Zambia’s 2027 National Budget presents an opportunity to rethink the country’s approach to development financing by recognising an important but often overlooked constituency: Zambians living and working abroad.
As Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane presented the K284.8 billion Budget under the theme, “Grow Zambia: From Stabilisation to Unlocking Opportunities, Creating Jobs and Improving Livelihoods for All,” the emphasis was understandably on domestic revenue mobilisation, public expenditure, borrowing and investment.
However, one area that deserves greater attention in future national budgets is the economic potential of the Zambian diaspora.
For too long, Zambians abroad have largely been regarded as individuals who send money home to support relatives. While these remittances are important, this narrow understanding overlooks the enormous financial, professional and entrepreneurial resources that citizens abroad could contribute to national development if the Government created appropriate structures to engage them.
Other African countries are already demonstrating what is possible. Kenya has a dedicated State Department for Diaspora Affairs, while Nigeria operates the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. Ghana, Ethiopia, Morocco and Senegal have also established institutional frameworks to engage their citizens abroad in national development.
Zambia should draw lessons from these experiences.
The diaspora should not simply feature in government speeches during Independence celebrations or diplomatic engagements.
It should become a recognised stakeholder in national economic planning, with clearly defined programmes and budgetary support.
There are several practical ways this could be achieved.
First, the Government should establish a dedicated Diaspora Affairs Department, adequately funded and mandated to coordinate diaspora engagement across ministries and diplomatic missions.
Such an institution could facilitate investment, provide consular assistance, support returning professionals and maintain reliable information on Zambians living abroad.
Second, Zambia should consider introducing diaspora investment bonds. These would allow citizens abroad to invest their savings in nationally identified development projects, including energy, roads, healthcare, education and agriculture.
With transparent management, competitive returns and credible accountability, such instruments could provide an additional source of development financing while reducing dependence on borrowing.
Third, the Government should introduce targeted tax incentives for diaspora investments in productive sectors. Zambians returning with capital to establish manufacturing businesses, farms, tourism enterprises and technology companies should encounter a supportive investment environment rather than unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.
There is also a need to recognise the professional skills within the diaspora. Zambia has doctors, engineers, academics, financial experts, journalists and technology specialists working in different parts of the world.
A structured knowledge-transfer programme could enable these professionals to contribute to national institutions, mentor young people and support local enterprises.
Importantly, budgetary provision should also be made for the protection of Zambians abroad, particularly those facing exploitation, trafficking, imprisonment, workplace abuse or other emergencies.
The diaspora is not merely an extension of Zambia’s remittance economy. It is part of the country’s human capital and development potential.
If the 2027 Budget seeks to unlock opportunities and improve livelihoods, future fiscal planning must recognise that Zambia’s economic resources do not end at its geographical borders.
Zambians abroad remain Zambians. They should have a meaningful place in the country’s development agenda, not just as contributors through remittances, but as investors, professionals, entrepreneurs and partners in building the nation.
