Zimbabwe resilient despite sanctions

President Mnangagwa has praised the resolve, determination and hard work of Zimbabweans, saying these qualities have enabled the nation to withstand the negative impact of illegal Western sanctions while pioneering innovative home-grown financing models to sustain economic progress.

Delivering his keynote address at the Anti-Sanctions Day commemorations held at Heritage Village in Harare yesterday, the President - accompanied by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa - reaffirmed Zimbabwe's unwavering call for the total and unconditional removal of sanctions.

"While Zimbabwe welcomes the steps taken by some Western countries to repeal parts of the sanctions regime as constructive moves in the right direction, our position remains that of a total and unconditional lifting of the unjustified unilateral sanctions," he said.

During the event, President Mnangagwa also launched Zimbabwe's first official anti-sanctions publication, Standing Against Illegal Sanctions: Resistance, Policy Innovations and Advocacy, which chronicles the nation's resilience, policy ingenuity and advocacy efforts against sanctions.

The book, produced by the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK), features contributions from academics, researchers, and institutions of higher learning reflecting on Zimbabwe's experience under sanctions.

"This book documents our resilience, showcases our policy innovations and advocacy against illegal sanctions," said the President.

"It is a record of our struggle and a source of inspiration for both current and future generations. I commend the contributors and editors - Professor Paul Mapfumo, Mr Richard Mahomva and Mr Tawanda Zinyama - for their work in enriching our national body of knowledge."

President Mnangagwa said the Second Republic has continued to record tangible milestones in economic growth and infrastructure development despite the sanctions, largely due to locally driven financing models that have proven sanctions cannot stop progress.

"In navigating the path towards sustainable economic development, Zimbabwe, like other developing nations, recognises the critical importance of access to reliable lines of credit.

"Regrettably, the illegal economic sanctions have disrupted this access. To ensure continuity of our development agenda, my administration adopted home-grown innovative financing models to drive our nation forward," he said.

The President said the country's national development philosophy - Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo / Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo - had become embedded in the national consciousness, reinforcing unity, peace and resilience.

President Mnangagwa highlighted several reforms and achievements under the Second Republic, including regulatory improvements that enhance the ease of doing business and attract domestic and foreign investment.

"The evidence is all around us that the resolve and hard work of our people continue to be instrumental in overcoming restrictive sanctions.

"Brick by brick, stone upon stone, step by step, we are resolutely building, modernising and industrialising our country towards Vision 2030 - a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society," he said.

He said Zimbabwe's economy remains on a positive growth trajectory, with notable increases in foreign currency earnings, export receipts, diaspora remittances, and foreign direct investment inflows.

Key sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, tourism and hospitality have all shown resilience and growth, despite the challenging operating environment.

The President noted that climate-proofing strategies such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa had helped the country attain food self-sufficiency, while rapid disaster-response and adaptation programmes had strengthened resilience to droughts and other climate shocks.

"Comprehensive, people-centred programmes have been implemented to enhance agricultural productivity and food security," he said.

"Despite sanctions and climate-related challenges, our economy continues to grow steadily."

President Mnangagwa emphasised that Zimbabwe will remain steadfast in defending its sovereignty and pursuing development despite adversity.

"We, the Zimbabwean people, are masters of our own destiny. The flame of our independence, freedom and sovereignty burns ever brighter. The walls of our nation - our house of stone - remain strong and will never be breached," he said.

He commended INSTAK for its efforts in preserving African narratives and encouraged continued advocacy for the total removal of sanctions.

"The ongoing dialogue and persistent advocacy for the total removal of illegal sanctions is not in vain. It is through the lifting of the entire sanctions regime that a conducive environment can be created for accelerated development and prosperity for the people of Zimbabwe," said the President.

Earlier, President Mnangagwa toured exhibitions at Heritage Village showcasing the resilience and innovation of local companies that continue to thrive despite sanctions.

The event, coordinated by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, was attended by senior Government officials including Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Information Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere, Youth Empowerment Minister Tino Machakaire, and Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tavengwa.