Let’s Drive Economic Development Politics

President Mnangagwa Calls for Collective Effort in National Development

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reiterated the importance of collective effort and dedicated action in transforming Zimbabwe’s economy, particularly as the nation transitions into the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). His speech at the ZANU PF 22nd Annual National People’s Conference in Mutare emphasized the need for all stakeholders to work together to lift people out of poverty and towards prosperity.

Operationalising Party Resolutions

The President stressed that the ruling party must operationalise its resolutions into deliverable programmes and projects. He urged villages, branches, districts, and provinces to ensure that there are clearly laid out strategies and benchmarks towards achieving the economic priorities set by the party. This includes ensuring that these strategies continue to be implemented until the next gathering and beyond.

Collaboration Across Sectors

Government ministries, departments, and agencies were called upon to improve collaboration and synergies to ensure the effective implementation of policies and programmes. The President highlighted the sacred duty of everyone involved to act and work harder towards lifting many of our people out of poverty into prosperity, especially during this transition period.

Bound by Resolutions

ZANU PF members, according to the President, are bound by the resolutions adopted at the National People’s Conference level, which reflect the aspirations of the people. He emphasized that the party must ensure that all resolutions and decisions are effectively implemented to drive economic growth and enhance the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.

Well-Organised Party

President Mnangagwa described ZANU PF as a strong, dynamic, and well-organised party committed to improving the quality of life for all Zimbabweans. He urged members to inform the party membership about the progress being made and to ensure that no one is left behind. Grassroots communities, including the Diaspora structures, should be updated on the Conference resolutions and made to appreciate their roles for collective success.

Reaffirming Party Commitment

The conference reaffirmed the party’s status as a transformative and modernising revolutionary movement committed to national self-determination. The President praised the open and forward-looking discussions at the conference, with resolutions underscoring the party’s readiness to drive industrialisation, modernisation, and improve citizens’ quality of life.

Resistance Against External Influence

The President also stated that outsiders have no right to dictate anything to the ruling party. He emphasized that Zimbabwe is running its own race and that no one, including outsiders, should dictate anything to them.

Regional Cooperation and Sanctions

He mentioned that combined efforts by Zimbabwe and its regional peers in SADC will lead to the collapse of illegal economic sanctions imposed by the United States and its Western allies. On Saturday, the Southern African Development Community, together with progressive countries, will commemorate Anti-Sanctions Day. The President urged the nation to resist and continue amplifying their voices towards the total and unconditional removal of the illegal sanctions.

Key Highlights from the Conference

• Presidential Term Extension: Extend the President’s term from 2028 to 2030.
• Economic Policies: Back ZiG as the sole legal tender for domestic transactions, improve ZiG note quality, and fast-track reforms to cut business regulatory costs.
• Social Policies: Provide social safety nets, review public servant and pensioner benefits, and establish a comprehensive road accident fund.
• Economic Development: Invest in renewable energy, promote local manufacturing, curb raw material exportation, and prioritise value addition.
• Infrastructure Improvement: Accelerate infrastructure projects, improve the railway network, and modernise border posts.
• Social Development: Provide free public Wi-Fi, accelerate low-cost housing provision, support women’s housing, and meet their financial needs.