President Emmerson Mnangagwa has challenged Zimbabwean diplomats to turn the country’s diplomatic engagements into tangible economic benefits.
Addressing ambassadors, ambassadors-designate, consuls-general and chargés d’affaires at the Harare International Conference Centre, today, the President said Zimbabwe’s diplomatic missions must align their operations with the national development agenda and the attainment of Vision 2030.
“The Second Republic has entered into an era where resolutions and strategies must accumulate into accelerated service delivery, results and accountability,” he said.
He said diplomats had a responsibility to advance Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement policy while working closely with Government departments to promote national development and improve the quality of life for citizens.
“Our shared national vision, to become a prosperous and empowered upper-middle income society by 2030, remains the over-arching guide to the development programmes and projects across government. To further fast-track our development agenda, accelerate industrialisation and modernisation, international cooperation is key,” President Mnangagwa said.
He challenged foreign missions to become active centres of economic diplomacy, facilitating technology transfer, scientific cooperation and the acquisition of specialised skills to strengthen domestic production.
“Accordingly, all Embassies are strategic and competitive platforms for trade promotion, investment facilitation and tourism marketing. Through the effective execution of your roles, our country should benefit from technology transfer, scientific cooperation as well as specialist scientific skills training, which are found in other jurisdictions,” he said.
The President warned diplomats against treating their postings as opportunities for leisure, insisting that only committed and results-oriented officials would advance Zimbabwe’s interests abroad.
“Under my Administration serving as diplomats is not ‘child’s-play’. Ndinoda madzimai nevarume vakatsunga, vakazvipira kushanda nesimba kuti nyika ibudirire. Avo vanofunga kuti varikuenda-kuholiday, bodo. Hamusi kuyenda kunze ikoko kunomwa mazambiringa. I demand results,” he said.
On foreign policy, President Mnangagwa urged diplomats to maintain balanced international relations, protect national sovereignty and ensure that Zimbabwe was not dependent on any single country or bloc.
“Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none; we can never be dependent on any single country or bloc. I count on you, diplomats to give the necessary advice and analysis that will continuously sharpen our decisions and national positions on international developments as well as bilateral and multilateral agreements,” he said.
He also called for improved consular services and greater protection of Zimbabweans living abroad, describing the Diaspora community as an indispensable contributor to sustainable socio-economic development.
“Our Constitution obliges the State to protect and promote the welfare of Zimbabwean citizens living abroad. In this respect, Missions, through Consular service are at the forefront of meeting that obligation. In discharging this role, you are required to be efficient, humane and receptive to all our citizens, no matter their tribe, race, creed or social standing,” he said.
He challenged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and other stakeholders to conclude the review of the National Diaspora Policy and urged ambassadors to identify opportunities for Zimbabweans to occupy strategic positions in regional and international organisations.
“I challenge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, together with other stakeholders to finalise the review of the National Diaspora Policy,” he said.
Turning to Zimbabwe’s recent diplomatic achievements, President Mnangagwa commended foreign missions for their contribution to the country’s successful election to the United Nations Security Council, saying the achievement demonstrated international confidence in Zimbabwe.
“Our successful election to the UN Security Council reflects the confidence placed on Zimbabwe by the international community. We shall assume this responsibility, driven by the simple conviction that without peace there can be no sustainable, socio-economic development and shared prosperity,” he said.
He urged diplomatic missions to support Zimbabwe’s role in international peace and security through timely reporting, strategic engagement and early identification of emerging threats.
“I call upon every Mission to play its part and contribute to our national undertaking within the UN Security Council through timely reporting and strategic engagement, as well as providing early warning to emerging threats to peace and security,” he said.
The President also highlighted Zimbabwe’s recent assumption of the COMESA Authority chairmanship following the 25th Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Harare on October 22, 2026, as well as the country’s endorsement to host the 19th AfCFTA Council of Ministers Meeting in 2027 and the Intra-African Trade Fair in 2029.
“These are not ceremonial honours, but platforms for our exporters, manufacturers and service providers to grow their businesses,” he said.
He directed diplomats to translate resolutions from the 23rd Zanu PF National People’s Conference and the Ministry’s Strategic Planning Workshop into practical programmes, while strengthening coordination with Government ministries and ensuring prudent management of public resources.
“As you return to your duty stations, let our diplomacy be guided by unity of purpose, strategic clarity, accountability and a firm commitment to transformative results. I direct you to translate the outcomes of the 23rd People’s Conference of our revolutionary, mass Party, Zanu PF, along with the Ministry’s Strategic Planning Workshop into clear programmes and measurable targets,” President Mnangagwa concluded.
