Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged Zimbabwean diplomats to prioritise economic development in their overseas missions, leveraging trade, investment, tourism, and innovation to advance national interests.
He said this when he addressed Zimbabwean diplomats at State House in Harare Friday morning.
Zimbabwean Ambassadors accredited to various nations across the globe have, for the past weeks, been attending strategic meetings updating them on economic, political and social developments taking place back home. The ambassadors also attended the ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference in Mutare two weeks ago.
As the diplomats head back to their various foreign missions, President Mnangagwa took time to brief them on the Second Republic’s expectations.
“Your missions should function as strategic economic hubs, that advance trade, investment, tourism, and innovation, while defending our sovereignty and promoting as well as projecting a positive image of the country, including the success milestones of the Second Republic.
“In all that we do, we must unapologetically abide by the true spirit of our development philosophy. As you travel back to your respective stations, I wish you journey mercies and urge you to continue serving our motherland with loyalty, diligence, integrity, and professionalism. The people of Zimbabwe expect nothing less,” he said.
The Head of State challenged the diplomats to harness the potential in the diaspora to increase foreign currency remittances and investments back home.
“The ever-increasing diaspora remittances are evidence of the immense potential of this sector of our citizens. There is a need to develop more concrete models to harness their combined potential as a source of investment capital. I expect Embassies to adopt an open-door policy to our people living abroad, including the youth.
“Engagements with them should not only address their consular needs, but also as opportunities for knowledge sharing for positive social and economic impacts back home. Under my Administration, we are leaving no one and no place behind.”
Zimbabwe’s bid for the United Nations Security Council non-permanent seat has gained support and diplomats must continuously engage stakeholders in their respective missions for the nation to garner the required two thirds majority.
“In August 2025, I officially launched our campaign for non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, for the term 2027 to 2028. Our candidature has received positive backing from across the world. I urge you, however, to remain engaged with stakeholders at your respective jurisdictions, as we continue to campaign, to garner the required two-thirds majority vote, to secure the seat,” highlighted the President.
President Mnangagwa reiterated government’s commitment towards improving the ease of doing business.
“Through our “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” mantra, my government is committed to the improvement of the ease of doing business environment. Locally, we are working towards establishing hubs to support product improvements and quality assurance for diverse export markets. The reduction of non-tariff barriers, streamlined customs processes, development of e-commerce platforms and use of digital tools to connect local producers to international buyers will complement this process.
“Our embassies must, therefore, continue to provide market profiles on opportunities to establish new markets, expand existing ones and diversify our partnerships, to support our local production,” he indicated.
Newly appointed ambassadors and those reassigned to other missions also attended the Presidential briefing.
