By Aldridge Dzvene
His Excellency, the President, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, chaired the Eleventh Cabinet Meeting on 21 April 2026, where Government adopted a broad set of measures reinforcing Zimbabwe’s economic trajectory, with strong emphasis on agricultural growth, infrastructure development, macroeconomic stability and strategic national projects under the National Development Strategy 2.
Cabinet received and approved the Second Round Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Report, which reflects steady progress in the agricultural sector, registering an overall growth of five percent during the 2025 to 2026 summer season. Maize production is projected to rise to 2.35 million metric tonnes, while total cereal production is expected to reach approximately 2.74 million metric tonnes, with national reserves pushing total grain availability even higher. Traditional grains, livestock production and horticulture also recorded notable increases, alongside significant gains in soyabean output and cotton production, signalling a diversified and resilient agricultural base.
Tobacco production also posted growth, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s position as a key agricultural exporter, while the national cereals balance sheet indicates a surplus, a development that strengthens food security and reduces vulnerability to external shocks. Cabinet further endorsed measures aimed at sustaining these gains, including enforcement of statutory instruments promoting local grain utilisation, expansion of climate proofed agriculture through Pfumvudza and irrigation, and continued investment in rural development programmes and drought mitigation centres.
In a major boost to infrastructure and investment, Cabinet approved a Public Private Partnership for the development of bulk infrastructure at Jafuta Estate within the Masuwe Special Economic Zone near Victoria Falls. The project, involving Mosi Oa Tunya Development Company and a consortium led by JR Goddard Private Limited, will deliver key infrastructure including road networks, water systems, sewer reticulation and power facilities. The initiative is expected to catalyse investment, stimulate tourism diversification, create jobs and transform Victoria Falls into a modern economic hub aligned with Vision 2030.
Cabinet also reviewed progress on priority projects under the First 100 Day Cycle of 2026, noting advances across several thematic areas. In human capital development, progress has been made in the national skills audit and policy development processes, alongside initiatives to harness expertise through retired professionals and diaspora skills databases. Youth development programmes and provincial skills competitions are also advancing, supporting innovation and capacity building.
In the macroeconomic sphere, Government continues to strengthen the Zimbabwe Gold currency, improve purchasing power and maintain inflation stability, which stood at 3.8 percent by February 2026. Key infrastructure projects under revenue and customs administration are nearing completion, while efforts to operationalise the International Financial Services Centre are at an advanced stage, positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive financial hub.
Infrastructure and housing development projects are progressing across provinces, including residential construction, student accommodation and renewable energy initiatives such as the solar plant in Gutu. At the same time, value addition projects in agriculture and manufacturing, alongside financial inclusion programmes targeting women and communities, are contributing to broader economic participation.
In the information and communication sector, modernisation of broadcasting infrastructure, expansion of community communication initiatives and upgrades to radio facilities are underway, enhancing national communication capacity and public engagement.
The outcomes of the Cabinet meeting reflect a coordinated approach to economic transformation, combining agricultural productivity, infrastructure expansion, financial stability and human capital development, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s path towards sustainable growth and Vision 2030.
