Political independence without economic freedom remains unfinished business, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said, urging Zimbabweans to take greater responsibility for the country’s development while calling on ZANU PF members to honestly assess their performance as Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030.
Addressing the party’s 131st Ordinary Session of the Central Committee, President Mnangagwa said the Second Republic’s development philosophy is anchored on ensuring that the gains of political liberation are matched by sustainable economic empowerment and improved livelihoods for all Zimbabweans.
He said Government programmes are guided by the belief that true independence can only be achieved when citizens are economically empowered and actively participate in national development.
“Under the Second Republic, our empowerment and wealth creation programmes are premised on the principle that political independence without economic independence is incomplete,” said President Mnangagwa.
While expressing gratitude to countries and organisations supporting Zimbabwe’s development agenda, the President stressed that lasting progress depends primarily on the commitment, innovation and hard work of Zimbabweans.
“We are grateful to friends who partner us in various fields. However, the burden of development rests on our shoulders. This must be the truth known by every Zimbabwean, from the young to the old. Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa inonamatirwa nevene vayo,” he said.
President Mnangagwa reaffirmed that Zimbabwe’s journey towards attaining an upper middle-income economy by 2030 remains firmly on course, describing the country’s development trajectory as irreversible.
He said the country continues to record encouraging growth across strategic sectors, including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, energy, tourism and information communication technologies, with increased productivity driving economic transformation.
The President noted that Zimbabwean companies are now playing a leading role in major infrastructure projects such as road construction, while improved agricultural production has strengthened food security and national self-sufficiency.
He said the ongoing expansion of productive sectors is creating jobs, stimulating industrial growth and laying a strong foundation for long-term economic prosperity.
Turning to party matters, President Mnangagwa urged members of the Central Committee to embrace accountability by recognising achievements while openly addressing shortcomings.
He said honest introspection would enable the party to strengthen programme implementation and improve service delivery for the benefit of all Zimbabweans.
“Where we have succeeded, let us celebrate and purposefully replicate for the collective good of our people. Where we have faced challenges, let us honestly introspect and make timely and appropriate interventions,” he said.
President Mnangagwa reminded delegates that decisions made by the Central Committee carry national significance because they shape policies that influence every sector of the economy and society.
He urged members to remain guided by the party’s constitution and revolutionary values, saying ZANU PF’s mission of empowering citizens and improving livelihoods must never be compromised.
“Our vision is to remain a mass revolutionary Party committed to the empowerment and improving the quality of life for our people. This DNA should never be altered,” he said.
The President said the liberation struggle remains a continuous responsibility requiring every generation to protect Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, peace and unity while contributing to national development.
He also highlighted the success of empowerment programmes targeting women, youths and war veterans, saying initiatives in agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, mining, construction, manufacturing, agro-processing and logistics, together with expanded financial inclusion programmes, are broadening economic participation and ensuring that more Zimbabweans benefit from the country’s ongoing development.
