ZIMBABWE’s diplomatic missions across the world must transform into strategic economic hubs that drive trade, investment, tourism and innovation, while capitalising on the country’s educated human capital to strengthen Harare’s global influence, President Mnangagwa has said.
Addressing Zimbabwean Ambassadors and Heads of Mission at State House in Harare yesterday, following their annual strategic review meeting, the President said the country’s embassies must move beyond traditional diplomacy to play a proactive role in advancing national development.
“Missions should function as strategic economic hubs that advance trade, investment, tourism and innovation, while defending our sovereignty and promoting as well as projecting a positive image of the country, including the success milestones of the Second Republic,” he said.
“In all that we do, we must unapologetically abide by the true spirit of our development philosophy that ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa, nevene vayo. Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo’.”
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s embassies must help position skilled Zimbabweans in key multilateral organisations, leveraging the country’s strong education system and work ethic.
“Zimbabweans are renowned for their education, hard work and professionalism,” he said.
President Mnangagwa addresses ambassadors designated to different countries during a meeting in Harare yesterday.
“Riding on the high numbers of skilled young people, there is a need for us to harness the exportable potential of our human capital.
“Let us deliberately expand our representation in critical multilateral organisations and share our expertise and experience with the world.
“We must, therefore, pursue the successful placement of Zimbabweans to important positions in international organisations towards growing our image and strengthening our influence within the comity of nations.”
President Mnangagwa urged Ambassadors to identify opportunities for Zimbabweans to secure influential positions in regional and global institutions, saying this would enhance the country’s image and strengthen its diplomatic leverage.
“Additionally, we must look at job opportunities for our talented young people within multi-national entities to gain experience and expertise to later transfer back home.”
He said Government remains committed to improving the ease of doing business and creating an environment conducive for investment.
“Through our ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business’, mantra, my Government is committed to the improvement of the ease of doing business environment.
“Locally, we are working towards establishing hubs to support product improvements and quality assurance for diverse export markets,” he said.
Ambassadors designated to different countries follow proceedings during a meeting in Harare yesterday.
The President said the reduction of non-tariff barriers, streamlined custom processes, development of e-commerce platforms and use of digital tools to connect local producers to international buyers, will complement this process.
“Our embassies must, therefore, continue to provide market profiles on opportunities to establish new markets, expand existing ones and diversify our partnerships to support our local production.”
President Mnangagwa noted the steady rise in diaspora remittances, urging embassies to adopt open-door policies for Zimbabweans living abroad.
“There is a need to develop more concrete models to harness their combined potential as a source of investment capital. I expect that embassies adopt an open-door policy to our people living abroad, including the youth. Engagements with them should not only address their consular needs, but also as opportunities for knowledge sharing for positive social and economic impacts back home.”
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s campaign for a bnon-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term had received positive backing globally, demonstrating growing confidence in the country’s diplomatic standing.
He also commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade for developing strategic documents to guide the nation’s diplomacy.
“I have, also, directed the ministry to develop and implement structured coordination mechanisms between the foreign service and all ministries, departments and agencies of Government to ensure a focused, purposeful, beneficial and coordinated presence of Zimbabwe on the international arena,” said President Mnangagwa.
The country’s ambassadors designated to different nations around the world follow proceedings during a meeting in Harare yesterday.
He reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to collaborating with liberation movements in the SADC region and traditional allies, such as the Communist Party of China, United Russia Party and the Communist Party of Cuba.
“We remain steadfast in solidarity with the plight of the peoples of Palestine and Western Sahara towards the realisation of their independence and sovereignty. I implore you as ambassadors to engage progressive parties from other countries as part of efforts to widen and deepen the scope of Zimbabwe’s partnerships and influence,” said President Mnangagwa.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira said the ministry was developing a Foreign Service Bill to modernise diplomatic operations.
“The Bill will codify, affirm the President, our Chief Diplomat, as the Chief Diplomat, as the real, authentic Foreign Minister that we assist in designing a foreign service that meets the demands of the 21st century. Your Excellency, we are heeding your call for a fit for purpose ministry and under your guidance, we will prosper,” he said.
The event marked the conclusion of the diplomats’ annual review and coincided with the 22nd Zanu PF Annual National People’s Conference, which the envoys attended in Mutare.
President Mnangagwa also bade farewell to newly appointed ambassadors and those reassigned to new posts.
The Dean of Zimbabwean diplomats, Ambassador Kufa Chinoza, commended the President for his leadership and the growing regional recognition of Zimbabwe’s diplomacy.
Source: The Herald
