contribute to their home country.
“The workshop participants, policy experts and representatives from various institutions, are trusted with the task of listening to the concerns of the diaspora community and identifying the best practices for their engagement with Zimbabwe. In the future, workshop participants will be able to reflect on their contribution to the country’s development and look back with pride at having opened the door for a more inclusive and prosperous Zimbabwe.”
The Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Albert. R. Chimbindi talked about the importance of engaging with the diaspora community in the country’s development.
In his remarks at the workshop, Ambassador Chimbindi noted how the government sees the engagement with the diaspora as an essential component of its 2030 agenda.
He stressed that the Zimbabwean government’s mission to serve its citizens extends beyond its borders and requires a strong connection with the diaspora community.
According to Ambassador Chimbindi , the Foreign Affairs department is currently playing a critical role in promoting economic diplomacy, which includes finding markets for Zimbabwean products, securing raw materials for local industries, and negotiating beneficial legal frameworks for trade.
According to him, the Foreign Affairs department is also focused on providing services to Zimbabweans abroad and improving its structures and services to better serve its citizens abroad.
Chimbindi mentioned the importance of engaging with the diaspora community, not only for the benefit of the country’s development but also as a way for Zimbabweans abroad to contribute to their home country and “pay back” for the services they received while living in Zimbabwe.
“The current National Diaspora Policy was introduced in 2016, but due to limited consultation at the time, there is a need for a more comprehensive and relevant policy.
“The government is seeking to engage more meaningfully with the diaspora to facilitate their involvement in the country’s development, including through employment opportunities with international organizations and by promoting their rights, “said Chimbindi.
He added that his Ministry plays a crucial role in providing Zimbabweans in the diaspora with birth certificates, national identity cards and other relevant documentations needed as well as a safe environment.
Chimbindi further said citizens of Zimbabwe living in the diaspora should play a role in the governing of the country and also plough back to the communities that provided them with qualifications to travel abroad.
He revealed that the previous National Diaspora Policy had some gaps which need improvement such as that it was mainly dwelling on what the country could benefit from the diasporians,rather than what it could provide.
He urged citizens living in the diaspora to obtain Consular services, however noting that those services already require too many costs.
“There are some levels which you cannot reach in the diaspora if you do not have Consula services. However these come at some costs as some diasporians raised issues they are required to travel to Washington when in the United States, so as to acquire the Consula services.”
“But in the U.S., it’s a huge country. So you also have these complaints, right? You have stories of complaints that, you see, it costs a lot of money to travel from some of these other cities to go to Washington. Even if you are in New York, for example, the New York mission cannot assist with consular issues because it is related to the United Nations.”
Dr. Emmanuel Quarshie, Project Coordinator of IOM Zimbabwe, provided additional insight on the importance of the National Diaspora Policy review workshop, highlighting that Zimbabwe is setting an example in the region by having stakeholders develop the policy internally rather than relying on external consultants.
“Zimbabwe has a large diaspora population residing in the region and beyond, which represents a significant resource for national development. IOM has been actively involved in the policy review process, not just as an observer but as a participant, providing technical and financial support.”
Dr. Quarshie also noted that Zimbabwe has been at the forefront of developing strategies to support diaspora engagement, such as the program for the temporary retention of diaspora members.
“The IOM hopes to continue its involvement in the development and revision of the National Diaspora Policy, not just in the current review process but also in the future. The National Diaspora Policy review is part of a larger regional effort, as seen in the Maputo Declaration, to facilitate diaspora engagement among SADC member states.”
The Guest Speaker, Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, W. L. Manungo, gave his keynote address by emphasizing the importance of the National Diaspora Policy review in achieving the objectives of the country’s Vision 2030, including inclusivity, empowerment, and economic development.
In his keynote address, Mr. Manungo said,
“The Office of the President and Cabinet is honored to lead the review of the National Diaspora Policy, which will be undertaken with input from the diaspora community, cooperating partners, and other stakeholders. The review is being undertaken within the context of a whole of Government approach, also embracing inputs from the diaspora community itself, cooperating partners as well as engagement of other stakeholders.
