SPEECH
BY
THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC
OF ZIMBABWE,
HIS EXCELLENCY, DR. E. D. MNANGAGWA
AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE ECOBANK
ZIMBABWE NEW HEAD OFFICE
HARARE
14 SEPTEMBER 2026
Director of Ceremonies;
Vice President, Hon. Gen. (Rtd) Dr. C. G. D. N. Chiwenga;
Vice President, Hon. Col. (Rtd) Dr. K. C. D. Mohadi;
Chairman of ZANU PF, and Minister of Defence,
Hon. O. C. Z. Muchinguri- Kashiri;
Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province, Hon. Sen. C. Z. Tawengwa;
Minister of Finance, Economic Development and
Investment Promotion, Hon. Prof M. Ncube;
Honourable Ministers;
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet,
Dr. M. Rushwaya;
Senior Government Officials;
Governor of the Reserve Bank; Dr. J. Mushayavanhu;
Ecobank Group Chairperson, Mr. P. Ndiaye;
Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. J. Awori;
Regional Executive Central East and Southern Africa,
Madam J. Anan-Ankomah;
Ecobank Zimbabwe Local Board Chairperson;
Mr. P. Ncube; and Board Members here present;
Ecobank SADC Managing Director and Chief Executive
Officer of Ecobank Zimbabwe, Mr. M. Kurenjekwa; Management and Staff; Captains of Industry and Commerce;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is my distinct honour to join you today to officially commission this iconic new Ecobank Zimbabwe Headquarters. Investments of this nature serve as reminders of the resilience of our economy and the conducive business operating environment being facilitated by my Administration.
The fact that this Head Office of the Ecobank Group is the first one to be constructed and owned by Ecobank in the Southern Africa region reflects that Zimbabwe is a favourable destination for capital and investments. Congratulations.
It is opportune that today’s official opening ceremony coincides with the Bank’s 40th anniversary as a Pan-African institution. I congratulate the Ecobank Group for their resilience, visionary and unshakable belief in the Pan African story. Well done. Congratulations. Makorokoto. Amhlophe.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
I applaud the Ecobank Group for having faith in the ability and skills of the local leadership who steered this project.
I commend the local architects, engineers, project managers, and construction teams for delivering a splendid building which changes the landscape of this Borrowdale precinct. “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo.” A country is built, governed and prayed for, by its people.
You have demonstrated that the capacities and skills of Zimbabweans are world-class, and that given the opportunity, we can build to global standards.
The new building before us is therefore, not just a bank; it is a testament to local capability and ingenuity. Makorokoto. Amhlophe.
I am impressed with the integration of sustainability into the core operations and across the product suite of the Bank. It is also commended that the design features incorporated into this building, conform to sustainability standards, towards reducing environmental impact, lowering utility costs, and improving indoor comfort.
This has seen the building being endorsed by the International Finance Corporation, and certified by the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies. Well done once again.
The incorporation of solar-control glazing, rainwater harvesting infrastructure and smart energy-efficient systems in the building design aligns with National Development Strategy 2 aspirations. Hence, I am confident that within the banking halls of this modern facility, you at Ecobank will become an engine room for transformation and ensure the accelerated modernisation, industrialisation and development of our motherland, Zimbabwe.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
As you may be aware, the Second Republic under my leadership is driving, production, productivity, excellence and results for the prosperity of our nation and a higher quality of life for our people.
We celebrate institutions that do not merely exist but excel and advance development that leaves no one and no place behind.
The Ecobank Zimbabwe award for the Top Bank in the country for 2025, an accolade which the Bank has consecutively won since 2021 reflect the deep roots and footprints the Bank has in the various sectors of the economy. Congratulations, you are working well and your work is speaking for you in the market. Hold this recognition with pride and continue to serve our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, with discipline, honesty and integrity.
Going forward, I urge the Bank along with other players in the financial sector to inculcate fair practices, ethical management, prudent lending and ensure innovation and adaptation in line with the local market demands. Zimbabwe is rising and Africa is awakening and taking its place in the global economic space.
This calls for financial institutions that are fluid, robust and Pan African in approach to facilitate development financing, as well as industrialisation and intra-African trade to realise the Africa we all want and deserve. As players in the African financial space, I challenge you to think outside the box to advance the African Agenda.
In this spirit, I, recognise and applaud the Bank’s financial inclusion initiatives, which are targeted at equipping women and youth-led businesses with the capital, mentorship and networks needed for success and entry into global value chains.
As we position Zimbabwe as the gateway to SADC and the wider Continent, various sectors of the economy should benefit from responsive financial products targeted at facilitating cross-border payments, trade finance, and market linkages across the continent.
Meanwhile, the positive impact of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility Programmes in the areas of sports, creative cultural industries, education are applauded. I am briefed of the support you render under for the Police Commissioners’ Stakeholder Committee, towards fighting Crime. We thank you for these and many other gestures.
Distinguished Guests;
Under the Second Republic, I made a declaration that Zimbabwe is Open for Business. Barriers to investment, and trade continue to be removed and a conducive business environment is being entrenched. We will continue to do more to ensure shared prosperity and development that leaves no one and no place behind.
Today, as we officially open this asset, I, therefore, look at Ecobank with pride; I see a partner that has answered our call for win-win partnership and shared prosperity. Ecobank is Open for Business.
Just as my Administration opened doors to the world, Ecobank has opened its doors to all Zimbabweans, from the largest corporation to the smallest entrepreneur. The message from this function is clear. Zimbabwe is a land of opportunities. Everyone is welcome.
In concluding, I exhort the local Executive and staff to use this facility to support the pillars of NDS 2. Key aspects in this regard relate to:
• Using its capital to support value addition in our productive sectors; including agriculture and mining.
• Using digital tools to empower the youth and women entrepreneurs.
• Using their expertise and strengths to complement Government efforts to ensure that no one and no place is left behind in our march towards Vision 2030.
May this building stand as a permanent reminder that when we are united, confident in ourselves, hard-working and when we take ownership of our destiny, nothing is impossible. To the Local Board Chairperson, the Board, Management and the entire staff: you have made your country proud. This project is Zimbabwe’s accomplishment. I commend you once again, for a job well executed.
Allow me to wish the Ecobank Group great success as they hold their Board Meeting this week, here in our great motherland, Zimbabwe. Thank you for choosing destination Zimbabwe as a venue for your reflections, on the destiny of this strategic Pan African Financial Institution. We wish you a fruitful meeting.
With these remarks, it is now my honour and privilege to declare the Ecobank Zimbabwe Head Office officially open.
God bless you.
God bless Zimbabwe.
I thank you.