Online Reporter
We publish here the 20th post-Cabinet media briefing presented by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Zhemu Soda, in Harare yesterday.
Cabinet approved the update on the 2025/2026 summer crops marketing and 2026 Winter Crops Production Plan as presented by the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Honourable Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka.
Total grain stocks at the Grain Marketing Board as at June 17, 2026 stood at 169 946 tonnes comprising maize, traditional grains and wheat, and farmers and service providers, especially transporters will now be timeously paid.
The proposed marketing arrangements notes that there are five categories of farmers, namely:
1) Farmers financed under the Proofed climate Presidential Input Scheme (Pfumvudza/Intwasa);
2) Self-financed farmers;
3) NEAPS financed farmers supported by AFC and CBZ;
4) Farmers financed by private contractors; and
5) Farmers financed by ARDA.
Cabinet highlights that during the 2025/2026 marketing season, GMB has received 40 693 28 tonnes of grain from ARDA and substantial intake from communal farmers for the Strategic Grain Reserve. GMB also plans to aggregate grain from farmers through its 1 804 collection points and 89 depots and storing 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, a total of 330,6 million kilogrammes of tobacco has been sold at an average price of USD2,50/kg. This is an 11 percent increase in volume and 25 percent decrease in average price compared to the previous season, where 299,2 million kilogrammes were sold at an average price of USD3,36/kg.
Auction tobacco prices in 2026 have shown gradual recovery despite periods of mid-season volatility.
Average auction prices increased from around US$1,60/kg at the start of the season to approximately US$2,54/kg by selling day 71, reflecting improved market performance in recent weeks.
As of June 18, 2026, a total of 5 079 907kg of cotton had been marketed compared to 310 625kg marketed at the same time in 2025.
Regarding the winter wheat production a total of 128 459 hectares has been planted, surpassing the target of 125 000 hectares by 3 percent. ARDA has planted 59 880 hectares, representing 92 percent of the target.
The target for barley remains 6 500 hectares and Irish potato 9000 hectares with an expected production of 243 850 tonnes.
2.0 ZIMBABWE SUGARCANE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2026- 2035)
Cabinet noted and approved the Zimbabwe Sugarcane Industry Development Plan (2026-2035) which was presented by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Honourable Dr Fredrick Shava as Acting Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on National Development Planning.
The Zimbabwe Sugarcane Industry Development Plan (2026–2035) seeks to transform Zimbabwe into a globally competitive, climate-resilient and innovation-driven producer of sugarcane and sugarcane-based products by 2035.
The Plan focuses on diversification and value addition through expanded ethanol production, renewable energy generation, industrial by-products, bio-fertilisers, stock feeds, bio-plastics and other downstream industries derived from sugarcane by-products such as molasses and bagasse. The Plan envisages modernisation of the products in order to de-risk and guarantee viability of the industry.
The objectives of the Plan also include infrastructure modernisation, increased productivity, renewable energy development, research and innovation, and strengthened partnerships between Government, the private sector, development partners, academia and local communities.
Through coordinated investment and strategic collaboration, the industry is expected to become a key driver of sustainable economic transformation, employment creation and green industrial development.
The Plan is anchored on seven pillars, namely: Enabling policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks; enhancing productivity and climate resilience; promoting product diversification; market, trade development and value chain diversification; research, technology and innovation; inclusive growth and smallholder development: and finance and investment.
The implementation of this strategy will significantly boost both sugarcane yield and hectarage through improved access to affordable finance, enhanced irrigation infrastructure, and efficient regulatory support. More efficient production systems will lower unit costs, reduce average market prices, and strengthen the industry’s competitiveness regionally and globally.
Increased processing capacity is expected to result in expanded ethanol output and increased sugar exports thereby ensuring sustained profitability across the value chains.
The specific quantifiable milestones to be achieved by 2035, include, inter alia, the following: increasing sugarcane yield from 81 tonnes (mt)/ hectare (ha) to 110 mt/ha; increasing sugar production from 400 000 tonnes to 500 000 tonnes per annum; expanding ethanol production from 155 million to 600 million litres annually; increasing electricity generation from 23 megawatts to 200 megawatts; and boosting sugar exports from 100 000 tonnes to 200 000 tonnes.
