Zimbabwe to scrap food import duty

Zimbabwe plans to suspend import duties on food to cushion consumers against potential price increases caused by crop shortages linked to the El Nino weather pattern, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has said.

The measure forms part of a broader government strategy to protect households from rising living costs amid climate-related risks and international conflicts that have driven up food and fuel prices.

Speaking to reporters in Bulawayo on Friday, Ncube said the government was developing a six- or seven-pillar strategy to mitigate the potential economic impact.

"We have a six or seven-pillar strategy," he said.

The proposed removal of import duties is intended to help maintain food supplies and moderate prices if domestic production falls short of demand.

Zimbabwe is also seeking to cushion consumers against the effects of conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, which have contributed to volatility in global food and energy markets.

Despite the potential challenges, Ncube said the country's economic growth projection for 2027 remained at 5 percent.