Zimbabwe Steps Into the Future as NDS2 Takes Off Today
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to unveil National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) today, a bold five‑year plan to steer Zimbabwe’s economy and fast‑track Vision 2030.
Covering the period 2026 to 2030, the blueprint has been cleared by Cabinet to build on NDS1 gains and accelerate inclusive growth and reform delivery.
Information Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere said Cabinet had endorsed the blueprint, noting:
“The draft National Development Strategy 2 was validated and approved by Cabinet.”
He explained that NDS1, which began in 2021 and concludes this December, had already delivered significant economic growth and development, laying the foundation for NDS2.
Building on the foundation of NDS1, NDS2 outlines ten national priorities to drive Zimbabwe’s transformation.
These cover macroeconomic stability, inclusive growth, infrastructure and housing, agriculture and food security, science and innovation, job creation and youth development, as well as social protection.
Regional development through devolution, stronger international relations, and good governance, peace and security complete the framework.
Turning to NDS1 achievements, Dr. Muswere said the 2025 100‑Day cycle projects had delivered tangible progress.
He noted that Rural and Urban Competitiveness Index surveys were completed in 11 local authorities across Matabeleland and Mashonaland East.
In industry, Mega Market (Private) Limited finished a 1.6‑megawatt solar plant in Mutare and is advancing its noodles manufacturing factory, with equipment already on site and civil works underway.
In Matabeleland North, construction of the Jainqiang Cement plant is progressing, with key structures already completed.
In the retail sector, Dr. Muswere said infrastructure projects were progressing steadily.
He reported that Phase 1 of the Mutare Shopping Mall is complete, with Phase 2 now at 10 percent.
In Harare, Spar Cardinals in Chisipite has finished its main structure, with refrigeration systems almost complete, while Greenfields Shopping Mall is nearing completion, with 80 percent of tenants already secured.
Dr. Muswere said: “On fiscal performance, the Ministry of Finance exceeded its August 2025 revenue target by 6 percent. At the same time, construction of 16 ZIMRA Fairbridge staff cottages in Manicaland is 90 percent complete and will be handed over in December, while the Chiredzi office now stands at 96 percent.
“Weneka Housing Development Phase 3 in Graniteside, Harare, has also been completed. In governance, Cabinet has approved a Committee on Holistic Pension Reforms, and enterprise risk management training has been rolled out to 11 ministries and agencies.”
Turning to infrastructure, Muswere highlighted rural bridge projects aimed at improving connectivity.
He noted: “The Chadzire Bridge in Buhera is now 70 percent complete, while the Kambanje Bridge in Mudzi District has reached 50 percent. In Gokwe South, the Pohwe Bridge is at 55 percent, and in Mwenezi District the Makugwe Bridge is also 55 percent complete.”
Looking ahead, with Cabinet approval already secured and the official launch set for today, NDS2 marks Zimbabwe’s next phase of transformation.
Officials stated: “The National Development Strategy 2: 2026–2030 will guide the country’s development path towards achieving Vision 2030.”
-Herald
