Zimbabwe celebrated its 43rd independence anniversary on Tuesday, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa speaking at the main celebrations in Mount Darwin. Mnangagwa praised the country’s liberation and post-independence efforts, as Zimbabwe works towards becoming a middle-income economy by 2030. The theme for this year’s independence celebrations was “Brick upon brick,” echoing the national mantra of Zimbabweans’ responsibility to develop their country.
In his speech, Mnangagwa emphasised the importance of food security and food sovereignty, announcing that the country was projecting over 3.2 million metric tonnes of cereals for the 2022/2023 season, against an annual requirement of 2.2 million metric tonnes. He also noted that Zimbabwe had implemented about 7,000 high-impact, life-changing projects since 2018 to lift its people out of poverty.
Despite facing numerous hurdles, including 23 years of illegal Western sanctions, Mnangagwa said that Zimbabwe remained determined to achieve its development goals. Economic stability and inflation control will continue to be fostered to ensure sustained growth, he added, pointing out that last year’s foreign currency earnings were the highest ever for the country.
Zimbabweans were urged to recognise their responsibility to develop their country, while friends and partners were welcome to assist Zimbabwe on its own terms and according to its priorities. Mnangagwa also reiterated his call for the nation to remain vigilant, protect the hard-won independence, and shun violence, especially with the harmonized general elections just a few months away. The President declared that the nation’s vote must safeguard Zimbabwe’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
This year marks the second time that Zimbabwe held the main celebrations outside the capital of Harare, after the government decided to decentralize the event. Last year’s main celebrations were held in the second city of Bulawayo. Thousands of people gathered in Mount Darwin for the celebrations, and Mnangagwa’s speech was broadcast across the country.
Zimbabwe has been grappling with political and economic challenges for several years, including high inflation, shortages of foreign currency, and a lack of investment. The country has been implementing reforms and attracting investment to revive its economy, with the goal of becoming a middle-income country by 2030. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated the situation, with Zimbabwe facing challenges in its vaccination rollout and its healthcare system.
Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980, and its first president, Robert Mugabe, ruled for nearly four decades before being ousted in a coup in 2017. Mnangagwa succeeded Mugabe and has been in power since then.
