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Zimbabweans have migrated to Australia quite steadily over the past few decades. Those who arrived during the 20th century were mostly white Zimbabweans of British ancestry. However, ongoing economic difficulty has prompted higher migration in recent years. The 2021 Census revealed that over 70% of Australia’s Zimbabwe-born population arrived prior to 2010.¹ This influx of migration has included increasing numbers of native Zimbabweans, mostly seeking a better economic or educational advantage.

It is important to recognise that the Zimbabweans migrating to Australia are generally from a privileged, urbanised and educated demographic of their country. The opportunity to migrate is not typically available to the poor or those living in isolated rural areas. Be careful to avoid stereotyping those Zimbabweans who have immigrated as being ‘poor’, ‘needy’ or ‘undereducated’. Generally, they have been arriving as skilled migrants. The vast majority of first-generation migrants from Zimbabwe are highly educated, having pursued tertiary qualifications following high school. According to the 2021 Census, 76.4% of Zimbabwean-born people (aged 15 years or over) held some form of higher qualification compared to 51.8% of the total Australian population.¹ There is also high English proficiency, with 98.4% of Zimbabweans in Australia speaking it well.¹ Indeed, as a result of British rule and education in the country, many Zimbabweans speak English very eloquently.

The Zimbabwean community in Australia is not particularly close compared to other African migrant communities. However, they generally maintain strong ties with people back in Zimbabwe. Living in Australia is considered quite prestigious; hence, Zimbabwean expatriates may have many friends or relatives asking them to send money home.