By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Harare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa urged all sectors of the economy to “think outside the box” and adopt modern strategies, emphasizing the critical need for modernization and industrialization as key drivers of the nation’s development trajectory, as Zimbabwe aims for upper-middle-income status by 2030. He made these remarks while addressing the Zanu-PF Central Committee held in Harare yesterday.
The Central Committee meeting, which precedes the 21st National People’s Conference set to open in Bulawayo tomorrow, is themed “Industrialise and Modernise Towards the Attainment of Vision 2030.” This theme aligns with President Mnangagwa’s call for innovative approaches to development.
“The Conference theme, ‘Industrialise and Modernise Towards the Attainment of Vision 2030,’ is a call to leapfrog traditional development stages,” President Mnangagwa stated.
He highlighted the importance of innovation, research, science, and technology in enhancing socio-economic transformation, asserting that these elements are vital at this pivotal stage of national development.
“All sectors are challenged, therefore, to think outside the box and adopt these modern tools so that we continue to be relevant, both now and in the future,” he added.
The President reassured the nation that the government is capable of fulfilling the aspirations of the people.
“Leveraging on our Heritage Based Education 5.0 framework, we have laid the groundwork for accelerated industrialisation and modernisation driven by our key national resources, innovation, research and local solutions,” he explained.
He called for a collective effort to lead the country using its own wisdom and resources, emphasizing the importance of unity in overcoming challenges.
“Through the implementation of people-centred policies and unity of purpose, we shall continue to lift many out of poverty into prosperity,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also encouraged Zanu-PF to stay informed about developments in innovation and research, particularly within higher education institutions.
“I urge the party to be abreast with developments in the innovation and research space, especially in institutions of higher learning,” he remarked.
He acknowledged that knowledge and innovation are not monopolized by any one group, urging party members to engage actively in the ongoing industrialization and modernization agenda.
As the nation progresses, President Mnangagwa reminded citizens to maintain their cultural identity.
“This is the core of who we are. Our people should learn from other nations but our distinct identity must remain intact,” he asserted.
The President praised the private sector and youth for their collaboration and responsiveness to the Second Republic’s philosophy that “nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” (the country is built by its people). He noted that this partnership is crucial for achieving Vision 2030.
“I commend the growing public and private sector collaboration in advancing our quest to realise Vision 2030 through harnessing innovation, science and technology development,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with the ingenuity displayed by Zimbabweans at recent events, including the Presidential Innovation Fair and Awards ceremony.
“The young people of our country, from primary education right up to tertiary level, are making great strides in embracing our clarion call, as outlined in the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 Model,” President Mnangagwa concluded, reinforcing the importance of innovation and collaboration in the nation’s journey towards a prosperous future.