Cabinet has approved a series of major national programmes and event preparations, including the 2026 National Disability Expo, National Heroes Day commemorations and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations, as Government intensifies efforts to advance social inclusion, national heritage preservation and development initiatives.
Briefing journalists in Harare yesterday on the outcomes of the 20th Cabinet meeting of the year, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda said President Emmerson Mnangagwa will headline the 2026 National Disability Expo with plans already at an advanced stage.
“The President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, will headline the National Disability Expo in Masvingo this week, which is expected to attract at least 100 000 participants and exhibitors from eight countries,” said Dr Soda.
The expo is expected to provide a platform for showcasing innovations, opportunities and programmes aimed at improving the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Cabinet also received an update on preparations for the National Heroes Day commemorations scheduled for August 10, with rehabilitation works underway at more than 10 heritage sites in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia.
“Preparations for the National Heroes Day commemorations are progressing well, with more than 10 heritage sites in Mozambique and Zambia currently undergoing rehabilitation works ahead of the celebrations,” said Dr Soda.
Meanwhile, preparations for Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day are at an advanced stage, with a number of community development initiatives lined up under the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Week programme.
“Preparations for the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day are also at an advanced stage, with several projects planned under the ZDF Community Week programme,” he said.
Cabinet also approved the nine-year Sugar Industry Development Plan, which is expected to transform the sector through increased production and value addition.
“Cabinet approved the nine-year Sugar Industry Development Plan, which is premised on seven pillars. The plan seeks to increase ethanol production to 600 million litres and power generation to 200 megawatts,” said Dr Soda.
As part of the National Heroes Day celebrations, a gala will be hosted in Mashonaland West Province while the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) will undertake several projects across the country.
“A Heroes Day gala will be held in Mashonaland West Province, while RIDA will embark on various development projects around the country, including the drilling of boreholes,” he said.
Cabinet further deliberated on the outcomes of the SADC Inter-Ministerial Meeting on Regional Integration, which focused on industrialisation and the modernisation agenda across the region.
“Cabinet also deliberated on the SADC Inter-Ministerial Meeting on Regional Integration, where emphasis was placed on industrialisation and the modernisation agenda as key drivers of regional development,” said Dr Soda.
The updates reflect Government’s continued focus on social inclusion, infrastructure development, economic transformation and regional integration as the country advances its national development priorities.
