Türkiye ready to expand partnership with Zimbabwe
TÜRKIYE is ready to expand its partnership with Zimbabwe across economic, diplomatic and other areas as relations between Harare and Ankara continue to strengthen.
Turkish Ambassador to Zimbabwe Berna Versteden said her country viewed Zimbabwe as an important partner and was committed to building relations based on equality and mutual respect.
Speaking during Türkiye’s 103rd National Day celebrations in Harare, Ambassador Versteden said cooperation between the two countries had continued to broaden through trade, investment, official engagements and exchanges between their business communities.
Turkish investors are exploring opportunities in Zimbabwe’s energy, construction, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, while Zimbabwean entrepreneurs have increasingly travelled to Türkiye for trade fairs and international conferences.
Ambassador Versteden said those engagements were contributing to growth in bilateral trade, which continued on an upward trajectory.
The two countries are also working to strengthen the legal foundation underpinning their relationship, with further agreements expected.
“We continue to work on strengthening our legal foundation. We look forward to signing agreements soon,” Ambassador Versteden said.
Türkiye’s expanding partnership with Zimbabwe forms part of Ankara’s broader engagement with Africa, which has grown significantly over the past two decades.
Türkiye has increased its network of embassies in Africa from 12 in 2002 to 44, while Ankara hosts 38 African embassies, with the number expected to rise to 40.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, TIKA, is implementing capacity building projects in 51 African countries, including Zimbabwe.
Economic relations between Türkiye and Africa have expanded alongside the diplomatic footprint. Trade has risen from US$5 billion in 2003 to more than US$40 billion, while Turkish direct investment on the continent has exceeded US$6 billion.
Turkish companies are operating across various sectors in Africa, while contractors from the country have undertaken about 2 000 projects valued at US$92 billion.
Zimbabwe and Türkiye have also maintained high level engagements as part of efforts to broaden bilateral cooperation.
@ZimFirstLady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa participated in the Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul in June, while Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda attended the Inter Parliamentary Union meeting in the Turkish city in April.
Climate change is another area of engagement, with Türkiye looking forward to Zimbabwe’s participation at the 31st Conference of the Parties, COP31, which will be held in Antalya.
Ambassador Versteden said Türkiye wanted the conference to focus on translating climate commitments into tangible action, with Ankara envisioning what it has termed an “Implementation COP”.
She also congratulated President Dr @edmnangagwa on Zimbabwe’s assumption of the COMESA Chairmanship and wished the country well as it prepares to serve as a non permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Ambassador Versteden said Ankara remained committed to widening relations with Harare across different areas while maintaining equality and mutual respect as the foundation of the partnership.
“So my message is clear: Türkiye is a trusted and genuine partner, ready to cooperate with Zimbabwe in every field, based on equal partnership and mutual respect,” she said.
Senate President calls for stronger budget oversight
Senate President Hon Mabel Chinomona has called on Parliament to strengthen oversight of the National Budget and ensure public resources are properly allocated, utilised and translated into effective service delivery.
Speaking in her closing remarks at Parliament’s pre-budget seminar, which ended in Bulawayo on Saturday, Hon Chinomona said legislators had a constitutional and statutory responsibility to scrutinise the management of public finances.
“Our deliberations reaffirmed Parliament’s part mandate to exercise effective oversight of public finances in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Constitution and Acts of Parliament,” she said.
Hon Chinomona said Parliament’s responsibility should extend beyond approving the National Budget to monitoring how public resources are allocated, spent and ultimately used to deliver services.
“Parliament’s responsibility must go beyond approving the national budget to include oversight of appropriation, displacement, utilisation and actual service delivery.
“In addition, there was consensus on the need to broaden resource mobilisation strategies and unlock alternative resources of development financing given the competing demands on the national fiscus,” she said.
The call comes as Treasury expects to generate around ZiG347 billion to finance the 2027 National Budget, against funding bids of more than ZiG900 billion submitted by ministries.
Hon Chinomona thanked Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube and line ministries for their comprehensive and constructive responses to issues raised by MPs during the seminar.
She also commended portfolio committee chairpersons for presenting reports based on consultations with key stakeholders, including members of the public.
