President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially opened the 23rd Zanu PF National People’s Conference at Chinhoyi University of Technology in Mashonaland West Province, calling on party delegates to translate resolutions into tangible economic development outcomes.
Addressing party leaders, Government officials, traditional leaders and delegates, today, President Mnangagwa said this year’s conference should focus on implementing policies that improve people’s livelihoods and advance Zimbabwe’s ambition of attaining upper-middle-income economy status by 2030.
“The Resolutions we proffer should reflect the realities facing Zimbabweans, provide practical solutions and define clear responsibilities for implementation,” he said.
President Mnangagwa highlighted that the gathering provided an opportunity for the party to review its programmes, assess progress made during the year and adopt resolutions aligned with national development priorities.
He urged delegates to put aside personal interests and focus on collective goals, stressing that leadership positions should be viewed as opportunities to serve rather than platforms for personal recognition.
“Leadership positions are not for personal glory or publicity; we are here to serve,” he said.
The President also highlighted the historical significance of Chinhoyi, recalling the 1966 armed confrontation involving seven liberation fighters against the Rhodesian colonial regime.
He said the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle should inspire current and future generations to pursue economic transformation and prosperity for all Zimbabweans.
“The venue of this Conference, must, therefore, inspire us, to honour them and many other departed comrades, by accelerating sustainable economic development and realising prosperity for all Zimbabweans,” President Mnangagwa said.
On the economy, the President outlined figures he said demonstrated progress under his administration, claiming that Zimbabwe’s gross domestic product grew by 8.3% in 2025 and was projected to expand by 5% in 2026.
He also indicated annual inflation had declined to 2.8%, while the country’s GDP had increased from US$16 billion at the beginning of the Second Republic to US$66 billion.
The figures were presented as evidence of progress towards the Government’s Vision 2030 target.
Agriculture, mining and manufacturing featured prominently in his address, as he called for increased agricultural production, expanded irrigation, mineral beneficiation and greater investment in domestic industries.
He reiterated that the 2026–2027 summer cropping season required increased production and urged farmers to continue participating in the Presidential Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme.
The President further challenged delegates to develop practical measures to empower young people, women, people with disabilities and veterans of the liberation struggle through entrepreneurship, skills development, market access and job creation.
He called for forward-looking policies that respond to emerging challenges, including climate change, technological advancement, artificial intelligence and global economic disruptions.
President Mnangagwa also expressed concern over reported marital crimes resulting in loss of life, calling for the restoration of family values and respect for human life.
The conference which is running under the theme, “From Resolutions to Results: Consolidating Economic Development and Deepening Empowerment towards Vision 2030”, is expected to deliberate on party performance, economic development and resolutions intended to guide Zanu PF’s programmes towards 2030.
