Story by Sifiso Sibanda in Kenya
THE government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the diaspora community’s investment initiatives and philanthropic work as part of the Second Republic’s inclusive development agenda.
The Zimbabwean community in Kenya has expressed its willingness to invest back home and help lure foreign direct investment as their contribution to the attainment of Vision 2030.
In an engagement with Vice President Cde Kembo Mohadi on the sidelines of the Sixth United Nations Environmental Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, this Thursday the diaspora community sought clarity on the safety of their investment.
“We want to know where it is safe to invest back home and whether the government can assist us to secure land for development,” said a Zimbabwean citizen.
Another added, “We have resources and connectivity to other investors and want to invest home but, we are not sure if the government can guarantee our investment and the repatriation of our profits, this assurance is key to us.”
“The world over, the focus now is on densification when it comes to urban settlement, what is government policy on this? Can we secure resources for this?,” added a Zimbabwean.
Vice President Cde Mohadi assured them that the government is ready to support diaspora investment initiatives by ensuring a conducive environment.
He said, “We know and appreciate your investment including repatriation of income back home, and we as the Second Republic have an open-door policy on investment, especially the diaspora, we stand ready to support your initiatives always and to make sure that your investment is secure, work with national institutions such as ZIDA, ZIMTRADE, and local authorities.”
Intensifying awareness of national programmes through embassies for the benefit of Zimbabweans abroad also took centre stage during the engagement.
