Story by Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S diaspora community has emerged as one of the strongest contributors to the national economy under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), with remittances and investment inflows rising sharply on the back of strengthened engagement between Government and citizens abroad.
A review of NDS1 has revealed that diaspora participation has shifted from primarily supporting household consumption to driving investment in productive sectors such as agriculture, housing, manufacturing and small businesses.
According to the review, diaspora remittances increased from US$1.4 billion in 2021 to US$2.2 billion in 2024 and are projected to surpass US$2.7 billion as NDS1 comes to and end.
The growth is attributed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s sustained engagement with Zimbabweans abroad and policy reforms designed to enhance confidence and encourage direct contribution to national development.
“The diaspora community registered an increased presence in domestic economic development through remittances sustaining family livelihoods as well as funds channelled into investment initiatives in the productive sectors back home. This was largely driven by His Excellency the President’s active engagement with the diaspora community and a supportive policy which enhanced confidence and encouraged greater participation in national
development,” the review read in part.
development,” the review read in part.
“The country realised diaspora remittances rising from US$1.4 billion in 2021 to US$2.2 billion in 2024, projected to surpass US$2.7 billion by end of the NDS 1 period. This demonstrates the growing confidence the diaspora community has in participating in investment opportunities ushered under NDS 1, that way contributing to the country’s foreign currency generation.”
Agriculture also recorded major gains during the NDS1 period. Maize output peaked at 2.7 million tonnes in 2021, while wheat production reached national self-sufficiency at 375 000 tonnes in 2022 before rising further to an estimated 650 000 tonnes in 2025.
“In agriculture, productivity rose outside the El Nino induced drought years, with maize output rising to a peak of 2.7 million tons in 2021, whilst wheat production achieved national selfsufficiency of 375 000 tons in 2022 and rising to an estimated 650 000 tons by 2025, with growing prospects during NDS 2 of exporting surpluses to the region,” the report reveals.
Tobacco, largely driven by smallholder farmers, continued its upward trajectory. The 2025 crop reached 355 million kilogrammes, surpassing the NDS1 target of 300 million kilogrammes.
“Furthermore, NDS 1 witnessed growing performance of tobacco production and contribution to foreign exchange earnings. During 2025, the tobacco crop rose to 355 million kgs exceeding the NDS 1 target of 300 million kgs, and a 51% increase from the previous year, which raised more than US$ 1.2 billion in foreign exchange earnings. Tobacco production, underpinned by small-holder farmers, is envisaged to experience further growth under NDS 2, benefiting from the Tobacco Value-chain Transformation Plan targeted at increasing both the output and economic value of the crop through production, value-addition and local processing,” the review shows.
Zimbabwe also strengthened its footprint in global horticulture markets. Blueberry production expanded from 2 000 tonnes in 2018 to 12 000 tonnes in 2025, placing Zimbabwe among the world’s fastest-growing producers able to supply premium off-season export markets.
“Major gains have also been realised in horticulture, with blueberry production growing from 2000 tons in 2018 to 12 000 tons in 2025, that way establishing Zimbabwe among the fastest growing blueberry producing countries in the world. Zimbabwe’s ideal agro-climatic conditions enable the country to supply international markets off-season, thereby benefiting from favourable prices.”
