President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared 2026 a year of intensified socio-economic transformation, telling the 390th Ordinary Session of the Politburo of ZANU PF that party leaders must deliver concrete results as the nation accelerates towards Vision 2030.
“I urge us to put shoulder to the wheel and face head-on the specific tasks that must be undertaken during the course of the year,” he said, calling for unity, patriotism and disciplined leadership.
Addressing the Politburo meeting in his capacity as President and First Secretary of ZANU PF, President Mnangagwa emphasised the importance of collective leadership and “exemplary conduct, in speech and deeds” as essential pillars of national development.
“We are a results-oriented Party and I am confident that we shall continue to deliver successes that benefit all our communities,” he said, reaffirming ZANU PF’s identity as a “dependable liberation movement” entrusted with national progress, prosperity and the destiny of Zimbabwe.
The President opened the session by honouring three late liberation war veterans — Brigadier General (Rtd) Mark Charles Chimwaza, Brigadier General (Rtd) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava and Brigadier General (Rtd) Samuel Mpabanga, who were recently declared National Heroes. He invited members to observe a minute of silence, saying their sacrifice secured Zimbabwe’s “independence, freedom and democracy.”
On the economy, President Mnangagwa said the ZANU PF-led Government continues to implement “bold, consistent and people-centred policies” anchored on fiscal discipline, prudent monetary management and increased sector-wide production. As a result, he noted, the country is registering improvements in macro-economic stability and socio-economic development, including strong export performance by women- and youth-led enterprises.
He tasked party structures to mobilise members not only around production but also export readiness, insisting that all departments implement party and government programmes “without exception” in line with the National Development Strategy 2.
President Mnangagwa also applauded the steady growth of the party’s membership base, congratulating ZANU PF candidates who recently won by-elections. He described National Cell/Village Day as the “bedrock of the Party’s strength” and an essential mechanism for consolidating grassroots structures.
He further commended the successful commemoration of National Youth Day in Marondera, saying it affirmed ZANU PF’s commitment to youth empowerment, skills development and job creation.
Turning to foreign policy, the President said the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union received the African Peer Review Mechanism report on Zimbabwe, which highlighted milestones achieved under the Second Republic. He added that the 2026 AU theme — “Assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve Agenda 2063 goals” — aligns with Zimbabwe’s priorities on water access, irrigation expansion, dam construction and climate resilience.
He confirmed that Zimbabwe is intensifying its push for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, while also preparing to host the upcoming COMESA Summit, where it will assume the chairmanship.
“I expect the Party and country as a whole to ready itself to host our visitors in the usual hospitable manner,” he said.
Concluding his address, President Mnangagwa urged party leaders to execute their responsibilities with diligence:
“Let us approach our responsibilities with renewed vigour, focus and dedication. The time demands execution, unity and results.”
