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VICE President Phelekezela Mphoko

Mashudu Netsianda Senior Reporter
VICE-PRESIDENT Phelekezela Mphoko said Zimbabwe is in the process of rebuilding its economy through creating markets for its products after going through the critical stage of political freedom following a successful land reform programme.In an interview yesterday, VP Mphoko, reflecting on Africa Day commemorations, said for Zimbabwe to register significant economic growth, there was need for the country to explore markets for the local mining and agricultural industries.

“Politically, Zimbabwe is free because we’ve got our land back from the British colonialists. However, you’ll note that the Western countries that conspired during the infamous Scramble for Africa during the 1884-85 Berlin Conference, have kept their markets to themselves after we gained independence,” said VP Mphoko.

The Berlin Conference (1884-85) marked the climax of the European competition for territory in Africa, a process commonly known as the Scramble for Africa.

VP Mphoko said African countries, particularly Zimbabwe, have a task of finding new markets for their produce.

“Mining and agriculture was the backbone of the colonialists’ economy such that when they colonised Africa, they started looking for markets for their gold and agricultural produce. However, when as Africans we got our independence, suddenly there was no access to those markets and we had to look for our own in Russia, China and other countries in the East since the Western countries couldn’t open up the markets,” he said.

“We’ve to look for new markets because as long as you’re a Dzivarasekwa, Moyo or Dube, you won’t secure that market, if you’re a Jones or Williams they’ll give you that market.”

Africa yesterday celebrated its 52nd Africa Day commemorations to mark the birth of the continental body, African Union (AU) in 1963, formerly the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

President Mugabe, who is the AU chairman in his statement on the occasion of the 52nd Anniversary commemorations, paid tribute to the founding fathers of the continental body who include the late former president of Ghana Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Modibo Keita of Mali, Gamal Abdul Nasser of Egypt, Sekou Touré of Guinea, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Ben Bella of Algeria, Emperor Haile Selasse of Ethiopia and William Tubman of Liberia, for their sacrifices to liberate Africa from the yoke of colonialism.

“As we celebrate the 52nd Anniversary of our organisation, it’s indeed a great opportunity for us, the African continent to pay solemn homage and tribute to the founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union. On May 25, 1963, these great visionaries took the historic stride and formed an institution that would be the vanguard of the African people’s aspirations for freedom, unity and solidarity,” said President Mugabe.

“This day wouldn’t have been possible without the sacrifices of the founding fathers and those of the African heroes and heroines who fought to liberate our continent from the vestiges of colonialism, racism and apartheid. Today, we’re free because of the sacrifices they made,” said President Mugabe.

This year’s commemorations were held under the theme: “Women’s Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063” in recognition of the role of women as a driving force for change and development.