Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke, Senior Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday returned home after successfully participating in two high-level international gatherings — the 45th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in Antananarivo, Madagascar, and the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Japan.
The SADC Summit, held under the theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC”, centred on the region’s growth and development agenda.
The meeting also marked the conclusion of President Mnangagwa’s one-year tenure as Chairperson of the regional bloc, during which he handed over leadership to his Malagasy counterpart, President Andry Rajoelina.
At the end of his tenure, President Mnangagwa expressed gratitude to fellow leaders for their support, particularly in advancing regional integration and resilience. He warned, however, that climate change-induced challenges such as recurrent droughts continue to threaten food security and livelihoods in Southern Africa.
He further applauded SADC for standing with Zimbabwe in calling for the lifting of Western-imposed unilateral sanctions, which he said remain an obstacle to sustainable economic recovery and development.
From Madagascar, the President proceeded to Japan, where he joined other African and Japanese leaders for TICAD, a platform launched in 1993 to deepen co-operation in trade, investment, technology, infrastructure and health.
The conference’s focus on infrastructure development, industrialisation, agriculture, food security, peace, stability and health resonated strongly with Zimbabwe’s development priorities. These align with the country’s foreign policy thrust and the national Vision 2030 agenda of achieving upper-middle-income status.
Addressing the media on arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, President Mnangagwa highlighted the cordial ties Zimbabwe continues to enjoy with both Madagascar and Japan.
“Well, first, we were warmly received in both places. They were very happy to welcome us. We have excellent relations with both countries,” he said.
He also reiterated that Zimbabwe remains a safe and attractive investment destination.
“Those who have resources always want to make sure their money goes where it is safe, and Zimbabwe is one of those destinations where investments are secure,” he said.
The President spoke about his participation in the official opening of a new road project in Madagascar, noting that Zimbabwe continues to command respect and recognition at international forums.
“This is not the first time we have been there, and I am always surprised by the level of attention we are given. I am happy that we received a lot of respect as a country,” he said.
“It was an honour for us to be invited to open the road. It was an 8-kilometre stretch of tarmac which, to them, is a very important achievement. We wish them well and hope they will continue to do more in the future.”
Both the SADC Summit and TICAD are expected to further boost Zimbabwe’s foreign policy and economic diplomacy, consolidating its engagement and re-engagement drive on the international stage.
