President Mnangagwa will today launch the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), Zimbabwe’s second five-year economic blueprint that will guide national development from 2026 to 2030. The new strategy is designed to consolidate the gains achieved under NDS1 and accelerate the country’s march towards Vision 2030.
NDS2 identifies ten broad national priorities that will steer development across all sectors. These include macro-economic stability and financial sector deepening, inclusive economic growth and structural transformation, infrastructure development and housing, agriculture, food security, climate resilience and environmental protection, science, technology, innovation, digitalisation and human capital development, job creation, youth development, creative industries and culture, social development, gender equality and social protection, devolution, decentralisation and balanced regional development, image building, international relations and trade and good governance, institution building, peace and security.
Addressing journalists during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere confirmed that Cabinet had endorsed the new development plan.
“The draft National Development Strategy 2 blueprint was validated and approved by Cabinet,” he said.
Dr Muswere noted that NDS1, which ran from 2021 and ends in December this year, had delivered “massive economic growth and development”, setting a strong foundation for NDS2. He also highlighted several milestones achieved under Day 50 of the 100-Day Cycle Projects for 2025.
Under the NDS1 thematic area on moving the economy up the value chain and driving structural transformation, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce recorded significant progress.
“Rural and Urban Competitiveness Index surveys were conducted in 11 local authorities in Matabeleland and Mashonaland East provinces, and reports were produced,” Dr Muswere said.
He reported major industrial developments across the country, including the completion of Mega Market (Private) Limited’s 1.6MW solar plant in Mutare and progress on the company’s noodles manufacturing plant.
“The construction of the Jainqiang Cement plant in Hwange is in progress, with the warehouse and brick wall for the ball mill having been completed,” he added.
Several infrastructure and commercial projects have also advanced. Phase 1 of the Mutare Shopping Mall is complete, while Phase 2 is now at 10 percent. In Harare, the construction of the Spar Cardinals retail superstructure in Chisipite is finished, with refrigeration and other equipment installation at 90 percent. The Greenfields Shopping Mall is nearing completion, with 80 percent of targeted tenants already taking up space.
On the economic growth and stability front, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion surpassed fiscal performance expectations.
“The revenue mobilisation target for August 2025 was exceeded by 6 percent,” Dr Muswere confirmed.
He added that construction of 16 Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) Fairbridge staff cottages in Manicaland is 90 percent complete, and the ZIMRA Chiredzi Office is 96 percent complete. The Weneka Housing Development Phase 3 in Graniteside, Harare, is also complete.
Dr Muswere further revealed progress under the Infrastructure and Utilities pillar of NDS1, where the Ministry of State for National Security is spearheading rural infrastructure development. Major works include Chadzire Bridge in Buhera, now 70 percent complete.
Other rural bridge projects are advancing steadily: Kambanje Bridge in Mudzi is 50 percent complete, Pohwe Bridge in Gokwe South is 55 percent, and Makugwe Bridge in Mwenezi stands at 55 percent complete.
