President Mnangagwa Meets Ambassadors: Calls For Increased Focus on Economic Diplomacy

By Ilyana Sithole

President Emmerson Mnangagwa convened a significant meeting with Zimbabwe’s ambassadors and consuls general at State House and emphasized on the vital role that foreign missions play in furthering the country’s development agenda.

In his speech, President Mnangagwa urged the ambassadors to use their positions to support Zimbabwe’s economic interests overseas and called for a renewed emphasis on economic diplomacy. He emphasized how crucial their positions are in representing the country and spearheading programs that support the governments goal of having an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

“It is your duty to ensure that the missions you superintend scale up initiatives towards advancing the realization of our vision,” he stated, emphasizing the expectation for high-impact results in their engagements.

The President also restated the governments dedication to revolutionary policies that use contemporary technologies to boost output and productivity. He praised the Zimbabwean peoples tenacity in the face of persistent difficulties and highlighted recent achievements in a number of industries including infrastructure, mining and agriculture.

In his remarks, President Mnangagwa recognized the complexity of international relations including trade wars and geopolitical tensions in the current geopolitical environment. In light of the growing significance of intra-African trade and South-South cooperation, he urged the ambassadors to modify and innovate their diplomatic strategies.

“Zimbabweans by nature are not a people who mourn or merely complain. We are action-oriented, a resilient people and trailblazers,” he said, reinforcing the need for proactive engagement in foreign missions.

“Our nation is leading various programmes and projects that reflect ongoing efforts to accelerate innovation and industrialisation within the region,” he said, calling on the ambassadors to ensure the success of Zimbabwe’s tenure in the regional body.

In order to support Zimbabwe’s economic development going forward, he underlined the diplomats need to cultivate alliances and collaborations with investors and stakeholders in their respective home nations.

As they represent Zimbabwe overseas, President Mnangagwa urged the ambassadors to uphold the values of solidarity, patriotism and diligence. He expressed confidence in their ability to further the nations development agenda and reaffirmed the importance of being vigilant in defending national interests and sovereignty.

“Results at your respective posts will judge your performance. The casual approach will not be condoned,” he cautioned, calling for a united effort to elevate Zimbabwe’s standing within the global community.

As the meeting came to an end, the president wished the ambassadors a safe return to their missions and reaffirmed his belief in their capacity to advance the country’s development agenda.

With clear directives and an emphasis on economic diplomacy, President Mnangagwa’s address serves as a reminder of the critical role that Zimbabwe’s diplomatic corps plays in shaping the nation’s future amidst a challenging global landscape.