By Zivanai Dhewa

Political analysts and some captains of industry have come out in support of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s foreign trips where he has resumed his diplomatic offensive in an effort to continue his engagements and re-engagements in order to foster good relations with other countries.

During his inauguration in November 24, President ED Mnangagwa undertook on a regional diplomatic offensive and exercise that was necessary for Africa to understand what had just transpired in Africa.

His visit to Angola where he met with the then President of Angola, Joao Lourenco who was the Chair for SADC organ on politic, defence and security, a critical visit which was necessary for Zimbabwe to gain acceptance in the region and cordial relations.

In a statement, then Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting, George Charamba said: “This is essentially a diplomatic and political visit. It is part of our way of consolidating African support to make sure that all the regions are solidly behind Zimbabwe on re-engagement and anti-sanctions stance. We believe that one is more effective when their neighbourhood adopt their own call. We consolidated SADC support already now we are trying to build that same support continentally.”

The father of a nation cannot continue to sit and fold his hands when he feels there is need to outsource for his children to overcome a tough period. He goes out hunting, and this is what the President is doing for Zimbabwe.

Scaling up the re-engagement thrust, President Mnangagwa undertook a five-day State Visit to China in April where he grabbed the opportunity to give an overview of Zimbabwe’s economic recovery prospects.

The visit to Beijing managed to unlock critical resources to bankroll the $1.2 billion Hwange Power Station expansion project, including money for Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport expansion ($200 million), Kunzvi Dam ($680 million) and a new Parliament, among others.

His trip to Davos is very necessary because it continues to offer an opportunity for Zimbabwe to sell itself to possible foreign investors. He also gets an opportunity to clarify on the state of the economy.

Recently, Swiss Foreign Affair Minister, Dr Ignazio Cassis, visited Zimbabwe and said, “Switzerland pledges support and commitment for Zimbabwe’s economic and health reforms.”

It then becomes pivotal for President Mnangagwa to go in person to articulate what the nation is going through and how the nation can be helped to implement its economic recovery policies to the fullest. 

Professor Mthuli Ncube will be part of President Mnangagwa’s entourage.