President Emmerson Mnangagwa has set Zimbabwe on a bold trajectory of economic innovation and cultural preservation by officially launching the Zimbabwe-Geographical Indications (GI) Development Agenda at the 2025 Worldwide Symposium on GIs, hosted for the first time on African soil in Victoria Falls.
The symposium, co-organised by the Government of Zimbabwe and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), attracted experts, policymakers, and producers from across the globe, placing Zimbabwe at the epicentre of global discussions on heritage branding, rural industrialisation, and inclusive growth.
In his keynote address, President Mnangagwa described the adoption and development of Geographical Indications as “a transformative tool for rural empowerment, economic diversification, and national identity.” He announced the registration of Zimbabwe’s first GI-Honey from Nyanga, marking a historic milestone in protecting and promoting locally originated products.
“The Zimbabwe-GI Project will not only protect our unique products but will also empower our farmers, women, youth, and rural communities by unlocking new markets through origin-linked branding,” said the President.
In a show of commitment to inclusivity, President Mnangagwa launched a bilingual National Guide on GIs, developed in English and Shona, with further intentions to translate it into Ndebele and other indigenous languages. He emphasised that language should not be a barrier to participation in national development.
The President also called for the development of a national GI logo and certification system, alongside robust awareness campaigns to promote recognition and trust in GI-labelled products, both locally and abroad.
Highlighting the alignment of the initiative with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the President stressed that GIs will play a pivotal role in enhancing Zimbabwe’s exports, improving product competitiveness, and driving green industrialisation.
“GIs promote sustainable production, safeguard biodiversity, and protect traditional knowledge systems. They are a vital tool in our efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s engagement in this agenda has been bolstered through technical cooperation with WIPO, the French Development Agency, Bio-Hub Trust, and other development partners. French experts have been instrumental in training local farmers and cooperatives on GI certification and compliance.
President Mnangagwa urged the African Union Commission to expedite the adoption of the Continental Strategy on GIs, to enable intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He emphasized the need for a harmonised legal framework and greater investment in intellectual property systems across Africa.
The successful hosting of the symposium in Victoria Falls—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—further cements Zimbabwe’s position as a champion of both innovation and heritage. Delegates were treated to local GI-linked products, cultural exhibitions, and scenic experiences that reflect Zimbabwe’s rich identity.
As Zimbabwe steps into a new era of intellectual property development, the President’s address signals a strong political will to harness indigenous knowledge, diversify the economy, and ensure that communities are not just custodians of culture, but beneficiaries of its economic potential.
