Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE – In a resolute address marking the official opening of the Zanu PF 22nd People’s Conference, President Emmerson Mnangagwa called for a refined, people-centred revolution to propel Zimbabwe towards an “upper middle income society” by 2030.
Before a gathered party faithful, the President framed the conference, themed ‘Attainment of Vision 2030, through Economic Empowerment and Value Addition,’ as a critical juncture to recalibrate the nation’s development trajectory.
The speech, delivered in Mutare today, struck a balance between affirming the party’s unchanging revolutionary DNA and demanding its adaptation to modern realities, all while projecting an image of a nation steadily ascending despite detractors.
“The upcoming implementation cycle of the National Development Strategy 2 and the Harmonised General Elections remains of utmost importance,” President Mnangagwa declared, signalling the high-stakes political and economic period ahead. “The Party’s machinery should never rest but remain well-oiled to serve the people and advance the development of our motherland, Zimbabwe.”
He urged delegates to engage in “factual, frank and constructive discussions,” while respecting “each other’s divergent views,” a nod to the internal democratic processes of the party.
Central to his message was the role of Zanu PF as the nation’s indispensable engine.
“Our colossal mass Party, is indeed the engine-room of national development, a responsibility which we do not take lightly,” he stated, praising its leadership from grassroots issues like fighting drug abuse to macroeconomic goals of industrialisation.
However, President Mnangagwa cautioned against complacency, emphasising that while the party’s core identity “will never change,” it must not “shy away from continually adapting and responding to the requirements of the changing times.”
He pointed to new realities such as urbanisation, increased ICT usage, and a more educated, mobile citizenry as factors demanding a dynamic party approach.
On the economic front, President Mnangagwa presented a narrative of undeniable progress.
“The Zanu PF-led Government, under my leadership, is championing an undeniable economic revolution with a firm GDP growth trajectory,” he asserted, claiming the impacts of government policies are being felt “in all districts, wards and villages.”
He directly addressed critics, stating, “No amount of falsehoods by detractors will ever conceal the true and positive story of Zimbabwe.” Framing the nation’s development as a meticulous, long-term project, he dismissed the notion of a “Big Bang” transformation.
“We are a nation on the rise. Systematically, orderly, and through a disciplined approach; we are building the Zimbabwe we want; brick by brick, and stone upon stone.”
A significant portion of the address was dedicated to agriculture, which President Mnangagwa described as the “reliable and consistent path to self-reliance.”
He called for the conference to guide the nation towards a market-driven agricultural sector focused not only on feeding the nation but also on expanding exports.
“Preparations for the 2025/2026 summer cropping season have already begun. Inputs are being dispatched across the country,” he revealed, congratulating the party for mobilising farmers towards “climate proofing our agriculture.” He singled out the increased uptake of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa conservation farming programme as a demonstration of the national will to “produce what we eat.”
Citing record maize, wheat, and tobacco yields, alongside strong mineral sales and a growing tourism sector, the President painted a picture of “unstoppable potential.”
In a notable acknowledgement, President Mnangagwa praised the Zimbabwean diaspora for their role in national development.
“Our citizens in the diaspora are playing their part in building our motherland, through remittances and increasingly, by investing in different parts of the economy,” he said. “Such acts of patriotism and allegiance to our motherland are commendable.”
Looking forward, he committed to continued collaboration with the private sector to “consolidate the gains” from the prevailing business environment.
The conference is now tasked with translating the President’s broad directives into concrete programmes. As delegates break into discussions, the challenge remains to forge a path that unites the party’s foundational principles with the demands of a rapidly evolving nation, all under the pressing countdown to the ambitious Vision 2030.
