Zim government must allow people in diaspora to vote before trying to get their money-analyst

A political commentator Ngqabutho Mabhena has said the government of Zimbabwe must not try to lure Zimbabweans in the diaspora before it allows them to vote.

At the moment the diaspora votes are not yet authorised in the exception of those in diplomatic missions.

"Our broke govt sees diaspora as importan. It's a noble move but they need to allow diaspora to vote. After that we can take them serious and talk of investing in Zimbabwe. Meanwhile what measures are in place to protect investments? Looting is still going on, corruption is the order of the day," he said.

Mabhena's remarks come in the wake of media reports that the government was intensifying diaspora engagement efforts in an attempt to attract more foreign direct investment by lining up diaspora engagement conferences in South Africa, Australia and United Kingdom to engage more than 3 million Zimbabweans resident in those countries.

Macroeconomic Planning and Investment Promotion Minister  Obert Mpofu said his ministry will be engaging diasporans in the UK, South Africa and Australia starting from next month. Diasporans contribute an average of $1,5 billion annually in remittances.

Cabinet is expected to adopt the National Diaspora Policy to Cabinet which was presented to Cabinet late last year. The policy among other issues is meant to encourage diasporans to invest back home.

Minister Mpofu said it is a good thing for the diasporans to work together with the Government to attract FDI.

"It is a good thing that our brothers and sisters who are in the diapora are willing to work with us for the good of our country,

"We are in the process of visiting most capitals where Zimbabweans reside so that we can see how best they can invest back home."

Minister Mpofu said Government is encouraging diasporans to invest back home.

Chairman of the newly formed Zimbabweans In the Diaspora Organisation Blessed Kapesa said diasporans play a very critical role in attracting FDIs and Government's initiative to engage was most welcome.

"There is big potential for financial benefit to Zimbabwe because the diaspora market is still untapped.

"We are talking in terms of millions considering people here are the gross contributors in the remittances realised per year."

The organisation is expected to be officially launched in the United Kingdom in April.

Government has already partnered International Labour Organisation which has enormous experience in encouraging diasporans to invest back home to their countries.