The Ministry of Skills Audit and Development has registered 65,455 Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, marking a significant step in the government’s drive to harness the skills of its diaspora for national development. The registration is part of a comprehensive national skills audit aimed at aligning the expertise of returnees with available opportunities in the local economy.

Speaking from the ministry’s headquarters in Harare, officials indicated that the audit will help integrate returning citizens into key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. Many Zimbabweans have spent years working in South Africa’s diverse industries, acquiring valuable experience that could now be redirected to boost domestic productivity.

The influx of returnees comes at a time when Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to rebuild its economy and reduce unemployment. By systematically cataloguing qualifications and work experience, the government hopes to facilitate smoother reintegration and reduce the time returnees spend searching for employment. The ministry has encouraged all returning citizens to register at designated centres across the country, including in Harare, to ensure their skills are captured in the national database.