Zimbabwe diaspora remittances hit US$1.86 billion in eight months

Zimbabwe received nearly US$1.86 billion in diaspora remittances in the first eight months of this year, up 22 per cent from the same period last year.

Latest Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) statistics show inflows reached US$1.859 billion between January and August 2026, compared with US$1.52 billion in the corresponding period in 2025. That is an increase of about US$339.2 million.

Monthly inflows remained above US$200 million throughout the eight months. July was the highest at US$258.5 million, followed by May at US$244.8 million. August closed the period at US$237.7 million.

March recorded the strongest year-on-year growth, with remittances rising 32 per cent to US$234.3 million from US$177.1 million in March 2025. May was up 28 per cent, February 26 per cent to US$211.8 million, July 25 per cent from US$207.1 million, April and June 22 per cent to US$224.8 million and US$226 million respectively, January 17 per cent to US$222 million, and August nine per cent from US$217.4 million.

The data also show inflows coming from a broad range of countries, reflecting the geographical spread of Zimbabweans living and working abroad.

Ireland was among the leading contributors in the breakdown provided, accounting for US$37.5 million, followed by Canada with US$34.4 million and Botswana with US$29.3 million. The United Arab Emirates contributed US$24.5 million, Poland US$19.4 million and Germany US$14.5 million.

Other sources included New Zealand, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Mozambique, Tanzania, Switzerland, Namibia and France.

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