“This allows us to leave no one and no place behind as required by His Excellency, the President, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa who requires Government to ensure inclusivity in the development of all national initiatives as outlined in Vision 2030 towards an empowered upper middle income society.
“The broadening of stakeholder engagement in policy formulation facilitates participation and sharing of global and regional best practices and experiences. I therefore, on behalf of Government welcome that we have come here together to benefit from sharing of expertise and knowledge, also drawing from collaborative engagements with our diaspora community and cooperating partners.
Manungo said the review of Zimbabwe’s National Diaspora Policy also targets to empower the diaspora community to realise on all business and investment opportunities arising in their motherland by being allowed space and scope to also contribute towards Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development, while ensuring their rights and interests are safeguarded.
He said the participation of the diaspora community in national development programmes and individual entrepreneurial initiatives fulfils the call by His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa that ‘nyika ino vakwa na vene vayo brick upon brick and stone upon stone.’
“Pursuant to this, the Zimbabwe National Diaspora Policy will offer the empowerment framework for a comprehensive and structured approach to engaging the diaspora in national socio-economic development. The review of the National Diaspora Policy allows for a clear articulation of the role of the diaspora community in national development. This should be clearly outlined in the policy framework on diaspora participation. This entails formal acknowledgment and recognition through creating the pathway for more significant and sustainable contributions by the diaspora community to the country’s socio- economic growth through broader participation in investment, beyond remittances tied to cultural ties and philanthropy.
“Already, the diaspora community has consistently demonstrated its readiness to partner the resident citizenry in socio-economic development programmes back home. Government recognises the significant contribution the diaspora makes to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development, particularly through remittances and knowledge transfers.”
“In this regard, 17% of total foreign currency receipts flowing into the country in 2023 were accrued from the diaspora community. The strong engagement of the diaspora community towards greater participation in national development underscores the need for development of a diaspora policy that provides a structured framework for the diaspora to actively participate in national development initiatives, supporting both their individual aspirations and Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goals. This entails inclusion of our diaspora community in the country’s national planning initiatives.”
Manungo said the reflection in the National Diaspora Policy of greater diaspoгa participation in national development challenges everyone to improve engagement and interaction with the diaspora community, alongside interrogation of best practices towards enhancing the representation of this community in domestic opportunities, national initiatives and interventions.
“Administratively, Government has already undertaken major strides by having a Diaspora Desk in our Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Trade. Your gathering should explore the scope for further strengthening through for example, a dedicated diaspora apparatus in Government to oversee diaspora engagement and ensure that their concerns are prioritised and addressed. Establishment of such a framework should help bridge communication gaps between Government and the diaspora community.
“Furthermore, other stakeholders have proposed consideration for inclusion in the National Diaspora Policy of a Diaspora Advisory Council. By including diaspora representatives and experts, such a body could provide valuable insights into the diaspora’s needs and aspirations, ensuring that policies are more aligned with their interests.
Manungo said the creation of tailored financial instruments like diaspora bonds and investment funds allows the diaspora to contribute to large- scale projects in Zimbabwe, such as infrastructure development, with better security for their investments.
He said the policy promises to create an enabling environment by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, simplifying processes, and offering incentives for diaspora investments, which could attract more capital inflows.
“The policy aligns with global objectives to lower remittance transfer fees (consistent with UN SDG 10.c), potentially making it easier and more affordable for the diaspora to send money back home, encouraging the use of formal channels.
” The review of the National Diaspora Policy should also take into account the need for both social and labour protection. This should be realised through stipulations in the policy that provide safeguards for the rights of Zimbabweans working abroad, including the portability of social security benefits and protection from exploitation in foreign labour markets.”
“The National Diaspora Policy should also facilitate the diaspora to share their expertise through skills transfer programmes, innovation hubs, and mentorships, which could significantly improve local industries and foster innovation.”
Other issues discussed in the workshop included the importance of encouraging the diaspora to invest in various sectors in Zimbabwe, including agriculture, mining, tourism, and manufacturing.
Also noted was the need to improve communication and information sharing with the diaspora, including through regular updates on developments in Zimbabwe and the establishment of a dedicated diaspora portal.
More discussed were the strategies for attracting and retaining skilled diaspora members, such as offering incentives and providing support for returning professionals..
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