On the sidelines of the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, I held highly productive engagements with PSB Bank and Rossotrudnichestvo. Zimbabwe remains open for business. Backed by a robust 8.3% economic growth rate, we are deepening our practical partnerships in trade, investment, and strategic financing. We are translating political goodwill into tangible projects by proposing a joint technical working group with PSB Bank, the Ministry of Finance, and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to drive trade finance. We also continue to track BRICS developments on national payment systems. Beyond economics, our bilateral friendship remains firmly anchored on human-capital development. With over 1,000 Zimbabwean students studying at Russian universities in critical fields like sciences, medicine, and technology, we are securing our nation's future.

It is always a pleasure to meet and interact with the brilliant young minds representing our great nation abroad. Yesterday, while in Russia for the third Russia-Africa Summit, I took the opportunity to continue our tradition of engaging with Zimbabwean students studying away from home. Our students are the true ambassadors of Zimbabwe. During our heartfelt exchange at the Embassy in Moscow, I was deeply impressed by their dedication to academic excellence, especially in critical fields like engineering, medicine, science, and cutting-edge technology. We had an open and constructive discussion where they raised important points regarding mutual recognition of qualifications, safety, and the availability of funds to propel start-ups. I reassured them that the Second Republic remains fully committed to supporting their welfare and creating a thriving environment for them. As we march towards achieving an empowered, upper-middle-income society through Vision 2030, our goal is to integrate these highly skilled young specialists directly into our local production value chains. I urged them to focus on their studies, absorb global innovations, and ultimately bring that knowledge back home to build the Zimbabwe we all want.

A massive congratulations to our Zimbabwe Sables on an incredible and hard-fought 36–33 victory over Namibia today! Playing our first international match at this historic venue in over two decades, you showed true determination, resilience, and the unmistakable spirit of Zimbabwe. From our clinical execution at the set pieces, precision in the lineouts, to the decisive tactical kicking under pressure, it was a masterful display of rugby. Holding off a fierce comeback to secure this win right at the wire has made the entire nation immensely proud. Thank you to the technical team, the players, and the thousands of fans who came out to lift our boys today. This is a monumental step forward for Zimbabwean rugby. Keep flying the flag high, Sables! The journey continues.

As our senior men's national rugby team, the Sables, take to the field today, I want to wish the entire squad and technical team the absolute very best. You carry the hopes and pride of an entire nation on your shoulders, and we have full confidence in your talent, discipline, and Zimbabwean spirit. Regrettably, due to prior official commitments, I will not be able to attend the match in person today. I would have absolutely loved to be there in the stands to cheer on the Sables alongside you all. However, my heart and spirit are entirely with the team. I urge everyone who can make it to pack the stadium, lift our boys with your voices, and paint the stands in our beautiful national colours! Let us come together to show the world the roaring power of Zimbabwean support. Go forth and conquer, Sables! #GoSables #ZimbabweRugby #ProudlyZimbabwe

Today, I visited the Guvamatanga family to express my deepest condolences following the passing of Sekuru Guvamatanga, father to our Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Mr. George Guvamatanga. Sekuru Guvamatanga was a devoted Christian and a pillar of strength who groomed his family with exceptional values. The immense outpouring of love and the large gathering of mourners today is a true reflection of the honorable character he possessed. While this is an incredibly painful and difficult time for the family, we must find comfort in knowing that death is a path destined for all of us. As the scripture reminds us, only the best are called home to meet the Creator. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Guvamatanga family during this hour of grief. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace.

As we successfully conclude the 25th COMESA Summit here in Harare, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the Heads of State, Government representatives, and delegates. Your spirit of solidarity, cooperation, and unity of purpose made our deliberations a resounding success. During our discussions, we firmly agreed on immediate priority areas to accelerate our collective growth. Chief among these is deepening market integration and the decisive removal of both tariff and non-tariff barriers. If we are to build truly resilient economies, COMESA member states must cultivate a culture of trading among ourselves first. Our local resources must drive our local prosperity. As the incoming Chairman of this great regional bloc, I recognize that the true measure of our success lies in the impact of our outcomes. The responsibility now rests upon all of us to translate our summit resolutions into concrete, actionable steps. Together, we will achieve our shared vision of "One Market, One Future." My profound thanks go to the COMESA Secretariat, our local organizing teams, and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to host a flawless event at our New Parliament Building. Let us move forward with shared determination.

I accept the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) with deep humility, as we convene for the 25th Summit of COMESA Heads of State and Government at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden. We gather under the powerful and progressive theme: "One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA." On behalf of our nation, I extend my profound gratitude to the outgoing Chairperson, President William Ruto of Kenya, for steering COMESA with immense purpose, clarity, and a steadfast focus on digitization and robust value chains. I also commend the COMESA Secretariat for their sterling work. My warmest congratulations go to my brother, His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, on his appointment as the new Vice Chairperson of COMESA. Together, Zimbabwe and Zambia stand ready to lead our regional bloc toward unprecedented economic growth. The theme of our summit brings to the fore the urgent need for the interconnectivity of our markets to accelerate modernization and industrialization. To reach new customers and achieve collective progress, we must expand our horizons. The tangible growth of intra-COMESA projects demonstrates the undeniable value of our cooperation, and it is through this unity that we will uplift more of our people. COMESA remains a vital platform to promote trade, and the ultimate success of this conference rests upon our collective shoulders. To unlock our full potential, we must decisively address transportation bottlenecks. Furthermore, the financial challenges faced by our youth, women, and SMEs require new strategies and bold decisions. By driving the wider use of digital trade systems, we can bridge these gaps. During our tenure, we aim to work closely with all member states to fast-track value addition and beneficiation. The lessons from our policy decisions are clear: we must see the true value of our natural resources. Zimbabwe will champion the development of agro-processing industrial parks and the climate-proofing of our agriculture to guarantee regional food security. To support this industrial drive, our roads and rail systems require long-term financing. We must think outside the box on financing models, working hand-in-hand with our development partners. Integration is only a success when it benefits the ordinary citizen. The challenge has been set upon us. We must align our skills training and education systems to produce goods and services that directly impact and improve the lives of our people. Our private sector is highly commended for actively involving itself in these debates; their partnership is crucial. As we chart our own destination, we remind the world that Zimbabwe remains a friend to all and an enemy to none, exercising our amenable rights to self-determination. With unity of purpose, let us deliver a better, more prosperous future for the people of Africa. #COMESA2026 #OneMarketOneFuture #Industrialisation #Investment #RegionalIntegration #Zimbabwe #Zambia

Today, I joined my fellow regional Heads of State and Government for the SADC Virtual Extra-Ordinary Summit. Building on the solid foundations and resolutions established during our 46th SADC Ordinary Summit in Durban this past August, this extraordinary session marks another critical step forward for our region. Our agenda focuses on strategic leadership appointments that are vital to advancing our collective regional integration, development, and stability. Key among these decisions are the appointments of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration and electing the incoming Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. As a united front, we remain deeply committed to reinforcing SADC's governance, ensuring peace and security, and driving economic prosperity for all our citizens. A stronger, more integrated SADC means a stronger Africa! #SADC #RegionalIntegration #Zimbabwe #Vision2030 #LeavingNoOneBehind