Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube has said the 2026 National Budget will be firmly anchored on financing the key drivers of economic growth identified under the recently launched National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Running from 2026 to 2030, NDS2 is the country’s economic blueprint for the next five years, setting Zimbabwe on a decisive path as it seeks to attain upper-middle-income status.
The blueprint builds on the gains of NDS1, which wraps up this year, and sharpens the Government’s focus on transformative, broad-based development.
Speaking at the Post-Budget Breakfast Meeting hosted by Zimpapers and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries in Harare this morning, Prof Ncube said central to NDS 2 are 10 strategic pillars that are designed to accelerate national progress.
Among the pillars are improved quality of life, inclusive growth, modern and resilient infrastructure, adequate housing, and strengthened food security.
He said these pillars will guide the allocation of resources in the 2026 Budget, with ministries strategically aligned to each priority area to ensure coherent and efficient implementation.
“What you will find in the NDS 2 document are the 10 pillars that are the drivers of economic growth and transformation.
“Ministries are mapped to each pillar, and we have structured tax incentives to support and stimulate activity within these areas,” he said.
Prof Ncube said the 2026 Budget will not only fund annual programmes, but will also act as a catalyst for sustained economic expansion, investment attraction, and improved livelihoods in line with Vision 2030.
With NDS2, the 2026 Budget is expected to become a powerful tool for unlocking opportunities and consolidating Zimbabwe’s development momentum.
