The ZANU PF Annual People’s Conference kicked off with a lively Politburo Session held at the party headquarters in Harare on Tuesday, where President Mnangagwa stressed the importance of constitutionalism, honesty, and hard work among party members.
The Politburo meeting was followed by the Central Committee meeting yesterday where the President reiterated the supremacy of the party over Government. The party has the responsibility to supervise and oversee functions of Central Government. The official opening of the conference is set for Friday at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Grounds in Bulawayo.
President Mnangagwa highlighted key areas of focus, including economic revitalization through supporting and revitalizing Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector. This involves encouraging local investment and foreign direct investment, diversifying the economy to reduce dependence on imports, and fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Notably, the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency licensed US$1.2 billion in investments in the third quarter.
Industrial growth is also a priority, with a focus on debating and implementing interventions to propel growth through local value addition and beneficiation of resource endowments. The President promotes value addition and beneficiation of Zimbabwe’s natural resources, particularly key minerals like lithium, platinum, and chrome. This will enable the development of industries linked to these resources, enhance manufacturing capacity for electric vehicles and new energy solutions, and increase exports to reduce the trade deficit.
Agricultural development and food security are equally crucial. Farmers and stakeholders are making progress in increasing production and productivity, putting Zimbabwe on track to achieve national food security and sovereignty. A record wheat winter harvest is expected, with the government projecting approximately 600,000 tonnes of cereal this year, ensuring self-sufficiency.
To achieve food security, the President emphasized ensuring availability and accessibility of nutritious food, reducing reliance on food imports, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and supporting vulnerable communities through social protection programs. The government is currently rolling out Village Business Units across the country to ensure food security at the household level.
Furthermore, President Mnangagwa stressed the need for people-centered resolutions, prioritizing the needs and concerns of the people. This involves ensuring responsive and accountable governance, fostering participatory policy-making processes, and addressing social and economic inequalities, in line with the inclusive development agenda of the Second Republic.
The conference, themed “Towards Vision 2030 through Industrialisation and Modernization,” aims to discuss key issues, formulate strategies, and reinforce the party’s commitment to national development.