“These contributions remind us that the national budget must reflect national priorities and respond to the aspirations of the people we represent in their diversity. As we endeavour to translate these priorities into action, we must continue to recognise that the threat of the impending El-Nino-induced drought is a real one,” Hon Chinomona said.
Government has already initiated measures to mitigate the impact of the expected drought, including mobilising 600 000 tonnes of strategic grain reserves, expanding irrigation schemes and aggressively implementing conservation agriculture.
Hon Chinomona also called for particular attention to rural communities, especially in the provision of health and education services.
Russian business delegations Zimbabwe bound, says President
Russian business delegations are expected in Zimbabwe to explore investment opportunities as commercial interest in the country grows, President Dr @edmnangagwa has said.
Speaking to journalists on Friday night after arriving at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare from the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, President Mnangagwa said his engagements had revealed strong interest among Russian businesses in establishing or expanding investments in Zimbabwe.
The President said he had assured the Russian business community that Zimbabwe remained open to investment and was ready to deepen commercial cooperation with Russian companies.
“They are very interested in coming to Zimbabwe.
“And I told them that Zimbabwe is open for business,” President Mnangagwa said.
He said Russian businesses viewed Zimbabwe as a cooperative partner and were keen to pursue further commercial opportunities, setting the stage for delegations to visit the country.
“They find that Zimbabwe is very cooperative and they want to do more business.
“So we expect to have some business delegations coming to Zimbabwe,” President Mnangagwa said.
The anticipated visits come as Zimbabwe steps up efforts to attract foreign direct investment and broaden economic cooperation with international partners.
Russia is among the countries with which Zimbabwe has continued to strengthen economic and diplomatic relations, with the two countries cooperating across various sectors.
President Mnangagwa has repeatedly stressed the importance of ensuring that Zimbabwe’s diplomatic relations produce tangible economic benefits through increased investment, trade and business partnerships.
His engagements with the Russian business community in Moscow were therefore aimed at strengthening commercial ties and opening further avenues for investment in Zimbabwe.
The push for greater economic cooperation comes as Russia looks to significantly expand its own trade relationship with Africa.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said trade between Russia and African countries currently stands at US$27 billion, a figure he said remains well below the potential of economic relations between the two sides.
President Putin called for the value of trade between Russia and Africa to be doubled as Moscow seeks deeper commercial engagement with countries across the continent.
He also said national currencies, including the Russian ruble, now account for 85 percent of commercial settlements between Russia and African countries.
Beyond trade and investment, the summit also tackled wider geopolitical questions surrounding Africa’s place in the changing global order.
Asked whether Africa risked becoming a battleground for competition among major powers, President Putin rejected suggestions that Russia regarded African countries as pawns in geopolitical rivalry.
“We have not pursued any colonial policies. It is the opposite: We helped them to liberate themselves from the neo-colonial yoke,” he said.
The question of Africa’s representation in major international institutions also came into focus, with the continent continuing to push for reforms that would give it a stronger voice in global decision making.
President Putin backed calls for Africa to secure permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council.
“I am absolutely convinced that Africa must be represented there permanently, including in the Security Council,” President Putin said.
His remarks reinforced Russia’s backing for Africa’s longstanding demand for greater representation within the United Nations system, particularly on the Security Council.
For Zimbabwe, the expected arrival of Russian business delegations presents an opportunity to translate the country’s strengthening relations with Moscow into greater trade, investment and commercial cooperation.
First section of Lupane-Nkayi-Kwekwe road opens
THE first 10km of the 240km Lupane-Nkayi-Kwekwe road rehabilitation project has been completed and opened to traffic, with work progressing to the next section.
The road provides a strategic link between Matabeleland North and the Midlands and is expected to improve movement of people and goods while reducing travel distances and transport costs.
The project is being implemented through a Public-Private Partnership between Government and local contractor Road Trekkers. Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Advocate Felix Mhona said the model enables Government to undertake major road projects without adding pressure on the fiscus.
The previously earth road is being completely reconstructed and surfaced with asphalt.
