THE newly launched National Multi-Faith Economic Dialogue (NAMFED) has called upon Zimbabwe’s religious community to unite in supporting President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Economic Emancipation Roadmap and the broader Vision 2030 national development agenda, through preaching unity and economic emancipation.
Speaking during a media briefing held in Harare this Tuesday, Chief convener, Madzibaba Obey Mapuranga said NAMFED was established under the stewardship of revered clerics across denominations, including Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi and Bishop Edward Raradza, to consolidate the role of faith institutions in the country’s economic transformation.
“We are saying NAMFED represents all churches, it was launched at ZANU PF headquarters, to consolidate the gains of our independence, we convened this meeting as an endorsement of the religious coalition that is focusing on germinating a religious economy to complement the vision of His Excellency President Mnangagwa, who is leading the economic emancipation roadmap towards Vision 2030. After the launch, we have come up with a report that we will take to the President on our objectives and mission,” Madzibaba Mapuranga said.
NAMFED is expected to serve as a platform for interfaith collaboration that channels spiritual leadership into socio-economic dialogue, policy guidance, and grassroots development.
Board member Israel Jay reinforced the group’s commitment to uniting churches under the umbrella of national development.
“We are calling all leaders of different denominations to come on board and support President Mnangagwa in his quest to lead the country to attain an upper-middle society by 2030,” NAMFED board member, Israel Jay said.
Representing the Muslim community, Sheikh Ishmael Duwa, from the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe, stressed the importance of religious unity in preserving the gains of independence and safeguarding economic sovereignty.
“The church must come together regardless of denomination to defend President Mnangagwa from forces that seek to derail our independence. He is now leading the country on a path of economic empowerment, and this calls for all religious leaders to rally behind that visionary leadership,” said.
As part of its structural framework, 35 church leaders from diverse denominations have been appointed to NAMFED’s Advisory Board and its Research, Policy, and Liaison Wing, forming a think tank that will engage both religious and state actors.
NAMFED’s formation signals a growing trend of faith-based support for national development strategies, positioning the religious community as both moral guides and practical partners in Zimbabwe’s socio-economic transformation.
