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BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe – In a powerful address to delegates gathered at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre for the 21st National People’s Conference, President Emmerson Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zanu PF’s commitment to industrialisation, modernisation, and unity in Zimbabwe.
Speaking before party officials, Government representatives, traditional leaders, and foreign diplomats, President Mnangagwa set a bold agenda, anchored in the theme: “Industrialise and Modernise towards the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
“The turnout from across the provinces, including Diaspora structures, is commendable,” President Mnangagwa began.
“It is a clear statement that Zanu PF remains true to the sacred founding values and principles of our revolutionary Party.”
He praised Bulawayo, “the City of Kings and Queens,” for its hospitality and commended the city’s role as a leading conferencing destination.
Addressing the socioeconomic trajectory, President Mnangagwa highlighted achievements across agriculture, mining, and infrastructure, attributing Zimbabwe’s resilience to the party’s leadership.
“The resilience of the mining sector is evident through the realisation of 84 percent capacity utilisation in 2024 with an expected jump to 90 percent in 2025,” he noted, adding that Zimbabwe’s mining industry continues to contribute “75 percent of our country’s exports and 18 percent of GDP.”
Mnangagwa turned to agriculture, lauding the Government’s efforts to secure food sovereignty. “Our Agriculture Food Systems and Transformation Strategy guarantees national food security,” he said, emphasizing that preparations are underway for the summer cropping season, as well as measures to prevent corruption in resource distribution.
He further promised to tackle water challenges, pledging that the long-awaited Gwayi-Shangani Dam project would bring a sustainable water supply to Bulawayo.
The president called upon Zanu PF structures to strengthen grassroots support and engagement. “Step by step, brick upon brick and stone upon stone, we are realising the mission, aims, and objectives of our colossal Party,” he said, encouraging the party to stay vigilant against “infiltration by divisive elements.”
In addition to his economic agenda, Mnangagwa made a pointed call for the lifting of Western-imposed sanctions, calling the restrictions “heinous” and demanding international solidarity. “We join fellow member states and those in solidarity with us from Africa and beyond in condemning and calling for the immediate and unconditional lifting of the heinous illegal sanctions imposed on our country,” he said, tying this to Zimbabwe’s recent leadership role in hosting the 44th SADC Summit.
Mnangagwa closed with a renewed commitment to ZANU PF’s foundational values, stating, “ZANU PF is the Party that is leading Zimbabwe, developing every Province, District, Ward, and Village; we shall industrialize and modernize our motherland, ourselves.”
As he officially declared the conference open, President Mnangagwa urged all attendees to engage in “frank and robust discussions” to propel the nation forward, asserting, “The outcome of this Conference has far-reaching implications.”
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