President Mnangagwa Charts Course for Vision 2030 at ZANU PF Conference

By Edward Makuzva in Mutare

President and First Secretary of ZANU PF, Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has reaffirmed the ruling party’s commitment to driving Zimbabwe towards Vision 2030 through economic empowerment, industrialisation, and rural transformation, while safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and revolutionary values.

Addressing delegates at the official opening of the 22nd ZANU PF National People’s Conference at Mutare Polytechnic College in Manicaland Province on Friday, President Mnangagwa said the event marked a crucial moment for introspection and action as the nation accelerates its developmental momentum.

“This Conference, themed ‘Attainment of Vision 2030 through Economic Empowerment and Value Addition’, is timely.

It allows us to refine and re-focus our people-centred revolution to modernise and industrialise Zimbabwe for the shared prosperity of all communities,” President Mnangagwa explained.

The President paid glowing tribute to Manicaland Province, describing it as “kumakomoyo”—the heart of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.

He commended the province’s enduring revolutionary spirit, recalling the sacrifices of heroes such as Chief Rekayi Tangwena, Chief Makoni, Cde Herbert Chitepo, Ndabaningi Sithole, Maurice Nyagumbo, Edgar Tekere, and Kumbirayi Kangai.

“Manicaland’s valleys, mountains, and rivers bear the footprints of those who fought for our freedom. Their courage inspires us to defend the Party’s founding ideology,” said President Mnangagwa.

Economic Growth and Rural Industrialisation

President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s economy was firmly on a growth trajectory, with policies translating into tangible results across all districts, wards, and villages.

“We are a nation on the rise systematically, orderly, and through a disciplined approach, we are building Zimbabwe brick by brick and stone upon stone,” he said.

President Mnangagwa emphasised that sustainable development was not an overnight process, but a deliberate effort anchored on empowerment, productivity, and inclusivity.

He reiterated that no one and no place will be left behind in the national development agenda.

The President urged the establishment of factories and industries in rural communities to create jobs for young people, saying local production should anchor national prosperity.

“We want factories in rural areas.

Goods needed by our people must be produced where they live.

The responsibility to create jobs for our young people lies with us all,” said President Mnangagwa.

Agriculture and Food Security

On the agricultural front, President Mnangagwa said increased productivity under programmes like Pfumvudza/Intwasa had ensured food self-sufficiency and resilience against climate change.

He congratulated farmers and urged the Party to steer efforts toward market-driven agriculture that boosts exports and household incomes.

“Our agriculture must feed the nation and export to the world. Higher productivity must now translate to agro-industrial expansion,” he said.

Preparations for the 2025/26 summer cropping season, he added, were already underway, with input distribution ongoing nationwide.

Youth, Innovation, and Industrialisation

President Mnangagwa hailed Zimbabwe’s youth for their innovation and enterprise across sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, ICTs, and tourism.

“Our young people are emerging as masters of their own destinies. As ZANU PF, we support you—the youth are the builders of our nation,” he said, reaffirming the Party’s mantra:“Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo — Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo.”

He also underscored the importance of science-based education and pledged continued government support towards building and equipping laboratories, particularly in rural schools.

Unity, Discipline, and Anti-Corruption DriveTurning to internal Party affairs, the President urged members to uphold discipline, unity, and the Constitution of ZANU PF, warning that corruption and factionalism would not be tolerated.

“Corruption of any kind has no place among us, it is cancerous to our national development agenda.

Discipline and integrity of Party members must be beyond question,” he declared.

He reminded delegates that ZANU PF was a mass revolutionary movement, not a private entity belonging to individuals or cliques.“ZANU PF is not anyone’s property.

It cannot fit in anyone’s pocket. It belongs to the people of Zimbabwe,” he asserted.

Defending Sovereignty and National PridePresident Mnangagwa condemned false narratives spread on social media and reiterated his administration’s commitment to defending Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and independence.

“Our country is not for sale. Zimbabwe cannot be governed on social media, it was bought with the blood of our heroes. Under my leadership, ZANU PF will remain vigilant in defending our unity, peace, and democracy,” he said.

He also saluted Zimbabwe’s international allies who have stood firm against illegal sanctions and other global challenges affecting the country, reaffirming ZANU PF’s Pan-African and liberation movement roots.

Looking Ahead

As the Conference moved into its business sessions, President Mnangagwa tabled the Central Committee Report, noting that the Party continues to grow, modernise, and strengthen its influence nationwide.

He urged delegates to focus on unity, membership growth, and preparations for the upcoming harmonised elections.

“Let us deliberate with unity of purpose and determination.

Our focus must remain on advancing the development of our motherland and ensuring a prosperous future for all Zimbabweans,” said the President.

The President concluded by reaffirming that ZANU PF’s philosophy of empowerment, patriotism, and self-reliance will remain the guiding light toward achieving Vision 2030.

“The successes of the ZANU PF Government are like a light that grows brighter and brighter. We are a united, peaceful, and indivisible nation, Zimbabwe is our pride, our heritage, and our destiny,” he said to thunderous applause.