President Mnangagwa renews call for unconditional removal of sanctions

Story by Online Reporter

PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has renewed calls for the immediate and unconditional removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, saying the measures continue to constrain economic development, limit access to international finance and investment, and impede participation in global trade.

Speaking in his 2026 SADC Anti-Sanctions Day remarks, the President said the sanctions affected not only Zimbabwe but also the wider Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

“We accordingly demand the immediate and unconditional lifting of these heinous and unjustified illegal unilateral sanctions. These measures have no place in a progressive world and continue to impede the country’s economic development, undermine access to international finance and investment, as well as our full participation in global trade. Sanctions not only punish our country, but the entire SADC family and infringe Zimbabwe’s role in advancing an integrated Africa.”

He thanked SADC Member States and other international partners for their continued support in calling for the removal of the restrictions, saying regional solidarity remained important in advancing a fairer global order based on sovereign equality and non-interference.

“I wish to express appreciation to SADC Member States and allies in the progressive world for their unwavering support in calling for the removal of unilateral and unjustified sanctions imposed on our country by some Western countries. This reflects our shared commitment to a just and fair global order, where the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference in the internal affairs and the sovereign right of every country to chart its own destiny are respected. ”

This year’s commemorations are running under the theme, “Leveraging Regional Integration and Global Partnerships for Economic Transformation Beyond Illegal Sanctions.”

President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is strengthening diplomatic relations and pursuing new partnerships to expand trade and investment, develop industries, improve agricultural productivity, modernise infrastructure and advance scientific and technological development.

He cited Zimbabwe’s election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term and its chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) as opportunities to deepen regional cooperation and mobilise partnerships for national development.

The President also called for increased intra-regional trade and investment in value addition and beneficiation, urging SADC countries to ensure the benefits of regional integration reach businesses, farmers, workers and consumers.

“New partnerships seek to enhance trade and productive investments, develop industries, improve agricultural productivity, promote access to markets, modernise infrastructure and facilitate scientific and technological advancement. We remain open to working with all countries and partners who are willing to engage Zimbabwe based on mutual respect and win-win benefits. The development trajectory of our nation is moving from strength to strength, despite the illegal sanctions. Regional integration is key to our development aspirations. Through SADC and COMESA, opportunities are numerous to expand markets, improve regional connectivity and strengthen cooperation in trade, industry, agriculture, energy and infrastructure,” he said.

On the domestic front, he said Government was intensifying efforts to strengthen production, productivity, competitiveness and economic empowerment, while prioritising infrastructure, green energy and water development to support industrialisation and modernisation.

He also highlighted climate change, energy supply disruptions and challenges affecting international transport and trade as growing pressures on developing economies, calling for diversified trading relationships, stronger productive capacity and closer international cooperation.

President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans at home and in the diaspora to remain committed to national development and the attainment of Vision 2030.

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