Mnangagwa applauds Sadc, AU solidarity against sanctions

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has applauded the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) and other African countries for their solidarity and persistent calls for the unconditional removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by Western nations.

Addressing fellow Heads of State and Government at the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) session held on the sidelines of the ongoing African Union (AU) Summit, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe deeply appreciated the support, which he noted had strengthened the country's resolve to stay the course on reforms and development.

"Excellencies, it is regrettable that for over two decades, Zimbabwe's economic performance has been constrained by harsh unilateral, coercive measures imposed by some Western countries following the Land Reform Programme, which we do not regret," he said.

"These measures have undermined policy effectiveness, restricted access to investment, technology and international credit markets, and negatively affected ordinary citizens of our country.

"Zimbabwe deeply appreciates the solidarity shown by Sadc and African Union member States in calling for the unconditional removal of these unilateral sanctions."

Through the "Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo" development philosophy and the "Zimbabwe is open for business" mantra, President Mnangagwa said the country had pushed ahead with major infrastructure projects despite the sanctions.

"The drive is to modernise, industrialise and grow our economy and accelerate its growth ourselves, the owners of the country," he said.

The President reaffirmed Zimbabwe's commitment to implement recommendations made by the APRM team, which undertook a targeted review on the country's governance and economic management in November last year. The review was led by Chairperson of the APRM Panel of Eminent Persons, Ambassador Aly El-Hefny.

President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe remains steadfast in upholding the principles of the APRM framework, which promotes African solidarity, peer learning and mutual accountability.

"We take note of the detailed recommendations contained therein," he said.

He added that since Zimbabwe acceded to the APRM voluntary self-assessment mechanism in 2020, notable progress had been recorded across sectors.

"The multiplicity of reforms we are undertaking are enhancing economic governance, fiscal discipline and public sector accountability. This is also in line with Section 13 of the Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe," he said.

Highlighting reforms in the mining sector, President Mnangagwa said artisanal and small-scale miners had been formalised, resulting in improved access to finance, training and modern technology, as well as enhanced safety standards.

"Along with responsible mining initiatives for large firms, we are ensuring sustainable mining practices and requisite environmental stewardship," he said.

On public financial management, he said Government had introduced an integrated financial management information system and strengthened public sector audits to enhance transparency.

Regarding anti-money laundering measures, the President said Zimbabwe was now compliant with 37 of the 40 recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, safeguarding the integrity of the financial system. He added that Zimbabwe ranked third in sub-Saharan Africa on the Open Budget Survey, reflecting progress in transparency and public finance management.

On regional integration, President Mnangagwa emphasised continued engagement with Sadc, the AU, the United Nations system and international financial institutions.

"In line with the Zimbabwe Investment Development Act (ZIDA), my Government has put in place policies aimed at balancing the attraction of foreign direct investment with empowerment of domestic investors and communities, promoting inclusive and sustainable development," he said.

Zimbabwe's engagement with the APRM began when President Mnangagwa acceded to the framework during the 29th Session of the APR Forum of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa in 2020.

In March 2024, Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Institutional Framework for the Zimbabwe APRM, focusing on economic governance and management. In November last year, Zimbabwe signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the APRM Committee of Heads of State and Government, paving the way for an assessment mission.

Meanwhile, APRM chief executive officer Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre presented the review findings to President Mnangagwa after consultations across all 10 provinces.

"The Government of Zimbabwe approached us to produce report. Zimbabwe, despite sanctions, it is a case study of African solutions to African problems," she said.

"We went to all the 10 provinces of the country, and the report is reflecting the reality of the country. Once the report is launched by the Government, then it will be made public and we will support the country in any way towards the implementation of the recommendations."

President Mnangagwa reiterated that Zimbabwe remained committed to implementing the recommendations to advance transparency, inclusivity and sustainable development for the benefit of all citizens.