Story by Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE is undergoing a major transformation driven by innovation, industrialisation and digitalisation, with Government urging the diaspora community to play a leading role in investing in the country’s future.
Addressing the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) Diaspora Investment and Skills Forum in Birmingham, United Kingdom, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister, Honourable Tino Machakaire, said young Zimbabweans were increasingly embracing technology, Artificial Intelligence and entrepreneurship to compete on the global stage.
“Zimbabwe is undergoing an important transformation driven by innovation, industrialisation and digitalisation,” he said.
“Young Zimbabweans are embracing technology, Artificial Intelligence, entrepreneurship and digital innovation to compete globally.”
Honourable Machakaire said Government remained committed to supporting ICT development, innovation hubs, digital skills and technology-driven enterprises as part of efforts to empower young people and modernise the economy.
“The future belongs to nations that embrace innovation today. Zimbabwean youth must not only consume technology — they must create it, own it and lead through it,” he said.
The Minister described the Zimbabwean diaspora as one of the country’s greatest assets, saying citizens living abroad continued to contribute through skills, investment, global networks and expertise beyond financial remittances.
“The diaspora is not just part of Zimbabwe’s story — it is part of Zimbabwe’s future,” he said.
He urged Zimbabweans abroad to increase investment back home and take advantage of opportunities in sectors such as technology, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, tourism, real estate and the creative economy.
“Zimbabwe is open for investment. Zimbabwe is open for partnerships. Zimbabwe is open for innovation,” Honourable Machakaire said.
“This is the time to invest back home. This is the time to build industries. This is the time to create jobs and opportunities for future generations.”
The Minister also called on the diaspora community to contribute ideas, innovation and technical expertise to support national development.
“Our country needs builders. Our country needs solutions. And our country needs Zimbabweans who are prepared to contribute positively towards progress and transformation. No one will develop Zimbabwe for us if we do not participate ourselves.” he said.
Honourable Machakaire also stressed the need to strengthen support systems for Zimbabwean healthcare professionals working abroad through Government-backed partnerships aimed at improving welfare, secure employment opportunities and pension protection.
“Healthcare professionals operate in highly demanding environments, and institutional cooperation between governments can help ensure better welfare, representation and protection for our citizens abroad,” he said.
He commended the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards and organisers of the forum for creating a platform to strengthen ties between Zimbabwe and its global diaspora community.
“May this forum produce new investments, stronger partnerships, skills exchange, practical solutions and stronger collaboration between Zimbabwe and its global diaspora community,” he said.
