ZIMBABWEAN President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday led the nation in marking the country's 45th independence anniversary in the central province of Midlands, expressing his gratitude for the liberation and post-independence efforts to develop and modernise Zimbabwe.
Rains failed to dampen the celebratory mood, as thousands of Zimbabweans thronged the venue in Gokwe to mark 45 years of independence with fanfare, highlighted by military displays.
Mnangagwa kicked off the main celebrations by partaking in the long-held traditions associated with the annual event, including lighting the independence flame and inspecting a military parade.
In his speech, Mnangagwa said that despite Western sanctions, climate change-induced setbacks, and global economic shocks, Zimbabwe's economy continues to experience positive growth.
After last year's El Nino-induced drought, which weakened growth to 2 percent, Zimbabwe's economy is projected to grow by 5.6 percent in 2025, slightly down from the initial forecast of 6 percent, driven by a recovery in agriculture and mining, Mnangagwa said.
He said Zimbabwe is anticipating a bumper harvest in the 2024/2025 summer cropping season, which is expected to boost household food security.
Calling for increased investment in agricultural businesses to unlock the full potential of land, Mnangagwa stressed the need for hard work and continued efforts toward the realisation of economic prosperity and self-sufficiency.
"Through our own efforts, let us remain a free, independent, and sovereign people, who are masters of our own destiny," said the president.
He said the Zimbabwean government is actively championing agricultural transformation, rural development, and revitalisation, and working to achieve the country's vision to become an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
Unity, peace, and security are essential ingredients to sustainable development and prosperity in Zimbabwe, he said, adding that the country is promoting innovation, developing cross-border value chains, and enhancing opportunities for public-private partnerships to drive the country's modernisation and industrialisation.
"Zimbabwe is poised for greater times. Let us remain focused, resilient, and persistent, inspired by the numerous achievements and milestones attained so far," he said. ■
Zimbabwean soldiers march during a military display marking Independence Day in Gokwe, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe, on April 18, 2025. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday led the nation in marking the country's 45th independence anniversary in the central province of Midlands, expressing his gratitude for the liberation and post-independence efforts to develop and modernise Zimbabwe. (Xinhua)
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is seen in a military vehicle during a military display marking Independence Day in Gokwe, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe, on April 18, 2025. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday led the nation in marking the country's 45th independence anniversary in the central province of Midlands, expressing his gratitude for the liberation and post-independence efforts to develop and modernise Zimbabwe. (Xinhua)
Zimbabwean soldiers participate in a military display marking Independence Day in Gokwe, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe, on April 18, 2025. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday led the nation in marking the country's 45th independence anniversary in the central province of Midlands, expressing his gratitude for the liberation and post-independence efforts to develop and modernise Zimbabwe. (Xinhua)