Government unveils National Development Strategy 2 roadmap
The Government is today presenting the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) Roadmap and National Priorities at the Manna Resort, a pivotal step in formulating the country’s next five-year economic blueprint.
This comprehensive gathering has drawn a wide array of stakeholders, reflecting the Government’s commitment to an inclusive and collaborative approach. Prominent business representative bodies in attendance include the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR), the Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ), the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) and the Bankers Association of Zimbabwe.
Beyond the core business sector, the meeting encompasses a diverse cross-section of Zimbabwean society, including transport operators, members of academia, farmers’ organisations, religious leaders, economists and the retailers’ association. This ensures a holistic perspective on the nation’s development trajectory.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, highlighted the nation’s progress.
He stated that as NDS1 approaches its conclusion in December 2025, Zimbabwe remains firmly on track to achieve an upper-middle-income society status.
Professor Ncube emphasised that NDS2 will serve as the crucial five-year plan to propel the country towards the overarching Vision 2030.
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Cabinet greenlights 10 national priorities for NDS2
Following extensive consultations and a robust presentation led by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, Cabinet has officially approved the 10 national priorities that will underpin the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
These priorities, set to guide Zimbabwe’s development efforts over the next five years from January 2026 to December 2030, were unveiled as a critical step towards achieving Vision 2030.
The comprehensive list of priorities reflects a multi-faceted approach to national development, touching upon economic, social, environmental and governance pillars.
Among the key areas outlined by the Cabinet is a resolute focus on Macroeconomic Stability and Financial Sector Development, aiming to solidify the nation’s economic footing and cultivate a resilient, dynamic financial sector.
This is closely followed by the commitment to Inclusive Economic Growth and Structural Transformation, a core objective being to foster economic growth that benefits all citizens, coupled with a fundamental reshaping of the economic landscape for greater efficiency and equity.
Recognising the vital role of foundational assets, the government will prioritise Infrastructure Development and Housing, focusing on significant advancements in these areas to catalyse economic expansion and elevate living standards across the country.
Addressing contemporary challenges, a dedicated priority is given to Food Security, Climate Resilience and Environment Protection, ensuring national food security, building resilience against climate change impacts and safeguarding the environment for future generations.
In a forward-looking move, the importance of Science, Technology, Innovation and Human Capital Development is underscored, leveraging these fields as key drivers for economic growth and the cultivation of a highly skilled workforce.
Acknowledging the demographic dividend, a significant focus is placed on Job Creation, Youth Development, Creative Industries and Culture, aiming to generate employment opportunities, empower the nation’s youth and foster the vibrant growth of creative industries and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, a fundamental priority is committed to Social Development and Social Protection, ensuring the overall well-being of all citizens through comprehensive social development initiatives and robust social protection mechanisms.
An ambitious priority aims to champion Regional Development and Inclusivity through Devolution, seeking to foster equitable regional development and inclusivity, with a strong emphasis on empowering local governance through devolutionary approaches.
Adding to these, two crucial priorities underpin the nation’s engagement with the global community and its commitment to sound governance. These include Image Building, International Diplomacy and Trade, focusing on enhancing Zimbabwe’s standing on the international stage and fostering beneficial economic relationships.
Finally, the tenth priority, Good Governance, Institution Building and Security, reinforces the government’s dedication to transparency, accountability and the strengthening of institutions to ensure a secure and stable environment for development.
The approval of these priorities marks a significant milestone in the formulation of NDS2. The final document is anticipated to be presented by November this year, preceding the National Budget announcement. It will then be officially launched by President Mnangagwa.
Following its launch, the government plans to embark on extensive dissemination efforts, both across the country and abroad, to ensure widespread understanding and buy-in for this crucial national blueprint.
Mthuli touts Zimbabwe’s unique path to upper-middle-income status
Zimbabwe is making significant strides towards achieving upper middle-income status, with a unique approach to development underpinned by its citizens’ self-funded housing initiatives and notably low household debt, the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, declared today.
His remarks were made during the high-profile presentation of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) Roadmap at the Manna Resort.
“Zimbabwe has already made inroads in achieving middle-income status,” Minister Ncube affirmed.
He highlighted a distinct characteristic of the nation’s development, noting: “It is the only country where its citizens are building houses with their own funds, not mortgages, as in other countries.”
The Minister further elaborated on the nation’s financial resilience, drawing comparisons with other economies. “If you study private debt in most countries in Africa, even around the world, you’ll find that Zimbabwe has some of the lowest levels of household debt on the continent and among peer countries,” Professor Ncube stated.
This strong financial position, he asserted, provides a solid foundation for future growth. “So I have no doubt that we’re going to reach upper-middle-income status by 2030.”
The presentation of the NDS2 Roadmap marks a crucial phase in the country’s economic planning. Minister Ncube also confirmed that various stakeholders, who were present at today’s comprehensive meeting, will now transition into being part of the thematic working groups.
This collaborative approach is set to ensure broad participation in shaping the specific strategies under NDS2, aligning with the government’s vision for an inclusive and sustainable development trajectory.
Inclusive participation key to NDS2 success: Chief Secretary Rushwaya
Strong inclusivity and active participation from the ten newly established thematic committees are crucial for the successful implementation of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), Dr Martin Rushwaya, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, affirmed today.
His comments come as a follow-up to the unveiling of the NDS2 roadmap, emphasising the collaborative spirit underpinning Zimbabwe’s journey towards Vision 2030.
“There is a need for strong inclusivity and participation from the 10 working thematic committees, and work has already started,” Dr Rushwaya stated.
He highlighted the historical context, noting that NDS2 represents the final phase of achieving Vision 2030, a goal espoused by President Mnangagwa since the ushering in of the Second Republic in November 2017.
