Despite facing Western sanctions, Zimbabwe is experiencing rapid economic growth, according to Dr. Jenfan Muswere, Minister of Publicity, Information, and Broadcasting Services. He attributed this positive development to the strong leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zimbabwe's foreign policy, which focuses on neutrality and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
"What is of great importance is Zimbabwe's foreign policy, that we are a friend to all and an enemy to none," Minister Muswere told Sputnik Africa in an exclusive interview.
In the context of this policy, the official emphasized the longstanding relationship between Zimbabwe and Russia, a relationship rooted in their shared struggle against colonialism.
"Russia played a pivotal role through providing moral, diplomatic and military assistance to African countries in order to overthrow colonialism in the African continent," the minister said. "In the case of Zimbabwe, human capital development, in terms of training and arming and also intellectual diplomacy … the USSR provided a lot of financial support for Zimbabweans in order to have the right to self-determination."
With both Zimbabwe and Russia currently under severe unilateral Western economic sanctions, Minister Muswere emphasized the need for the implementation of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the two countries aimed at transforming their political and historical relationship into a "comprehensive economic gain for our respective countries".
He highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Information in Zimbabwe and its counterpart in Russia, focused on building a resilient media ecosystem that empowers both nations to control their narratives and report accurately on events within their respective countries.
"So, we will continue to work together closely with the Ministry of Information from the Russian Federation as we seek to ensure that the correct story about Zimbabwe, about Africa is reported accurately," the official asserted.
Dr. Muswere also highlighted Zimbabwe's commitment to working with progressive organizations like BRICS, which holds a great potential for the Southern African nation.
"The joining of BRICS has so many, numerous advantages. We share so many historical ties with most of the countries in BRICS, and it can also be a platform for us as a country in terms of trade. It can also help us as a country in terms of industrial growth and many other advantages in the international relations forum," he stated.
The minister also highlighted the challenges posed by a global media landscape dominated by "Westernized" narratives, often fueled by "weaponized" misinformation and disinformation aimed at undermining African perspectives.
"A perfect example is the land reform program, which the government of Zimbabwe put in place. Zimbabwe had been a victim. It's been a victim of a weaponized, procure and narrow Interests that seek to tarnish and demonize Zimbabweans, Zimbabwe as a country in order to achieve selfish racist goals," Minister Muswere said.
He emphasized the importance of media sovereignty for Zimbabwe, highlighting the need to counter this global media imperialism.
"Media sovereignty is very key in that African media strategy," he said. "It should reflect the facts from Africa, should reflect the ethics, the ethos, the heritage, the values of our continent and our region."
Dr. Muswere highlighted the Zimbabwean government's commitment to achieving media sovereignty in the country through various initiatives aimed at accelerating media liberalization and ensuring a technologically advanced and informed nation. He outlined the concrete steps taken by the government to achieve this vision:
National Broadband Plan: This initiative aims to ensure universal access to high-speed internet, bridging the digital divide and promoting technological sovereignty.
Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan: This plan outlines a comprehensive roadmap for digital transformation, ensuring "no one is left behind" in the technological advancements shaping the nation.
Community Radio Station Licensing: Licensing community radio stations across the country serves to preserve and promote Zimbabwe's cultural heritage and languages, fostering local narratives and strengthening community engagement.
Tackling Social Media Imperialism: The Minister expressed concern about the control of social media platforms by a select few, enabling the spread of misinformation through algorithmic manipulation. He advocated for an international framework to regulate social media platforms and protect individual and national integrity.
Data Sovereignty: Zimbabwe is actively working on homegrown solutions to achieve data sovereignty, enabling the nation to control its own information and produce accurate, balanced, and ethical news stories.
Minister Muswere connected these initiatives to the government's Vision 2030, which seeks to achieve an empowered and prosperous nation.
"We seek to ensure that each and every Zimbabwean has got the requisite information, is well-educated and especially in terms of what is taking place in the broader context of national development," declared the Minister. "In order also to guarantee heritage, our values, our languages."