Story by Godfrey M Bonda
Harare – The Presidential Programme for Professionals was officially initiated today at Heritage Village, marking what leaders described as a defining moment in mobilising Zimbabwe’s professional community towards national development under Vision 2030.
Vice President of Zimbabwe, Kembo Mohadi, who was the Guest of Honour, characterised the gathering as more than just a meeting, describing it as “a historic movement” aligned with the national vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy by 2030 under the leadership of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Addressing delegates, Vice President Mohadi emphasised the strategic importance of professionals in national development, stating that they are the backbone of industrialisation and the engine driving the country’s economic transformation.
Representing the ZANU PF National Political Commissar, Director Kizito Kuchekwa, speaking on behalf of Munyaradzi Machacha, reinforced the central role of professionals in development and urged each professional to recruit at least one new member in line with the party’s national strategic agenda. He further highlighted the importance of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, urging that it be understood beyond political lenses as a development-oriented framework.
Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities and Patron of the Presidential Programme for Professionals, Paul Mavhima, underscored the significance of the professional class, describing it as a critical pillar of the economy. He referred to professionals as part of the “intelligentsia,” the third pillar essential to building a thriving and sustainable economy. He called for collaboration, encouraging professionals to come together through structured platforms such as roundtables to exchange ideas and drive innovation.
Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province Devolution and Provincial Affairs, Charles Tavengwa, conveyed his support for the initiative, expressing confidence that the convention would yield meaningful outcomes for the professional community and the nation at large.
National Chairman of the Presidential Programme for Professionals, Mr Kudzai Ngirazi, anchored the initiative on the theme “Building a Sustainable Future, Professionals Contributing to Vision 2030,” outlining its focus on promoting innovation, global competitiveness and national development. He highlighted the programme’s guiding principles of national service, integrity, professional excellence and inclusivity.
Mr Ngirazi also raised concern over limited access to financing for professionals, noting the need for improved loan facilities to unlock productivity and enable professionals to contribute more effectively to economic growth. He further announced plans to introduce Presidential Awards for Professionals, aimed at recognising excellence and incentivising contribution across various sectors.
The event drew high-level participation from key stakeholders, including Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire; Ambassador of China to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding; and Principal of the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology, Mr I. Mada, reflecting broad institutional support for the programme.
The launch of the Presidential Programme for Professionals signals a strategic shift towards structured engagement of Zimbabwe’s skilled workforce, positioning professionals as central drivers in the country’s journey towards sustainable economic growth and Vision 2030.
