Harare, (New Ziana) – Â President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on Africa to take greater responsibility for building, modernizing and industrializing its economy, saying the continent must harness its own opportunities while remaining firmly in charge of its development priorities.
President Mnangagwa made the call in Lusaka on Tuesday when he attended the inauguration of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema for his second term in office.
He said African countries should welcome partnerships and external support, but ensure such assistance is guided by their own national visions and priorities.
“In looking into the future, in the context of new and emerging realities, let us harness the opportunities presented to our SADC region and great Continent of Africa,” President Mnangagwa said.
“In doing so, we must remain mindful that the responsibility to build, develop, modernize and industrialize our respective countries lies with us. Partners come to help us, based on our own Vision and priorities.”
President Mnangagwa urged Africans to remain confident in their sovereignty and independence, stressing that the continent should not apologize for pursuing its own development path.
“Let us never apologize for being a proud, sovereign and independent African people,” he said.
He reinforced the message by invoking the message, “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo”, which means that a country is built, governed and prayed for by its own people.
President Mnangagwa also used the occasion to congratulate President Hichilema on his re-election, describing his victory and that of his United Party for National Development as evidence of the confidence Zambians have placed in his leadership.
“Your resounding victory and that of the Party you lead, the United Party for National Development, is testament of their faith, trust and confidence in your astute leadership and ability to steward the country to unity, prosperity and a higher quality of life,” President Mnangagwa said.
He pledged Zimbabwe’s continued cooperation with Zambia during Hichilema’s second term, particularly in strengthening bilateral relations for the benefit of citizens of both countries.
The two neighbouring countries, he said, enjoy strong historical, cultural and economic ties, which have been further strengthened by the elevation of their Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation into a Bi-National Commission.
President Mnangagwa recalled President Hichilema’s working visit to Zimbabwe in November 2025, during which the two leaders co-chaired the inaugural session of the Zimbabwe-Zambia Bi-National Commission.
He described the visit as a confirmation of the longstanding friendship and solidarity between the two countries and expressed confidence that the second Hichilema administration would provide fresh impetus for deeper cooperation.
“I am confident that under this new mandate entrusted to you by the great people of Zambia, we shall continue working together with stronger synergies and strategic focus to achieve the development targets we set for our two countries,” he said.
President Mnangagwa further emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other international platforms to advance peace, security and shared development.
He thanked Zambia for supporting Zimbabwe’s successful election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 period.
He also expressed appreciation for Zambia’s calls for the removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, describing the country’s position as a demonstration of solidarity between the two neighbours.
President Mnangagwa said the two nations must continue working together to exploit opportunities emerging across the region and the wider African continent.
New Ziana
