President Mnangagwa Reaffirms Zimbabwe’s Resilience as SADC Marks Anti-Sanctions Day

By Edward Makuzva

President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s unwavering resolve to build a prosperous, self-reliant nation despite the continued burden of illegal Western sanctions, as the country joined the rest of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in commemorating the 2025 SADC Anti-Sanctions Day in Harare.

Addressing the nation during the commemorations, President Mnangagwa expressed profound gratitude to the SADC region, the African continent and other progressive nations for their continued solidarity with Zimbabwe in its call for the unconditional lifting of the sanctions.

“This special day, set aside by the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Tanzania, reaffirms regional solidarity in the call for the immediate and unconditional lifting of the illegal and unjustified sanctions imposed on our country,” said the President.

Defending Sovereignty Through Sacrifice

The President reminded the nation that Zimbabwe’s bold decision to reclaim land and redress colonial injustices had invited punitive sanctions from some Western nations that sought to punish the country for asserting its sovereignty.

“Unapologetically, our country took a courageous step to redress historical injustices, including unfair land distribution and ownership systems that marginalised our people. Through sanctions, some Western countries sought to punish us for pursuing equal economic development for the benefit of our citizens,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s history of resilience, drawn from the liberation struggle, continues to guide its path towards national development and self-determination.

“The future of our country rests squarely in our hands. We are stronger in our conviction that through unity, peace, hard work and innovation, any obstacle can be overcome,” said the President.

Building Through Sanctions

The President highlighted the achievements recorded under the Second Republic despite the sanctions, citing growth in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism and infrastructure development.

He revealed that the country’s food self-sufficiency, achieved through climate-proofed agriculture and people-centred policies, was a testimony to Zimbabweans’ determination to thrive under adversity.

“The evidence is all around us that the resolve and hard work of our people continue to be instrumental in overcoming the restrictive illegal sanctions. Brick by brick, stone upon stone, we are building a modern, industrialised Zimbabwe towards Vision 2030,” he affirmed.

Heritage-Based Innovation at the Core

This year’s Anti-Sanctions Day ran under the theme “Inclusive Development through Heritage-based Innovation and Industrialisation, in a Multilateral World.”

President Mnangagwa added that the theme underscores the importance of leveraging Zimbabwe’s cultural identity and indigenous knowledge systems to drive industrialisation, value addition and community empowerment.

“My Government recognises the potential of heritage-based innovation as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth.

We are empowering communities to tap into their comparative advantages and market authentic Zimbabwean products rooted in our culture and traditions,” he added.

Innovation in Development Financing

The President noted that sanctions have hampered Zimbabwe’s access to global lines of credit, forcing the Government to develop home-grown financing models to sustain growth.

“Despite limited access to international credit, my Administration has adopted innovative financing models to ensure the continuity of our developmental agenda,” he explained, adding that ongoing political and legislative reforms were deepening democracy and transparency.

Commitment to Global Peace and Multilateralism

Reiterating Zimbabwe’s foreign policy of engagement and re-engagement, President Mnangagwa highlighted that the country remains committed to multilateralism and international cooperation in pursuit of global peace and equitable development.

“Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none. Our doors remain open to all nations and development partners willing to build win-win partnerships for shared prosperity,” President Mnangagwa explained.

He also announced Zimbabwe’s candidature for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027–2028, underscoring the country’s growing role in global peace and diplomacy.

Celebrating Resilience

Through LiteratureIn a historic moment during the commemorations, President Mnangagwa officially launched a new book titled “Standing Against Illegal Sanctions: Resistance, Policy Innovations and Advocacy.”

The publication, produced under the auspices of INSTAK, documents Zimbabwe’s resilience, policy ingenuity, and advocacy efforts since the imposition of sanctions.

“This well-researched volume offers insightful perspectives from various scholars and sectors on how we have resisted and innovated under sanctions. It stands as a record of our struggle and a source of inspiration for future generations,” said the President.

He commended editors Professor Paul Mapfumo, Mr. Richard Mohomva, and Mr. Tawanda Zinyama, along with all contributors, describing them as “new and emerging heroes” shaping Zimbabwe’s national narrative.

A Call for Total Sanctions Removal

President Mnangagwa concluded his address with a renewed call for the total and unconditional removal of the illegal sanctions, noting that only then can Zimbabwe fully realise its development potential.

“The ongoing dialogue and persistent advocacy for the total removal of the illegal sanctions are not in vain. While we welcome some positive steps taken by certain Western countries, we reaffirm our position — all sanctions must go,” he declared.

He urged Zimbabweans to remain steadfast and united in building their nation, guided by the national philosophy “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo.”

“No force or country, no matter how powerful, can ever derail our progress. Our obligation to build a prosperous and self-reliant Zimbabwe is unshakable,” President Mnangagwa said.