This latest strategy builds upon the foundations laid by the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) and the first National Development Strategy (NDS1).
Dr Rushwaya underscored the pivotal role NDS2 will play in steering Zimbabwe towards sustained long-term economic growth.
He drew attention to encouraging economic indicators, explaining: “This year’s projections of prospects for positive growth, estimates of 6 per cent for our economy during 2025, provide the momentum for the launch of NDS2 as we move towards Vision 2030 to enhance the living standards of our citizens.”
Following the recent development of the national priorities for NDS2, slated for implementation between 2026 and 2030, the respective ten thematic working groups have now been officially constituted.
However, Dr Rushwaya stressed the government’s recognition that “a successful strategy cannot be developed in isolation from the nation’s stakeholders.”
He reiterated the nation’s overarching aspiration, consistent with Vision 2030, which is “towards the realisation of an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society.”
Dr Rushwaya emphasised that the broad embrace of various stakeholders in the formulation of NDS2 also reflects Zimbabwe’s commitment to all its citizens, guided by the mantra that “in Zimbabwe, no one is left behind.”
While the ongoing consultative process will pinpoint specific focal areas, Dr Rushwaya revealed that certain themes would be central to NDS2.
A key focus will be Economic Diversification and Industrialisation, aiming to transition the country from a primary sector-based economy to one that is diversified and industrialised, driven by robust value chains.
This will be complemented by a renewed emphasis on Agriculture and Food Security, through modernising the agriculture sector to improve productivity and ensure national food security.
Addressing global challenges, Climate Change and Resilience will be central, focusing on building resilience to environmental challenges in support of sustainable development.
Furthermore, the strategy will prioritise Infrastructure Development, specifically projects that enhance connectivity, support business growth, and improve the overall quality of life for citizens.
Investment in Human Capital Development will be crucial, focusing on skills development, training, and innovation to equip Zimbabweans for the future.
Dr Rushwaya also highlighted Health, Social Protection, and Inclusive Access, ensuring no one is left behind, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, children, and those living with disabilities.
The principle of Devolution and Decentralisation will be fundamental, ensuring that opportunities and critical services are within reach of the people.
Finally, the Chief Secretary underscored the importance of Transparency and Accountability, calling for central government, local authorities, the private sector, and indeed all citizens to operate in a transparent and accountable manner.
NDS2, he confirmed, will also feature a Results-Oriented Framework, marking the second development strategy to utilise the integrated results-based management principles as already outlined.
Terminal evaluation of NDS1 to inform NDS2: Deputy Chief Secretary Manungo
Zimbabwe is embarking on a comprehensive terminal evaluation of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) as the current blueprint approaches its conclusion at the end of 2025.
This critical exercise, designed to capture progress and inform the upcoming NDS2, was detailed by Willard Manungo, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet for Policy Analysis.
“By the end of December 2025, the roadmap that has been guiding the interventions, the initiatives by Government and by all stakeholders will come to an end,” Mr Manungo explained.
“Now, for us to be able to capture the progress that we’ve made during the NDS1 period, the activities that we need to carry forward into the NDS2 period, for us to attain our Vision 2030, it becomes necessary that we undertake the terminal evaluation of how we have fared with the National Development Strategy Number 1.”
Consistent with this objective, the terminal evaluation will rigorously assess whether the five-year targets set for NDS1 across its 14 thematic working groups have been met.
Mr Manungo referenced a mid-term evaluation conducted in 2023, which identified both notable achievements and areas presenting challenges.
He highlighted that programmes and initiatives implemented in 2024 and 2025 under NDS1 have already been adjusted based on stakeholder observations from that mid-term review.
The forthcoming terminal evaluation of NDS1 will be instrumental in identifying which activities should be transitioned and integrated into the ten new thematic working groups set to guide the implementation of the NDS2 strategy.
Mr Manungo confirmed that the government has already put in place the processes for this evaluation, forming a key part of the NDS2 roadmap approved by Cabinet.
The findings will be crucial in determining which policies, programmes, and projects have been successfully attained and which require continuation into NDS2 to achieve Vision 2030.
Significantly, the terminal evaluation will be conducted by local consultants, chosen for their understanding of Zimbabwe’s unique development scenario and national interests, stemming from an inclusive stakeholder engagement approach.
The terms of reference for these consultants have already been prepared, and an expression of interest has been advertised through the Procurement Regulatory Authority’s electronic government procurement portal by the Office of the President and Cabinet’s Procurement Management Unit.
Consultants are expected to submit their technical and financial proposals by the end of June 2025.
Upon receipt, an adjudication team will be assembled to evaluate the submissions, with the entire selection process anticipated to conclude by the end of this month.
Once a winning consultant is identified and a contract awarded, the terminal evaluation exercise is expected to span 60 days, covering July and August.
A lead consultant will be appointed to head a team of consultants for this task.
The draft report from this evaluation will then be submitted to Cabinet via the Minister of Finance, with the final report projected to be available by the end of August.
This final document will then be used to enhance the NDS2 document, incorporating relevant policies, programmes, and projects for continued success towards Vision 2030.
Mr Manungo concluded by emphasising that NDS2 is more than just a document; it is “a roadmap that will outline the collective vision for the future that we as Zimbabweans want as a people.”
This future, he stated, is “characterised by shared prosperity for all, and a future that is rooted in sustainable development.”
He affirmed that through strategic planning, coordination, and a whole-of-government approach, the government will ensure Zimbabwe’s economic policies align with broader goals of social equity, environmental sustainability, economic inclusion, and the vital diversification of value chains to enhance income for all stakeholders and for Zimbabwe as a nation.
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