Mnangagwa to tap on Zimbabweans in the diaspora

This directive is consistent with our whole-of-government approach which daily guides us.

Another pressing issue which Zimbabweans in the diaspora consistently and insistently raise is that of access to land. They, too, need and feel entitled to benefit from our land reform programme. In my response to them on this very pressing matter, I have tempered them on two counts.

First, that land is finite and thus will not grow to match the ever growing demand. While the land audit has revealed availability of more land for allocation and reallocation, clearly not every Zimbabwean will access land.

Second, I have warned them that there will not be any special treatment of Zimbabweans in the diaspora when it comes to agricultural land.

Those in need of agricultural land will have to join the queue like the rest of Zimbabweans.

However, in respect of industrial stands for setting up shop, government is ready to show preferences in their favour.

Be that as it may, we face an ever growing land hunger in the country.

This places a huge responsibility on those enjoying access to land already.

They must work the land to make it productive.

Should they fail to do so, or utilise it fully, government will intervene to repossess and reallocate to those willing to work the land fully and productively.

I am aware that the responsible ministry is amenable to partnerships on agricultural land.

This is yet another avenue available to Zimbabweans in the diaspora.

Alternatively, they could find niche in value chains we have defined for the sector so they invest for export processing. After all, they have knowledge and even contacts in countries which host them.

With disruptions in global supply chains, the time is now for Zimbabwe to produce for world markets.

To that end, we need export zones located close to our international airports, all of which must have modern cold chains. We are looking at revamping our cargo service, possibly in partnership with one of the major airlines.

All told, I am very clear a new frontier for us to conquer is that of our people living abroad.

Fortunately it does not involve any further human migration or conquest; it only requires that we reorganise our way of doing business, and re-orientate our attitudes towards our children, siblings, relatives and friends abroad so we embrace them as a part of us they have always been. Nyika inovakwa ne vana vayo!

By Emmerson Mnangagwa for the Sunday Mail

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