Ambassador James Manzou (seated centre) flanked by Director Finance and Administration Mr Noah Munyoro (extreme left), Foreign Service Institute Board Chairperson Ambassador Margaret Muchada (second from left), Director Foreign Service Institute Ambassador Machivenyika Mapuranga (second from right), Director Human Resources and Training Mr Martin Makururu (right) with graduates of the Diplomatic Training Course at the Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute in Harare yesterday.
By Dickson Bandera
The Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute (ZFSI) yesterday churned out its first stream of graduates under the Diplomatic Training Course, amid hopes that the officers will complement their senior colleagues in propagating Zimbabwe’s standpoint, image and interests beyond the borders.
The construction and commissioning of the Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute, as proclaimed by president Emmerson Mnangagwa under Proclamation 2 of 2020, is yet another demonstration of government’s committment to human capital development.
In the past 43 years, Zimbabwe has scored great strides in establishing diplomatic ties with the international community, under a well-thought-out Foreign Policy, which has resulted in successful projects, trade and investment in agriculture, mining, tourism, energy, infrastructure, education, health among other sectors.
While Zimbabwe has fallen out with some members of the international community, the government of Zimbabwe under the shrewd and visionary leadership of president Mnangagwa has, since November 2017, emphasized a new policy of Engagement and Re-engagment which is inspired by the philosophy “Zimbabwe is a friend to all and enemy to none”.
This inclusive policy is a conduit to reach out to existing, new or hostile countries, to facilitate dialogue so that broken ties can be mended, new relations be established and existing relations reinforced.
In addition, Zimbabwe has opened investment lines under the “Zimbabwe Is Open For Business” policy where it is inviting Investors from across the globe to invest in Zimbabwe. To ensure ease of doing business, a full agency, the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA) has been set up. ZIDA has shortened and simplified the Investment process by putting all the services required for a foreign investor to open a business in Zimbabwe under one roof.
Hostile policies such as the 51:49 % shareholding ratio that might have scared investors away have been scrapped, all in an effort to create a conducive investment environment.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade sits at the epicentre of all these policies as it’s officers are at the forefront of operationalizing and executing activities that culminate in establishment and maintenance of diplomatic ties between Zimbabwe and the international community.
This role has become more critical in recent years as Zimbabwe has placed priority on positioning itself as an investment destination of choice and ultimately achieve an Upper Middle Income Economy status by the year 2030.
The training of officers in the ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is therefore part of the efficient measures to ensure that the officers will be able to facilitate foreign direct investment, promote trade, source new markets for local products and proactively promote the brand Zimbabwe during their tours of duty.
The officers receive training in areas that include international relations, diplomacy, trade and commerce, finance, tourism and investment, among other areas.
The Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ambassador James Manzou was upbeat when he officiated at the graduation ceremony of 24 officers who underwent a three months Diplomatic Training course at the Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute in Mt Pleasant, Harare.
In his address, the senior diplomat touched on a number of key issues that surround duties and overall expectations of Foreign Service Officers. He told the graduates that they were joining an organisation of the best, hence the need to give a full measure of service which should unwaveringly reflect the position of government.
“The programme you have just concluded was tailor-made to provide you with exposure to the fundamental aspects of Zimbabwe’s diplomacy. It was supposed to equip you with the professional and administrative skills to effectively articulate Zimbabwe’s foreign policy. I hope you all understood the presentation on Economic Diplomacy as it has become an important aspect of our mandate as a Ministry,” he said.
He added, “Foreign Service officer must be able to think outside the box in order to attract new business investments for Zimbabwe; thus, I encourage you all to become generalists in pursuance of our National Economic interests”.
Ambassador Manzou urged the graduates to represent the interests of Zimbabwe throughout the discharge of their duties and ensure that their personalities were commensurate with the expectations of their positions.
“Upon completion of this course, I am sure you are now aware that diplomats are deemed public figures with very little meaningful private life. Whatever you say will always be construed to be Zimbabwe’s position.
“Please ensure therefore, that when you make contributions in discussions, what you say should not deviate from Government policy. You should always be of high moral fibre. Over and above what you say, your behaviour influences the way the host countries see you.
“Ultimately, they will see and understand and perceive Zimbabwe through your behaviour, good or bad. In this respect, I am sure you paid close attention to the presentation on protocol, etiquette, grooming and deportment, said Ambassador Manzou.
As Zimbabwe has millions of its citizens working in foreign lands where they are contributing immensely owing to their skills, hardworking nature and acumen, Ambassador Manzou urged foreign service officers to make efforts to speak to these Zimbabweans with regards to marketing brand Zimbabwe as well as taking up opportunities in Zimbabwe.
“The component of our diaspora is also very important for the economic growth of our country. Whenever you have the opportunity, engage the diaspora, share with them the economic opportunities in the country. Remember, the diaspora can also be Ambassadors of our country,” he said.
The mandate of the ZFSI includes provision of training facilities and courses for foreign service officers and other such officers from Government departments in the fields of diplomacy, international relations, trade and tourism and such fields as may be approved from time to time by the Board of Governors.
The Institute also conduct research in the field of diplomacy and international relations, and advise Government on foreign policy issues.