By Correspondent
MAPHISA, MATABELELAND SOUTH – Addressing thousands gathered at Maphisa Business Centre on April 18, 2026, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa delivered a landmark 46th Independence Day speech, celebrating Zimbabwe’s transition toward an “upper middle-income society” by 2030.
Under the theme ‘Zimbabwe at 46, Unity and Development, towards Vision 2030,’ the President utilized the historic landscape of Matabeleland South to underscore a message of national unity and economic resilience.
Economic Milestones: Inflation and Currency Stability
The President highlighted a significant turnaround in the nation’s macro-economic environment, noting that foreign currency reserves have surged to over US$1.2 billion. This growth is primarily anchored by a robust gold sector and increased diaspora remittances.
Inflation Success: Zimbabwe achieved a single-digit annual inflation rate of 4.1% in January 2026, the lowest in over three decades.
Foreign Inflows: Total foreign currency inflows exceeded US$16 billion, bolstered by exports in gold, tobacco, and Platinum Group Metals (PGMs).
ZiG Currency: The stability of the ZiG currency remains a priority, supported by these increasing reserves and a disciplined banking sector.
Agriculture: A “Net Exporter” Vision
Despite the challenges of climate change, the President declared the 2024/2025 season a success, with grain production exceeding national requirements.
No one and no region will starve,” the President assured, citing the Isiphala seNkosi/Zunde raMambo social safety nets. He also noted that tobacco production reached a record 355 million kilograms, earning the country US$1.2 billion.
Infrastructure and Rural Industrialization
A central pillar of the speech was the Rural Development 8.0 Model, which focuses on Village Business Units to bridge the gap between urban and rural economies.
- Modernization: AI-enabled grain silos are currently under construction in 14 locations, including Lupane, Plumtree, and Gokwe.
- Infrastructure: The President committed to accelerating the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road rehabilitation and the installation of e-gates at the Beitbridge Border Post to facilitate regional trade.
- Energy and Water: Treasury financing has been increased for the Presidential Borehole Drilling scheme and the Rural Electrification Programme.
Social Issues and Cultural Heritage
President Mnangagwa took a firm stance against social ills, particularly the “inhumane” distribution of accident footage on social media and the rising tide of drug abuse. He appealed to families to support rehabilitation efforts for the youth.
On the cultural front, he celebrated the repatriation of the Chapungu (soapstone bird) and other ancestral remains from South Africa, describing the move as “restitutive justice” and a restoration of national identity.
International Relations
Reiterating the policy of being “a friend to all and an enemy to none,” the President announced that Zimbabwe will host the COMESA Summit in October 2026. He also confirmed that the nation is actively campaigning for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.
President Mnangagwa concluded by urging all Zimbabweans to protect their “hard-won freedom,” reminding the nation that “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” (The country is built by its owners).
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