Zimbabweans living across the United States have pledged to contribute skills, expertise and resources to national development beyond diaspora remittances, which now exceed US$2,4 billion annually.
The commitment was made during the Zimbabwe Diaspora Interface in New York, which was headlined by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Sunday.
Representing Zimbabweans working within the United Nations system, Dr Amson Sibanda said the diaspora was ready to deploy knowledge acquired abroad towards development back home.
He said resources could also be mobilised to finance projects in Zimbabwe, while urging Government to establish viable projects and effective investment mechanisms that would facilitate diaspora participation.
Zimbabweans in the New York financial services sector, represented by Ms Maud Chifamba, said Africans should have affordable access to global opportunities that would enable them to contribute to development in their home countries.
“About five million Zimbabweans live abroad, but that is not brain drain, that is brain circulation. Home is home, whatever we gain here, we will bring it back home,” she said.
Ms Chifamba welcomed Government efforts to create platforms linking diaspora skills with opportunities in Zimbabwe.
ZANU PF USA representative Cde Simbarashe Zvada commended the Second Republic’s development efforts and congratulated Zimbabwe on its election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
He pledged continued support from the USA Diaspora District and said the district had expanded its structures to include a youth wing.
At Yeshiva University, Professor Joseph Panzarella described Zimbabwean students in the United States as representing hope, determination, perseverance and resilience.
A Zimbabwean student, Mr Tinashe Muyambo, said he was ready to contribute towards the country’s Vision 2030 aspirations by bringing home expertise and technology.
“I will contribute what I’ve learned about using AI in medical research. Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, vari mhiri kwemakungwa,” he said.
Chairman of the December 12 Movement, Cde Omawale Clay, urged young Zimbabweans abroad to combine professional skills with a strong appreciation of their national identity, heritage and history.
He said expertise in technology, medicine and engineering would have greater impact when directed towards communities and national development, while encouraging young Zimbabweans to learn about the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle.
