By Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe on Friday launched a strategy aimed at overhauling how the country collects, manages and uses migration data, seeking to close long-standing information gaps that have weakened policy-making.
The National Migration Data Strategy (NMDS) 2025-2030 was unveiled at the Department of Immigration headquarters in Harare during a joint ceremony involving the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT).
The framework establishes a coordinated, government-led system for collecting and sharing migration statistics across ministries, departments and agencies, with data disaggregated by sex, age and vulnerability status.
Officials said weak and fragmented migration data has limited Zimbabwe’s ability to produce timely, comparable and policy-relevant evidence, despite the country’s role as a source, transit and destination point for migrants.
IOM Zimbabwe Chief of Mission Diana Cartier described the launch as a major shift in the country’s 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,” Cartier said.
Chief Director of the Department of Immigration Respect Gono said accurate migration statistics are now essential not only for border management, but also for national planning and security.
ZIMSTAT will act as the central coordinating and quality assurance body for migration statistics across government institutions.
