The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade convened a high-level Strategic Planning Review Workshop in Mutare yesterday, bringing together diplomats and senior government officials to refine Zimbabwe’s foreign policy direction and reinforce its global standing.
The meeting, held under the theme “Designing and Implementing an Effective Foreign Affairs Architecture for the Integrity, Dignity, and Prosperity of Zimbabwe,” seeks to strengthen the country’s economic diplomacy and rebrand Zimbabwe’s image internationally. It also aims to align the Ministry’s strategic objectives with the broader national development agenda as outlined in Vision 2030.
Officially opening the workshop, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, emphasized that the exercise was not just administrative but a strategic rethinking of Zimbabwe’s role in global affairs.
“Our diplomacy must be a vehicle that carries the integrity and dignity of Zimbabwe to the world stage. We are reconfiguring our foreign policy framework to ensure that every engagement promotes prosperity for our people and advances our national interests,” said Professor Murwira
Professor Murwira highlighted the importance of moving from political diplomacy to a more pragmatic economic diplomacy approach that attracts investment, promotes exports, and builds partnerships for development.
“We must ensure that every embassy and every mission abroad becomes an economic hub that tells the story of Zimbabwe’s potential, resilience, and innovation,” he said.
Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade,Ambassador Albeit Ranganai Chimbindi, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, saying the workshop would help refine institutional systems and improve coordination across departments.
This is a time for introspection and strategy. We are focusing on efficiency, accountability, and measurable outcomes in our diplomatic missions,” he noted.
Chimbindi also noted that the deliberations in Mutare are expected to produce a clear roadmap that will guide the Ministry’s operations over the coming years.
“The outcomes will also feed into the government’s broader vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy by 2030 through strategic and proactive diplomacy,” he said
The workshop also provided a platform for diplomats to share insights on emerging global trends, challenges, and opportunities for Zimbabwe’s engagement with both traditional partners and new allies.
Participants discussed ways to enhance the country’s participation in regional and international organizations, promote trade and tourism, and strengthen cooperation on climate change and technology transfer.
