By Tafara Pande
HARARE – Zimbabwe’s faith community has rallied behind President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Economic Emancipation Roadmap, with the launch of the National Multi-Faith Economic Dialogue (NAMFED), a platform designed to align spiritual leadership with national development.
Speaking at the media briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Chief Convener Madzibaba Obey Mapuranga said NAMFED, formed under the stewardship of revered clerics such as Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi and Bishop Edward Raradza, seeks to consolidate the role of faith institutions in the country’s economic transformation:
“NAMFED represents all churches. It was launched at ZANU PF Headquarters to consolidate the gains of our independence. We are endorsing His Excellency’s vision by germinating a religious economy that complements the Economic Emancipation Roadmap towards Vision 2030. We will soon present our report to the President,” said Madzibaba Mapuranga.
The coalition, which has appointed 35 church leaders to its Advisory Board and Research, Policy, and Liaison Wing, aims to drive interfaith collaboration, policy guidance, and grassroots economic empowerment.
Board member Israel Jay emphasized unity, saying:
“We are calling on all denominations to stand with President Mnangagwa as he leads Zimbabwe towards achieving upper-middle-income status by 2030.”
“The church must come together regardless of denomination to defend our independence and rally behind President Mnangagwa’s visionary leadership in economic empowerment.”
NAMFED’s formation underscores the growing influence of faith-based institutions in shaping socio-economic dialogue. By blending moral guidance with practical development strategies, religious leaders are positioning themselves as vital partners in steering Zimbabwe toward sustainable growth and national prosperity.
