Mwanganga to lead NDS2 launch today

President Emmerson Mnangagwa today officially launched the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), Zimbabwe's second five-year economic blueprint spanning 2026 to 2030. The strategy aims to consolidate gains from NDS1 and accelerate the country's trajectory toward Vision 2030.

NDS2 identifies ten broad national priorities intended to drive development across all sectors. These include macroeconomic stability and financial sector deepening; inclusive economic growth and structural transformation; infrastructural development and housing; agriculture, food security, climate resilience, and environmental protection; science, technology, innovation, digitalisation, and human capital development; job creation, youth development, and the creative industry; social development, gender, and social protection; regional development and inclusivity through devolution; image building, international relations, and trade; and good governance, institution building, peace, and security.

Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said NDS1 had helped Zimbabwe register significant economic growth and development and confirmed that NDS2 had been approved by Cabinet.

"The draft National Development Strategy 2 blueprint was validated and approved by Cabinet," Dr Muswere said.

Highlighting achievements under NDS1 during Day 50 of the 100-Day cycle projects of 2025, Dr Muswere noted progress under the thematic area of economic structural transformation. He cited accomplishments by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, including the completion of Rural and Urban Competitiveness Index surveys in 11 local authorities in Matabeleland and Mashonaland East provinces and the production of corresponding reports.

Several infrastructure projects were also highlighted. The 1.6-megawatt solar plant at Mega Market (Private) Limited in Mutare has been completed, and the Mega Market noodles manufacturing plant is progressing, with all equipment on-site and civil works underway. The construction of the Jainqiang Cement plant in Hwange, Matabeleland North Province, is ongoing, with the warehouse and brick wall for the ball mill completed.

Dr Muswere reported that construction of Phase 1 of the Mutare Shopping Mall is complete, with Phase 2 currently at 10 percent completion. The retail superstructure for Spar Cardinals in Chisipite, Harare, has been finished, and refrigeration and other equipment installation stands at 90 percent. Greenfields Shopping Mall in Harare is nearing completion, with 80 percent of targeted tenants having occupied business space.

Under the economic growth and stability pillar, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion recorded increased revenue collection, surpassing the August 2025 target by 6 percent. The construction of 16 Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Fairbridge staff cottages in Manicaland is 90 percent complete and expected to finish by December, while the ZIMRA Chiredzi office is 96 percent complete.

Dr Muswere further highlighted achievements in housing and social development, including the completion of Weneka Housing Development Phase 3 in Graniteside, Harare, and the approval of the Committee on Holistic Pension Reforms. Eleven ministries, departments, and agencies have been trained in enterprise risk management.

Infrastructure projects spearheaded by the Ministry of State for National Security also showed progress under rural development. The Chadzire Bridge in Buhera is 70 percent complete, Kambanje Bridge in Mudzi District is 50 percent complete, Pohwe Bridge in Gokwe South is 55 percent complete, and Makugwe Bridge in Mwenezi District is 55 percent complete.

NDS2 is expected to build on these achievements, ensuring sustainable development across sectors while positioning Zimbabwe to achieve its Vision 2030 goals.