The ruling ZANU-PF party has formally invited leaders of indigenous apostolic, Zion, and Pentecostal churches to its headquarters in Harare for a high-profile two-day event dubbed the National Multi-Faith Economic Dialogue (NAMFED), set to run from July 8 to 9, 2025.
The gathering, which marks the first of its kind under this new banner, has been framed as an engagement platform between the government and faith-based communities to promote sustainable development and national unity. However, critics say the event reflects the ruling party’s ongoing strategy to secure the political loyalty of religious institutions ahead of anticipated electoral and succession battles.
The event was first announced through social media by Varakashi for Economic Development (Varakashi4ED), a pro-ZANU-PF propaganda unit that often shares unofficial but strategically aligned party messaging. According to their widely circulated online invitation, President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to attend as the Guest of Honour.
“Breaking News! The National Multi-Faith Economic Dialogue will be held at ZANU PF Headquarters Hall on 8-9 July 2025. His Excellency President Dr ED Mnangagwa will be the Guest of Honor,” the post declared.
A lineup of prominent speakers is also expected at the event, including influential businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei—recently in the spotlight over his failed Central Committee co-option—and Paul Tempter Tungwarara, one of President Mnangagwa’s advisors. Other names include ZANU-PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu and Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha.
While the post did not provide a detailed agenda, it claimed that the indaba would run under the theme “Leading a Sustainable Development and Fostering Greater Understanding.” Organizers have further claimed that the initiative is meant to complement the government’s ongoing National Development Strategy 2 (NDS-2) formulation and consultation efforts.
ZANU-PF Hosts Churches for National Multi-Faith Economic Dialogue as Tagwirei, Top Officials Expected to Speak
ZANU-PF’s overtures to indigenous churches are not new. For decades, the ruling party has forged strategic alliances with apostolic and Pentecostal movements—particularly those with strong rural followings. These relationships have historically been leveraged during election seasons, with churches publicly endorsing ZANU-PF candidates in exchange for promises of land, funding, and other empowerment schemes.
Political analysts suggest that the upcoming NAMFED conference is part of a broader effort to consolidate that alliance ahead of upcoming internal leadership contests and the 2028 general elections. By framing the event as an economic dialogue, ZANU-PF appears to be reinforcing the narrative that religious institutions are key stakeholders in national development—while also ensuring their continued loyalty.
“Events like these allow ZANU-PF to project an image of inclusivity and grassroots connection, while behind the scenes, they are reinforcing patronage networks,” noted political analyst Tendai Marima. “Religious leaders often emerge from these gatherings with promises of housing projects, land allocations, or financial support for congregants.”
Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s scheduled appearance at NAMFED is especially notable, given his recent fallout during a ZANU-PF Central Committee meeting where an attempt to co-opt him into the party’s top decision-making body was blocked. His exclusion was reportedly driven by internal factionalism, particularly resistance from camps aligned with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
Nevertheless, Tagwirei has remained active, re-emerging in Epworth to support a local by-election campaign and now being reintroduced to the national stage through NAMFED. His role as Chairperson of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee gives him a development-related portfolio that aligns with the event’s economic theme, although many critics view his presence as a calculated move to rebuild his public image.
Despite the scale of the event and the high-profile guest list, attempts to get official comment from the organizers have been unsuccessful. Multiple efforts to reach key figures associated with NAMFED were met with unanswered calls and unreachable mobile phones.
That silence has fueled speculation about the true objectives of the indaba. While the theme and branding position it as an inclusive and consultative platform, the absence of transparency over its agenda has raised questions about whether it is truly a dialogue or simply another stage-managed political exercise.
Many indigenous churches have long maintained vocal support for ZANU-PF, often urging congregants to vote for the ruling party during election campaigns. In return, they have been promised a variety of incentives—ranging from farming inputs and land to positions in government-linked economic projects.
However, some observers have raised concerns that this relationship exploits the religious devotion of poor communities, with little tangible improvement in their livelihoods.
“Empowerment promises are rarely followed through,” said a Harare-based pastor who requested anonymity. “Many churches are still waiting for land or development assistance that was promised five or even ten years ago.”
As ZANU-PF grapples with internal succession debates and widespread public dissatisfaction over the economy, NAMFED could serve as both a symbolic and strategic turning point. By reaffirming ties with powerful church networks, the ruling party hopes to stabilize its grassroots base and neutralize potential dissent.
Whether this initiative leads to genuine economic development for religious communities—or simply consolidates the party’s grip on power—remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: ZANU-PF is once again placing the pulpit at the center of its political playbook.
