Zimbabwe has gained significant advantages from its participation in the second edition of the Iran-Africa International Economic Conference, according to Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga. The conference, which concluded recently, saw Zimbabwe's VP leading the delegation and engaging with key figures including Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi.
During his visit, VP Chiwenga explored various economic opportunities and shared insights on how Iran has managed to thrive economically despite facing Western sanctions. He highlighted Iran’s advancements in sectors like agriculture, food processing, and the medical field, emphasizing the potential lessons Zimbabwe could apply from Iran's approach to small and medium enterprise (SME) development and financing.
"Iran has developed a robust system to support SMEs, including specialized funding for exports," VP Chiwenga remarked.
"This mirrors our vision in Zimbabwe where we aim to elevate our SMEs to bolster economic growth."
Moreover, Iran's educational strategies, particularly in health and vocational training, were also points of interest. With 68 universities dedicated to medical training, Iran exemplifies a model of self-sufficient educational advancement under sanctions—a path Zimbabwe is eager to emulate.
The vice president also reiterated the Zimbabwean mantra,
"Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo" (The country is built by its own people), signaling a commitment to self-reliance and national unity.
This diplomatic and economic engagement is part of Zimbabwe's broader foreign policy under President Mnangagwa, aiming to establish Zimbabwe as "a friend to all and enemy to none." Through international collaborations like the Iran-Africa Economic Conference, Zimbabwe seeks to diversify its investment sources and drive its economic agenda forward amidst ongoing sanctions.
The experience and connections from the conference are set to influence Zimbabwe's economic strategies, leveraging international cooperation for domestic and regional development.
