President Ruto (far left) is accompanied by president Emmerson Mnangagwa and VP Mohadi during a tour of stands at the ZITF2024
By Ronaldo Mapingire
Zimbabwe is firmly established on the economic recovery path and will resume it’s breadbasket of Africa status, president of Kenya His Excellency president Ruto has said.
President Ruto said this in his keynote address while officially opening the 64th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo yesterday.
“One thing that has been difficult to ignore from the moment we stepped on Zimbabwean soil is the unmistakable energy of a country going places, a people facing forward and a nation entering a new chapter in its development history. Upon
observation and reflection, I have a good idea about the source of this infectious air of optimistic expectation that fills up every
space in this great country.
“We all know that Zimbabwe has waged its share of struggles, faced its share of challenges and undergone a great deal of
“It has been inspiring to witness the resilience and fortitude of the Zimbabwean nation and the people, who, though not the
authors of their country’s tribulations, refused to be victims of it, and did not give up, slow down or lament in despair.
Highlighting the resilience demonstrated by the country under the banner of economic sanctions, president Ruto said it was encouraging to see that the country had forged ahead with it’s development plans, as evidenced by a host of game changing policies across different sectors.
“The people of Zimbabwe have endured and forged on with the patience of people who have prevailed against formidable forces and have conquered. This demonstrates the country’s readiness to transform itself into an economic giant. Owing to the policies of agricultural revitalisation and farmer support schemes, the seeds of transformation have been sown, said president Ruto.
“The maturing of various agro-industrial chains will attract investment and bring more wealth to the people. The possibility of returning to the bread basket status is feasible and already seen.
“The commitment to developing the country is already seen in the revitalisation of infrastructure. Just recently your Minister of ICT was in Nairobi where we shared a lot about the development of our countries,” he said.
President Rudo also said Zimbabwe was blessed with human and natural resources hence the need to harness these for economic development.
“Zimbabwe is an example of an African scenario with a high literacy rate and abundant energy resources, arable land, coal, gold, iron, and lithium among other minerals. There is no doubt that these resources present tremendous wealth and that these should be deployed to back the national currency and further develop the economy. Zimbabwe is endowed with sufficient human resources and mineral resources. With visionary leadership, the sky is the limit,” said HE Ruto.
President Ruto also commented on Zimbabwe’s commitment to develop is seen through the introduction of the ZIG currency which will contribute greatly to the country’s economic resurgence.
“This decision among others illustrates the country’s commitment towards economic recovery. This is all due to the visionary leadership of the President.
It is well known that economies with ICTs and innovation will develop more than those without. It encourages every sector to produce more and faster. Innovation empowers processes to produce more and satisfy demand. Innovation guarantees customer satisfaction and consistency,” HE Ruto said.
“I encourage all here to take advantage of this platform to network and exchange ideas. I encourage you to make the ZITF your catalyst of more inspired engagement. I wish the people of Zimbabwe prosperity,” he added.
