Source: Professor Ncube heads to Davos as Zimbabwe joins high-level global dialogue – herald
Tapiwanashe Mangwiro, Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Prof Mthuli Ncube, is set to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, this week, placing Zimbabwe at the centre of crucial global economic and political conversations.
The high-profile gathering, which runs under the 2026 theme of promoting global dialogue, will draw record attendance from world leaders, senior policymakers, business executives and global institutions at a time of heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
Speaking on his upcoming participation, Minister Ncube said the Davos platform was critical in fostering understanding among nations, arguing that global prosperity depended on sustained dialogue and reduced mistrust.
“We can only prosper as a world economy if there is understanding, if there is dialogue and if there is less misunderstanding,” he said.
“That is really the essence of the theme this year.”
Minister Ncube said more than 30 heads of state were scheduled to attend, alongside senior Government and business leaders, underscoring the significance of the forum as a space for candid engagement on pressing global challenges. Everything, he noted, would be on the table — from economic and socio-economic issues to political tensions and the future of global co-operation.Minister Ncube said Zimbabwe would not merely be an observer at Davos, but an active contributor to key debates, particularly those affecting Africa’s economic integration and development.
He revealed that he will participate in a session focused on the benefits of intra-African trade, an issue that has gained prominence as countries push to operationalise the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The discussion is expected to centre on how African economies can trade more with each other, reduce barriers and build resilient regional value chains.
“For example, I will be on a panel in a session that will focus on the benefits of intra-Africa trade, supporting intra-Africa trade and participating in intra-Africa trade,” Minister Ncube said.
Zimbabwe has, in recent years, emphasised regional trade as a pathway to industrialisation, export growth and reduced vulnerability to external shocks.
Officials argue that stronger intra-African trade can help African economies retain value on the continent while creating jobs and boosting incomes.
Another major plank of Minister Ncube’s engagement will be discussions around improving the business environment, a topic that has become central to Zimbabwe’s economic reform agenda.
The minister said he would take part in a dedicated session on how countries can lower the cost of doing business and better support private sector growth.
He said President Mnangagwa has pushed very hard toward reducing the cost of doing business in the country.
“I have also been doing my part as Minister of Finance to make sure that it happens, to lead the implementation process,” said Minister Ncube.Zimbabwe has rolled out a series of measures aimed at easing regulatory burdens, stabilising the macroeconomic environment and improving ease of doing business rankings, as it seeks to attract both domestic and foreign investment.
At Davos, Minister Ncube said he would share Zimbabwe’s experiences while also learning from other countries and global best practices.
“These are major contributions in terms of how to reduce the cost of doing business, how to work with the private sector, how to promote trade in what we have produced within the African continent and also globally,” he said.
Beyond Africa-focused discussions, the Davos agenda will also tackle broader global concerns, including the future of the international financial system and rising geopolitical tensions.
Minister Ncube said the global financial architecture — long criticised by developing countries as skewed against them — would be part of the conversations.
Political issues, including how to prevent and resolve conflicts unfolding or looming in different regions, will also feature prominently.
“It will be political issues — how to avoid the conflicts that are taking place or about to take place,” he said. “All those things will be on the table to create a better world.”
The WEF meeting comes at a time when the global economy faces slowing growth, high debt levels, climate risks and persistent inequality, making dialogue between nations and sectors increasingly urgent. Minister Ncube said Zimbabwe was pleased to have been invited to participate in the 2026 meeting, describing the opportunity as both a platform to contribute and a chance to learn.
As Minister Ncube left for the Swiss resort town on Saturday, expectations are that Zimbabwe will use the global spotlight to reinforce its reform narrative, build networks and amplify its voice on African trade and development at one of the world’s most influential economic forums.
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