Online Reporter
Business Reporter
Zimbabwe will transform its diplomatic missions during the implementation of the National Development Strategy (NDS 2), moving beyond traditional diplomacy to establish them as strategic economic hubs.
The economic hubs will proactively advance national development by driving trade, investment, tourism, and innovation, while simultaneously defending the country’s sovereignty and projecting a positive image that highlights the successful milestones of the Second Republic.
According to NDS 2, the country’s five-year economic blueprint (2025-30), the transformation of diplomatic missions will be anchored on Zimbabwe’s improved, investment-conducive ease of doing business environment, reflecting the core policy that “Zimbabwe is open for business.”
Accelerated economic growth and development during NDS 2 are expected to usher Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
“This will be complemented by the establishment of hubs to support product development and quality assurance for diverse export markets, underpinned by the reduction of non-tariff barriers, streamlined customs processes, development of e-commerce platforms and use of digital tools to connect local businesses to international buyers,” says the blueprint.
Furthermore, the Government will pursue the placement of Zimbabweans in key positions in international organisations to grow the country’s representation, riding on harnessing the high numbers of skilled and youthful human capital.
“Expanding the country’s representation in influential positions in critical multilateral organisations of the world will enhance the country’s image and strengthen its diplomatic leverage, over and above strengthening global influence within the community of nations,” says the NDS 2.
The Government has been utilising economic diplomacy as a key instrument to counter the years of international isolation resulting from Western-imposed sanctions.
