Strengthening Zimbabwe’s Tourism Economy through Diaspora Investment, the Zimbabwe Diaspora Investment and Business Opportunities Forum in Sydney, Australia, brought together Zimbabweans living in Australia to explore opportunities across the country’s Tourism sector.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, acknowledged the pivotal role Diaspora remittances have played over the years in supporting families, financing education, housing development and community livelihoods, while contributing significantly to Zimbabwe’s foreign currency earnings. Building on this strong foundation, the Minister challenged Zimbabweans living abroad to channel a greater share of these financial flows into Investments, particularly within the Tourism Industry, describing the sector as a strategic, low-hanging fruit capable of generating sustainable returns, creating employment, stimulating local value chains and accelerating Zimbabwe’s socio-economic transformation under National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030.
Another highlight of the forum was the appointment of 13-year-old Langdentity School student Leah Rose Nyoni as Zimbabwe’s 2026 Junior Tourism Ambassador in Australia after presenting an award-winning Zimbabwe travel itinerary, earning her a week-long familiarisation tour of the country’s premier Tourism attractions. Langdentity School also captivated delegates with a vibrant cultural dance performance, while the Minister approved the annual “My Roots, My Pride Tour” initiative, to be coordinated through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, to reconnect Zimbabwean children in Australia with their Heritage and inspire future visits to their homeland.
The engagement concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, followed by a Gastronomy and Networking Dinner showcasing Zimbabwe’s authentic traditional cuisine, reinforcing cultural identity, strengthening Diaspora connections and advancing Gastronomy Tourism.
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