Online Reporter
MacDenias Moyo
The story of Zimbabwe is the story of sacrifice transfigured into sovereignty, of blood spilled so that posterity might inherit dignity. From the First Chimurenga, when Nehanda and Kaguvi rose against dispossession, to the Second Chimurenga, when Josiah Tongogara, Hebert Chitepo, Joshua Nkomo, Robert Mugabe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Jason Moyo and many others led the war to reclaim land and liberty, the covenant was clear: independence without control of land, minerals and the vote would be hollow.
Today, in the Fourth Chimurenga, we march forward with Vision 2030, consolidating the gains of the struggle and building for generations yet unborn.
Mbuya Nehanda’s immortal words “mapfupa angu achamuka” were not poetry but prophecy. Josiah Tongogara declared that “the war is about land, because without land the people have no life.” Joshua Nkomo thundered that “the wealth of our soil must serve our people, not foreign masters.” Herbert Chitepo warned that sovereignty without resources would be meaningless. Robert Mugabe proclaimed that “our minerals are the birthright of Zimbabweans, and no foreign power shall dictate their use.” These voices echo still, reminding us that the struggle was for posterity, for sovereignty, for dignity.
Independence in 1980 brought universal suffrage, land reclamation and the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act of 2007, which mandated 51 percent black ownership in public companies. This was revolutionary, placing the commanding heights of the economy in the hands of the indigenous majority. Though met with sanctions and hostility from the West, it laid the foundation for sovereignty. Zimbabwe turned to the Look East Policy, forging partnerships with China, Russia and allies who respected our independence. These partnerships sustained mining, agriculture and industry under siege.
Since 2017, under President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe has embarked on a transformative journey. The Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) laid the groundwork for reform. National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and now NDS2 have charted the path to Vision 2030, projecting Zimbabwe as an upper middle-income economy. The President declared that “Zimbabwe is open for business, but Zimbabwe is not open for plunder.” Fees have been slashed, unnecessary charges removed and policies enacted to facilitate ease of doing business. The export of unprocessed ore has been banned, insisting on value addition and beneficiation. Minerals must be refined within Zimbabwe, creating jobs and capturing full value. Cabinet has embraced Performance Based Reviews (PBR), ensuring accountability, efficiency and delivery. This is leadership refined, governance sharpened and sovereignty consolidated.
The overwhelming endorsement of CAA3 demonstrates that across the political divide, Zimbabweans rally behind sovereignty and constitutionalism. President Mnangagwa has declared that “our democracy is ours to refine, ours to perfect, ours to defend.” CAA3 is the culmination of sacrifice, the perfection of governance, the consolidation of sovereignty.
Agriculture has flourished. Over 300 000 families have been resettled under land reform. Tobacco exports earn over US$1 billion annually. Maize harvests reached 2.29 million tonnes in 2025, wheat surged to 640 000 tonnes, double the five-year average. Traditional grains strengthened food security with 634 000 tonnes harvested. Horticulture exports of citrus and berries expanded into Europe and Asia. Livestock production grew, fisheries diversified rural economies, and irrigation schemes expanded. Pfumvudza/Intwasa transformed subsistence farming into productive enterprise. Title deeds gave farmers security. The National Youth Empowerment Strategy 2026–2030 aligns with Vision 2030, projecting Zimbabwe as an agricultural powerhouse.
Mining has become the backbone of the economy. The sector contributes over 60 percent of export earnings and employs millions. Gold output surpasses 35 tonnes annually. Platinum places Zimbabwe as the third largest producer globally. Diamonds stabilised under the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company. Lithium has emerged as the new frontier, positioning Zimbabwe as a global hub for energy minerals. Chrome, ferrochrome, coal, nickel, copper and iron ore feed industry and energy security.
The revival of the steel industry signals industrialisation. Institutions such as Kuvimba House and Munhumutapa anchor mining revenues into national development. The government projects a US$12 billion mining industry by 2030. President Mnangagwa has declared that “our lithium must power our industries, our homes, our future, it must never again be siphoned away to foreign capitals.”
SMEs have flourished under empowerment programmes, contributing significantly to GDP. Policies have supported entrepreneurship, innovation and access to finance. The government has streamlined registration processes, reduced fees and created incubation hubs.
Industrialisation is driven by beneficiation, steel revival and manufacturing expansion. The Fourth Chimurenga is about economic sovereignty, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s industries serve its people.
Healthcare has expanded with new hospitals, clinics and investments in pharmaceuticals. The government has prioritised universal access, maternal health and disease prevention.
Education has grown with increased enrolment, new schools and investment in STEM. Universities and colleges have expanded research and innovation. Literacy rates remain among the highest in Africa, this is proof to the commitment to knowledge.
Roads have been rehabilitated under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme. Highways linking provinces and borders have been modernised. Rail and air transport have been revitalised.
Energy projects, including hydro, solar and thermal, have expanded capacity. Dams and irrigation schemes have strengthened agriculture. Infrastructure is the skeleton of Vision 2030, enabling growth across sectors.
Tourism has rebounded, showcasing Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe, Hwange and cultural heritage. Zimbabwe was crowned Destination of the Year — Natural Wonders at ITB Berlin 2026, recognised globally for Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools, Great Zimbabwe and pristine wilderness covering 30% of our landmass. International arrivals rose 11% in early 2026, receipts climbed 14% to US$251 million, and investment surged 438% to US$678 million. Forbes named Zimbabwe a must-visit destination, affirming our global appeal. Zimbabwe’s culture, music and art remain vibrant, attracting visitors and strengthening identity.
Zimbabwe has held consistent elections since 1980, preserving universal suffrage. Despite regime change agendas and sanctions, the republic has matured as a democracy. The Unity Accord of 1987 declared Zimbabwe a unitary state, indivisible by tribe, ethnicity or creed.
Today, under the Second Republic, unity is consolidated. Electoral processes have been refined, sovereignty consolidated and democracy perfected under CAA3.
We are in the Fourth Chimurenga, the battle for economic sovereignty. It is about industrialisation, beneficiation, empowerment and modernisation. It is about ensuring that our minerals, our land, our industries serve Zimbabwe, not foreign capitals. It is about consolidating the gains of the struggle. The IMF, World Bank, AU, UN and Forbes have acknowledged Zimbabwe’s growth, resilience, and potential. Despite sanctions and sabotage, Zimbabwe has refined itself, improved and developed.
Vision 2030 targets GDP of US$48.5 billion, per capita income above US$3 000, inflation below 3% and poverty reduced below 20%. NDS1 exceeded targets, creating over 820 000 jobs, and NDS2 will catapult Zimbabwe into upper middle-income status. The republic endures because the covenant of Chimurenga remains unbroken.
Our heroes bled for us and we now build for the future generations. They fought for our minerals to benefit Zimbabwe, not to build the West. They fought for our land to feed our families, not foreign estates. They fought for our vote to empower our people, not imperial masters. Today, under the stewardship of President Mnangagwa, with TSP, NDS1, NDS2, Vision 2030, and CAA3, Zimbabwe consolidates the gains of the struggle. The bones have risen, the covenant is fulfilled, the destiny of Zimbabwe is secure.
