Judith Phiri Zimpapers Writer
THE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, has said Zimbabwe’s participation at the World Economic Forum (WEF) is a deliberate strategy anchored on economic diplomacy, aimed at integrating the country into the global economy and delivering tangible benefits to Zimbabwean citizens.
In an update, the Ministry said that speaking in an interview following Zimbabwe’s participation at Davos, Prof Murwira said the country’s engagement at the global forum aligns with President Mnangagwa’s policy of economic diplomacy, which prioritises trade, investment and peaceful international cooperation as tools for national development.
The Minister said Zimbabwe’s main objective at Davos was to understand the evolving global geopolitical and economic landscape in order to strategically position the country in an increasingly complex and turbulent world.
“We normally say you have to understand the seas before you navigate your ship. At Davos, we focused on understanding the global political, economic and geopolitical landscape so that Zimbabwe can navigate effectively,” he said.
He noted that Zimbabwe, under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa, has consistently participated at the World Economic Forum since 2018 as part of efforts to reintegrate the country into the global economy, promote national dignity and advance prosperity for its people.
Prof Murwira said discussions at Davos focused on how new geopolitical realities influence trade, global governance and economic growth, providing Zimbabwe with critical insights as it formulates its global engagement strategy.
Addressing concerns about the relevance of global forums to Zimbabwe, the Minister emphasised that Davos was not an abstract elite gathering, but a platform where decisions that affect jobs, trade, investment, energy and technology are shaped.
“For Zimbabwe, trade is an instrument of peace and prosperity. If we do not trade, what do we do? Do we grab and go? Trade creates jobs, builds industries and improves livelihoods.”
He added that Zimbabwe’s presence at Davos helps position the country as a credible, stable and trustworthy investment destination, opening doors for partnerships that translate into economic activity back home.
Prof Murwira highlighted that Zimbabwe held several high-level bilateral meetings alongside the main Davos programme, all focused on concrete economic outcomes.
These included engagements with Gavi, the Global Alliance on Vaccines, aimed at deepening cooperation in vaccine manufacturing and health systems, as well as talks with Philip Morris International (PMI) on strengthening Zimbabwe’s tobacco value chain.
“Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s leading tobacco producers, with an expected output of about 500 million kilogrammes this year. We are encouraging direct purchases from Zimbabwe and greater participation in the tobacco value chain,” he said.
The Minister also confirmed discussions with India on energy cooperation, stressing that energy remains a critical enabler of industrialisation, agriculture and economic development.
The meeting in Davos brought together leading business and political figures to discuss geopolitics, technology, trade and other global issues, with the Alpine town hosting about 3 000 participants from more than 130 countries at a forum described as a pivotal moment for global cooperation.
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