Zimbabwean ministers travelled to Birmingham this month with a clear message for the diaspora: remittances are welcome, but the country wants investment.

The UK-Zimbabwe Business Expo and Property Show 2026 was held in Birmingham on 2 and 3 October. It was organised by the Zimbabweans in Diaspora Organisation (ZIDO) in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. It brought together entrepreneurs, investors, professionals and officials.

The money already flowing home

According to figures reported by the Herald, Zimbabwe received about US$2.45 billion in diaspora remittances in 2025. About US$709.6 million of that came from the United Kingdom. The government expects total remittances to reach about US$2.8 billion this year.

That makes the UK one of the largest sources of money sent home. Much of it goes on school fees, groceries, medical bills and building houses for family members.

'Beyond household support'

Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa told delegates that the diaspora's contribution should increasingly go beyond household support. She said it should extend to enterprise development, technology transfer and market access, the Herald reported.

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe urged Zimbabweans in the UK to put their expertise, capital and networks into infrastructure projects at home. He said diaspora participation could help close gaps in services in cities, towns and rural growth points.

Garwe also pointed to rural opportunities, including produce aggregation centres, grain storage, cold rooms, processing facilities, livestock services, tourism and workshops.

The diaspora's conditions

ZIDO chairperson Blessed Kapesa said the diaspora was ready to contribute. He added that sustained participation would depend on transparency, accountability and "bankable" projects.

"We want to see the diaspora move from being consumers of opportunities to becoming owners of productive assets and partners in development," he said, according to the Herald. "If Government continues to create a predictable investment environment and presents us with credible, bankable projects, the diaspora has the capacity to bring not only capital, but technology, expertise and international markets."

The trust question

For many Zimbabweans in Britain, investment at home raises practical worries. Common concerns include land and title disputes, building scams in which money sent for a house disappears, currency changes, and the difficulty of managing a project from thousands of miles away. Diaspora groups have long asked for better protection, such as clearer title deeds, regulated property developers and easier ways to invest through formal channels.

Kapesa's call for "credible, bankable projects" reflects that mood. The challenge for the government is to show that the money will be safe.

Practical tips if you are considering investing

Use registered lawyers and estate agents, and check title deeds at the Deeds Registry.

Be wary of anyone who asks for cash transfers to personal accounts.

Ask for regular, independently verified progress reports and photos.

Take advice on tax in both the UK and Zimbabwe.

The organisers hope to make the Birmingham expo a regular event. We will report on any investment deals or follow-up announcements.

Sources: Herald, 7 Oct 2026: https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/zim-uk-summit-mutsvangwa-urges-diaspora-to-invest-beyond-remittances/ · Herald, 7 Oct 2026: https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/garwe-urges-diaspora-to-invest-in-urban-and-rural-development/ · Herald, 17 Sep 2026: https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/zimbabweans-in-diaspora-organisation-govt-partner-on-uk-zimbabwe-business-summit/