New Zimbabwean president brings country into new era

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Emmerson Mnangagwa has been sworn in as Zimbabwe's new head of state on Friday, marking the beginning of a new era in the country.

The new president in his inaugural speech on Friday pledged to re-engage the country with the world. In particular, Mnangagwa said key plans will be made to attract foreign direct investment to tackle unemployment while transforming economy.

"He has fully recognized the need for loan, the recognition of property right. The problem is his voice is not always audible," said Arison Tamfu, West African editor of the Daily Reporter.

Emmerson Mnangagwa walks after he was sworn in as Zimbabwe's president in Harare, Zimbabwe, November 24, 2017. /Reuters Photo

In his speech, Mnangagwa also assured the 2018 elections will go on as scheduled despite different factions in the country, adding that land reforms wouldn't be reversed, but promised compensation for white farmers whose land was seized.

"Mnangagwa has said his government is committed to compensating farmers who lost their land. This is indeed a good decision in order to restore the confidence of the investors and land owners. The new president will also have the opposition parties in his new government and significantly improve the transparency of the presidential elections that will be held next year, " said Tamfu.

Mnangagwa called on Zimbabweans to "let bygones be bygones," and paying tribute to former president Robert Mugabe, the only surviving founding father of the country.