Government says the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) presents a key opportunity for Zimbabwe to highlight its economic diplomacy achievements since the advent of the Second Republic.
The forum, running from January 19 to 23 in Davos, Switzerland, brings together global political and business leaders to discuss international economic trends and development priorities. Zimbabwe has been a regular participant since its first invitation in 2018.
In an interview with the media yesterday, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira said Zimbabwe would use this year’s platform to advance national interests in diplomacy, trade and industry.
“We are going to give contributions in topics that include trade and industrial policy. We are going to have more than 80 heads of state and government attending this forum,” he said.
He said Zimbabwe’s continued presence at Davos reflects the country’s growing emphasis on economic diplomacy.
“His Excellency the President started attending this forum in 2018, and since then Zimbabwe has been attending, either His Excellency himself or being represented. This shows the topical nature of economic diplomacy and how His Excellency is pursuing economic diplomacy for Zimbabwe,” explained Prof Murwira.
According to Government, the results of this diplomatic engagement are visible in national economic indicators.
“Through his efforts of this economic diplomacy, last year our exports went up to US$16 billion, up from US$2 billion when he inherited the economy at the start of the Second Republic. In terms of GDP, when His Excellency inherited the Second Republic, it was around US$16 billion, and now it has grown to more than US$52 billion,” the Minister said.
He described economic diplomacy as the foundation of the country’s foreign policy.
“Economic diplomacy is the cornerstone of His Excellency’s foreign policy. Zimbabwe is open for business, a friend to all and an enemy to none, pursuing the overall objective of engagement and re-engagement, he noted.
Zimbabwe will also participate in two major sub-forums during WEF 2026.
“President Mnangagwa was invited to give a talk on two topics. The first one is a diplomatic dialogue on business in Africa, where we are going to submit remarks on his behalf, and the other focuses on the Forum for the Friends of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.
He added that the WEF agenda includes discussions on innovation, artificial intelligence, sustainable development and skills development.
