By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Harare — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a blunt, no-nonsense warning to Zimbabwe’s ambassadors and foreign service officials: diplomatic postings are not vacations, and those who think otherwise should think again.
Speaking at a high-level engagement with Zimbabwe’s Ambassadors, Ambassadors-Designate, Consuls-General and Chargé d’Affaires at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) on November 2, 2026, the President delivered a fiery charge that left no doubt about his expectations for the country’s diplomatic corps.
“Under my Administration, serving as diplomats is not ‘child’s-play,'” President Mnangagwa declared. “Ndinoda madzimai nevarume vakatsunga, vakazvipira kushanda nesimba kuti nyika ibudirire. Avo vanofunga kuti varikuenda-kuholiday, bodo. Hamusi kuyenda kunze ikoko kunomwa mazambiringa. I demand results.”
The Shona admonition—roughly translated as “I want resolute men and women, dedicated to working hard so that the country succeeds.
Those who think they are going on holiday, forget it. You are not going out there to drink wine”—set the tone for an address that placed accountability, patriotism and measurable outcomes at the heart of Zimbabwe’s foreign policy.
From Conference Resolutions to Delivery
The President’s address came on the heels of the successful 23rd National People’s Conference of ZANU PF and the Strategic Planning Review Workshop held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
He said the timing was “most opportune,” expressing confidence that diplomats were now clear on the direction of the ZANU PF-led Government and the role they must play.
“The Second Republic has entered into an era where resolutions and strategies must accumulate into accelerated service delivery, results and accountability,” he said.
“As foreign service officials, your individual and collective efforts must reflect our ongoing diplomatic thrust, under the engagement and re-engagement drive.”
He directed the diplomats to translate the outcomes of both the Party conference and the Ministry’s workshop into “clear programmes and measurable targets,” warning against working in silos and urging close liaison with other Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Embassies as Economic Engines
President Mnangagwa framed every Embassy as a “strategic and competitive platform” for trade promotion, investment facilitation and tourism marketing.
With the national vision of becoming a prosperous and empowered upper-middle income society by 2030 as the over-arching guide, he said international cooperation was key to fast-tracking development, industrialisation and modernisation.
“This entails enhancing our national capacity to innovate and develop our own institutions, so that we produce more quality ‘made in Zimbabwe’ products and services,” he said.
He emphasised that women and youth entrepreneurs, farmers, manufacturers, miners, tourism operators and innovators must directly benefit from the work of ambassadors—and that the country should gain from technology transfer, scientific cooperation and specialist skills training available in other jurisdictions.
A Principled, Pragmatic Diplomacy
Reaffirming Zimbabwe’s foreign policy doctrine, the President said the country “is a friend to all and an enemy to none” and can never be dependent on any single country or bloc.
He called on diplomats to provide the advice and analysis needed to sharpen national positions on international developments and bilateral and multilateral agreements.
“Diplomats are the launch-pads through which emerging opportunities are harnessed, challenges are responded to and threats identified,” he said.
“I urge us to always protect Zimbabwe’s national interests, defend the right to chart our own destiny and constructively engage other countries on the basis of mutual respect, for win-win benefits.”
Diaspora Welfare in Focus
Turning to the Zimbabwean Diaspora, the President Mnangagwa reminded the diplomats of the Constitution’s obligation to protect and promote the welfare of citizens living abroad, describing the Diaspora as “an indispensable asset and a vital cog for sustainable socio-economic development.”
He called on Missions to be “efficient, humane and receptive to all our citizens, no matter their tribe, race, creed or social standing,” and challenged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, together with other stakeholders, to finalise the review of the National Diaspora Policy.
He also urged ambassadors to identify opportunities for Zimbabweans—whom he described as among the world’s best educated and skilled professionals—to serve in strategic positions in regional and international organisations.
Diplomatic Wins and New Responsibilities
The President Mnangagwa commended the diplomats for recent milestones, including Zimbabwe’s successful hosting of the 25th Summit of the COMESA Authority of Heads of State and Government on October 22, 2026, and its assumption of the COMESA Chairmanship.
He also noted SADC’s backing for Zimbabwe’s bid to host the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in 2027, and the unanimous endorsement by the 18th AfCFTA Council of Ministers in Abuja for Zimbabwe to host the 19th Council of Ministers Meeting in 2027 and the Intra-African Trade Fair in 2029.
“These are not ceremonial honours, but platforms for our exporters, manufacturers and service providers to grow their businesses,” he said.
“Every Mission is expected to use these and other platforms to bring buyers and investors to our beloved motherland. Zimbabwe is open for business and capital is safe in our destination.”
He also congratulated the diplomats for delivering Zimbabwe’s successful election to the United Nations Security Council, describing it as a reflection of the confidence placed in the country by the international community. “You delivered, and the world responded overwhelmingly. Congratulations for your efforts. Well done.”
Prudent Management and Patriotism
In closing, the President called on Heads of Mission to exercise “prudent financial and administrative management,” insisting that Government property be properly maintained and public resources responsibly used, consistent with standing procedures and regulations.
“Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo / Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo,” he said, invoking the mantra that the country is built, governed and prayed for by its own people.
“As you return to your duty stations, let our diplomacy be guided by unity of purpose, strategic clarity, accountability and a firm commitment to transformative results.”
“Together, let us wholeheartedly serve Zimbabwe, with unflinching patriotism, loyalty, focus, humility and professionalism.”
With these remarks, the President wished the diplomats success in their assignments and safe travel back to their stations—leaving them in no doubt that the era of the diplomatic “holiday” is well and truly over.
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