Online Reporter
Trust Freddy-Herald Correspondent
VICE President Dr Kembo Mohadi has challenged African nations to reclaim their global narrative and chart a self-determined development path, asserting that the continent is no longer a theatre of problems, but a hub of limitless solutions.
Addressing delegates at the prestigious Iconic Africa Summit and Honours 2026 held in Harare last Friday night, Dr Mohadi said it was high time Africa spoke for herself on the global stage.
The summit, held under the theme “The Africa We Want: Sustainable Development is Everyone’s Responsibility,” brought together visionary leaders, innovators and policymakers from across the continent and the Diaspora.
“For centuries, Africa has been spoken about. Today, Africa must speak for herself,” Dr Mohadi said.
Addressing delegates at the prestigious Iconic Africa Summit and Honours 2026 held in Harare last Friday night, Dr Mohadi said it was high time Africa spoke for herself on the global stage.
“Platforms such as this provide us with the opportunity to reclaim our narratives, celebrate our excellence, and chart our own development path. Africa is not a continent of problems, but a continent of solutions, opportunity, and limitless potential.”
Dr Mohadi also called for inclusive development, citing women and youth as the primary drivers of Africa’s progress.
“No continent can achieve sustainable development, while leaving half of its population behind,” he added.
“Women and youth empowerment is, therefore, not a favour, not a privilege, and not a slogan. It is an economic, social, and moral imperative. Across Africa, women and youth are transforming economies, establishing communities, and shaping the future.”
Another key highlight of the Vice President’s address was the strategic synchronisation of Zimbabwe’s domestic growth plans with continental aspirations. He noted that the National Development Strategy 2, which spans 2026-2030, is meticulously aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Dr Mohadi explained that this alignment ensures that Zimbabwe’s quest to become an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 contributes directly to the broader AU vision of a prosperous and integrated continent.
“Our investment in agriculture modernisation, mining, manufacturing, and the digital economy is strengthening productivity and competitiveness. Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a strategic gateway and logistics hub within Southern Africa,” he said.
The Vice President also presided over the awards ceremony, where several African luminaries were honoured for their contribution to the continent’s growth.
Among the notable honorees were Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika, who was represented by his Minister of Local Government, Dr Ben Malunga Phiri; His Highness Prince Lindani Dlamini (son of His Majesty King Mswati III) and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
Other recognised leaders included South Africa’s Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, Zimbabwe’s Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, and the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire.
Local businessmen who were honoured included Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Dr Paul Tungwarara and Wicknell Chivayo, among others.
In his address, Minister Machakaire challenged African nations to translate vision and goals into tangible action.
Minister Machakaire
“Across Africa, there is clarity of vision, what is required now is unity of purpose and consistency of action. The task before us is simple to express, yet demanding to achieve; we must turn aspirations into implementation and commitment into tangible, inclusive, and sustainable results.
“This gathering resonates deeply with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and the African Union Agenda 2063.”
