Zimbabwe Government’s ongoing programme of reforms and targeted investments has begun to yield tangible results, with consistent economic growth and improvements in livelihoods across the country, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has told world leaders at the United Nations.
Delivering a speech read on his behalf by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira during the General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Friday, President Mnangagwa said the country’s development strategy was anchored on the principle of inclusivity and resilience.
He noted that Zimbabwe’s economy has registered steady growth of around six percent in recent years, a performance he attributed to wide-ranging structural reforms and deliberate investment in critical sectors. “Guided by our National Development Strategy, we are undertaking comprehensive reforms and targeted investments to transform and build our country, brick by brick, resulting in a consistent GDP growth of around six percent for the past few years,” President Mnangagwa said.
According to the President, reforms in key areas such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism have attracted new investment and revitalised local industries. These developments, he said, were directly improving the lives of ordinary citizens while strengthening Zimbabwe’s economic foundation. “Reforms to our critical economic sectors have resulted in significant levels of investment, positively changing the lives and livelihoods of our people. Strengthening our social protection frameworks remains a top priority,” he emphasised.
The President also highlighted inclusivity as a cornerstone of national development, pointing to programmes that empower women, youths, and persons with disabilities. These efforts, he said, ensure that no segment of society is excluded from participating in and benefiting from economic progress. “The doctrine of leaving no one and no place behind defines the core of Zimbabwe’s national development trajectory,” he said.
Climate action featured prominently in his address, with President Mnangagwa outlining the country’s strategies to mitigate and adapt to the effects of global warming. He explained that Zimbabwe was mainstreaming climate considerations into all development planning processes, with particular focus on renewable energy expansion, early warning systems, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Government Reforms Driving Economic Growth and Social Transformation, Mnangagwa Tells UN
“Our focus is on expanding renewable energy, strengthening early warning systems, scaling up climate-smart agriculture, accelerating dam construction and increasing the utilisation of irrigation systems,” he said. He pointed to the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme — a conservation agriculture model adopted nationwide — as one of Zimbabwe’s successful innovations in climate resilience, adding that the country was prepared to share its experiences with other UN member states.
Reaffirming Zimbabwe’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, the President urged the global community to step up action as the world approaches COP30. “We call on all states to demonstrate greater ambition by enhancing their Nationally Determined Contributions,” he said, stressing the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities.
On technology and innovation, President Mnangagwa acknowledged the transformative role of digitalisation and artificial intelligence in accelerating development. However, he cautioned that the misuse of technology by criminal networks posed serious threats to global security and stability. “The role of ICT and AI in transforming lives and accelerating development is indisputable. It is, however, equally observed that criminals are using ICT for harmful behaviour, with serious destabilising consequences to society,” he noted.
Zimbabwe, he added, supported the establishment of global frameworks to regulate emerging technologies and curb their misuse. “The Global Dialogue on AI Governance should assist all countries. We applaud the deliberate efforts by the UN Secretary-General towards optimising the benefits of technology while minimising the potential harmful effects of the same,” the President said.
His address reflected a strong message that Zimbabwe is intent on pursuing inclusive, climate-resilient, and innovation-driven development, while remaining committed to global cooperation on issues ranging from economic growth to sustainable technologies.
Observers at the UN noted that Zimbabwe’s presentation emphasised progress at home while positioning the country as a willing partner in addressing global challenges. By highlighting national initiatives such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa and renewable energy investments, the President sought to showcase Zimbabwe as both a beneficiary and contributor within the international community.
The government’s push to revitalise the economy through reforms has been accompanied by efforts to strengthen governance, improve infrastructure, and create jobs. With a steady growth rate recorded over the past three years despite global economic headwinds, authorities in Harare argue that the policies are beginning to deliver results.
President Mnangagwa’s remarks at the UN underscored his administration’s determination to accelerate these gains, with a pledge to continue focusing on inclusivity, resilience, and sustainable growth.
As Zimbabwe Govnment pushes ahead with its National Development Strategy, the international spotlight on reforms and economic transformation will remain critical. The President’s message to the UN was clear: the country is ready to consolidate recent progress, share its successes, and contribute to the collective effort of building a sustainable future for all.
Source- Herald