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hon Richard Moyo said the road will also provide motorists travelling from Hwange towards Harare with a shorter route that bypasses Bulawayo.
#RoadRehabilitation
First section of Lupane-Nkayi-Kwekwe road opens
THE first 10km of the 240km Lupane-Nkayi-Kwekwe road rehabilitation project has been completed and opened to traffic, with work progressing to the next section.
The road provides a strategic link between Matabeleland North and the Midlands and is expected to improve movement of people and goods while reducing travel distances and transport costs.
The project is being implemented through a Public-Private Partnership between Government and local contractor Road Trekkers. Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Advocate Felix Mhona said the model enables Government to undertake major road projects without adding pressure on the fiscus.
The previously earth road is being completely reconstructed and surfaced with asphalt.
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hon Richard Moyo said the road will also provide motorists travelling from Hwange towards Harare with a shorter route that bypasses Bulawayo.
#RoadRehabilitation
For Zimbabwe, Russia represents a different kind of partner. While relations with Western powers are burdened by a history of colonialism and slavery, Moscow is remembered for standing with Zimbabwe during its struggle for freedom.
President Dr @edmnangagwa's opportunity is to convert that political friendship into economic muscle. Zimbabwe needs investment to expand production and markets for its goods, and Russia can offer both.
#ZimbabweRussia
PUBLIC NOTICE
A programme circulating on social media claiming to announce the reception of ancestral human remains from the United Kingdom is FAKE.
No such event has been scheduled. The public is urged to disregard the fabricated poster, avoid spreading it and rely on official Government channels for verified information.
Chitepo School plans 8 storey student residence
THE Chitepo School of Ideology plans to construct an eight storey accommodation facility for 300 students in central Harare at an estimated cost of US$13.7 million.
According to the ZANU-PF Central Committee report adopted at the party’s 23rd National People’s Conference in Chinhoyi, the facility will be built at the intersection of Kwame Nkrumah Avenue and Sixth Street to accommodate students from outside Harare.
Up North Architect has prepared architectural designs and a bill of quantities covering the demolition of the existing structure at 114 Kwame Nkrumah Avenue and Sixth Street and construction of the new residence.
The report puts the construction cost at US$13 690 133, excluding air conditioning.
The school is central to ZANU-PF’s ideological orientation programmes, which promote national consciousness, Pan Africanism, patriotism and understanding of Zimbabwe’s liberation history.
The Central Committee report also revealed that the school contracted sculptor and ZANU-PF member Cde Guy Mutasa in 2024 to produce a US$250 000 statue of national hero Cde Herbert Chitepo for its new complex at 111 Samora Machel Avenue.
Cde Chitepo was a leading figure in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and the first African to practise as a barrister in Rhodesia. He became ZANU chairperson in 1964 and played a major role in directing the armed struggle against colonial rule.
He was assassinated in a car bomb explosion in Lusaka, Zambia, on March 18, 1975, while serving as the party’s national chairperson and was later declared a national hero.
@ZANUPF_Official
Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. Brick by brick, Zimbabwe continues its development journey through unity, collective determination and a shared national vision. From communities to cities, the focus remains on advancing inclusive progress, widening opportunity and building a prosperous nation where no one and no place is left behind.
#NyikaInovakwaNeveneVayo
From Zimbabwe to the wider African continent, a new chapter is taking shape, powered by innovation, greater economic connectivity and industrial ambition. By turning African ideas and resources into engines of sustainable prosperity, the continent can deepen global partnerships and emerge as a confident contributor to the world economy.
#MadeInAfrica
With deep roots in Zimbabwe’s liberation heritage, ZANU-PF continues to uphold its founding principles while embracing a forward looking vision centred on unity, inclusive development and the aspirations of the people.
@ZANUPF_Official
Africa must continue to draw valuable lessons from trusted partners such as Russia while advancing a development path anchored in greater economic self reliance. Through mutually beneficial cooperation, stronger domestic productive capacity and sustainable homegrown solutions, the continent can build resilient economies capable of securing lasting prosperity for its people.
#AfricanProsperity
Minister Rwodzi wins African Cabinet Minister of the Year Award
Zimbabwe has received continental recognition for its tourism development drive after Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Hon Barbara Rwodzi was named Unstoppable African Cabinet Minister of the Year 2026 at an awards ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya.
