Debra Matabvu

Senior Reporter

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa today launches National Development Strategy 2, the country’s second five-year economic blueprint running from 2026 to 2030.

NDS2 is expected to consolidate gains made under NDS1 and accelerate Zimbabwe’s journey towards Vision 2030.

Ten broad national priorities have been identified under NDS2 to drive development across all sectors.

These are macro-economic 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, creative industry and culture; social development, gender and social protection.

The others are regional development and inclusivity through devolution and decentralisation; 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 helped the country to register massive economic growth and development.

He also confirmed that NDS2 had been approved by Cabinet.

“The draft National Development Strategy 2 blueprint was validated and approved by Cabinet,” he said.

Dr Muswere highlighted some of the various achievements registered under Day 50 of the 100-Day cycle projects of 2025.

The NDS1 ran from 2021, ending in December this year.

Dr Muswere said under the Thematic Area of the NDS1 on moving the economy up the value chain and structural transformation, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce recorded various achievements in the period under review.

“Rural and Urban Competitiveness Index surveys were conducted in 11 local authorities in Matabeleland and Mashonaland East provinces, and reports were produced,” he said.

“The Mega Market (Private) Limited’s 1,6 megawatts solar plant in Mutare has been completed and the Mega Market noodles manufacturing plant is well on course, with all equipment now on site and the company undertaking civil works.

“The construction of the Jainqiang Cement plant in Hwange, Matabeleland North Province is in progress, with the warehouse and brick wall for the ball mill having been completed.”

Dr Muswere added that construction of Phase 1 of the Shopping Mall in Mutare is complete, with Phase 2 of the project now at 10 percent.

Construction of the retail superstructure for Spar Cardinals in Chisipite, Harare, has been completed and the installation of refrigeration and other equipment is at 90 percent.

Further, the construction of Greenfields Shopping Mall in Harare is almost complete, with 80 percent of the targeted tenants having taken up business space.

Dr Muswere said under the economic growth and stability thematic area under NDS1, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion had registered increased revenue collection, with the revenue mobilisation target for August 2025 exceeded by 6 percent.

Similarly, construction of 16 units of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Fairbridge Staff Cottages in Manicaland is 90 percent complete and the project is expected to be finished by December, while the ZIMRA Chiredzi Office is 96 percent complete.

Dr Muswere said the Weneka Housing Development Phase 3 in Graniteside, Harare, is complete and the establishment of the Committee on Holistic Pension Reforms has been approved, and 11 ministries departments and agencies trained in enterprise risk management.

Under the Infrastructure and Utilities pillar of the NDS1, the Ministry of State for National Security recorded various achievements under rural infrastructure development.

Some of the achievements included the construction of Chadzire Bridge in Buhera, which is 70 percent complete.

Construction of the Kambanje Bridge in Mudzi District is 50 percent complete while Pohwe Bridge in Gokwe South is 55 percent complete.

Construction of Makugwe Bridge in Mwenezi District is 55 percent complete.