Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE’s diplomatic offensive under the Second Republic has yielded massive economic dividends, with national exports soaring from US$2 billion in 2017 to a record US$16,5 billion by December 2025, a Cabinet minister has said.
The sharp increase — representing more than a sevenfold rise in value — has been attributed to President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement policy, which has successfully re-integrated Zimbabwe into the global community of nations.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira revealed the statistics on Star FM’s Muriro current affairs programme on Monday, crediting the President’s policies for the growth.
“In 2017, our exports were around US$2 billion, mainly driven by minerals. Our exports as of December 2025 are at US$16,5 billion,” he said.
“That tells you statistically that we have recorded over an 800 percent increase in trade. And when it comes to investment, by 2017 we did not have a steel plant. Today, we have a steel plant producing an estimated two million tonnes of steel.”
Prof Murwira said President Mnangagwa’s primary objective since assuming office in November 2017 has been to integrate Zimbabwe into the global economy.
He added that the engagement and re-engagement policy has delivered tangible industrial outcomes that were non-existent before the advent of the Second Republic.
“By 2017, we did not have as many lithium mines. Today, we have many lithium mines. All these are results of engagement and re-engagement — integrating Zimbabwe into the world economy,” he said.
“His Excellency the President initiated this policy of engagement and re-engagement and supported it with enabling doctrines. One such doctrine is that ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’. Another is that ‘we are a friend to all and an enemy to none’.”
Prof Murwira likened Zimbabwe’s diplomatic strategy to a ship navigating high seas, noting that although diplomacy can sometimes be turbulent, the country has remained firm on its sovereignty while pursuing a liberated mindset.
He said the economy recorded 9,5 percent growth in the last quarter of 2025 — a figure he described as unprecedented since independence.
“In 2017, we were experiencing negative growth. Now we have positive growth. In the last quarter of 2025, the economy grew by 9,5 percent. This has never happened since independence,” he said.
“This is the result of a country navigating a turbulent diplomatic environment while remaining stable and steady.”
On the diplomatic front, Prof Murwira said Zimbabwe’s international standing has significantly improved, citing the country’s recent roles as Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Vice-Chair of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
He also confirmed that Zimbabwe is actively pursuing a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Prof Murwira lauded President Mnangagwa’s statesmanship in handling regional security matters, particularly his role in addressing the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo by escalating it to the African Union and the United Nations.
“All steps in diplomacy are equal. These are significant moves — integrating Zimbabwe into the world economy,” the minister said, adding that Government will continue to pursue a foreign policy that balances sovereignty with proactive global engagement.