The award was presented at the Unstoppable African Awards held on October 31 at the Hilton Hotel in Nairobi during the inaugural launch of The Africa Agenda Forum (TAAF).
Hon Rwodzi’s recognition comes as Zimbabwe continues implementing President Mnangagwa’s Heritage Based Tourism Agenda, which places the country’s culture, heritage, natural attractions and tourism assets at the centre of efforts to grow the sector and support national economic development.
According to information provided, the award followed a public voting process involving participants from across Africa and beyond.
Kenya’s Minister for Public Service Hon Geoffrey Ruku finished as first runner up, while Kenya’s Minister of East African Affairs Hon Beatrice Askul was second runner up. Uganda’s Minister for Local Government Hon Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi took third runner up position.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Kenya, Her Excellency Winpeg Moyo, received the award on Hon Rwodzi’s behalf.
She was accompanied by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Permanent Secretary Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive officer Dr George Manyaya.
In remarks delivered on her behalf by Ambassador Moyo, Hon Rwodzi expressed gratitude for the recognition and said the honour reflected Zimbabwe’s collective work to reposition tourism as an important contributor to economic growth and national development.
She credited President Dr @edmnangagwa's leadership with placing tourism firmly within Zimbabwe’s economic transformation programme as the country pursues Vision 2030 and its National Development Strategy.
Hon Rwodzi also acknowledged the contribution of @ZimFirstLady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, Patron of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, particularly her work in promoting Zimbabwe’s heritage, culture, wildlife and gastronomy as important components of the country’s tourism identity.
The continental recognition comes as Zimbabwe seeks to strengthen the international profile and competitiveness of Destination Zimbabwe through its Heritage Based Tourism Agenda.
The approach seeks to harness the country’s heritage and tourism assets to attract investment, support employment creation and strengthen tourism’s contribution to national development.
The award also puts renewed attention on Zimbabwe’s efforts to build a distinctive tourism identity anchored on its heritage while strengthening the country’s presence on the African and international tourism stage.
#ZimBho👍
President to grace Youth Empowerment Symposium
President Dr @edmnangagwa is expected to grace the Youth Empowerment Symposium in Harare this week as Government steps up efforts to equip young people with skills and opportunities to participate meaningfully in the economy.
The two day symposium, running from Wednesday to Thursday, is expected to attract thousands of young people and will focus on skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation and employment creation.
The gathering comes as Zimbabwe implements the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) towards Vision 2030, with young people expected to play an important role in driving productivity, industrialisation and wealth creation.
Director of communication and advocacy in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Mr Ranson Madzamba said the symposium would connect youth development with the country’s wider economic transformation agenda.
“The Youth Empowerment Symposium provides an opportunity to connect youth development with the broader economic transformation agenda under NDS2 and Vision 2030,” he said.
“When young people acquire the capacity to create businesses, develop innovations and participate in industry, they become drivers of employment creation, productivity and national wealth. Investing in youth is, therefore, an investment in Zimbabwe’s long-term economic competitiveness.”
A major focus will be on bridging the gap between education, vocational training and employment by ensuring young people acquire practical skills that meet the demands of the economy.
Government wants stronger links between training institutions, employers, financial institutions and markets to help young people gain relevant skills and translate them into employment or viable businesses.
“Young people need more than certificates; they need skills that are in demand, opportunities to gain practical experience, business development support and accessible funding mechanisms. This is how empowerment becomes measurable economic participation,” Mr Madzamba said.
Entrepreneurship will also take centre stage, with emphasis on helping young innovators turn viable ideas into sustainable businesses through access to finance, mentorship and markets.
The symposium will also promote wider youth participation in national development, including young people from rural and marginalised communities as well as persons with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is looking to broaden opportunities for young entrepreneurs and innovators through its participation in the YouthConnekt Africa process.
The 2026 YouthConnekt Africa Summit is scheduled for November 25 to 27 in Rwanda, bringing together young people, policymakers, investors and development partners to discuss entrepreneurship, innovation, skills development and financial inclusion.
