Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation continues to attract global acclaim, with the country appointed Chair of the World Governing Council for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, Zero Hunger during the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai.
The honour follows last year’s milestone when the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, was named Best Minister in the World for spearheading Zimbabwe’s far-reaching agricultural reforms.
Addressing a high-level session on hunger in Africa on Thursday, Dr Masuka outlined the progress Zimbabwe has made in lifting communities out of poverty and advancing towards Vision 2030.
“Well, certainly you will recall that last year Zimbabwe was recognised, through me, as the best Minister in the world, so it has been a very eventful year. They have requested that I present an update of the achievements we have made during the past year in which I was the best minister in the world,” he said.
Dr Masuka confirmed Zimbabwe’s new leadership role:
“They have also elected Zimbabwe to become chairman of the World Governing Council Sustainable Development Goal No. 2, Zero Hunger.”
He said the appointment positions Zimbabwe to share its successful agricultural transformation model, including rural development and rural industrialisation strategies with the global community. A key pillar is the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, which has grown significantly.
“At household level, the Sustainable Intensive Conservation Agriculture Model for Pfumvudza/Intwasa has now been expanded to cover 1 million hectares, a 48% increase on the 2024–2025 net trade,” he noted.
Dr Masuka highlighted the broad-based growth across the agricultural sub-sectors, driven by mechanisation and climate-resilient approaches.
“You’ve seen that tobacco production increased record production, blueberry production, dairy production, livestock; all sectors of the economy have grown.
“The tractor fleet has grown to 60,000, a 266% increase since 2018. Every aspect of agriculture has grown in leaps and bounds, and this attests to the visionary leadership of His Excellency the President,” he said.
He added that Zimbabwe’s agricultural progress was feeding into its wider economic and diplomatic resurgence.
“Certainly Zimbabwe now has rejoined the nations of the world. We are a friend to all and an enemy to none. Zimbabwe is open for business, and under this visionary leader, we have been recognised for the efforts we are making,” he said.
Dr Masuka further highlighted Zimbabwe’s strong economic outlook:
“In terms of economic growth, Zimbabwe is expected to grow by 6.6%, above the Southern African average, and has been nominated as one of the 10 fastest-growing economies.”
He said this performance reflects the effectiveness of the Second Republic’s policies as Zimbabwe advances towards an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
