Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira and Joseph Madzimure, Zimpapers Writers
President Mnangagwa has declared that Zimbabwe has cemented its place in the global value chain, shifting from a raw material supplier to a competitive producer of value-added goods — a milestone underscored by the nation’s first-ever export of lithium sulphate.
The President, who is also Zanu-PF First Secretary, said this yesterday while addressing the 392nd Politburo session held at the party headquarters in Harare.
Recently, Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe started exporting its first lithium sulphate batch from its US$400 million processing plant, marking the country’s inaugural production of lithium salt and a major step in advancing Government policy on local beneficiation.
In his address, President Mnangagwa described the event as historic.
“Our bold and deliberate decision on value addition and beneficiation is fundamentally redefining the structure of our economy.
“Under Zanu-PF, Zimbabwe is steadily taking a seat within the global value chains space, not as a mere supplier of raw materials but as a competitive producer of value-added goods,” said President Mnangagwa.
“The export of Zimbabwe’s first lithium sulphate consignment is a historic achievement towards the beneficiation agenda. Congratulations. We have every reason to be proud.”
The Second Republic is intensifying efforts to ensure Zimbabwe derives maximum value from its mineral resources by shifting from raw exports to in-country processing.
In February this year, the Government suspended the export of lithium concentrates and other raw minerals as part of a broader strategy to enhance accountability, promote beneficiation and strengthen value retention across the mining sector.
The policy thrust is in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision of leveraging Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth to drive industrialisation and inclusive economic growth.
Lithium sulphate is an inorganic salt primarily used in producing lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, as well as manufacturing specialised glass and ceramics, and treating bipolar disorder.
It acts as a precursor for lithium hydroxide, enhances the performance of batteries, and acts as a flux to lower melting temperatures in glass production.
On the bilateral front, President Mnangagwa said the country continues to consolidate and expand strategic partnerships across the continent.
“I had the honour to pay the first- ever State Visit, in 46 years, to the Republic of Ghana. The inaugural Joint Permanent Commission Ghana, Co-operation between Zimbabwe and which I co-chaired, resolved to scale up and deepen political and bilateral relations, particularly to unlock new avenues of economic co-operation,” said President Mnangagwa.
Similarly, he stated that engagements with Botswana have yielded tangible outcomes through the successful convening of the 5th Bi-National Commission.
“The Agreements signed during these crucial meetings signal a new and dynamic phase in economic collaboration, with a strong focus on trade facilitation, infrastructure development, agriculture and industrial co-operation.
“Our presence in Eswatini, at the 40th Anniversary of the reign of His Majesty, King Mswati III, is a testament of the enduring bonds of solidarity, shared history, mutual respect and strategic relations within the region,” said President Mnangagwa.
Building on these positive developments and the essence of Pan-Africanism, President Mnangagwa called on Zimbabweans to ensure that the country’s foreign policy priorities translate into pathways for cross-border value chains, improved logistics and faster access to markets across the continent and beyond for local producers.
He commended the decision by China to introduce, under the Common Development Initiative, a zero-tariff policy for African goods and products, which has now come into effect, calling on stakeholders across all sectors to take advantage of the trading arrangements with one of the richest and largest markets globally.
Furthermore, President Mnangagwa called upon Politburo Secretaries to continue taking a proactive and coordinated approach in crafting clear, sector-specific policies that operationalise all aspects of the socio-economic policies advanced by the party.
He stressed that this includes identifying priority areas in industry and commerce, as well as strengthening institutional frameworks to consolidate economic growth while also creating wealth and employment opportunities for the people.
“I once again express my appreciation to you, the Politburo and all grassroots structures of our party for the dedication, zeal and focus being demonstrated in the execution of party work.
“Collectively, our efforts are guaranteeing institutional strength, growing the membership base, as well as popularising programmes and projects,” he said.
The President called upon party members to remain united, vigilant and resolute to consolidate the gains of the People’s Revolution and the national development agenda.
The revolutionary party Zanu-PF, he said, will continue to adhere to the principle of putting the people first.
“We are unflinching in our commitment to maintaining a close bond with them, advancing their aspirations and concerns, as well as meeting their needs. Hence, all policies, programmes and projects must always be contextualised as part of our continuous work to realise prosperity for all,” he said.
“To this end, I want to emphasise that under the Second Republic, Zanu-PF will never divert from the ongoing agenda to unite, develop and lead the nation towards a better life for all, no matter the challenges.”
