Online Reporter
We publish here the 12th post-Cabinet media briefing presented by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Zhemu Soda, in Harare yesterday.
UPDATE ON THE 2025/2026 SUMMER CROPS MARKETING AND 2026 WINTER CROPS PRODUCTION PLAN
Cabinet noted and approved the update on the 2025/2026 summer Crops Marketing and 2026 Winter Crop Production Plan as presented by Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Minister Anxious Masuka.
Highlights of the report estimated crop, livestock and fisheries production for the 2025/2026 summer season are as follows:
A cereal crops production total of 2 740 272 tonnes that includes maize, sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet;
Grain stocks at the Grain Marketing Board totalling 158 853 tonnes comprising maize, traditional grains and wheat;
As at 24 April 2026, GMB had settled 88,26 percent of USD obligations and 82,73 percent of ZiG payments, with US$4 309 966.02 and ZiG61 864 791,66 still outstanding to farmers.
The proposed marketing arrangements involve five categories of farmers, namely:
Farmers financed under the Climate-Proofed Presidential Input Scheme (Pfumvudza/Intwasa);
Self-financed farmers;
National Enhanced Agricultural Production Scheme financed farmers supported by AFC and CBZ;
Farmers financed by private contractors; and
Farmers financed by the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority.
During the 2025/2026 marketing season, GMB expects to receive 183 122 tonnes of grain for the Strategic Grain Reserve from ARDA and a substantial intake from communal farmers. GMB also plans to aggregate grain from farmers through its 1 804 collection points nationwide and 89 depots and storing grain on behalf of clients, thereby providing a convenient and cost-effective solution. GMB will also introduce an “in-transit grain storage facility” to enhance Zimbabwe’s grain imports and supply chains.
Pertaining to tobacco, as at day 34, a total of 149.9 million kg of tobacco had been sold at an average price of US$2,65/kg. The Government continues to monitor prices so that farmers get a fair share of their efforts. As of April 23, tobacco exports had reached 83 million kg valued at US$545 million, reflecting a 66 percent increase in export volume.
Meanwhile, the winter cereals plan is targeting to plant 140 500 hectares of wheat, barley and Irish potatoes to produce to an estimated produce about 956 350 tonnes.
The winter wheat proposed target is 125 000 hectares to produce about 662 500 tonnes of winter crops. The target for barley remains 6 500 hectares, while Irish potato target is 9 000 hectares and an estimated total production of 243 850 tonnes.
THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE POLICY
Cabinet considered and approved the National Wildlife Policy which was presented by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Honourable Professor Mthuli Ncube as chairman of the Cabinet Committee on National Development Planning (CNDP).
The Government notes that the wildlife sector has been remarkably transformed since the enactment of the current Policy in 1992, and therefore the need for sustainable and innovative wildlife management and policy initiatives.
The policy therefore seeks to align with emerging national, regional and international best practices, in order to promote more sustainable harnessing of the vast opportunities existing in the wildlife sector.
It aims to strengthen the contribution of the wildlife sector to national development through sustainable use of wildlife resources; and to enhance active community participation and thereby socio-economic benefits for present and future generations.
The policy will enhance resilience to climate change and promote a vibrant wildlife-anchored economy in line with the broader Zimbabwe Biodiversity Economy Initiative under the National Development Strategy 2 and the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The new policy fundamentally recognizes wildlife as a public resource and, therefore, aims to promote access to equitable sharing of benefits; to support devolution; to harness public private partnerships in natural resources development; and to promote sustainable transboundary conservation and ethical conservation practices, among others.
It provides for various wildlife management mechanisms including new regulations for CAMPFIRE, and will address human-wildlife conflict and implement the approved human-wildlife conflict relief fund for the benefit of victims.
The elaborate new policy is anchored on ten key pillars identified to enhance and guide strategic planning and implementation, including the following:
Ownership and legal guardianship of wildlife;
Wildlife conservation in parks estate;
Conservation of fisheries in the Parks estate;
Conservation of wildlife outside the parks estate;
Conservation of indigenous wildlife and plant species;
Capture and movement of wildlife;
Viable wildlife economy;
Community based natural resources management;
Human-wildlife conflict mitigation; and
Wildlife education, research and development.
In addition, wildlife corridors will be established and maintained; and fisheries conservation will be promoted as part of water resources development, with penalties for violations which hamper resource sustainability.
UPDATE ON PROGRESS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW CITY AT MT HAMPDEN
Cabinet noted the progress in the development of the New City at Mt Hampden as presented by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe.
Following approval of the masterplan for the New City at Mt Hampden, the implementation model, organisational structure and key appointments have since been made for the development and management of the New City.
