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Joint venture to upgrade Harare-Nyamapanda Road
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The Zimbabwean Cabinet, under the leadership of Honourable Anxious Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, convened to review the latest developments on the 2023/2024 summer crop marketing season, food security, and plans for the upcoming agricultural season. Key discussions also included winter crop production and strategies for the 2024/2025 summer crop season.
Agricultural Updates and Food Security Measures
Despite the challenges presented by El Niño, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has successfully received over 20,000 tonnes of maize, soybeans, sorghum, and sunflower from the current season. To address the food deficit, the private sector has imported nearly a million tonnes of maize and wheat since April. In addition, the government has contributed 39,916 tonnes to the Strategic Grain Reserve, bringing the total to 244,296 tonnes. The government's distribution efforts have reached vulnerable households, with nearly 198,000 tonnes of grain delivered and 17,421 tonnes of mealie-meal supplied to schools for emergency feeding programs.
The winter wheat harvest has broken records, with over 106,000 hectares yielding 518,502 tonnes—53,000 tonnes more than the previous year's harvest. GMB deliveries have already exceeded 75,000 tonnes, with projections indicating a total of over 550,000 tonnes. The government's plans for the 2024/2025 season aim for an ambitious 347% increase in cereal production, targeting 3.3 million tonnes of production.
To ensure success, the government is scaling up the Presidential Input Schemes, having prepared over 91% of the targeted 9.5 million plots for planting. Input distribution to participating households is already underway, and measures are in place to combat input abuse, including blacklisting officials involved in malpractices.
Public-Private Partnership for Harare-Nyamapanda Road Project
In another significant development, the Cabinet approved a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the expansion of the Harare-Nyamapanda Road and Nyamapanda Border Post. This project, operating under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, will be fully funded by the private sector. The partnership is expected to alleviate congestion, enhance trade with Mozambique, and stimulate local economic growth through improved infrastructure and job creation.
Youth Empowerment Initiatives
Honourable Tinoda Machakaire, Minister of Youth Empowerment, reported on the progress of initiatives under the Third 100-Day Cycle of 2024. Preparations are underway for the Youth Empowerment Forum, which will be held at Magamba Vocational Training Centre and is expected to attract over 10,000 young people. The ministry has also led nationwide campaigns raising awareness about drug and substance abuse, reaching millions of youths across the country.
Infrastructure Progress
Infrastructure development remains a key priority for the government, with significant progress reported on several projects. Honourable Felix Tapiwa Mhona, Minister of Transport, revealed that repairs to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport are nearing completion. Additionally, new sections of the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Road are now open, and milestones have been achieved on the Mbudzi Interchange and the Harare-Kanyemba Road upgrades.
Zimbabwe to Host SADC Extraordinary Summit
Vice President CGDN Chiwenga announced that Zimbabwe will host the Extraordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit from November 16-20 in Harare. The summit will focus on regional political and economic developments, and preparations are in full swing to ensure a successful event, drawing from the experience of hosting the 44th SADC Summit.
SADC Renewable Energy Collaboration
The Cabinet has endorsed the Memorandum of Agreement with SADC member states to establish the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE). This collaboration aims to promote sustainable energy access, standardize efficient technologies, and support both national and regional renewable energy initiatives.
Accession to TRIPS Protocol for Affordable Medicines
In a move to improve public health access, Zimbabwe will accede to the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Amendment Protocol. This will enhance the country's access to affordable medicines, particularly for nations dependent on imports.
ZITF 2025 Theme Announced
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2025 will focus on the theme "Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape." This theme highlights the opportunities for economic growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and underscores Zimbabwe's commitment to industrialization.
ZimSat-2 Satellite Launch
In a milestone achievement, Zimbabwe successfully launched its second Earth observation satellite, ZimSat-2, in collaboration with Russia's Southwest State University. The satellite is designed to monitor agriculture, environmental protection, and natural resources, advancing Zimbabwe's technological capabilities and supporting its Vision 2030 goals.
