Tafadzwa Nyikadzino

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially opened the 23rd National People’s Conference of ZANU PF in Mashonaland West Province, declaring that the revolutionary party is united, on a sound footing and will govern in perpetuity.

Addressing delegates, President Mnangagwa said the theme of this year’s conference is timely.

The conference is running under the theme “From Resolutions to Results: Consolidating Economic Development and Deepening Empowerment towards Vision 2030.”

President Mnangagwa said the venue of the conference in Chinhoyi is historic, as it marks where seven liberation war fighters confronted the brutal Rhodesian regime in 1966 – an incident that marked the birth of the armed liberation struggle.

“The venue of this Conference, must, therefore, inspire us, to honour them and many other departed comrades, by accelerating sustainable economic development and realising prosperity for all Zimbabweans,” he said.

The President said the State of the Party is strong, with unbreakable unity while peace and stability in the country is enabling business to thrive. He said the party’s membership base is growing as opposition parties are in disarray.

“Everyone is welcome in ZANU PF. Huyai, tifambe tose tichishandira nyika yekwedu,” he said.

On the economy, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s economy is rising, with GDP growing from USD16 billion at the advent of the Second Republic in 2017 to USD66 billion presently. He said GDP per capita has jumped from USD1 200 to USD3 500, while annual exports have grown from USD2 billion to over USD20 billion.

“In 2025, Zimbabwe’s GDP grew by 8.3% and is projected at 5% in 2026. Through our astute monetary policy, annual inflation has come down to 2.8% and is accompanied by price stability,” he said.

He said under the International Monetary Fund Staff Monitoring review programme, the country has met all quantitative targets.

The President said agriculture is projected to grow by 6.9% with grain production at 2.4 million tonnes, while the mining sector continues to drive transformation with lithium, gold, platinum and steel production. He said Zimbabwe now has one of the largest steel industries in sub-Saharan Africa.

President Mnangagwa urged delegates to craft resolutions that create concrete opportunities for youth, women, people with disabilities and war veterans.

He expressed concern over rising marital crimes resulting in loss of lives and called for restoration of family values.

The President said resolutions to be adopted at this conference must reflect realities facing Zimbabweans and provide practical solutions, warning that personal or narrow interests have no place in the party.