Diaspora remittances contributed US$2, 45 billion to economy in 2025: RBZ
THE diaspora community injected a whopping US$2,45 billion into the local economy last year, sustaining the legacy of meaningful contributions built over the years.
It is estimated that five million Zimbabweans are living in the diaspora with the largest concentration residing in South Africa, estimated at over 1.5 million, followed by significant populations in the United Kingdom, Botswana, and the US among other nations.
The 2026 Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) published Friday shows that US$2,45 billion was injected by the community representing a 15,1% contribution to the foreign currency basket. Compared to 2024, the figure rose significantly from US$2,152 billion representing a 14% change.
Overall, foreign currency earnings during the period amounted to US$16,1 billion representing a 21,6% increase from 13,32 billion received in 2024.
“Export earnings continue to anchor foreign currency receipts for the economy, accounting for 59,7% of the country’s total foreign currency receipts in 2025.Diaspora remittances (person to person) have maintained the upward trend in 2025,” reads the MPS in part.
NGOs remittances continued to suffer heavy blows at just US$1 billion down from US$1,1 billion recorded last year owing to shifts in developmental assistance priorities abroad. Foreign Direct Investment raked in US$256,6 million down from US$387,1 million recorded in 2024.
“Mineral exports contributed 75,5% of the total export earnings with gold export earnings registering significant growth of 94,6%, on account of favorable international prices and resultant increased domestic output. Increased geo-political uncertainty strengthened gold’s position as a safe have asset, pushing prices upward and boosting export earnings,” the MPS added. _*NewZimbabwe*_
