The United Kingdom is on track to overtake South Africa as Zimbabwe’s biggest source of remittances in 2025.
Zimbabwe’s Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube recently revealed the statistics.
This would be the first time Britain takes the top spot, signalling how migration and income trends among Zimbabweans abroad have shifted in recent years.
Diaspora remittances soar over the past five years
Official figures show that remittances from the diaspora have surged by nearly 200% over the past five years, rising from US$922 million in 2019 to US$2.58 billion in 2024.
If current trends continue, inflows are expected to reach about US$2.72 billion this year and could go beyond US$2.75 billion in 2026.
In the first quarter of 2025, the UK contributed roughly 28.6% of total remittances, or about US$779 million, just edging past South Africa’s 27.5% (around US$748 million).
Zimbabwe’s Migration trends shifting toward Europe
Ncube said this pattern highlights how Zimbabwe’s diaspora has evolved over time, with more citizens relocating to Europe and other developed regions.
“The structure of our diaspora has evolved significantly. While South Africa remains home to the majority of Zimbabweans abroad, higher earnings and formal employment in the United Kingdom are now translating into larger remittance flows,” he said.
Economic hardship drives professionals abroad
Zimbabwe’s ongoing economic troubles, from hyperinflation and currency swings to job shortages, have pushed many citizens, especially skilled professionals and healthcare workers, to seek opportunities in the UK.
Their growing contribution has helped fuel the increase in foreign currency inflows.
South Africa’s share of remittances continues to decline
An estimated 80% of Zimbabweans abroad still live in South Africa. However, that country’s share of total remittances has steadily fallen, from 38.3% in 2021 to 27.5% in 2025.
Over the same period, the UK’s share rose from 24.7% to 28.6%.
United States, Australia and others contribute to remittances
The United States now contributes about 11.2% (US$305 million), while Australia sends around 5.5% (US$150 million).
Canada and Botswana add smaller but still meaningful amounts of 2.1% (US$57 million) and 2.0% (US$54 million), respectively.
Economists note that these remittances remain a crucial lifeline for Zimbabwe, helping families meet daily needs and keeping the economy afloat by supporting household spending, small investments, and the national foreign currency reserves.