A total of 48 farms with an estimated extent of 15 301,94 hectares were identified for the establishment of the new city, and 33 parent farms have been acquired so far. The estimated preliminary compensation value was set at US$75 616 403,10 for the 254 properties, with six properties having been compensated so far. Relocation of other affected property owners and land reform beneficiaries is yet to commence pending compensation payment.
Construction of the New Parliament and related support infrastructure and civil works have been completed. The Presidential Villas and conference facilities are scheduled for completion by end of June 2026. Access roads around the New Parliament were completed, with title processing for the development of the Zimbabwe Cyber City underway.
Going forward, Cabinet directed appointments for the New City Board to be formally communicated to the members concerned, with a budget intended to operationalise the administration including the secretariat.
The Ministry of Lands and Rural Development should complete the gazetting of all the farms intended for developing the New City as well as establishing the total compensation value, including the relocation of the affected farmers.
REPORTS ON PRIORITY PROJECTS FOR THE FIRST 100-DAY CYCLE FOR 2026
Cabinet received reports on progress made in the implementation of priority projects under the First 100-Day Cycle of 2026, as presented by the Ministers of Health and Child Care; Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development; Transport and Infrastructural Development; Primary and Secondary Education; Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services; and Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
In terms of the Social Development, Gender and Social Protection Pillar of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2), the Acting Minister of Health and Child Care, Honourable Professor Paul Mavima reported that the Ministry has completed five of its six major projects targeted for the cycle, including the following:
The installation of solar systems at 17 health centres;
The installation of X-Ray Machines at three centres, namely: Chitungwiza Central Hospital, Chipinge District Hospital and Gokwe South District Hospital;
The drilling of boreholes at 29 health facilities, 12 in Matabeleland North and 17 in Matabeleland South provinces;
The construction of Pharmacy Stores at 26 health facilities;
The renovation of Adlam House, a residence for student nurses at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals; and
The renovation of laboratories at four health centres, namely: Kotwa, Plumtree, Beitbridge and Karoi Hospitals, has reached 94 percent completion.
Under the Agriculture, Food, Climate and Environment Pillar of NDS 2, the Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Minister Anxious Masuka highlighted the following key achievements under his purview:
The development of the entire 106 hectares of the overdue Kanyemba Irrigation Scheme in Mbire District of Mashonaland Central Province has been completed;
50 out of 100 hectares at Mthabezi Irrigation Scheme in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province, has been developed with the water pumping system now fully operational;
Development of 228 hectares at Yomba Booster Kit Irrigation Scheme in Mazowe District, Mashonaland Central Province, has been completed and the project now awaits commissioning;
The development works on the 72 hectares Laverstock/Enevante Booster Kit Irrigation Scheme in Mutasa District of Manicaland Province has reached 65 percent of completion.
Under dam projects, the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development is informing the nation that the construction of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam is 75 percent complete; the Kunzvi Dam straddling Murehwa/Goromonzi districts is now at 71 percent complete, while a total of 168 homesteads were completed for the 275 families affected by the dam project. Additionally, 19 dams and 41 ponds were stocked with fish to promote nutrition in households and communities.
Other achievements highlighted under the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development’s Report include the distribution of 142 783 poultry chicks, the expansion of silos at Mhangura GMB and the distribution of a total of 208 tractors, that is, 93 under the Riolecks Zoomlion Facility and 115 under the Belarus Phase 3, to promote agricultural mechanisation.
Regarding the Infrastructure Development and Housing Priority Area of NDS 2, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona highlighted the following achievements under his purview:
The completion and opening to traffic of a 2,7km section of the targeted 10km of the Harare-Masvingo Highway;
The completion of 18.3 km of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road which has since been opened to traffic, while a 30km section is at various levels of completion;
Base 3 compaction is in progress for a 10km road stretch from Lupane;
Remedial works and opening of detours are ongoing on the 5km stretch in the Makuti area along the Harare-Chirundu Highway;
The construction of the Christmas Pass By-Pass has reached the 29 percent mark; and
The construction of Mabvuku traffic interchange now at 23 percent, and the one to be established at Msasa is expected to ease traffic congestion for Harare City bound traffic along the Harare-Mutare Highway.
Other projects reported include the construction of the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe offices in Masvingo, now at 96 percent completion, and the Mpopoma Traffic Training Centre in Bulawayo, now at 80 percent.
In line with the National Development Strategy 2 priority area on Science, Technology, Innovation, Digital and Human Capital Development, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Hon Torerai Moyo highlighted the following achievements under his purview:
the registration of 35 learning centres out of a target of 160;
the upgrading of learning infrastructure at Grace Mission in Hwange, Dambudzo Primary School in Kwekwe, and at Hurungwe Primary School in Murehwa District, among others;
the construction of 6 Science Laboratories to promote STEM education; and
the construction of affordable boarding facilities including girls hostels at Jiti High School in Shamva and Mtshina High School in Tsholotsho, and a low-cost boarding facility at Setshanke in Nkayi District, among others.
