Zvamaida Murwira-Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE stands ready to welcome investment and partnerships built on transparency and fairness, in alignment with the country’s social and economic aspirations, President Mnangagwa has said.
In his address to heads of missions and international organisations in Harare yesterday, the President, who is also the country’s chief diplomat, extended an invitation to global partners to engage with Zimbabwe based on mutual benefit and shared values.
He further highlighted the role played by Zimbabweans in the Diaspora in fostering economic growth and strengthening international relations through remittances and investment.
“The Zimbabwe Diaspora, in your respective countries, is playing a vital role in our national development through remittances, investment and skills transfer. We appreciate the hospitality extended to our citizens abroad. Their contributions further cement the relationship between Zimbabwe and host countries, reflecting the interconnectedness of our societies,” he said.
“As we look ahead, people-to-people relations and cultural exchanges should not be neglected in our diplomatic interface. You, our esteemed diplomats, are builders of bridges. Hence, the people and Government of Zimbabwe count on you to submit objective and constructive reports to your capitals.”
In his address to heads of missions and international organisations in Harare yesterday, the President, who is also the country’s chief diplomat, extended an invitation to global partners to engage with Zimbabwe based on mutual benefit and shared values.
He added that Zimbabwe is ready to welcome investment that aligns with its national socio-economic and political interests.
“Our message is clear and remains consistent: ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’.We stand ready to welcome investment and partnerships from across the world, which are fair, transparent and align with our national, socio-economic and political interests,” he said.
President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the period 2027 to 2028.
“We are grateful to those countries that have endorsed our bid. We count on the invaluable support of your respective governments for our candidature. Zimbabwe stands ready to serve within the UN Security Council with dedication, integrity and resolute obligation to a more peaceful, just and secure world,” he said.
The past year, said President Mnangagwa, was marked by steady progress in the country’s national development agenda.
He said Zimbabwe continues to invest in building resilience and adaptive capacities, strengthening early warning systems, promoting climate-smart agriculture and empowering communities.
“My Administration is firmly on course towards the realisation of Vision 2030. The ongoing reforms to further strengthen macro-economic stability, improve the investment climate, enhance transparency and promote private sector-led growth are yielding positive results,” he said.
“The National Development Strategy 2, launched last year, prioritises accelerated industrialisation, infrastructure development, food and energy security, digital innovation and value addition. It is around these central themes that our respective jurisdictions should deepen cooperation.”
He said the presence of the diplomats in the country affirmed the enduring bond of friendship, partnership and cooperation that Zimbabwe enjoys with other nations.
“We value our relations and remain committed to nurturing bilateral and multilateral partnerships grounded in mutual respect, sovereign equality and shared prosperity. In order to deepen interaction with your missions, it is important that we hold regular engagements towards accelerating trade, investment and socio-economic initiatives. My doors are open,” said President Mnangagwa.
He commended regional and continental institutions and other progressive countries for advocating for the removal of illegal sanctions against Zimbabwe.
“We are encouraged by the constructive dialogue underway with various international actors. We believe that differences should always be minimised for a better future for all of us,” he said.
“Our philosophy, ‘Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none’, is an enduring principle guiding our foreign policy, reflecting our readiness to work with all member states in the comity of nations.
“My Administration recognises that credibility and predictability are essential ingredients for restoring investor confidence and unlocking new lines of financing,” he said.
“In this spirit, my Government’s ongoing engagement with international financial institutions, under the Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution Process, is progressing well. We are taking concrete steps towards fulfilling our financial obligations. Similarly, the stabilisation of our economy and its integration into the global financial and trade system are continuing. We welcome your support in these endeavours.”
Turning to agriculture, President Mnangagwa noted that the 2025-2026 summer cropping season was promising to have a bumper harvest, which will consolidate the country’s food security position.
“Regrettably, our SADC region continues to experience severe flooding due to climate change. During the current season, parts of Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa were not spared,” he said.
He said Zimbabwe continues to invest in building resilience and adaptive capacities, strengthening early warning systems, promoting climate-smart agriculture and empowering communities.
“Global shifts in development financing and cooperation have challenged many countries in the global south to reassess strategies for sustainable economic growth. Zimbabwe remains grateful for partnerships that have supported our development, modernisation and industrialisation journey. We are determined to scale up domestic resource mobilisation to bridge the funding gap as well as to venture into new innovative models that recognise our unique circumstances. Lasting investments and collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure development, green energy, health and the environment are welcome,” he said.
“My Administration will continue to play its part to consolidate the gains we have realised together and establish new cooperation frameworks. These must be based on respect, the principle of sovereign equality of states and non-interference in our internal affairs.”
The event, which is held as the year begins, enables President Mnangagwa to provide his reflections on several issues regarding the country’s foreign policy.
Yesterday’s event was attended by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, diplomats and international organisations accredited to Zimbabwe and senior Government officials.
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