3.0 PREPARATIONS FOR THE 2026 NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY COMMEMORATIONS AND DEFENCE FORCES DAY CELEBRATIONS
Cabinet considered and approved the programmes for the 2026 National Heroes’ Day Commemorations and Defence Forces Day Celebrations as presented by the Acting Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe.
The 2026 Heroes Day Commemorations will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026 under the theme ‘Lest We Forget”, with the main event being held at the National Heroes Acre.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage has completed updating the names of all National Heroes and Heroines.
The total number of fallen heroes currently stands at 254, with 4 of them, namely: Cde Petros Khumalo; Cde Shumirai Wekwete; Cde Joseph Zethi Dube; and Cde Herbert Zaba Sambo having been declared posthumously.
As part of the 2026 commemorations, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural heritage has embarked on Phase 2 of the rehabilitation of Zimbabwe Liberation War heritage sites in Mozambique and Zambia.
Under this phase, the Ministry is focusing on four (4) sites in Mozambique (Tembue, Nyangao, Doroi and Chicualacuala) and the completion of six (6) sites in Zambia (Freedom Camp, Nampundwe, Mkushi, Mlungushi, Kavalamanja and St Mary’s Kabwe).
The Ministry also envisages to start works on Boma site in Angola, where a cenotaph with a roll of honour will be constructed, as well as the construction of a mass grave, ablution facilities and fencing of the site.
Regarding the 2026 Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day Celebrations, the nation is informed that preparations for the event which is set to be held at Rufaro Stadium, are underway. The event will be held on August 11, 2026.
The theme for the 2026 Celebrations is: “ZDF: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030”.
The highlights of the Celebrations will be as follows: the ZDF Community Assistance Week; the Address by His Excellency the President; the Military Parade; Military Displays; Entertainment by Civilian Groups; and ZDF Sports Day.
The Address to the nation by His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces will be the major highlight of the celebrations.
The ZDF Community Assistance Week is the prelude to the 2026 ZDF Day Celebrations and will be carried out from July 27 to 31, 2026. During the period, completed projects constructed by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, working together with partners will be handed over to beneficiaries.
4.0 UPDATE ON ZIMBABWE NATIONAL DISABILITY EXPO 2026
Cabinet considered and approved the report on the update on the Zimbabwe National Disability Expo 2026 as presented by the Acting Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments; Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe.
The Zimbabwe National Disability Expo 2026 will be held at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo City from June 24 to 26, 2026, under the theme, “Embracing Disability Inclusion in all Sectors: A Master Stroke for National Prosperity and Economic Development”.
His Excellency the President, Cde Dr Mnangagwa will be the guest of honour and officiate at the Expo on June 26, 2026. Preparations for the event are well on course.
The Zimbabwe National Disability Expos are Government’s brainchild for the empowerment of the persons with disabilities.
The Expos provide a forum for persons with disabilities, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Civil Society Organisations, Communities and organisations of Persons with Disabilities to showcase the inherent abilities of persons with disabilities.
The Expo recognises the participation of persons with disabilities by supporting them to spearhead the decision-making process and organisation of the Expos.
The hosting of the Expos rotates in the country’s ten provinces thereby permitting disability inclusion and empowerment initiatives to be taken to lower levels and allowing communities to be the drivers and owners of inclusivity in their respective areas.
In the spirit of inclusivity and empowerment, 70 percent of the entertainment at the Expos is provided by persons with disabilities.
At Mucheke Stadium, a disability inclusion ablution block was constructed and volleyball, tennis and basketball courts refurbished, in line with the principle of universal design to enhance accessibility for everyone.
A total of 500 exhibitors are expected to attend, with 438 already having paid exhibition fees.
The Expo will be segmented, with exhibitions running concurrently with planned side events during the three-day period.
The Expo will carry an international flavour, with a total of 24 exhibitors from 8 countries, namely India, Eswatini, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Rwanda and Zambia having confirmed attendance.
The international exhibitors will showcase their abilities and best practices while they benchmark the progress milestones for Zimbabwe, and vice-versa.
The Guest of Honour, as per tradition, will empower persons with disabilities through donations.
This year, the donations comprise pigs and goats; residential stands to be allocated to persons with disabilities drawn from all local authorities in Masvingo Province; a commercial stand in Masvingo City; hammer mills for small-scale miners with disabilities; water pumps for household and mining use; and solar panels, among others.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development has already established Village Business Units at Jairos Jiri Centre, Copota School of the Blind, Henry Murray School and Mukume School in Mwenezi.
