Zimbabwe remittances reach $2.45 billion as UK tops source markets

Zimbabwean diaspora remittances reached a record US$2.45 billion in 2025, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. This growth establishes these inflows as a critical pillar of the national economy, accounting for over 8% of the country's GDP.

A significant structural shift occurred as the United Kingdom overtook South Africa as the primary source of remittances. The UK contributed approximately US$709.6 million, narrowly surpassing the US$702.6 million sent from South Africa. Together, these two corridors account for more than half of all recorded inflows.

These funds serve as a vital source of foreign currency and liquidity, supporting household needs such as healthcare, education, housing, and small business financing. While formal transfers recorded by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe are rising, reports suggest that informal channels may still capture a portion of the total flow due to high transfer costs and exchange-rate gaps.