From Isolation to Influence: Zimbabwe leverages diplomacy to steer growth

Vusumuzi Dube in Maphisa

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has said that Zimbabwe is leveraging diplomacy to deliver tangible development gains as sustained international re-engagement is deepening diplomatic ties, translating into expanded economic opportunities, renewed investor confidence and a stronger national brand.

These milestones are anchored on active and respected participation in regional and global affairs, affirming Zimbabwe’s position as a “friend to all and an enemy to none”.

Speaking during the 46th Independence Day celebrations in Maphisa on Saturday, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s foreign policy of maintaining friendly relations with all nations was opening new opportunities for trade, investment and international co-operation.

This has seen the country broadening and deepening relations with countries and blocs across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, while also expanding co-operation with Caribbean and Pacific Island states.

President Mnangagwa said this deliberate policy position was strengthening Zimbabwe’s diplomatic footprint and creating fresh opportunities for economic collaboration in key sectors.

“On the international relations domain, Zimbabwe is ‘a friend to all and an enemy to none’,” he said.

“Our country is deepening and broadening relations with other jurisdictions, across Africa, Asia, Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, as well as the recent addition of the Caribbean and Pacific Island States.”

The President said Zimbabwe’s growing regional influence would be on full display in October when the country hosts the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) Summit where it will assume the chairmanship of the regional bloc.

“In October 2026, Zimbabwe will be honoured to host the Comesa Summit and assume the chairmanship of that august regional organisation,” he said.

The hosting of the Summit is expected to elevate Zimbabwe’s profile in regional trade diplomacy and provide a platform to promote investment, infrastructure development and deeper economic integration within eastern and southern Africa.

President Mnangagwa also revealed that Zimbabwe’s diplomatic campaign for election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term was progressing well, a move he said reflected growing confidence in the country’s role in global governance.

“Engagements are progressing well in our campaign for election for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, for the 2027 to 2028 term,” he said.

The President also said Zimbabwe’s expanding diplomatic outreach was anchored on the principle of mutual respect, peace and shared prosperity, with the Government committed to building constructive partnerships that support national development.

He said the country’s improved international standing was also being reflected in sectors such as tourism, where Zimbabwe was increasingly receiving global recognition.

For instance, the President noted that Zimbabwe’s tourism sector grew by 10 percent in 2025, generating US$1,3 billion in receipts, while the country was recognised by Forbes as the world’s best country to visit in 2025.

“That award, among others, together with new products such as gastronomy tourism, re-affirms the strength of Brand Zimbabwe,” he said.

This, coupled with the growth of ‘Brand Zimbabwe’ demonstrates that international confidence in the country was rising, not only as a tourism destination but also as a partner for trade and investment.

Through its “friend to all and enemy to none” foreign policy doctrine, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe will increasingly project itself as a co-operative and forward-looking nation committed to peace, regional integration and mutually beneficial global partnerships.

Meanwhile, the President paid tribute to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the role he played in ensuring the return of the last soap stone birds of Zimbabwe that were taken to South Africa during the colonial regime.

“My Government will continue to ensure that Zimbabwe’s rich heritage is freed from the hostage in Western museums, public spaces and private galleries. The cultural heritage of Zimbabwe belongs to the people of our beloved motherland,” he said.

“We celebrate the recent repatriation of the Zimbabwe soapstone bird, the Chapungu, along with other ancestral human remains, previously held in South Africa. These are part of our shared identity and their return to our motherland, provide closure and cultural restoration.

“We are grateful to the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa for facilitating this act of restitutive justice,” said President Mnangagwa.