Zimpapers Logo

Online writer

In a significant meeting held at State House on November 6, 2024, President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed Zimbabwe’s Ambassadors, underscoring the vital role of diplomatic missions in advancing the nation’s development agenda.

The President highlighted the importance of their contributions in the context of Zimbabwe’s socio-economic landscape and international relations.

“It is my pleasure to host this gathering with all of you, the men and women assigned to serve and represent our beloved motherland,” President Mnangagwa said, acknowledging the efforts of the ambassadors.

He noted their recent participation in the ruling party’s 21st National People’s Conference and a Senior Management Retreat, emphasising that: “the outcomes of which must serve as constant reminders of the expectations placed upon you.”

The President expressed concern over the underutilisation of budget allocations by government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

“This is of significant concern to Parliament, particularly when essential services and developmental programmes are at stake.”

He referred to the Mid-Term Budget and Economic Review, which revealed that MDAs utilized only 44.2 percent of their approved budgets from January to June 2024, stressing the need for better results.

“I expect high impact and focused results in all engagements, programmes and activities at your respective missions,” said President Mnangagwa.

He urged the ambassadors to contribute actively to achieving the nation’s Vision of becoming a prosperous upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

“I thus challenge each of you to apply yourselves fully to deliver the results expected of you,” he said.

Addressing the broader geopolitical context, he noted the evolving global landscape characterised by “geo-political tensions, trade wars,” and the emergence of new alliances such as the expanded BRICS.

The President encouraged the ambassadors to adapt their diplomatic strategies accordingly: “All these external and internal dynamics demand that you all shift, re-think and re-imagine the manner we approach our country’s foreign relations.”

He reinforced the significance of Zimbabwe’s leadership within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), reminding the ambassadors of their role in ensuring the success of the country’s chairmanship.

“The Foreign Affairs Ministry and in particular you here gathered must ensure that Zimbabwe’s tenure is a success,” he said.

President Mnangagwa concluded his address by urging the ambassadors to diligently advance Zimbabwe’s development agenda and maintain vigilance regarding regional and global dynamics. “You have the sacred duty to effectively and wholeheartedly advance Zimbabwe’s development agenda,” he affirmed.

With a call for unity and hard work, President Mnangagwa left the ambassadors with a poignant reminder of their critical role in shaping Zimbabwe’s future: “Through our focus, unity, dedication and hard honest work, let us individually and collectively do our part to see Zimbabwe rise to its rightful place within the comity of nations.”