marble nkomo
Judith Phiri, Sunday News Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S participation at the recently ended World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos is a deliberate and strategic move rooted in economic diplomacy, aimed at reintegrating the country into the global economy and delivering tangible benefits to citizens, a Cabinet Minister has said.
In a ministerial update, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, said the country’s engagement at the global forum aligns with President Mnangagwa’s economic diplomacy thrust, which places trade, investment and peaceful international co-operation at the centre of national development.
Prof Murwira said the country’s presence at the forum was driven by the need to understand the rapidly shifting global geopolitical and economic environment to position Zimbabwe strategically.
“We normally say you have to understand the seas before you navigate your ship. At Davos, we focused on understanding the global political, economic and geopolitical landscape so that Zimbabwe can navigate effectively in an increasingly complex world,” he said.
Zimbabwe has consistently participated at the World Economic Forum since 2018 under the Second Republic, as part of broader efforts to re-engage with the international community after years of isolation. The engagements form part of the Government’s Open for Business policy, which seeks to attract foreign direct investment, expand trade and restore confidence in the economy.
Prof Murwira said discussions at Davos centred on how new geopolitical realities are reshaping global trade, governance and economic growth — insights that are critical as Zimbabwe crafts its foreign and economic policies.
Addressing perceptions that Davos is an elite talk shop detached from the realities of developing countries, the Minister said the forum plays a significant role in shaping decisions that directly affect livelihoods.
“Davos is not an abstract gathering. It is a place where decisions that affect jobs, trade, investment, energy and technology are shaped. For Zimbabwe, trade is an instrument of peace and prosperity. If we do not trade, what do we do? Do we grab and go?” he said.
“Trade creates jobs, builds industries and improves livelihoods.”
He said Zimbabwe’s participation helps position the country as a credible, stable and trustworthy investment destination, while opening doors for partnerships that translate into real economic activity back home.
Alongside the main Davos programme, Zimbabwe held several high-level bilateral meetings focused on concrete economic outcomes. These included engagements with Gavi, the Global Alliance on Vaccines, aimed at strengthening co-operation in vaccine manufacturing and health systems, in line with Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and health security goals.
The delegation also held talks with Philip Morris International (PMI) on strengthening Zimbabwe’s tobacco value chain.
“Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s leading tobacco producers, with an expected output of about 500 million kilogrammes this year. We are encouraging direct purchases from Zimbabwe and greater participation across the tobacco value chain,” said Prof Murwira.
He also confirmed discussions with India on energy co-operation, noting that reliable and affordable energy remains a key enabler of industrialisation, agriculture and economic development.
Economic diplomacy, he said, remains the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s foreign policy, which is why the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade was deliberately structured to place trade at its core.
“Our foreign policy advocates for peaceful coexistence and trade is the instrument that makes that possible,” he said.
Prof Murwira said Zimbabwe supports reform of the global trading system under the World Trade Organisation (WTO), arguing that fair and inclusive trade is essential for global peace and shared prosperity.
He added that Davos also provided a platform to advance Africa’s development agenda, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which Zimbabwe views as critical for industrialisation and boosting intra-African trade.
For the first time, Zimbabwe also participated in discussions on energy diversification, including nuclear energy as a clean and reliable option to support Africa’s long-term development vision under Agenda 2063.
“Technology, trade, energy and geopolitics are interconnected. The geopolitical landscape is where economics, peace, development and the future of humanity are negotiated,” said the Minister.
Prof Murwira said the key challenge now was implementation, adding that Zimbabwe’s engagement at Davos reinforces the country’s doctrine of being a friend to all and an enemy to none.
He also emphasised the importance of international co-operation in education, science, innovation, technology and culture to enable Zimbabwe to convert its vast mineral wealth into sustainable prosperity.
“Our goal is simple — to bring dignity, integrity and prosperity to the people of Zimbabwe through peaceful engagement with the world,” he said.
The annual World Economic Forum in Davos brings together political leaders, policymakers and captains of industry from across the globe. This year’s meeting attracted about 3 000 participants from more than 130 countries, focusing on geopolitics, technology, trade and global co-operation at a time of growing economic and political uncertainty.
Online Reporter