Zimbabwe’s newly appointed Foreign Affairs Minister, Sibusiso Moyo, wants to hit the ground running. He wants Africans, African-Americans and Zimbabwe citizens in the Diaspora to be aware of the dawn of a new era in Zimbabwe.
He says his mandate as Foreign Minister has a heavy economic bias and he intends to pursue “comprehensive economic diplomacy” with a focus on exploring new investment frontiers and partnerships.
Speaking at a news briefing after his interaction with Heads of Diplomatic Missions accredited to Zimbabwe in Harare last Wednesday, General Moyo said he will ensure that Zimbabwe is an attractive investment destination.
He also appealed to Zimbabweans living abroad to venture into businesses back home and promised that their investments will be fast-tracked. Moyo also said his economic diplomacy will ride on the successes and accomplishments of the past, re-alignment in other areas and a complete departure from frustrations and failures of the past.
Reports say there are more than 3 million Zimbabweans living abroad most of them as economic refugees who left the country due to company closures and the economic meltdown. “I shall ensure that the full potential of all our nationals abroad (Zimbabweans in the Diaspora) shall be marshaled to encourage their full participation in economic activities and that their consular needs are fully attended to,” General Moyo said.
He expatiated further, “We shall roll out a dynamic public diplomacy in which citizen activism will greatly feature, individually or through their organised bodies.” Minister Moyo declared, “Business and the organisations which represent them shall also be our key partners and stakeholders in our economic diplomacy.” He made it clear that individual actors would be encouraged to pursue their interests.