As the government continues to drive forward its agricultural, infrastructure, and energy initiatives, these developments reflect Zimbabwe's commitment to fostering sustainable growth and improving the well-being of its citizens.
Agricultural Updates and Food Security Measures
Despite the challenges presented by El Niño, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has successfully received over 20,000 tonnes of maize, soybeans, sorghum, and sunflower from the current season. To address the food deficit, the private sector has imported nearly a million tonnes of maize and wheat since April. In addition, the government has contributed 39,916 tonnes to the Strategic Grain Reserve, bringing the total to 244,296 tonnes. The government's distribution efforts have reached vulnerable households, with nearly 198,000 tonnes of grain delivered and 17,421 tonnes of mealie-meal supplied to schools for emergency feeding programs.
The winter wheat harvest has broken records, with over 106,000 hectares yielding 518,502 tonnes—53,000 tonnes more than the previous year's harvest. GMB deliveries have already exceeded 75,000 tonnes, with projections indicating a total of over 550,000 tonnes. The government's plans for the 2024/2025 season aim for an ambitious 347% increase in cereal production, targeting 3.3 million tonnes of production.
To ensure success, the government is scaling up the Presidential Input Schemes, having prepared over 91% of the targeted 9.5 million plots for planting. Input distribution to participating households is already underway, and measures are in place to combat input abuse, including blacklisting officials involved in malpractices.
Public-Private Partnership for Harare-Nyamapanda Road Project
In another significant development, the Cabinet approved a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the expansion of the Harare-Nyamapanda Road and Nyamapanda Border Post. This project, operating under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, will be fully funded by the private sector. The partnership is expected to alleviate congestion, enhance trade with Mozambique, and stimulate local economic growth through improved infrastructure and job creation.
Youth Empowerment Initiatives
Honourable Tinoda Machakaire, Minister of Youth Empowerment, reported on the progress of initiatives under the Third 100-Day Cycle of 2024. Preparations are underway for the Youth Empowerment Forum, which will be held at Magamba Vocational Training Centre and is expected to attract over 10,000 young people. The ministry has also led nationwide campaigns raising awareness about drug and substance abuse, reaching millions of youths across the country.
Infrastructure Progress
Infrastructure development remains a key priority for the government, with significant progress reported on several projects. Honourable Felix Tapiwa Mhona, Minister of Transport, revealed that repairs to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport are nearing completion. Additionally, new sections of the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Road are now open, and milestones have been achieved on the Mbudzi Interchange and the Harare-Kanyemba Road upgrades.
Zimbabwe to Host SADC Extraordinary Summit
Vice President CGDN Chiwenga announced that Zimbabwe will host the Extraordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit from November 16-20 in Harare. The summit will focus on regional political and economic developments, and preparations are in full swing to ensure a successful event, drawing from the experience of hosting the 44th SADC Summit.
SADC Renewable Energy Collaboration
The Cabinet has endorsed the Memorandum of Agreement with SADC member states to establish the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE). This collaboration aims to promote sustainable energy access, standardize efficient technologies, and support both national and regional renewable energy initiatives.
Accession to TRIPS Protocol for Affordable Medicines
In a move to improve public health access, Zimbabwe will accede to the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Amendment Protocol. This will enhance the country's access to affordable medicines, particularly for nations dependent on imports.
ZITF 2025 Theme Announced
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2025 will focus on the theme "Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape." This theme highlights the opportunities for economic growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and underscores Zimbabwe's commitment to industrialization.
ZimSat-2 Satellite Launch
In a milestone achievement, Zimbabwe successfully launched its second Earth observation satellite, ZimSat-2, in collaboration with Russia's Southwest State University. The satellite is designed to monitor agriculture, environmental protection, and natural resources, advancing Zimbabwe's technological capabilities and supporting its Vision 2030 goals.
As the government continues to drive forward its agricultural, infrastructure, and energy initiatives, these developments reflect Zimbabwe's commitment to fostering sustainable growth and improving the well-being of its citizens.
Source - the herald
