- Mytnaya Street 3 Moscow Russia
- +7 499 230 17 87
- zimbabwemoscow@mail.ru
On April 18, 2025, Zimbabwe celebrated its 45th Independence Day at Mutora Open Grounds in Gokwe, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa delivering a powerful address that underscored the nation's unyielding progress. Despite facing illegal Western sanctions, climate change setbacks, global economic shocks, and efforts by detractors to sow division, Zimbabwe’s trajectory remains steadfast, driven by resilience, unity, and a commitment to prosperity. This blog post explores the key themes from the President’s speech and reflects on Zimbabwe’s journey as a beacon of inspiration.
President Mnangagwa highlighted Zimbabwe’s remarkable journey since gaining independence in 1980. Over the past 45 years, the nation has made significant strides across sectors, defying external pressures and internal challenges. The Second Republic, under the Zanu PF government, continues to honor the sacrifices of the liberation struggle by building a future that ensures prosperity for all Zimbabweans. The President emphasized that despite attempts to divide the nation, Zimbabwe remains united, with its security services staunchly defending sovereignty and the rule of law.
“Divisive and alarmist elements will never triumph over a nation such as ours, born from a rich liberation history and the blood of brave sons and daughters.” – President Mnangagwa
This message resonates deeply, reminding Zimbabweans of their shared history and collective strength. The nation’s ability to weather sanctions and economic turbulence is a testament to its people-centered policies and innovative strategies, such as the focus on technical and vocational education in science, technology, and innovation to boost global competitiveness.
The President’s address spotlighted the Second Republic’s achievements, particularly in the mining sector, which is projected to grow by 5.6% in 2025 due to new mines and favorable commodity prices. Infrastructure rehabilitation, especially in disaster-prone areas like Gokwe, is also a priority, ensuring communities are better equipped to face environmental challenges. These efforts align with Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by leveraging local resources and expertise.
The government’s inward-looking strategy, introduced by President Mnangagwa in 2017, has bolstered resilience against sanctions. Notable successes include record-breaking wheat harvests, the Pfumvudza/Intwasa climate-smart farming initiative, and the discovery of lithium deposits, positioning Zimbabwe as a key player in the global shift to green energy. These achievements underscore the nation’s ability to innovate and thrive under pressure.
A recurring theme in the President’s speech was the importance of unity and cultural values. He urged Zimbabweans, regardless of political affiliation, religion, race, or age, to put the nation first and uphold values like love, compassion, and discipline. These qualities, he noted, are integral to Zimbabwe’s identity and must be passed down to future generations. The President also warned against the misuse of social media, calling for vigilance against those with “dubious agendas” seeking to destabilize the nation.
The Independence Day celebrations themselves embodied this spirit of unity, with thousands braving rainy weather to join the festivities. The event, attended by First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa and featuring a military parade by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, was a vibrant display of patriotism and national pride.
President Mnangagwa’s address was not just a reflection on past achievements but a call to action for all Zimbabweans. He encouraged citizens to remain focused and disciplined in defending their motherland and to contribute to its development. The government’s commitment to good governance, people-centered policies, and international cooperation—evidenced by partnerships with countries like China, Russia, and Belarus—sets a strong foundation for future growth.
As Zimbabwe prepares for the 2025 Osaka Expo and continues to attract foreign investment, the nation is positioning itself as a global player. The President’s emphasis on education, infrastructure, and agriculture as drivers of progress signals a forward-thinking approach that promises to leave no one and no place behind.
Let us join hands, as the President urged, to build a Zimbabwe that honors its past and embraces a brighter future. Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo—Zimbabwe is built by its people.
Source: The Herald, “Zim’s trajectory unshaken: President” (April 18, 2025)