By Mthokozisi Mabhena

AS Africa continues to rise, forging a new identity shaped by sovereignty and innovation Zimbabwe is not lagging behind. The words of President Emmerson Mnangagwa in his Independence Day speech resonate deeply, not just as political messaging  but as a clarion call to a nation rooted in struggle and brimming with potential. Zimbabwe’s trajectory towards Vision 2030 is a journey which has been defined by unity, discipline, and the indomitable will of its people.

President Mnangagwa’s invocation of Zimbabwe’s liberation history serves as a reminder that independence was neither accidental nor easy. It was earned through the blood and sacrifice of brave sons and daughters who believed in the sanctity of African land and self-rule. 

This legacy should not only be celebrated annually on April 18 but should form the cornerstone of national identity and civic responsibility. In a globalised world where the fabric of national identity is constantly tested, remembering and teaching the values of the liberation struggle becomes an act of defiance against cultural erosion.

This legacy is also a rallying point for unity. In a time where socio-political fragmentation threatens the coherence of many African states, Zimbabwe’s leadership is emphasising national unity over division. “Divisive and alarmist elements will never triumph,” President Mnangagwa declared. This is a political, moral, and social stance, a position that demands citizens place their nation above partisan interests.

Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 is more than a development agenda; it is a philosophy grounded in self-reliance and people-centred growth. Since its inception, this vision has sought to transform the economy into a modern, prosperous society characterised by innovation, infrastructural development and inclusive growth.

Under the Second Republic, we have seen commendable efforts in infrastructural development — roads, bridges and dams are being constructed at a pace not witnessed in decades. These are not just symbols of state capacity; they are indicators of a Government that has prioritised the dignity of its people. From Plumtree to Chipinge, Bindura to Beitbridge, communities are beginning to feel the tangible effects of development.

The President’s emphasis on development from the ‘household to provincial level’ has signalled a new approach: localised development. This decentralised model has not only ensured inclusivity but empowered communities to take ownership of their progress. 

In the spirit of devolution, provinces have been equipped with resources and decision-making power to drive their own economic agendas. This strategy aligns with best practices across Africa, as evidenced by Rwanda’s localised governance model or Ghana’s district industrialisation agenda.

President Mnangagwa eloquently stated: “As communities, let us uphold values of love, unity, compassion, empathy, discipline and hard, honest work.” These values are not just moral niceties; they are strategic tools for development. In the absence of trust, love and unity, no nation can mobilise its citizens toward a common goal.

In Africa’s traditional society, values such as ubuntu, the philosophy that asserts, “I am because we are” provided the glue for social cohesion. President Mnangagwa’s call is thus a return to Afrocentric values in the face of modern individualism. For Zimbabwe to reach Vision 2030, it must ensure that these values are institutionalised in schools, workplaces, and governance systems.

Moreover, President Mnangagwa’s message speaks volumes to the youth. With a high  percent of Zimbabwe’s population being youths, the transmission of national values to the next generation is critical. 

Without a firm grounding in discipline and love for country, the youth risk becoming disillusioned or swayed by divisive narratives. The nation’s future depends on cultivating a generation that not only inherits the fruits of liberation but understands and cherishes its roots.

One of the most powerful statements in the President’s speech was: “Regardless of political affiliation, religion, race, gender or age, let us all put Zimbabwe first.” In a region often polarised by political contestation, this is a profound challenge to all citizens, especially political leaders and civic actors.

Unity does not mean uniformity. It means diversity moving in harmony towards a shared destiny. The call for unity must be matched by a commitment to inclusive governance, transparency, and accountability. Only then can Zimbabwe’s citizens feel ownership of Vision 2030. Moreover, civil society, the private sector, and the diaspora community must contribute meaningfully to national development.

Zimbabwe is not immune to the challenges that many African nations face, economic constraints, political tensions and global marginalisation. However, the call to unity above partisanship is a necessary antidote. It is an invitation to craft a new social contract, one where all Zimbabweans feel invested in the national project.

President Mnangagwa rightly noted that Zimbabweans are “defying odds and achieving remarkable development successes”. Indeed, from smallholder farmers adopting climate-smart agriculture to tech entrepreneurs in Harare creating fintech solutions, Zimbabwe’s story is one of innovation amidst adversity.

This resilience is not accidental. It is cultural. Zimbabweans have weathered sanctions, hyperinflation, and political instability, yet they remain deeply rooted in their land and culture. 

The proliferation of community savings groups, informal markets, and grassroots entrepreneurship shows a people who refuse to surrender.

It is this same determination that must now fuel the next phase of Zimbabwe’s development. With targeted support our efforts will be converted into sustainable economic growth.

Zimbabwe’s path to Vision 2030 is not isolated from the broader African dream. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Agenda 2063, and regional integration under SADC all offer platforms for Zimbabwe to amplify its development gains.

As Zimbabwe improves infrastructure and stabilises its economy, it positions itself as a key player in regional trade and diplomacy. Already, the revival of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), investments in energy production, and agricultural value addition are aligning the nation with continental aspirations.

As we move closer to the year 2030, Zimbabwe’s journey is symbolic of Africa’s broader narrative, one of reclaiming agency, reimagining development, and restoring dignity. President Mnangagwa’s Independence Day speech is a blueprint for unity-driven development. It reminds us that the African renaissance is not just an economic project but a moral and cultural mission.

Zimbabwe must continue to harness its human capital, invest in youth, empower women, and promote inclusive development. Above all, it must protect and transmit its national values for without them, bricks and mortar become meaningless.

The words of the President serve as both a celebration and a challenge: to defend and work harder for the motherland, hand in hand, with focus and discipline. For Zimbabweans and all Africans watching, this is not just Vision 2030,  it is the vision of a continent that knows where it came from, where it is, and where it must go.

May Zimbabwe rise. May Africa thrive.