Tinotenda Hove – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has once again painted a rosy picture of the economy, insisting that Zimbabwe is experiencing strong growth, even as many citizens continue to struggle with rising prices, unemployment, and deteriorating living conditions.

Speaking at the burial of the late national hero Donald Silundi Tshuma at National Heroes Acre in Harare on Wednesday, Mnangagwa presented an upbeat assessment of the country’s economic performance, which contrasts sharply with the hardships faced by ordinary Zimbabweans.

He claimed the economy is expanding and cited international institutions to back his position, saying:

“Our economy remains resilient and continues to register growth, recording a 6.6 percent rebound in 2025. This positive trajectory and the recovery of our economy have also been confirmed by both the IMF and the World Bank.”

However, on the ground, many citizens continue to report worsening economic pressures, with incomes failing to keep up with the cost of basic goods and services.

Mnangagwa also highlighted reforms in key sectors such as mining and agriculture, presenting them as drivers of national progress, though critics argue that such gains have yet to meaningfully improve livelihoods for the majority.

“We are advancing reforms within the mining sector, with particular focus on strengthening small-scale gold mining. At the same time, our agricultural sector continues to grow, thereby enhancing national food security.”

Despite these claims of progress, concerns persist about whether the benefits of these reforms are reaching ordinary people or remaining confined to official statistics and elite circles.

The President further directed remarks at young people, urging them to avoid criticism of the state and instead focus on economic participation, saying:

“As youths, you must reject being used as instruments to denigrate our motherland, Zimbabwe. Instead, choose the path of entrepreneurship and contribute towards the development of our economy. The modernisation, industrialisation and attainment of Vision 2030 are a collective responsibility for us all.”

He also used the occasion to praise the late nationalist, framing the funeral as part of the ruling party’s broader revolutionary narrative.

“Today, Zimbabwe salutes you, Cde Tshuma, for your patriotism and dedicated service to the nation. We remain fully conscious of the weighty responsibility before us, and under the Fourth Chimurenga, the revolution continues.”

He concluded with a traditional farewell message, as the state ceremony ended under a backdrop of ongoing economic uncertainty for many Zimbabweans.
“Go well, son of the soil. May your soul rest in eternal peace.”