Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for Zimbabwe’s foreign policy to translate into practical economic gains, urging stakeholders to drive cross-border value chains, improve logistics and expand market access for local producers across Africa and beyond.
Addressing the 392nd Ordinary Session of the Politburo in Harare, the ZANU PF First Secretary and President said recent diplomatic engagements must now deliver tangible trade and industrial benefits.
“I call on our people to ensure that our foreign policy thrust translates to pathways for cross-border value chains, improved logistics and accelerated entry into markets on the continent and beyond, for local producers,” he said.
The President pointed to growing bilateral cooperation with Ghana and Botswana, following high-level engagements including a State visit to Ghana and the 5th Bi-National Commission with Botswana.
He said agreements reached signal a new and dynamic phase in economic collaboration, focusing on trade facilitation, infrastructure, agriculture and industrial development.
Zimbabwe’s regional diplomacy also extended to Eswatini, where President Mnangagwa attended the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s reign, describing the visit as reinforcing “enduring bonds of solidarity, shared history and mutual respect”.
On global trade, the President Mnangagwa highlighted opportunities arising from China’s zero-tariff policy for African goods under the Common Development Initiative.
“Stakeholders across all sectors must be appropriately empowered to leverage this opportunity,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s push for value addition and beneficiation is reshaping the economy, positioning the country within global value chains.
“Zimbabwe is steadily taking a seat within the global value chains space, not as a mere supplier of raw materials but as a competitive producer of value-added goods,” he said.
The Politburo session followed the country’s 46th Independence Day celebrations held in Maphisa, Matabeleland South, which the President described as well attended and reflective of national unity.
He also cited the success of the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo, officially opened by Botswana President Duma Boko, noting increased participation by local and international exhibitors.
“This year’s edition surpassed expectations, reflecting the broader spread of our economic development and the fruits of the ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business’ mantra,” he said.
The First Secretary commended the export of Zimbabwe’s first lithium sulphate consignment, describing it as a historic achievement in advancing the country’s beneficiation agenda.
He urged party leadership to sharpen policy implementation and align programmes with national development goals.
“All policies, programmes and projects must always be contextualised as part of our continuous work to realise prosperity for all,” he said.
The President also called for discipline and adherence to party principles among members, urging officials to familiarise themselves with provisions of the amended party constitution.
The meeting opened with a moment of silence in honour of national heroes, including the late Air Commodore (Rtd) Simon Brian Bere, recently buried at the National Heroes Acre.
