Government, labour experts strengthen diaspora engagement framework
Chengetai Murimwa
Government and labour migration experts have taken steps to strengthen Zimbabwe’s institutional framework for diaspora engagement, following the conclusion of a four-day capacity-development workshop on labour migration and diaspora policy on Friday.
The workshop, organised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe and funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, and other key stakeholders.
The engagement focused on enhancing government capacity to negotiate stronger, rights-based Bilateral Labour Migration Agreements (BLMAs) and to more effectively harness the economic and skills potential of Zimbabweans living and working abroad. Official figures show that remittances from the diaspora exceeded US$2.6 billion in 2024, underlining their role as a critical pillar of the national economy.
Throughout the workshop, policymakers worked alongside labour migration experts to identify gaps in existing labour agreements, strengthen inter-institutional coordination, and develop practical systems for engaging the diaspora in national development. Particular emphasis was placed on labour rights protection, skills recognition, and the management of cross-border labour mobility.
Speaking at the official opening, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Director of Bilateral Trade and Diaspora, Mrs Sienzeni Mateta, said government was prioritising the protection and welfare of Zimbabweans abroad through stronger institutional capacity.
“The overarching purpose of our congregation is to learn how we can protect the interests, rights and welfare of our nationals living and working abroad,” said Mrs Mateta. “It is our task and mandate to ensure that we strengthen our capacity and competence to negotiate strong and rights-based Bilateral Labour Migration Agreements that align to international standards.”
She noted that Zimbabwe’s diaspora is made up of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers, highlighting the need for comprehensive policies that respond to diverse labour migration realities.
The workshop also sought to align labour migration governance with national policy frameworks, including the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the Draft Diaspora Policy (2025–2030). Officials said such alignment is essential to ensure that diaspora engagement is embedded in long-term economic planning rather than treated as a short-term intervention.
In a speech read on her behalf by IOM Zimbabwe Senior Project Associate Tawanda Matanda, IOM Zimbabwe Chief of Mission Ms Diana Cartier said the organisation remained committed to supporting government leadership in building sustainable migration governance systems.
“Our role, as IOM, is to support Government leadership, facilitate peer learning, and help translate policy ambition into durable, implementable systems,” Ms Cartier said. “Together, we can ensure that diaspora engagement and labour mobility are not reactive measures, but strategic pillars of Zimbabwe’s journey towards Vision 2030.”
