By Victor Fanuel
HARARE— President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said Zimbabwe is pursuing a sovereign, interest-driven relationship agenda with the international community, rejecting ideological alignment with either Western or Eastern powers.
He said the approach underpins the country’s intensified diplomatic re-engagement and investment outreach amid deep-seated economic challenges induced by US-led sanctions.
Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, where Zimbabwe advanced its diplomatic and investment engagement agenda, Mnangagwa said the country’s foreign relations have evolved since independence, reflecting shifting global realities and the need to secure tangible economic benefits for Zimbabweans.
“Well, my view is that, initially, as we became independent, most of our development thrust was from the West.
“But as we evolved, we have also benefited from investment and cooperation from countries like China,” he said.
Mnangagwa’s remarks came in response to American journalist Tucker Carlson’s suggestions that Africa’s contemporary partnerships—particularly with China—merely replicate colonial-era extractive models previously associated with Western powers.
However, Mnangagwa dismissed that framing, stressing Zimbabwe’s sovereignty over its natural resources and development choices.
“I think the premises upon which you construct your question… I don’t think is perfect.
“Yes, Zimbabwe is a sovereign state. And we move on the basis that gives us the best results for our resources,” he said.
“Whether it is in relation to the West or the East, what is primarily important is what we ourselves, as an officer, are satisfied with.
“We don’t need to please the West or please the East.
“We please ourselves,” added Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe has, in recent years, deepened economic cooperation with China, Russia, and other Eastern partners as relations with Western capitals remain strained, largely over governance and land reform disputes that culminated in the imposition of sanctions by the United States and its allies.
Harare argues the measures — which include financial restrictions and travel bans on senior officials — have had a chilling effect on foreign direct investment, limited access to international credit lines, and increased the cost of capital, exacerbating liquidity shortages, currency instability, and infrastructure deficits.
The government maintains that sanctions have constrained Zimbabwe’s ability to fully exploit its vast mineral wealth — including gold, platinum group metals, and lithium — and to re-industrialise through long-term financing and technology transfer.
Mnangagwa said bilateral relations cannot be reduced to a single template but must be understood within their historical and political context, noting Zimbabwe’s colonial past while underscoring the country’s right to diversify its partnerships.
“I’m sure relations cannot be measured country by country.
“Yes, relations depend on the historical background of countries between one country and another.
“That’s the base on which relations grow and are nurtured,” said Mnangagwa.
“For us in Zimbabwe, yes, we are a former British colony, but we are very happy with the relations that have now developed with countries like China and so on.
“Yes, despite being a former British colony,” added Mnangagwa.
At the Dubai summit, Zimbabwe positioned itself as open for business, with Mnangagwa reiterating calls for the removal of sanctions to allow full reintegration into the global economy, unlock affordable financing, and accelerate economic recovery.
