Zimbabwe will transform its diplomatic missions during the implementation of the National Development Strategy (NDS2), moving beyond traditional diplomacy to position them as strategic economic hubs.
The economic hubs will proactively advance National Development by driving trade, investment, tourism, and innovation, while simultaneously defending the country’s sovereignty and projecting a positive image that highlights the successful milestones of the Second Republic.
The Second Republic has been utilising economic diplomacy as a key instrument to counter the years of international isolation resulting from Western-imposed sanctions.
According to NDS2, the country’s five-year economic blueprint (2025-2030), the transformation of diplomatic missions will be anchored on Zimbabwe’s improved, investment-conducive ease of doing business environment, reflecting the core policy that “Zimbabwe is open for business.”
“This will be complemented by the establishment of hubs to support product development and quality assurance for diverse export markets, underpinned by reduction of non-tariff barriers, streamlined customs processes, development of e-commerce platforms and use of digital tools to connect local businesses to international buyers,” says the blueprint.
Furthermore, the Government will pursue the placement of Zimbabweans to key positions in international organisations to grow the country’s representation, riding on harnessing the high numbers of skilled and youthful human capital.
“Expanding the country’s representation in influential positions in critical multilateral organisations of the world will enhance the country’s image and strengthen its diplomatic leverage, over and above strengthening global influence within the community of nations,” says the NDS 2.
“Securing influential positions in regional and global institutions for skilled and talented young Zimbabweans will also allow for the sharing of expertise and experience.”
During NDS2, the Government will also enhance participation in high-profile trade and investment expos to showcase opportunities available in the country.
The platforms serve as strategic avenues for attracting foreign investment, as well as enhancing the country’s international relations and trade.
In addition, the use of both traditional and new media platforms will be leveraged.
“Government will also continue to strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties to enhance development cooperation. To this end, the Government will actively promote participation in international competitions and cultural exchange programmes, as well as engage and host international opinion leaders, with the aim to enhance Zimbabwe’s global visibility,” the blueprint says.
Furthermore, a comprehensive geopolitical segmentation for alignment with foreign policy objectives in pursuit of 30 targeted political and diplomatic consultations will also be conducted during NDS2.
“Government recognises the strategic importance of the diaspora in national development. As such, the country has a significant opportunity to harness the diaspora as a catalyst for investment and national branding during NDS2.
“In this regard, the Government will promote diaspora participation in national development, leveraging on their knowledge, skills, investment potential and trade and market linkages.”
Last month, President Mnangagwa directed Zimbabwe’s diplomatic missions worldwide to transform into strategic economic hubs focused on boosting trade, investment, tourism, and innovation.
Addressing Zimbabwean Ambassadors and Heads of Mission at their annual strategic review meeting in Harare, the President emphasised that the embassies must move beyond traditional diplomacy to play a proactive role in national development.
“There is need to develop more concrete models to harness their combined potential as a source of investment capital.
“I expect the Embassies to adopt an open-door policy to our people living abroad, including the youth.
“Engagements with them should not only address their consular needs, but should also be opportunities for knowledge sharing for positive social and economic impacts back home.”-herald
