Here we reproduce in full President Mnangagwa’s address at the engagement with Zimbabwe’s Ambassadors, Ambassadors-Designate, Consuls-General and Chargé d’affaires in Harare yesterday.
It is my pleasure to officiate at this crucial engagement with you, sons and daughters of our nation, who serve our great motherland, Zimbabwe in foreign lands.
It is most opportune that this interface is being held following the successful 23rd National People’s Conference of our colossal, revolutionary, mass Party, ZANU PF and the Strategic Planning Review Workshop in your Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
I am, therefore, confident that you are all clear on the direction we are taking as the ZANU PF led-Government and the role you must play to advance the broader national vision, key result areas of the Ministry as well as the respective Missions where you serve.
The Second Republic has entered into an era where resolutions and strategies must accumulate into accelerated service delivery, results and accountability.
As foreign service officials your individual and collective efforts must reflect our ongoing diplomatic thrust, under the engagement and re-engagement drive.
Working in liaison with the relevant departments back home, you have a duty to advance our national development goals and transform the quality of life for every Zimbabwean.
Our shared national vision, to become a prosperous and empowered upper-middle income society by 2030, remains the over-arching guide to the development programmes and projects across Government.
To further fast-track our development agenda, accelerate industrialisation and modernisation, international cooperation is key.
This entails enhancing our national capacity to innovate and develop our own institutions, so that we produce more quality “made in Zimbabwe” products and services.
Accordingly, all embassies are strategic and competitive platforms for trade promotion, investment facilitation and tourism marketing.
Through the effective execution of your roles, our country should benefit from technology transfer, scientific cooperation as well as specialist scientific skills training, which are found in other jurisdictions.
Women and youth entrepreneurs, farmers, manufacturers, miners, tourism operators, innovators and other producers must benefit from the work undertaken by you, our ambassadors.
Under my Administration serving as diplomats is not “child’s play”.
Ndinoda madzimai nevarume vakatsunga, vakazvipira kushanda nesimba kuti nyika ibudirire. Avo vanofunga kuti vari kuenda kuholiday, bodo.
Hamusi kuenda kunze ikoko kunomwa mazambiringa.
I demand results.
You are required to be principled and pragmatic, ensuring that our foreign relations are fluid, responsive and forward looking.
“Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none”; we can never be dependent on any single country or bloc.
I count on you, diplomats to give the necessary advice and analysis that will continuously sharpen our decisions and national positions on international developments as well as bilateral and multilateral agreements.
Diplomats the launch-pads through which emerging opportunities are harnessed, challenges are responded to and threats identified.
In doing so, I urge us to always protect Zimbabwe’s national interests, defend the right to chart our own destiny and constructively engage other countries on the basis of mutual respect, for win-win benefits.
As you are all aware, diplomacy exists for people, inclusive of our Zimbabwean Diaspora community.
Our Constitution obliges the State to protect and promote the welfare of Zimbabwean citizens living abroad.
In this respect, missions, through consular service are at the forefront of meeting that obligation.
In discharging this role, you are required to be efficient, humane and receptive to all our citizens, no matter their tribe, race, creed or social standing.
The Diaspora community, are an indispensable asset and a vital cog for sustainable socio-economic development.
Under the Second Republic, their contributions will continue to be reflected in our ongoing national development, modernisation and industrialisation agenda.
Outcomes of the Fourth Annual Diaspora Conference held in Gweru, with regard to investments, identified opportunities and challenges, must guide conversations with communities.
I challenge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, together with other stakeholders to finalise the review of the National Diaspora Policy.
It is a fact that among Zimbabweans are the world’s best educated and skilled professionals.
I urge Ambassadors to identify opportunities for our nationals to be appointed to serve in strategic positions in regional and international organisations.
Ladies and Gentlemen; I commend you for the diplomatic milestones our country has achieved since our last engagement.
Our standing has continued to present important avenues to advance our national interests.
On October 22, 2026, we successfully hosted the 25th Summit of the COMESA Authority of Heads of State and Government, and assumed the Chairmanship of the COMESA Authority.
We have a collective duty and responsibility to execute this role, working closely with our brothers and sisters in the region, in the true spirit of Leaving No One and No Place Behind.
Meanwhile, Southern Africa will have its turn to host the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in 2027.
To this end, we are grateful that SADC has rallied behind our bid, and urge our Diplomatic Missions to support our country’s efforts to securing this opportunity.
Our engagements must be conducted with the necessary diplomatic sensitivity and respect, yet firm in the pursuit of our national interests.
It is also pleasing that the 18th Meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers in Abuja, unanimously endorsed Zimbabwe to host the 19th Council of Ministers Meeting in 2027, and the Intra-African Trade Fair in 2029.
These are not ceremonial honours, but platforms for our exporters, manufacturers and service providers to grow their businesses.
Every Mission is expected to use these and other platforms to bring buyers and investors to our beloved motherland.
Zimbabwe is open for business and capital is safe in our destination.
Last year, I directed you to put all hands on the deck for our candidature to the United Nations Security Council.
You delivered, and the world responded overwhelmingly.
Congratulations for your efforts.
Well done.
Our successful election to the UN Security Council reflects the confidence placed on Zimbabwe by the international community.
We shall assume this responsibility, driven by the simple conviction that without peace there can be no sustainable, socio-economic development and shared prosperity.
Zimbabwe is ‘A Friend to All and Enemy to None’, we respect international law, peaceful coexistence with other nations and the settlement of disputes through dialogue.
The UN Charter must be protected and guide multilateral affairs.
I call upon every mission to play its part and contribute to our national undertaking within the UN Security Council through timely reporting and strategic engagement, as well as providing early warning to emerging threats to peace and security.
Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen; Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo.
As you return to your duty stations, let our diplomacy be guided by unity of purpose, strategic clarity, accountability and a firm commitment to transformative results.
I direct you to translate the outcomes of the 23rd People’s Conference of our revolutionary, mass Party, ZANU PF, along with the Ministry’s Strategic Planning Workshop into clear programmes and measurable targets.
In executing your respective roles, never work in silos, but in close liaison with other Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Heads of Mission are called upon to exercise prudent financial and administrative management.
Government property must be properly maintained and public resources responsibly used.
The overall management of Mission operations must be consistent with standing procedures and regulations.
Together, let us wholeheartedly serve Zimbabwe, with unflinching patriotism, loyalty, focus, humility and professionalism.
With these remarks, I wish all of you success in your respective assignments and safe travel back to your jurisdictions and stations of service.
God bless you all. God bless Zimbabwe.
I thank you.
