HARARE – Zimbabweans living abroad are set to converge in Harare on December 19 for the third edition of the Zimbabwe Diaspora Homecoming Celebration and Business Summit, a flagship event aimed at strengthening investment and development ties between Zimbabwe and its global diaspora.
Organised by the Zimbabweans in Diaspora Organisation (ZIDO), the summit will be held at the Hyatt Regency under the theme “Coming Home to Build.” ZIDO is widely known for its successful Zimbabwe Business Expos held annually in the United Kingdom and South Africa.
The upcoming Harare event is designed to connect Zimbabweans abroad with investment and partnership opportunities in both local and international markets. It will feature business exhibitions, investment sessions, and expert panel discussions, culminating in an awards gala honouring outstanding achievers within the diaspora community.
ZIDO described the summit as a premier platform for diaspora engagement, providing companies and organisations with valuable access to both domestic and international business networks.
“The 3rd Edition of the Zimbabwe Diaspora Celebration & Business Summit is more than a gathering; it is a national initiative celebrating the indispensable role of Zimbabweans abroad in driving economic transformation,” said ZIDO chairperson Blessed Kapesa.
Kapesa highlighted the growing economic impact of the diaspora, noting that remittances reached US$2.2 billion in 2024, up from US$1.873 billion in 2023, according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. “This growth underscores the diaspora’s unwavering commitment to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic progress,” he added.
The event is expected to attract around 300 in-person participants and thousands of virtual attendees from across the world.
“With the summit scheduled during the festive season, when many Zimbabweans abroad return home, we aim to create a dynamic hybrid platform for engagement,” Kapesa said. “Participants will be able to showcase their products, services, and investment opportunities to a global audience, amplifying visibility and collaboration.”
The Zimbabwe Diaspora Homecoming Celebration and Business Summit continues to grow as a vital bridge between Zimbabwe and its global citizens, reinforcing the diaspora’s key role in shaping the nation’s economic future.
