By Zachary Gava
Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for the urgent adoption of climate-smart agriculture and increased agricultural productivity to safeguard the country’s food security ahead of the forecast 2026–2027 El Nino weather phenomenon, warning that proactive planning is critical to sustaining the country’s agricultural gains.
Addressing the ZANU PF 394th Ordinary Politburo Session at the party headquarters in Harare on Wednesday, President Mnangagwa said although Zimbabwe’s economy remained on a positive growth trajectory, preparations for climate-induced weather shocks could not be delayed.
“The need to bolster agriculture production and productivity, particularly ahead of the predicted 2026-2027 El Niño disruptive weather, cannot be ignored,” he said.
He challenged party leaders at every level to spearhead discussions on climate change and ensure farming communities embrace climate-smart agricultural practices tailored to their respective ecological regions.
“The Party and leadership across all levels must engage in the conversations around climate change, so as to ensure that agro-ecological tailoring and the promotion of climate-smart agriculture is adopted across communities. Doing so will help build adaptation capacities and resilience while reducing the vulnerabilities of our communities,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the country’s positive economic outlook was reflected in projections of yet another landmark wheat harvest, underscoring the importance of protecting gains made in the agricultural sector through innovation, resilience and sustainable farming practices.
Beyond agriculture, the President urged Zimbabweans to play a more active role in driving economic growth, saying collective effort, discipline and hard work remained essential to achieving the aspirations of the National Development Strategy 2.
“Economic sovereignty remains critical for the Zimbabwe we all want. Collective effort, hard honest work, focus and commitment to the national development agenda, as espoused in our National Development Strategy 2, is our duty as a nation,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also encouraged the ruling party’s leadership to facilitate greater citizen participation in investment opportunities created by Government reforms, including the recently launched Victoria Falls International Financial Centre, which he said would strengthen country’s position as a regional and international investment destination.
“Our people must be active participants in these developments. Vanhu vedu ngavakurudzirwe kuchengetedza zvavanowana kumabasa akasiyana siyana (Our people should be encouraged to preserve and safeguard the wealth and resources they earn from their various economic activities).” he said.
On the international front, President Mnangagwa welcomed the counntry’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, describing it as recognition of it’s growing role in promoting global peace, security and multilateral cooperation.
He also said preparations to host the 2026 COMESA Summit, at which Zimbabwe will assume the chairmanship of the regional bloc, were progressing well and would provide opportunities to advance the country’s socio-economic development agenda and regional integration.
The Politburo meeting also coincided with the commemoration of the 27th anniversary of the passing of the late Vice President and national hero Joshua Nkomo, with President Mnangagwa calling on Zimbabweans, particularly the youth, to uphold the values of patriotism, unity and selfless service that defined the life of the liberation stalwart.
“As we honour his legacy, we must ensure that the vision and ideals of Father Zimbabwe continue to inspire younger generations. His values and principles should serve as a lasting guide, shaping their character, conduct and commitment to building the nation,” he said.
New Ziana
