By Farai D Hove | In a stunning turn of events, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is facing renewed scrutiny over his legitimacy following a self-inauguration in September, a move that raised eyebrows as governments across the African continent snubbed his ceremony. Condemned by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), and United Nations-affiliated electoral monitors, Mnangagwa now seeks to rebuild his image and promises not to disappoint the international community.
In a recent state media report, President Mnangagwa announced an ambitious agenda aimed at achieving economic transformation in line with Vision 2030 targets. He conveyed a strong commitment to bring about significant development breakthroughs for the betterment of the Zimbabwean people. He called for collective stakeholder efforts and emphasized that every citizen must contribute to creating a better future for the nation.
Mnangagwa’s announcement also addressed the longstanding issue of Western-imposed sanctions, which he referred to as historical hurdles. He asserted that progress is already being made in various key sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, construction, infrastructure, innovation, and information communication technology.
Despite this optimistic vision for Zimbabwe’s future, the President acknowledged that the country had suffered from sanctions for the past 23 years, hindering its development. However, he highlighted proactive policies such as devolution and decentralization, which are driving modernization and industrialization at the grassroots level.
Mnangagwa’s foreign policy, focused on engagement and re-engagement, aims to present Zimbabwe as a welcoming destination for investments from all corners of the globe. He stressed the importance of being a friend to all nations, maintaining that those who choose to be enemies do so of their own accord.
The President also outlined the role of rural industrialization and the growth of micro, small to medium enterprises in driving economic modernization. He expressed a commitment to leveraging science, technology, innovation, domestic resources, diverse skills, and entrepreneurial talents, especially among the youth, to realize the transformative momentum envisioned in Vision 2030.
Mnangagwa underlined the significance of agriculture in Zimbabwe’s economy, particularly as a means to enhance food security, increase household incomes, and lift people out of poverty. He mentioned initiatives to support the summer cropping season, including input distribution and infrastructure development to mitigate the impact of climate change.
The report also highlighted various infrastructure projects, such as Hwange Unit 7 and 8, Beitbridge Border Post, Robert Mugabe International Airport, and dam construction, which are well underway and demonstrate the government’s commitment to the people’s interests.
In addition to these projects, Heritage-Based Education 5.0 has introduced Innovation Hubs and Industrial Parks across higher education institutions, further signaling Zimbabwe’s dedication to modernization and growth.
As President Mnangagwa addresses these pressing issues, the controversy surrounding his self-inauguration and international condemnation continues to cast a shadow over his presidency. Zimbabweans and the international community are watching closely to see if the promised reforms and development efforts will reshape the nation’s trajectory and address concerns over legitimacy.