The Diaspora Credit Union (DCU) has set an ambitious target to attract 1,000 members within its first year following its official relaunch in Harare. The institution is positioning itself as a key driver of diaspora-led investment and financial empowerment for Zimbabweans at home and abroad.
The DCU was established under the Zimbabweans in Diaspora Organisation (ZIDO) to create a safe, transparent, and accessible platform for Zimbabweans worldwide to save, invest, and participate in national development projects.
Speaking at the relaunch event, Mr. Blessed Kapesa, Founder and Chairman of ZIDO, said the membership drive is aimed at building a strong foundation of collective financial strength.
“Our goal is to unite at least 1,000 Zimbabweans in the first year — each member becoming part of a growing community that saves, invests, and builds together,” said Kapesa. “This is how we turn diaspora potential into measurable impact.”
The DCU plans to offer members a wide range of services, including savings accounts, housing and business loans, investment portfolios, and digital banking solutions. It will also connect diaspora investors to development opportunities in real estate, agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure.
Kapesa said the 1,000-member milestone would not only signify trust and confidence but also unlock the financial scale needed to invest in large projects that create jobs and stimulate growth in Zimbabwe.
“Every member who joins the Diaspora Credit Union is not just opening an account — they’re joining a movement that’s redefining how Zimbabweans everywhere invest in their future,” he added.
The DCU’s membership campaign will be rolled out across key diaspora communities in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, and Australia, supported by digital registration platforms to ensure easy onboarding. The initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and complements upcoming engagements such as the Invest in Zimbabwe Summit 2025 in Birmingham and the Zimbabwe Diaspora Homecoming Celebration & Business Summit in Harare, where the DCU will lead conversations on diaspora financing.
The Harare office will coordinate local operations, while the UK office will focus on international membership growth and partnerships. Membership is now open to individuals, businesses, and diaspora organisations wishing to be part of a cooperative model that prioritizes transparency, trust, and sustainable impact.
“Together, we can build a financial bridge that connects our diaspora’s success to Zimbabwe’s growth,” said Kapesa