VP Mnangagwa calls for diasporans to invest back home

Zim Vice President Mnangagwa

VICE PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has said every citizen and stakeholder has got a duty to make Zimbabwe prosper, adding that those in the diaspora must come and invest in their country.

Mnangagwa was speaking during ‘Ease of Doing Business Review” symposium organised by the Office of the President and Cabinet in conjunction with Zimpapers in Harare on Thursday.

He told the business reforms symposium that Zimbabwe needs dialogue, adding that where mistakes have been made there should be a way to rectify them.

“We should be able to identify the anchors of our economy in order to capitalise on them. Agriculture and mining is one of them,” he said.

Mnangagwa added that President Mugabe, in his State of The Nation Address, highlighted that it was unacceptable for Zimbabwe to continue on the decline, adding that Zimbabweans must formulate and implement strategies which can yield tangible results.

He added that it was important to incorporate women and youths and vendors for them to effectively play a part in the revival of the economy.

The VP said government had a duty to play a coordinating role hence the need for such symposiums. He said it was for the same reason that he, last year, launched the Zimbabwe Competitiveness Report with a view to fostering a culture of hard working.

He added, “This platform with allow inclusive and collaborative efforts and sharing of ideas on how to improve ease of doing business.”

Mnangagwa said as it was government’s aim for Zimbabwe to be ranked above 100 in the ease of doing business index, adding that the goal should be broader than just ranking.

“The ranking should resonate with development on the ground. We need to increase the momentum of reforms in order to be a destination of first choice.”

Mnangagwa also said the fight against corruption should be everyone’s duty.

“Government has come with national code for corporate governance in order to ensure that there is a broad legislative framework which will help in fighting corruption.”

Mnangagwa’s comments come at a time when investors are seen reluctant to move into Zimbabwe due to what experts says are tough investment laws. Recently, government revelaed that it will be sending a delegation to engage the Zimbabwean diaspora on investment opportunity in the country.