Wallace Ruzvidzo, Zimpapers Reporter
The Second Republic has entered an era where resolutions and strategies must accumulate into accelerated service delivery, results and accountability, President Mnangagwa has said.
In his address to ambassadors, ambassadors-designate, consuls-general and charge d’ affaires at a meet-and-greet engagement in Harare yesterday, the President said all embassies were 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 varikuenda-kuholiday, bodo. Hamusi kuyenda kunze ikoko kunomwa mazambiringa. I demand results,” he said.
President Mnangagwa rallied members of Zimbabwe’s foreign service to be principled and pragmatic, ensuring that the country’s foreign relations are fluid, responsive and forward-looking.
This, he said, should be guided by the Second Republic’s thrust that “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 are 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,” he said.
“As you are all aware, diplomacy exists for people, inclusive of our Zimbabwean Diaspora community.”
Zimbabwe’s Constitution obliges the State to protect and promote the welfare of Zimbabwean citizens living abroad.
In this respect, the President said missions, through consular services, were at the forefront of meeting that obligation.
In discharging this role, President Mnangagwa said the country’s foreign service was required to be efficient, humane and receptive to all 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,” said the President.
He then challenged 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,” said the President.
He went on to commend the country’s foreign service for the diplomatic milestones Zimbabwe has achieved.
“Our standing has continued to present important avenues to advance our national interests.
“On 22 October 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,” said President Mnangagwa.
Meanwhile, Southern Africa will have its turn to host the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in 2027.
To this end, the President said Zimbabwe was grateful that SADC has rallied behind the country’s bid, while urging Diplomatic Missions to support the 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,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s successful election to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reflected the confidence placed in Zimbabwe by the international community.
“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.
“We shall assume this responsibility, driven by the simple conviction that without peace there can be no sustainable, socio-economic development and shared prosperity,” he said.
“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.”
President Mnangagwa said foreign service officials’ efforts must reflect Zimbabwe’s 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 overarching 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,” he said.
The President said it was most opportune that the meet-and-greet interface was being held following the successful 23rd Zanu-PF National People’s Conference and the Strategic Planning Review
Workshop in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
These engagements, he said, ensured that the foreign service were all clear on the direction the Zanu-PF-led Government is taking and the role they must play to advance the broader national
vision, key result areas of the ministry as well as the respective missions where they serve.
“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,” he said.
President Mnangagwa called upon Heads of Missions 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,” he said.
The engagement was attended by Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet Ministers and other senior Government officials.
