Peter Tanyanyiwa
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
Forty-five religious leaders from across Zimbabwe gathered at Cresta Oasis Hotel in Harare on Thursday to validate and sign a comprehensive rapporteur report.
The document, the product of months of interfaith dialogue, will be submitted to President Mnangagwa and the Government as a blueprint for religious participation in the country’s economic transformation.
The event, convened by the National Multi-Faith Economic Dialogue (NMFED), brought together representatives from the Roman Catholic Church, Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, Messianic Jewish Voice Community, Johane Masowe eChishanu Jerusalem (Goshen), the Salvation Army, and other major faith-based organisations.
The coalition’s goal was to ensure that religious communities are not just spiritual pillars, but active partners in Zimbabwe’s economic and social progress.
Chief convenor and facilitator of the NMFED Madzibaba Obey Mapuranga, described the event as a turning point for Zimbabwe’s faith sector:
“For the first time since 1980, religious leaders have come together to focus on economic interests, setting aside past divisions,” he said.
“Today, we validated a report that will guide our participation in all 10 priority areas of the National Development Strategy II. A religious economy is being born in Zimbabwe, and we are grateful to His Excellency President Mnangagwa for opening the door to our inclusion.”
He emphasised that the coalition is not a formal organisation, but a platform for all faiths to collaborate on economic emancipation and national development.
“We are following the example of countries like Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, where religious communities are key economic players. Zimbabwe’s time has come,” he added.
The validated 10-page report is the culmination of a two-day dialogue held earlier this month at ZANU PF headquarters, where religious leaders from all ten provinces contributed their visions for economic engagement.
The advisory body, led by Cde Edward Raradza, meticulously reviewed the document before its endorsement at Cresta Oasis.
Madzibaba Biggie Mutawu, a prophet from Johane Masowe eChishanu Jerusalem (Goshen), highlighted the significance of this unity: “This is a new era for the church in Zimbabwe. We are moving beyond prayer and fasting to become active participants in building our nation’s economy.
“Our doctrine teaches peace, unity, and support for national development. Today, we stand together with other faiths to ensure our members benefit from economic opportunities and contribute to Vision 2030.”
The NMFED’s proposals are closely aligned with the Government’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, and the National Development Strategy II (NDS2), which prioritises inclusive growth, job creation, and social development.
“Religious organisations must uplift their communities, not just spiritually but economically. By collaborating with government and other stakeholders, we can create jobs, support small businesses, and ensure no one is left behind,” added Madzibaba Luxod Mutova.
The coalition also announced plans for a Multi-Faith Financial Corporation, designed to empower religious communities through access to finance and investment opportunities.
According to the 2022 national census, Christians make up 80,3 percent of Zimbabwe’s population, with Muslims, traditionalists, and other faiths comprising the remainder.
This demographic strength gives religious leaders a unique platform to disseminate economic information and mobilise millions of congregants for national development.
Online Reporter