Zimbabwe’s diaspora reshapes real estate and farming investment trends | Features
Harare, Zimbabwe — Investment in Zimbabwe’s real estate and agriculture sectors is increasingly driven by the diaspora, with two young content creators emerging as influential voices in this trend.
Kundai Chitima, 31, and Kelvin Birioti, 20, have each cultivated substantial followings on social media platforms, where they provide insights and information aimed at Zimbabweans living abroad who are considering investing or returning home. Through engaging posts on Instagram and informative videos on YouTube, they showcase property opportunities, agricultural advice, and market analyses.
Many diaspora members report that their decisions regarding investments or relocations are increasingly guided by social media content rather than by official narratives. Catherine Mutisi, an accountant who spent 17 years in the United Kingdom, found herself rethinking her plans after encountering Birioti’s content.
“Gradually, my mind and plans shifted from just visiting Zimbabwe towards wanting to permanently relocate,” she said. Previously cautious about investing due to negative portrayals of the country, her perception changed after engaging with their online content, which offered a more optimistic view.
Such shifts in perspective are not unique. Both Chitima and Birioti report numerous similar accounts of diaspora individuals reassessing their plans. Nyashadzashe Nguwo, a UK-based adviser focused on African markets, noted that many people, like Mutisi, are returning due to a mix of emotional and practical considerations, including lower living costs and a strong desire to reconnect with their heritage.
Emerging Influencers
Birioti, originally from Chinhoyi, enrolled at Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University but left due to financial difficulties and moved to Harare, where he met Chitima. He focused his content on real estate, rural development, and farming, aiming to fill an information gap he perceived regarding the diaspora’s real estate challenges.
Chitima returned to Zimbabwe in 2015 after working as a teacher in South Africa, citing concerns over inequality in pay. He acknowledged the economic hardships he faced upon return but transitioned into content creation, gradually building his platform to educate and inform the diaspora about opportunities at home.
Both creators emphasize the educational aspect of their work, with Chitima recounting calls from individuals who have fallen victim to scams. He aims to provide grounded information to replace uncertainty with clarity about the opportunities in Zimbabwe.
Economic Context
While precise statistics on emigration from Zimbabwe are hard to come by, organizations like the International Organization for Migration indicate a steady migration trend. The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency reported an unemployment rate of 21.8 percent in the third quarter of 2024, with a staggering percentage of workers engaged in the informal sector. Youth unemployment is particularly acute, with a World Bank report estimating it at 76.8 percent for 2025.
Many young Zimbabweans struggle to secure stable employment, often shifting between temporary and informal positions. Susan Sibanda, 26, described her experience of moving between casual jobs, a reflection of a labor market where formal employment opportunities are increasingly scarce.
Economic pressures continue to drive decisions for young Zimbabweans contemplating emigration. Sibanda expressed that “leaving Zimbabwe is in my best interest,” indicating a broader trend among youth seeking improved prospects.
Ties to the Diaspora
Despite challenges, the economic relationship between Zimbabwe and its diaspora remains strong. Real estate agents report that diaspora buyers accounted for a significant share of high-end property purchases, with some areas experiencing price increases of up to 30 percent year-on-year. Similarly, reports indicate that 10 to 15 percent of new farm leases over the past few years involve diaspora investors.
In 2023, remittances from Zimbabweans living abroad reached $1.7 billion, with investment directed toward real estate, agriculture, and small businesses. Economists suggest these investments reflect both practical necessity and a deep emotional connection to the homeland.
However, reactions among diaspora members toward a potential return to Zimbabwe remain mixed, with some expressing apprehension over the political climate and recent social unrest. For many, financial ties to Zimbabwe remain strong, but physical return is uncertain.
As social media continues to reshape perceptions of opportunities in Zimbabwe, the country’s relationship with its diaspora remains dynamic and evolving. “For many Zimbabweans living abroad, investing back home is not just about profit—it’s about staying connected to their roots and shaping the future of their communities,” Chitima remarked, highlighting the complex motivations behind their investments.
