By Archford Chirimudombo
Bindura, (New Ziana) – The 2026 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Anti-Sanctions Solidarity Day commemorations in support of Zimbabwe are being held in Bindura on Saturday, as the region keeps its push for the removal of illegal Western penalties against the southern African country.
The 39th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, held in 2019, designated October 25 as SADC Anti-Sanctions Day. Since then, Zimbabwe has commemorated the occasion annually under different themes aimed at highlighting the effects of sanctions and reiterating the country’s call for their removal.
The West, angered by Zimbabwe’s land reforms under which excess farmland was taken from white farmers to resettle landless peasants, imposed sanctions on the country to force it to relent.
This year’s Anti-Sanctions Day comes as the region pushes for deeper integration and international partnerships to drive economic transformation and development.
The commemorations are being held under the theme, “Leveraging Regional Integration and Global Partnerships for Economic Transformation beyond Illegal Sanctions.”
The theme highlights Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and expanding international partnerships as a means of creating new opportunities for economic growth and transformation.
The event also comes as Zimbabwe continues to play an active role within SADC in promoting collective self-reliance, deepening economic cooperation and advancing regional development.
Among the key priorities are efforts to streamline regulatory, administrative and logistical procedures that impede intra-regional trade and undermine competitiveness. These initiatives also include addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers and strengthening regional value chains to facilitate trade and economic growth.
The annual commemorations provide an opportunity to examine the effects of sanctions on Zimbabwe, as well as their potential wider implications for neighbouring countries and the region’s economic development.
The event is expected to reinforce the message of regional solidarity and highlight the importance of stronger economic partnerships, increased trade and closer cooperation as Zimbabwe continues to pursue its national development objectives.
New Ziana
