Harare, (New Ziana) – The resolve, determination, and hard work of Zimbabweans continues to be instrumental in overcoming the illegal sanctions that were imposed on the country by the United States of America and its Western allies at the turn of the millennium.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa said this on Saturday, as Zimbabwe joined the Southern Africa Development Committee (SADC), the entire African continent and other progressive nations, in commemorating this year’s edition of the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day.
The day was specifically set aside by the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Tanzania, reaffirming regional solidarity in the call for immediate and unconditional lifting of the illegal and unjustified sanctions.
The theme of this year’s commemorations was: “Inclusive Development through Heritage-based Innovation and Industrialization, in a Multilateral World.”
“Through sanctions, some Western countries sought to punish us for asserting our sovereignty and pursuing equal economic development, for the benefit and prosperity of the people of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. The arduous journey we have walked, including during our liberation struggle, has given us valuable lessons.
“We are now stronger in our conviction that, through unity of purpose, peace, focus, hard-honest work, resilience, and innovative pursuits, any obstacle, in whatever form, can be overcome. As a people, we are more aware that the future of our country rests squarely in our hands. We are facing head-on, challenges and shocks, such as these illegal heinous sanctions, climate change-induced droughts and other public health emergencies,” President Mnangagwa said.
He highlighted that programmes and high-impact projects that are being implemented by the Government as well as regulatory reforms across sectors of the economy, were contributing to the stabilisation of the economy.
“Over the years, we have made tremendous progress in our efforts to promote a self-sufficient and food-secure nation. Comprehensive people-centered programmes and projects have been implemented to enhance agricultural productivity.
“Climate-proofing our agriculture has seen the country attaining food self-sufficiency. Natural calamities have been met with swift mitigation, adaptation, and resilience-building programmes. Despite the effects of illegal sanctions, our national economy has been on a positive growth trajectory.
“Under the Second Republic we continue to register notable increases in foreign currency earnings, marked by export receipts, diaspora remittances, and foreign direct investment inflows. Manufacturing, mining, infrastructure development, energy, as well as the tourism and hospitality industry have shown resilience and growth. Zimbabwe is Open for Business, and the concrete measures to improve the Ease of Doing Business in our country is ongoing.
“An array of regulatory reforms is being implemented across different sectors of the economy. These are seeing the simplification of compliance procedures and reducing excessive levies and overlapping costs to create a conducive environment for both domestic and foreign direct investments,” he said before expressing gratitude for the solidarity rendered to Zimbabwe by nations in the SADC region, Africa, and beyond, in advancing the lifting of the sanctions.
Despite the challenges posed by the illegal sanctions, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe remained committed to multilateralism and international cooperation towards the realisation of global peace, security, justice and equitable development.
He said: “Our doors are open and our hands remain outstretched to all nations, private sector stakeholders, and development partners. We stand ready to welcome those willing to work with us, as we build stronger, win-win partnerships and synergies, for shared prosperity and lasting development.
“As a progressive member of the international community, we will continuously lend our voice and efforts, in addressing threats to global peace and stability. Hence, Zimbabwe has presented its candidature for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028.”
President Mnangagwa added that Zimbabwe recognises the potential of heritage-based innovation and production as a catalyst for value addition, beneficiation and inclusive economic growth, hence the Government is implementing targeted initiatives to empower communities so that they leverage and tap into their respective comparative advantages to meet global demand for the unique and authentic Zimbabwean products.
“It is a befitting reminder of the value of heritage-based innovation as our national development blue print for broad, inclusive growth, dignity and self-determination. In this regard, marketing authorities have scaled up the promotion of the export of goods, services, and minerals, among others.
“These are rooted in our cultural identity and indigenous knowledge systems, including traditional foods, arts, crafts, and culture. In navigating the path towards sustainable economic development, Zimbabwe, like other developing countries, recognises the critical importance of access to flexible and reliable lines of credit. Regrettably, the illegal economic sanctions have fundamentally disrupted the ability of our country to access global lines of credit,” he said.
To ensure the continuity of our developmental agenda, the Government has adopted home-grown innovative development financing models to drive the country forward. Similarly, the implementation of political and legislative reforms that benefit the people is ongoing and entrenching Zimbabwe’s standing as a constitutional democracy.
“Through modernising and industrialising our economy, as well as shaping our own narratives, we are demonstrating that locally driven progress can never be sanctioned or delayed,” he said.
At the same event, he unveiled a new book entitled: “Standing Against Illegal Sanctions, Resistance, Policy Innovations and Advocacy” which was edited by Professor Paul Mapfumo, Richard Mohomva and Tawanda Zinyama.
“The book documents our resilience, showcases our policy innovations, and the ongoing advocacy against the illegal sanctions. Further, it captures key highlights of the transformative policy ingenuity implemented by the Second Republic to mitigate the impact of sanctions,” President Mnangagwa said.
New Ziana