Zimbabwe is also competing with Zambia to host the 2027 edition of the continental summit.
Hosting the event would provide Zimbabwe with an opportunity to showcase local innovations while strengthening connections between young entrepreneurs and investors, businesses and development partners across Africa.
Mr Madzamba said the focus should be on ensuring continental engagements produce tangible opportunities for young Zimbabweans.
“The objective should be to convert partnerships and continental connections into investment opportunities, market access, knowledge exchange and practical benefits for Zimbabwean youth,” he said.
President Mnangagwa’s expected presence at the Youth Empowerment Symposium comes as Government places greater emphasis on turning youth skills, innovation and entrepreneurship into jobs, sustainable businesses and meaningful economic participation.
#YouthEmpowermentSymposium #YouthConnektAfrica
Road markings are now underway on the Chivhu-Gutu Road, marking a major step towards the project’s final completion. Once fully open, the upgraded corridor will boost trade, improve road safety and streamline access to markets for local farmers and businesses.
#RoadRehabilitation
New clinic opens in Ngwana, Bulilima
Residents of Ngwana in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province, now have improved access to healthcare following the commissioning of a new clinic complex comprising the clinic, a waiting mothers’ home, staff houses and Blair toilets. The facility will reduce long journeys previously made to Ndiweni and Matjinge clinics, bringing essential medical services closer to the community, particularly pregnant women and elderly residents.
Bulilima legislator Hon Dingumuzi Phuthi said the development marks significant progress in expanding essential services and advancing Vision 2030. Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Hon Sleiman Kwidini said the project shows how community participation can complement Government efforts to improve service delivery and expand access to primary healthcare.
Hon Kwidini said the development advances President Dr @edmnangagwa 's commitment to leaving no one and no place behind as Zimbabwe implements National Development Strategy 2 towards attaining upper middle income economy status by 2030.
#HealthForAll
#Vision2030
Construction of the first phase of the Smart City Transformation Project is underway at the ZITF grounds in Bulawayo, with the development aimed at turning the facility into a modern mixed use urban and conferencing hub capable of attracting international meetings, business events and investment gatherings. The project will include a 5,000 delegate international convention centre, a 500 room hotel, a five star boutique hotel, integrated retail and office complexes, as well as a themed heritage park while preserving historic structures within the ZITF grounds.
#InfrastructureDevelopment
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Hon. Prof. Dr Amon Murwira has presented the key structural breakthroughs secured during His Excellency President Dr @edmnangagwa's successful tour of duty at the Third Russia Africa Summit in Moscow, Russian Federation. He detailed the major outcomes arising from President Mnangagwa’s participation in the high level gathering.
Govt guarantees civil servants annual bonuses
Civil servants will receive their annual bonuses as usual, Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has assured, bringing early cheer to public sector workers. Speaking at the close of the 2027 Pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo, Prof Ncube said Government would pay the bonuses without difficulty, stressing that the Second Republic has never missed the annual payments and remains appreciative of civil servants’ hard work.
Prof Ncube said Government had gone further by extending bonus payments to traditional chiefs, which he said had not happened since independence. He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to rewarding civil servants for their contribution through continued payment of their annual bonuses.
#PreBudgetSeminar2027
Senate President calls for coordinated Government action
The 2027 Pre-Budget Seminar has concluded in Bulawayo, with President of the Senate Hon. Mabel M. Chinomona thanking Members of Parliament and stakeholders for their active participation and commitment throughout the high level engagements. In her closing remarks, she said the robust deliberations demonstrated Parliament’s determination to shape a 2027 National Budget that puts people first and responds to the country’s priorities.
Hon. Chinomona challenged Ministries and Government Departments to break away from working in silos and instead coordinate interventions, share information and align programmes to achieve coherent, efficient and transformative policies that improve the lives of Zimbabweans. She stressed that effective implementation depends on a whole of Government approach and urged the Executive to turn recommendations from the Seminar into tangible results that tackle poverty, create jobs, strengthen social services and promote inclusive economic growth.
#PreBudgetSeminar2027
























