By Brenda Mazhambe
President Mnangagwa yesterday led the nation in commemorating the 2025 SADC Anti-Sanctions Day, calling for unity, resilience and innovation in the face of Western-imposed sanctions.
The commemorations were held at the Heritage Village in Harare, where the President also launched a new book titled “Standing Against Illegal Sanctions: Resistance, Policy Innovations and Advocacy.”
Addressing thousands of citizens, diplomats and government officials, President Mnangagwa said the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe were unjust and intended to punish the nation for reclaiming its sovereignty.
“Through sanctions, some Western countries sought to punish us for asserting our sovereignty and pursuing equal economic development for the benefit and prosperity of our people,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the SADC region and other African nations for their continued solidarity, describing the annual commemoration as “a reaffirmation of regional unity in the call for the unconditional lifting of the illegal and unjustified sanctions.”
The President reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s resolve to achieve its developmental goals despite economic restrictions.
“Brick by brick, stone upon stone, and step by step, we are resolutely charting and succeeding in our own developmental path towards Vision 2030,” he said.
He noted that despite the sanctions, Zimbabwe’s economy had continued to grow, driven by gains in agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism.
“Our people’s resolve, determination and hard work continue to be instrumental in overcoming the restrictive illegal sanctions,” he said.
This year’s Anti-Sanctions Day ran under the theme “Inclusive Development through Heritage-Based Innovation and Industrialisation in a Multilateral World.” The President said the theme was a timely reminder of the importance of leveraging Zimbabwe’s cultural identity and indigenous knowledge systems for economic growth.
“My Government recognises the potential of heritage-based innovation and production as a catalyst for value addition, beneficiation and inclusive economic growth,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also underscored Zimbabwe’s commitment to international cooperation.
“Zimbabwe is a friend to all and enemy to none. Our doors are open and our hands remain outstretched to all nations willing to work with us,” he said.
During the event, he commended academics, researchers and cultural contributors who worked on the newly launched book, describing them as “new and emerging heroes” for documenting Zimbabwe’s resilience under sanctions.
“Never take this responsibility lightly. Serve in this field through authorship that is factual, broad and undefiled,” he urged.
The Head of State welcomed steps by some Western countries to review their sanctions regimes but insisted that Zimbabwe would only be satisfied with full removal.
“We reaffirm our position and call for total and unconditional lifting of the unjustified unilateral sanctions,” he said.
The commemorations renewed calls for solidarity against sanctions on Zimbabwe across the SADC region and the African continent.
