Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
ZIMBABWE has called for a decisive shift from aid-based assistance to mutually beneficial trade and innovation-driven partnerships.
The call was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, during the official opening of the 22nd Africa-Nordic Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Victoria Falls on Thursday.
The high-level gathering, bringing together diplomats from African and Nordic nations, set the stage for a new chapter in international co-operation. The meeting was held under the theme: “Leveraging Technology and Collaboration for Future-Ready Societies.”
Choosing Zimbabwe as the host and adopting this theme underscores a collective ambition to forge partnerships suited for the 21st century.
Prof Murwira emphasised Africa’s evolving global stance.
“Let me be clear: the Africa of today is not asking for donations or passive assistance,” he stated.
“We are seeking mutually beneficial partnerships rooted in trade.”
This sentiment underscores a continent eager to harness its youthful population, rich natural resources, and the vast opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Prof Murwira highlighted Zimbabwe’s proactive measures to promote collaboration and internal development through the country’s indigenous strategies.
He cited the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, championed by President Mnangagwa, as a cornerstone of this new approach.
“We believe that true wealth lies in our people — the resilience, innovation, and skills that drive progress,” he said.
“Heritage-Based Education 5.0 aims to align education with national development goals, producing graduates who are not merely job seekers but creators of solutions and industries.”
This philosophy extends beyond education into a broader national doctrine.
Prof Murwira explained Zimbabwe’s guiding principle of Chimurenga Chepfungwa (Liberation of the Mind), which advocates for decolonising thought and promoting indigenous knowledge.
“This is not just a philosophy; it’s a call to action,” he added.
“Zimbabwe welcomes partnerships with nations and organisations that champion innovation rooted in culture and community.
By exchanging best practices in heritage-driven technology and development, we can co-create solutions that are not only modern but also meaningful and uniquely ours.”
To illustrate this point, delegates were presented with a local innovation — Mapfura wine, produced within the Innovation Hubs established at Zimbabwe’s tertiary institutions.
Prof Murwira highlighted this as an example of home-grown initiatives with significant potential, awaiting the right partnerships to unlock their full benefits for mutual gain.
Additionally, Zimbabwe reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and global peace by announcing its candidature for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.
“Zimbabwe pursues a doctrine of friendship with all and enmity with none,” he said.
The country’s bid, endorsed by SADC and the African Union, now seeks support from Nordic partners in the June 2026 elections.
The two-day agenda features discussions on strengthening the multilateral system, a Young Innovators’ Forum and a business plenary focused on dismantling investment barriers, promoting resource-efficient energy solutions and advancing industrialisation.
Prof Murwira drew a poetic parallel saying as the mist rises from the majestic Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls) in the background, it symbolizes the aspirations of the meeting —hope that the waterfall’s power and beauty will inspire delegates to forge bold, lasting solutions that enhance the happiness and well-being of people across nations.
