Zimbabwe marks 45th independence anniversary

ZIMBABWEAN President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday led the nation in marking the country's 45th independence anniversary in the central province of Midlands, expressing his gratitude for the liberation and post-independence efforts to develop and modernise Zimbabwe. Rains failed to dampen the celebratory mood, as thousands of Zimbabweans thronged the venue in Gokwe to mark 45 years of independence with fanfare, highlighted by military displays. Mnangagwa kicked off the main celebrations by partaking in the long-held traditions associated with the annual event, including lighting the independence flame and inspecting a military parade. In his speech, Mnangagwa said that despite Western sanctions, climate change-induced setbacks, and global economic shocks, Zimbabwe's economy continues to experience positive growth. After last year's El Nino-induced drought, which weakened growth to 2 percent, Zimbabwe's economy is projected…