By Caroline Washaya Moyo
President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has challenged Zimbabwe’s diplomatic corps to adopt a results-driven approach that accelerates national development, attracts investment and improves the livelihoods of citizens, declaring that the country’s foreign missions must deliver tangible economic benefits.
Addressing Zimbabwe’s Ambassadors, Ambassadors-designate, Consuls-General and Chargé d’Affaires, President Mnangagwa said the Second Republic had entered an era where resolutions and strategies must translate into accelerated service delivery, measurable results and accountability.
He emphasised that the country’s diplomatic thrust, anchored on the engagement and re-engagement policy, must support the national vision of attaining an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
“Accordingly, all Embassies are strategic and competitive platforms for trade promotion, investment facilitation and tourism marketing,” said President Mnangagwa.
He called on diplomats to strengthen international cooperation in technology transfer, scientific innovation and skills development, while creating opportunities for women and youth entrepreneurs, farmers, manufacturers, miners, tourism operators and other producers.
The President underscored the importance of professionalism, commitment and accountability in the discharge of diplomatic duties, warning that serving abroad was not an opportunity for leisure but a responsibility demanding tangible results.
He further reiterated Zimbabwe’s foreign policy principle of being “a friend to all and an enemy to none”, stressing that the country must maintain balanced international relations while safeguarding its sovereignty and national interests.
President Mnangagwa also highlighted the importance of protecting the welfare of Zimbabweans living abroad, urging diplomatic missions to provide efficient, humane and inclusive consular services.
He called for the finalisation of the review of the National Diaspora Policy, while encouraging ambassadors to identify opportunities for skilled Zimbabweans to occupy strategic positions in regional and international organisations.
On regional and multilateral diplomacy, the President commended Zimbabwe’s successful hosting of the 25th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government on 22 October 2026, which saw the country assume the Chairmanship of the COMESA Authority.
He also welcomed Zimbabwe’s endorsement to host the 19th AfCFTA Council of Ministers Meeting in 2027 and the Intra-African Trade Fair in 2029, describing the platforms as important opportunities for exporters, manufacturers and service providers to expand their businesses.
The President congratulated the diplomatic corps on Zimbabwe’s successful election to the United Nations Security Council, calling for timely reporting, strategic engagement and early warning on emerging threats to international peace and security.
He urged Heads of Mission to translate the outcomes of the 23rd ZANU PF People’s Conference and the Ministry’s Strategic Planning Workshop into clear programmes and measurable targets.
President Mnangagwa further called for prudent financial and administrative management, responsible use of public resources and close cooperation between diplomatic missions and Government ministries, departments and agencies.
The President’s message reinforces the strategic role of Zimbabwe’s foreign missions in advancing economic diplomacy, strengthening international partnerships and supporting the country’s industrialisation and modernisation agenda under the Second Republic.
