By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe received nearly US$1.86 billion in diaspora remittances in the first eight months of this year, in what critics say is clear evidence that the economy is now being kept alive by citizens the government forced into exile.

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, or 22 percent.

According to the RBZ breakdown, “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.”

The central bank further notes that “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.”

While government celebrates the figures, the reality is damning. Zimbabweans are fleeing unemployment, poverty and collapsing services, only to be forced to feed families back home.

The figures 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 monthly figures show “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.”

Critics argue that remittances are not a sign of economic recovery, but of state failure.

The government has failed to create jobs, yet it survives on the sweat of nurses in Ireland, construction workers in Botswana, and caregivers in Canada.

For millions of Zimbabweans, diaspora money is not extra income – it is survival. It pays rent, school fees, hospital bills and groceries that the local economy cannot provide.

Until the government creates a functional economy at home, Zimbabwe will remain a remittance-dependent nation – sustained by the very people it pushed away.