Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe yesterday pledged to continue improving its diplomatic machinery under the Second Republic, with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira emphasising that the nation’s foreign policy must remain grounded in constitutional values, national sovereignty, and the transformative goals of Vision 2030.
Delivering his keynote address at the inaugural Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute Strategic Planning Workshop in Harare, Prof Murwira stated that the country’s diplomacy was inseparable from the national commitment to build a prosperous and democratic society.
“Our collective aspiration as a people is to build a sustainable, just, free, and democratic society where Zimbabweans enjoy prosperous, happy, and fulfilling lives,” said Prof Murwira.
“This is the essence of our national vision as pronounced by His Excellency, President Dr ED Mnangagwa, and it must anchor our diplomacy, our trade policy, and the professional conduct of our foreign service.”
Prof Murwira pointed out that the Constitution remains the nation’s guiding compass in all external relations, describing it as both a legal and moral framework.
He noted that Section 12 directs that foreign policy must promote and protect national interests, respect international law, foster peaceful coexistence, and resolve disputes through peaceful means.
Zimbabwe’s doctrinal foundations—the doctrine of foreign relations and international cooperation—represent the living principles shaping the nation’s global posture.
The diplomatic doctrine affirms that “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo / Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo,” emphasising that the liberation of the mind is central to dismantling the lingering effects of colonialism.
President Mnangagwa has declared that Zimbabwe is “a friend to all and enemy to none,” and that the country is open for business, a development that has attracted more investors seeking opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
Prof Murwira asserted that these doctrinal pillars must shape the curriculum, training, and advisory services of the Zimbabwe Foreign Services Institute. Foreign policy should promote a peaceful and secure international environment, facilitate local production for export markets, strengthen tourism, advance cooperation in education, science, and innovation, and protect citizens abroad.
“These goals are the operational mandate of our diplomats. They must be trained to embody them with dignity, integrity, and humility,” he stated.
Prof Murwira announced that Cabinet has approved the principles of the forthcoming Foreign Affairs and International Trade Bill, which will formalise Zimbabwe’s foreign service architecture in law.
This legislative framework ensures that the country’s system remains visionary, coherent, and institutionally sustainable.
“With this foundation, we move forward with confidence to produce the Act that will enshrine Zimbabwe’s foreign policy in law and practice.”
Turning to the role of the ZFSI, Prof Murwira described the institute as a strategic national asset responsible for shaping the country’s diplomatic future. It is the premier institution entrusted with producing diplomats who safeguard the national image and enhance global competitiveness. He added that the inaugural strategic plan must therefore be based on eight programme pillars that operationalise the foreign policy.
Prof Murwira stressed that working in the foreign service is a noble responsibility and should not be regarded as a privilege above any other citizen.
“This inaugural strategic planning workshop marks the beginning of a decisive new chapter in Zimbabwe’s foreign service architecture. It is a defining moment of national resolve, setting in motion the design and implementation of a system that uplifts our people, strengthens our institutions, and secures Zimbabwe’s rightful place among the community of nations,” he concluded.
