President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reflected on 2024 as a year of significant progress, despite challenges posed by natural disasters and lapses in ministerial performance. Speaking with optimism, he highlighted key achievements that underscored the resilience and determination of his administration.
In the energy sector, Zimbabwe managed to address the impacts of low water levels at Kariba Dam by embracing green energy solutions. Duty-free imports of renewable energy equipment and initiatives by Independent Power Producers helped to mitigate the crisis and sustain power supply across the nation.
Agriculture, though affected by an El Nino-induced drought, stood as a testament to government preparedness, as no Zimbabwean succumbed to hunger. This achievement reflects a solid commitment to ensuring food security, even under adverse conditions.
The economy also showed signs of stability, thanks to prudent fiscal and monetary policies. These measures steadied the economic ship, providing a foundation for continued growth. In health, the containment of the cholera outbreak, which had threatened lives in areas of poor service delivery, demonstrated the government’s swift and effective response.
Devolution and decentralization efforts also saw significant progress in 2024, with a focus on inclusive development. Local authorities accelerated the implementation of master plans and improved their responsiveness to directives aimed at enhancing service delivery. Additionally, 367 priority projects were implemented across the country, yielding impactful achievements in manufacturing, social protection, and infrastructure development.
However, President Mnangagwa expressed disappointment over certain shortcomings. The slow adoption of information communication technologies (ICTs), outdated communication strategies within government, and a few errant ministers failing to align with the national agenda were areas of concern. He called for a renewed commitment from these officials, urging them to rethink, reboot, and re-strategize during the Cabinet break to prepare for better performance in 2025.
Specifically addressing Minister Tatenda Mavetera of ICTs and Minister Jenfan Muswere of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, the President emphasized their critical roles. He reminded them of their responsibility to meet the high expectations of both the youth and the nation, urging them to modernize ministry websites and adopt tech-savvy and efficient communication strategies.
Looking ahead to 2025, President Mnangagwa reaffirmed his commitment to propelling Zimbabwe towards achieving Vision 2030. He called on all stakeholders to work together, stating, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo!” (A nation is built by its citizens). With his leadership and the collective efforts of the government and the people, Zimbabwe remains on course for accelerated development and prosperity.
