Scholarlink

<p>Zimbabwe’s diaspora, estimated at 3–5&#xa0;million citizens abroad, constitutes one of the largest expatriate populations in Africa. Annual remittance inflows were US$2.15&#xa0;billion in 2024, representing 5–8% of gross domestic product (GDP). These inflows underscore the diaspora’s significance as a reliable source of foreign exchange and social support. Yet, despite their importance, remittances are overwhelmingly directed towards consumption rather than productive investment. This paper argues that Zimbabwe can reposition its diaspora as a strategic partner in development by designing credible instruments, building institutional trust, and embedding diaspora finance into national planning. Drawing on lessons from Israel, India, Nigeria, Mexico, and Ghana, as well as domestic innovations such as diaspora mortgage products, the paper proposes a roadmap that could mobilise US$300–400&#xa0;million per year for infrastructure, climate action, housing, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) development. The aim of this paper was established by integrating theoretical insights from diaspora finance with both traditional and digital finance, while contextualising evidence from Zimbabwe’s policy environment and conducting a comparative analysis of global best practices.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Leveraging diaspora finance for development in Zimbabwe

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月6日

查看全文
  • Daniel Makina,
  • Rogers Dhliwayo

摘要

Zimbabwe’s diaspora, estimated at 3–5 million citizens abroad, constitutes one of the largest expatriate populations in Africa. Annual remittance inflows were US$2.15 billion in 2024, representing 5–8% of gross domestic product (GDP). These inflows underscore the diaspora’s significance as a reliable source of foreign exchange and social support. Yet, despite their importance, remittances are overwhelmingly directed towards consumption rather than productive investment. This paper argues that Zimbabwe can reposition its diaspora as a strategic partner in development by designing credible instruments, building institutional trust, and embedding diaspora finance into national planning. Drawing on lessons from Israel, India, Nigeria, Mexico, and Ghana, as well as domestic innovations such as diaspora mortgage products, the paper proposes a roadmap that could mobilise US$300–400 million per year for infrastructure, climate action, housing, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) development. The aim of this paper was established by integrating theoretical insights from diaspora finance with both traditional and digital finance, while contextualising evidence from Zimbabwe’s policy environment and conducting a comparative analysis of global best practices.