Zimbabwe urges diaspora to turn remittances into tourism investment

LONDON - Zimbabwe has called on its diaspora community to move beyond sending remittances and begin investing directly in the country's tourism sector as part of efforts to support economic transformation and national development.

Speaking at a Tourism Investment Engagement Forum and Dinner held at Zimbabwe House in London during the closing stages of the World Travel Market (WTM) 2026, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi said tourism presented one of the most accessible investment opportunities for Zimbabweans living abroad.

"Remittances sustain households. Investment transforms economies," said Rwodzi while conveying President Emmerson Mnangagwa's appreciation for the financial support Zimbabweans abroad continue to provide to their families and communities.

The minister said diaspora investment would play a critical role in helping the country achieve the goals outlined in Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

Rwodzi highlighted investment opportunities within Zimbabwe's 13 Tourism Clusters, including accommodation facilities in Victoria Falls, developments linked to the Mosi-oa-Tunya tourism expansion programme, conference infrastructure in Harare and projects centred on cultural, heritage and rural tourism.

"Tourism generates employment, empowers communities, expands enterprise opportunities and transforms livelihoods," she said.

She also assured potential investors that Government was committed to creating an enabling environment for tourism investment and supporting Zimbabweans interested in participating in the sector.

Also attending the engagement were Zimbabwe's Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Christian Katsande, and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive officer Dr George Manyaya.

The forum formed part of Zimbabwe's broader participation at the World Travel Market, one of the world's largest tourism exhibitions, where countries showcase destinations, attract investors and strengthen international tourism partnerships.

Zimbabwe has increasingly positioned tourism as a key pillar of economic growth, with authorities promoting investment in hospitality infrastructure, heritage tourism, conference tourism and community-based tourism initiatives.

Government believes diaspora participation could help unlock new investment flows while creating jobs and stimulating local economic development.