Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe BEIJING, China
Zimbabwe should be viewed globally as a progressive nation and also peaceful, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda has said.
The Minister was addressing Zimbabwean academics, ZANU PF diaspora leadership and students pursuing studies across various universities in Beijing, China yesterday at Zimbabwe House.
The interactive engagement also attended by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to China, Abigail Shoniwa was held in the ambassadorial boardroom.
It provided a rare platform for direct dialogue between senior government officials and the student community, which numbers several hundred across the Asian nation.
Dr Soda emphasised that image building is not a peripheral luxury but a strategic imperative for national economic transformation.
“We are development oriented country and this is the image that the world should see and hear about us,” he said underscoring that perception directly influences foreign direct investment, tourism inflows, and international cooperation.
A positive global image, he noted, reduces the risk premium that investors attach to emerging markets, making it easier for Zimbabwe to attract capital, technology, and expertise needed to realise Vision 2030.
Without deliberate image cultivation, the country risks being defined by outdated narratives that overshadow its genuine progress in infrastructure, agriculture, mining and education and other sectors of the economy.
Furthermore, the Minister charged Zimbabweans at home and abroad with the responsibility of actively shaping the nation’s brand through their daily conduct and advocacy.
“We should be able to convert our rich culture, traditions and things that we value into good image building tools,” Dr Soda said, pointing out that Zimbabwe’s unique heritage offers authentic content for global storytelling.
He added that a coherent, positive image fosters national pride, diaspora unity and diplomatic leverage, all of which are essential for re-engagement with the international community.
“As you do your studies, always make it a point to encourage Chinese investors to flock to Zimbabwe.
“You are our ambassadors here,” he said making it clear that every citizen has a role in the national image-building project.
