Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike [email protected]
PROFESSIONALS are central to Zimbabwe’s economic growth and must take the lead in driving national development, Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi has said.
The Vice President said professionals were the backbone of industrialisation, technological advancement and evidence-based policymaking.
He said no nation had ever industrialised without harnessing the expertise of its professionals.
Vice President Mohadi made the remarks while officiating at the inaugural annual Presidential Programme for Professionals (PP4P) stakeholders convention, which was held at the Heritage Village in Harare.
The convention was running under the theme; “Building Sustainable Future: Professionals Contributing to Vision 2030.”
National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Professor Paul Mavima is the patron for PP4P, while Mr Kudzai Ngirazi is the national chairperson.
“To professionals! You, in this room today, are the backbone of industrialisation, technological advancement, and evidence-based policy-making.
“No nation has ever industrialised without harnessing the expertise of its professionals.
Professionals are not spectators in development; you are the drivers, you are the engine of our development. Without the application of your skills, we greatly suffer as a nation.”
The Vice President reassured the Government’s commitment to creating a conducive working environment for professionals.
He pledged the Government’s support in strengthening partnerships with professionals.
“Let me be clear: Government is committed to partnering with professionals, and we pledge to enhance a conducive environment where expertise can flourish, strengthen partnerships between Government, industry and academia.
“Likewise, the Presidential Programme for Professionals has pledged to establish a Presidential Innovation Hub, which will offer opportunities for creativity and innovation, fulfilling the demands of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
“This is not rhetoric. It is action. It is reform. It is an investment. It is the deliberate creation of space for professionals to be part of Zimbabwe’s transformation,” he said.
The Vice President said the convention was not just a meeting, but a historic moment where Zimbabwe’s bright minds converged to chart a dynamic way forward towards national development.
He said professionals’ participation in national development is of paramount importance, as envisioned by President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030.
“The National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) that runs from 2026 to 2030, builds upon the achievements of NDS1, places strategic emphasis on consolidating gains in macro-economic stability, promoting structural transformation, and enhancing the ease of doing business.
“Each policy, reform, and milestone contributes meaningfully toward the realisation of Vision 2030.
Corporations, Government agencies and departments play a critical role in supporting professionals by providing enabling policies, resources, and platforms for collaboration, innovation, and capacity building, ensuring that expertise is effectively translated into impactful socio-economic development.
“In this regard, I urge corporate entities, in both the public and private sectors, to uphold the dignity of all professionals.
“Professionals are the driving force behind our success today, and their contributions are essential to sustainable growth.
“I, therefore, call upon companies to treat employees and professionals fairly and with respect, ensuring that they are not subjected to mistreatment or poor working conditions.
“Without the commitment and expertise of our workforce, we would be unable to achieve the profits we report annually,” he said.
The Vice President reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working with professionals, saying the inaugural annual stakeholder convention was the beginning of a journey grounded in innovation, digital transformation, skills and development.
He said the Government also acknowledges the significant challenges currently faced by professionals in various fields, including limited access to resources needed to fulfil their aspirations.
“Please be assured that the Government is fully aware of these pressures.
“We, therefore, urge relevant Government Ministries and the private sector to support and empower professionals by strengthening their capacities in their respective sectors,” he said.
Vice President Mohadi said improved access to loans and other financial support will enable professionals to pursue and realise their goals.
He encouraged industry experts to maintain strong ethical principles and professional conduct, as essential pillars for building public trust, ensuring that all actions and policies are guided by integrity, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to the public good,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to Prof Mavima and Mr Ngirazi for mobilising more than 10 000 professionals who will work in collaboration with the Government towards realising Vision 2030.
Professionals drawn from various provinces and sectors of the economy attended the convention.
