Zimbabwean Migration into Southern Africa: New Trends and Responses

The economic and political collapse of Zimbabwe has generated unprecedented outward migration to Southern African countries. Even as stability gradually returns in Zimbabwe, the humanitarian crises facing its diaspora and the potential for further waves of migration remain high. This subject has been researched extensively in South Africa, but much less is known about Zimbabwean migration to Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. In light of this, Oxfam commissioned the Forced Migration Studies Programme to conduct a background study that would expand knowledge about Zimbabwean migration patterns into the region and responses to this movement, and help in the formulation of appropriate responses.

This report provides the findings of that study, drawing upon field research and interviews with migrants and service providers in destination countries during 2008 and 2009, as well as on an extensive desktop review of the literature.