Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has called for bold reflection and renewed commitment as his Ministry and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) officials gathered in Mutare today for the 2025 Strategic Policy Planning and Review Workshop.
The high-level meeting, which officially opened yesterday, is reviewing progress made under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1: 2021–2025) while setting the direction for the forthcoming National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2: 2026–2030), which will guide Zimbabwe’s march towards Vision 2030.
Opening the workshop, Professor Ncube reminded delegates that strategic planning should be more than a routine process.
“Strategic planning is not merely a routine exercise. It is, as Henry Mintzberg (1994) aptly described, ‘a process of learning and adaptation.’ As we transition from NDS1 to NDS2, we must engage in deep reflection – looking at what has worked, what has fallen short, and what must be done differently to deliver stronger, inclusive and sustainable economic outcomes,” said Prof Ncube.
Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Hon. Kudakwashe David Mnangagwa, echoed the same sentiments, stressing that the NDS2 phase represents a moment for decisive economic transformation.
“NDS2 is not just a continuation of NDS1 it is a bold step towards consolidating our gains and pursuing transformative growth. We must now place greater focus on policy coherence, fiscal prudence, innovation, productivity, and institutional effectiveness,” said Mnangagwa.
Permanent Secretary Mr. George T Guvamatanga also challenged both Ministry and SOE officials to demonstrate strong and accountable leadership.
“Leadership at every level from Ministry departments to parastatal boards must internalise the national agenda and translate it into actionable programmes.
We must embrace collaboration, accountability and performance excellence to deliver efficient, transparent and responsive governance to citizens,” said Guvamatanga.
The workshop singled out three key pillars expected to anchor NDS2: Macroeconomic Stability and Fiscal Sustainability, Productivity and Value Addition, and Institutional Efficiency and Accountability. These focus areas will underpin Zimbabwe’s economic policy direction between 2026 and 2030.
Delegates are expected to spend the coming days refining the Ministry’s strategic priorities, ensuring that NDS2 builds on the foundations of NDS1 while driving inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economic growth.
