By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
SYDNEY – As the sun set over Sydney Harbour, a different kind of connection was being forged thousands of kilometres from home – one that could reshape the future of Zimbabwe’s tourism economy.
The Zimbabwe Diaspora Investment and Business Opportunities Forum brought together Zimbabweans living in Australia to explore opportunities across the country’s tourism sector, with the government making a compelling case for the diaspora to become strategic investors rather than just remittance senders.
Addressing the gathering, 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.
She described 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.
A Young Ambassador Rises
In a heartwarming highlight of the forum, 13-year-old Langdentity School student Leah Rose Nyoni was appointed Zimbabwe’s 2026 Junior Tourism Ambassador in Australia.
The young ambassador earned the prestigious title after presenting an award-winning Zimbabwe travel itinerary, which secured her a week-long familiarisation tour of the country’s premier tourism attractions – from the majestic Victoria Falls to the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe.
The appointment signals a fresh approach to destination marketing, harnessing the enthusiasm and creativity of young Zimbabweans abroad to inspire their peers to explore their heritage.
Celebrating Culture and Heritage
Langdentity School captivated delegates with a vibrant cultural dance performance that brought the rhythms of Zimbabwe to Australian shores, a powerful reminder of the cultural richness that awaits visitors to the country.
In a significant move to deepen diaspora connections, the Minister approved the annual “My Roots, My Pride Tour” initiative, to be coordinated through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.
The programme aims to reconnect Zimbabwean children in Australia with their heritage and inspire future visits to their homeland, ensuring that the next generation of the diaspora remains firmly connected to their cultural identity.
A Taste of Home
The engagement concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, followed by a Gastronomy and Networking Dinner showcasing Zimbabwe’s authentic traditional cuisine.
The culinary experience reinforced cultural identity, strengthened diaspora connections, and advanced the growing field of Gastronomy Tourism – a sector that has the potential to position Zimbabwe as a unique culinary destination in Africa.
As Zimbabwe continues to pursue its ambitious Vision 2030, the forum in Sydney demonstrated that the country’s tourism industry is open for business, and the diaspora is being invited not just to send money home, but to invest in a future where tourism becomes a cornerstone of national prosperity.
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