HARARE – Government says accurate and timely migration data has become critical for national development, security planning and informed policymaking following the launch of Zimbabwe’s National Migration Data Strategy (NMDS) 2025–2030.
The strategy, launched in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is aimed at strengthening evidence-based migration governance and improving the collection, management, analysis and use of migration data across the country.
In a statement, Chief Director in the Department of Immigration, Respect Gono, said accurate migration data is increasingly becoming essential in guiding decision-making processes for government institutions and other stakeholders.
“As a custodian of strategic migration data, the generating of accurate and timely migration data by the Department of Immigration has increasingly become essential for informed decision-making for various government ministries, departments, agencies, academia and civil society in the interest of national development and security,” she said.
She also said the strategy provides a framework for institutions to collaborate in generating trusted and policy-relevant migration data.
The launch, held at the Department of Immigration Headquarters at Chingaira Building in Harare, marks a significant step towards improving the collection, management, analysis and use of migration data in Zimbabwe.
The NMDS seeks to address existing gaps by creating a coordinated national framework that promotes harmonised migration concepts and definitions, improved data disaggregation by sex, age and vulnerability, and stronger institutional coordination.
International Organization for Migration Zimbabwe Chief of Mission Diana Cartier said reliable migration data is essential for effective and inclusive policymaking.
“The National Migration Data Strategy marks a critical shift towards a more coordinated and evidence-based approach to migration governance. By strengthening data quality, accessibility and use, Zimbabwe is better equipped to develop policies that protect migrants, support national development and respond to evolving migration dynamics,” she said.
The strategy also aligns Zimbabwe’s migration governance efforts with regional and international frameworks, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Migration Policy Framework, Agenda 2030 and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
It was developed through a multi-year consultative process involving government ministries, departments, agencies, academia and development partners. The process included nationwide consultations, baseline assessments and validation workshops coordinated through the Migration Statistics Technical Working Group.
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