By Peacemaker Zano
The engagement and re-engagement drive by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration is commendable and of great importance, as it enables economic, political and social connectivity with other international nations.
For so long, Zimbabwe has been living in isolation from the outside world. This isolation affected the development of the nation as it lagged behind from achievements made by her neighbours.
Over the past weeks, some opposition elements were making noise on different platforms of social media criticising President Mnangagwa’s foreign trips. However, the criticisms were made on baseless accusations that the President was globe-trotting and over spending whilst nothing concrete was coming out from his trips.
However, Zimbabwe is a developing nation, and for it to rise, at times certain costs should be incurred if the intended mission is expected to bring positive results. The President cannot just sit here without interrelating with other national leaders so as to promote trade and investment.
It is worth noting that President Mnangagwa’s engagements and re-engagements efforts are fostering good relationships with other countries. In the previous administration, Zimbabwe was viewed by other nations as a pariah state hampering developmental prospects. Also, some international investors did not want to associate or do business in the country citing various reasons among them being an isolated nation.
Last month, Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi was in Zimbabwe for an inaugural Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC). The Botswana Government offered Zimbabwe a credit, which was channelled towards the private sector. Also, eight agreements covering political, diplomatic and economic sectors were signed between the two nations. Had it been that President Mnangagwa was a lone leader, such opportunities could not have materialised.
Also, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was in Zimbabwe where he met with President Mnangagwa in efforts to strengthen mutual cooperation and deepen the implementation of the bilateral agreements.
The opposition must do away with the mentality that whenever a Head of State went for a foreign trip, he has to come back home with either a credit facility or grant. At times these foreign trips are done so as build foundations that promote stronger relations for future interactions.
Scaling up the re-engagement efforts by President Mnangagwa should not be criticised. Normally when President visits other Heads of State, his main thrust will be to market the brand name, Zimbabwe. Honestly, there is nowhere, where Zimbabwe can prosper if investors are not fully informed about what the nation has. Hence, President Mnangagwa’s trips are necessary since he will be marketing Zimbabwe as an investment destination.
It’s unfortunate that most journalists do not report the correct position and picture of Zimbabwe; instead, they portray it as a nation in turmoil without any prospects of economic revival. When meeting with other leaders and investors, President Mnangagwa will be relaying a true picture of Zimbabwe.
When President Mnangagwa went for his engagement efforts to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a lot of complains were made by the Government detractors. However, his trip was positive as the UAE supported Zimbabwe with humanitarian aid that was meant for the cyclone victims.
Therefore, the new administration should be encouraged to continue re-engaging with other international leaders for the betterment of Zimbabwe and its citizens.
