Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
THE National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) roadmap has been extended to Zimbabweans living abroad, as the government seeks to mobilise more remittances for socio-economic development projects.
Zimbabwe Diaspora Homecoming Celebration and Business Summit, held Friday night, provided a platform for the government to engage with the diaspora on opportunities to contribute to the country’s development initiatives.
The Zimbabweans living abroad pledged support to homegrown-based projects.
“I am more than interested in extending my portfolio of business to key projects mainly in the agriculture industry for the betterment of the economy,” Zimbabwean Businessman based in Canada, Mr Tonderai Kanonge said.
“I am looking into how I can further invest in the healthcare sector and reap more benefits, taking into account the need to reinvent more back home,” specialist in healthcare training in the United Kingdom, Mrs Joyce Kapesa Domhani said.
“I have just come back to Zimbabwe and what I am seeing is a lot of potential that needs to be tapped going forward,” Business Executive, Tafara Foundation, United Arab Emirates, Ms Clarah Manyepera said.
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to work with the diaspora community.
“We as Government want you, the diasporans, to work with us, as you can see this meeting has provided that interaction which should be further translated into tangible projects,” Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Mr Willard Manungo said.
According to the central bank, diaspora remittances are now ranked second after exports in foreign currency receipts. Meanwhile, ZBC Classic 263 won the Best Zimbabwe online Radio award at the business summit.
