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Engaging Zimbabweans in the diaspora towards economic reconstruction
Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
March 24, 2010

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Report of a conference on engaging Zimbabwean in the Diaspora towards economic reconstruction

Executive summary

On the 3rd and 4th of December 2009, the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation hosted a two-day offthe- record roundtable in Franschhoek, Cape Town, entitled 'Challenges for economic reconstruction in Zimbabwe: An engagement with the Diaspora'. The conference sought to offer Zimbabweans in the Diaspora an opportunity to come together to assess critically economic developments in Zimbabwe, from the inception of the inclusive government to the present moment, as well as to engage with the role the Diaspora could play in contributing to the economic recovery of their country.

The government delegation from Zimbabwe explained that following the liberalisation of key economic sectors, the Zimbabwean economy is on the path to recovery. While the multiple currency system is poised to remain in force, the Zimbabwean dollar is projected to be reintroduced in three to four years when production levels and economic indicators improve. There is relative peace in the country, although there are still isolated cases of politically motivated arrests and prosecutions and violations of the rule of law. The Constitution-making process, while it has faced some hurdles, is on track as per the timetable stipulated by the Global Political Agreement (GPA). This will enable the referendum and credible elections to take place as agreed. The government is committed to creating an investor-friendly environment that respects private property rights and where citizens and investors alike are free from persecution.

The conference noted the need for government to create a legal framework that provides for the protection of private property. The issues of dual citizenship and voting rights of non-resident Zimbabweans must be addressed before the Diaspora is willing to invest in the economic recovery of the country. The successful implementation of the GPA will instil confidence in citizens and the international community, enabling Zimbabwe to engage with the international community and its Diaspora. The Organ on National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration has been established to spearhead the processes of national healing and reconciliation in Zimbabwe and emphasises reconciliation rather than judicial prosecution.

Zimbabwe will need to adopt multiple strategies in order to effectively benefit from its heterogeneous Diaspora. The Zimbabwean government therefore needs to generate a framework that allows for the retention of skilled workers, encourages voluntary return to Zimbabwe, and facilitating a skills exchange. In the short term, such an exchange ought to be prioritised. An example is the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) programme through which health professionals in first world countries teach at under resourced public universities and public hospitals. The Zimbabwean Diaspora has been shown to be willing to contribute towards processes such as constitution making; increased investment; the promotion of transparent channels to remit transfers; national healing and reconciliation; and the recapitalisation of the private and public sector through human capital development. The Diaspora is a unique human resource with a wealth of skills, and a qualified work force able and willing to contribute to current efforts. The conference resolved to create a Core Group of representatives, co-convened by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) and IOM to take the emerging issues forward. The Core Group is to recognise and extend from existing formations and initiatives, generate a strategic plan and act as lead interface between the Zimbabwean Diaspora and the government of Zimbabwe.

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