Under the NDS 2 Pillar on Science Technology, Digital, Innovation and Human Capital Development, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera presented the following key achievements under her purview:
The connection of 43 health institutions out of a target of 25 facilities to offer telemedicine;
The deployment of Low Earth Orbit satellite connecting to 395 sites out of a target of 700;
The completion of assessment of the 25 institutions targeted for resourcing with ICT gadgets;
The deployment of e-learning platforms to 14 schools;
Establishment of 2 ICT laboratories at Igava Primary and Secondary Schools which were commissioned during the 2026 National Youth Day Celebrations in Mashonaland East Province, among other sites; and
The completed upgrading of 10 by 4-Gig base stations.
Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe highlighted the following key achievements under his purview, in line with the Job Creation, Youth Entrepreneurship and Development, Creative Industry, Sport and Culture project:
Completion of site clearance for establishment of the Wedza Multi-purpose Court;
Completion works at Shangwe Cultural Centre in Gokwe North District
Completion of summary translation of the Intangible Cultural Heritage 2003 Convention into seven local languages;
Site clearance completion for the Zezuru Cultural Village in Murehwa, Mashonaland East Province; and
The refurbishment of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, which is almost complete.
REPORT ON THE LOWER ZAMBEZI MANA POOLS TRANSFRONTIER CONSERVATION AREAS MINISTERIAL MEETING
Cabinet received and noted a report on the Lower Zambezi Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation Areas (LOZAMAP TFCA) Ministerial Meeting which was presented by the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Honourable Evelyn Ndlovu. The meeting was held on April 10 at Rainbow Towers in Harare. At the signing of the LOZAMAP TFCA in May 2023, a commitment was made for the signing of a treaty within five years between the two Heads of State of Zimbabwe and Zambia, and technical processes are now under way to ensure that the treaty is considered in February 2027.
The Government notes that recurrent climate-induced floods affect critical infrastructure in the Lower Zambezi area, including access roads, bridges, and some operational facilities, and the TFCA is expected to ameliorate these, given the lack of clarity on access to climate finances such as the loss and damage fund. The establishment of the Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) is testament to Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional integration and the implementation of the SADC Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement.
REPORT ON THE STATE VISIT BY BOTSWANA PRESIDENT DUMA GIDEON BOKO
Cabinet noted the report by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, on Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko’s State visit to Zimbabwe from April 21 to 23, 2026.
During the vsit, President Mnangagwa, and his counterpart co-chaired the fifth session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC) held on April 22 in Harare.
The deliberations of the BNC reflected strong convergence on the need to accelerate economic cooperation, deepen regional integration and enhance infrastructure development as key enablers for industrialisation and sustainable development.
The priority areas focused on during discussions of the BNC included Trade and Investment; Infrastructure and Connectivity; Free Movement of People; Agriculture, Food Security and Health; Energy and Mining; Tourism and Wildlife Conservation; Defence and Security; Regional and International Cooperation; Mutual Support for Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United National Security Council for the period 2027-2028; and Institutional Cooperation and Implementation. The two countries signed 15 Memoranda of Understanding in various sectors.
President Boko officially opened the 66th Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair on 23 April in Bulawayo. The State visit and the 5th session of the Bi-National Commission successfully reinforced the strong bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Botswana.
The two nations also agreed to jointly commemorate the 1979 event in which Botswana soldiers perished during a brutal ambush by Rhodesian security forces pursuing fighters of Zimbabwe’s liberation war.
REPORT ON PRESIDENT’S VISIT TO ESWATINI: 23-24 APRIL, 2026
Cabinet noted the report by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Prof Amon Murwira on the occasion of the official visit by President Mnangagwa to the Kingdom of Eswatini for the Ruby Jubilee and 58th birthday celebrations of His Majesty King Mswati III.
The visit formed part of Zimbabwe’s broader foreign policy thrust of strengthening bilateral relations, promoting regional integration and advancing economic diplomacy within Southern Africa.
President Mnangagwa participated in the Main National Celebration Day Event held on April 24 at Somhlolo National Stadium in the Eswatini capital city, Mbabane.
In his address, King Mswati III reflected on the Kingdom‘s journey since 1986, highlighting the central role of unity, cultural heritage and national stability in shaping Eswatini’s development trajectory. The Ruby Jubilee celebrations were of profound national and symbolic significance, reflecting continuity, stability and cultural preservation in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The visit accorded President Mnangagwa the opportunity to exchange views with other invited leaders, and provided a valuable platform to reinforce Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional cooperation and unity and strengthen diplomatic visibility within SADC.
