By Archford Chirimudombo
Harare, (New Ziana) – Cabinet was on Tuesday briefed on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent participation in the Third Russia-Africa Summit, held from October 24 to 30 as well as Zimbabwe’s successful hosting of the 22nd Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit.
Briefing journalists after the 35th Cabinet meeting, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Prof Amon Murwira presented the report.
President Mnangagwa attended the Russia-Africa Summit in two capacities, as the Zimbabwean Head of State and Government and as the Chairperson of the COMESA Authority, using the platform to advance economic diplomacy, strengthen African integration and deepen Zimbabwe’s bilateral relations with Russia and the wider international community.
The summit was co-chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Burundi President, who is also African Union Chairperson, Evariste Ndayishimiye.
Dr Soda said President Mnangagwa, in his address, called for mutually beneficial partnerships that leverage Africa’s vast natural resources, youthful population and expanding markets alongside Russia’s scientific, technological and industrial capabilities.
“The President stressed that the cooperation should deliver tangible economic gains that improve the livelihoods of the peoples of Africa and the Russian Federation. In addition, he reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to the United Nations Charter, the peaceful settlement of disputes and a fairer international order, in line with the Common African Position on United Nations Security Council reform as set out in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration,” he said.
The summit produced three major documents, namely the Declaration of the Third Russia-Africa Summit, the Declaration on Cooperation in the Civil Use of Artificial Intelligence Technologies, and the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan for 2027 to 2029.
According to Dr Soda, the documents provide a framework for strengthened political cooperation, establish structured engagement on the civilian application of artificial intelligence and outline a medium-term roadmap for implementing agreed areas of collaboration.
On the sidelines of the summit, President Mnangagwa held several high-level meetings with President Putin and leaders of African regional organisations, where he showcased Zimbabwe’s potential as a regional production and trade hub.
He highlighted opportunities for investment in the country, emphasising its strategic position in connecting investors to broader regional markets and value chains under COMESA, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The President participated in the Economic and Humanitarian Forum which carried the Summit’s message of a results driven partnership, and showcased industrial and scientific exhibitions. He held meetings with Russian institutions, including PSB Bank, and visited the Patriot Park and Russia’s K7 Hospital where he witnessed modern technology in health care, infrastructure and service delivery.
“The nation is being informed that His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa held a meeting with Zimbabwean students studying in the Russian Federation. He urged the students to pursue academic excellence, acquire practical skills and apply their knowledge to Zimbabwe’s scientific, technological and development needs,” Dr Soda said.
Turning to the 22nd COMESA Summit, Dr Soda said Zimbabwe’s hosting of the regional gathering was aimed at strengthening economic diplomacy and positioning the country as a strategic destination for trade and investment.
He said the country sought to promote industrialisation, deepen regional value chains and enhance economic cooperation in line with Section 12(2) of the Constitution, which provides for the promotion of regional and Pan-African cooperation, as well as the Government’s “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” policy.
The engagements were also intended to attract investment, expand trade opportunities and stimulate economic activity, with the ultimate goal of improving livelihoods through increased production and regional integration.
A major outcome for Zimbabwe was President Mnangagwa’s assumption of the COMESA Authority Chairmanship, marking the beginning of the country’s one-year tenure at the helm of the regional trading bloc.
Zambia was elected Vice-Chair, while Kenya assumed the position of Rapporteur.
Dr Soda said Zimbabwe’s successful hosting of the summit and its assumption of the chairmanship had strengthened the country’s standing within the regional bloc while providing fresh opportunities to advance its economic diplomacy, investment promotion and regional integration agenda.
New Ziana