The nation is enjoined to note that Masvingo Province has been a trailblazer in disability rehabilitation and empowerment.
The late Jairos Jiri, who originated from Masvingo, was a towering figure in supporting rehabilitation of persons with disabilities across the country, and left a legacy in Masvingo and the country at large which needs to be remembered and sustained.
It is also important to note that Masvingo has several institutions for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities since the colonial era.
These include Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital, Henry Murray School for the Deaf, Copota School for the Blind, Jairos Jiri Training Centre in Mucheke, and Mukume Primary School in Mwenezi.
1.0 REPORT ON THE MEETING OF NATIONAL COORDINATORS OF THE GROUP OF FRIENDS IN DEFENCE OF THE CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS HELD IN HARARE: 8-9 JUNE 2026
Cabinet noted and approved the Report on the Meeting of National Coordinators of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations as presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Professor Amon Murwira.
The 4th Meeting of the National Coordinators of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations was successfully hosted by Zimbabwe in Harare from June 8 to 9, 2026.
Running under the theme “Effective Multilateralism in a Multipolar International Order: from Charter Principles to Practice”, the meeting marked a significant diplomatic milestone as Zimbabwe prepares for its upcoming 2027–2028 term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
The key outcome of the meeting was adoption of the Harare Declaration, which supports multilateralism and upholds the values and principles of the United Nations Charter.
Zimbabwe successfully enunciated its foreign policy agenda, emphasising dialogue, mutual respect and constructive engagement as the most effective means of resolving conflicts. The Meeting further provided a platform for bilateral engagements with countries such as Cuba and Russia.
6.0 REPORT ON THE MEETINGS OF THE SADC COMMITTEE OF MINISTERS OF TRADE (CMT) AND THE MINISTERIAL TASKFORCE (MTF) OF REGIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION
Cabinet received and noted the Report on Meetings of the SADC Committee of Ministers of Trade and the Ministerial Taskforce of Regional Economic Integration as presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Professor Amon Murwira.
The Meeting of the 35th SADC Committee of Ministers of Trade discussed issues of particular importance to Zimbabwe including Zimbabwe’s implementation of Outstanding Tariff Commitments, introduction of a 30 percent sugar and dairy products, rule of origin for wheat flour and implementation of the Import and Tourism levy options as a resource mobilisation strategy.
Zimbabwe committed to address concerns raised in order to comply with the SADC Protocol on Trade.
Regarding the Rule of Origin for Wheat Flour, there was no consensus and as such wheat flour will continue to be traded without preferential treatment until such a time a consensus is reached.
The meeting also considered a proposal to introduce import and tourism levies as a resource mobilisation strategy to create a predictable and sustainable funding mechanism for regional programmes.
The meeting agreed that further consultations on the matter be carried out and make appropriate recommendations.
The 25th SADC Ministerial Taskforce on Regional Economic Integration Meeting focused on deepening regional economic integration, strengthening value addition and beneficiation, increasing intra-SADC trade and enhancing competitiveness of industries across the region in response to evolving geo-political dynamics.
The SADC Industrialisation Strategies and Roadmap report highlighted notable achievements in investment promotion and policy harmonisation within the region.
7.0 REPORT ON THE HIGH-LEVEL CONSULTATIVE CONFERENCE ON THE NEXT STEPS FOR THE HISTORIC UNITED NATIONS RESOLUTION ON THE TRANS-ATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE
Cabinet noted and approved the Report on the High-Level Consultative Conference on the Next Steps for the Historic United Nations Resolution on the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade which was presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Professor Amon Murwira.
The High-Level Consultative Conference on the Next Steps to the Landmark United Nations Resolution on the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans successfully concluded on June 19, 2026, in Accra, Ghana, with the key outcome being the adoption of the document “Accra Next Steps Commitment on Reparatory Justice.”
The position was adopted by all Parties in the wake of the landmark United Nations Resolution of March 25, 2026, which declared the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade as the Gravest Crime against humanity.
In that regard, the Conference sought to translate the historic resolution into an actionable global framework for reparations and historical redress.
The framework created three Global Panels, which are the High-Level Global Advisory Panel on Reparatory Justice; Global Expert Panel on Restitution of Cultural Artefacts and the Global Legal Panel for Reparatory Justice.
The Conference further provided a platform for the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to deliver His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s statement reaffirming Zimbabwe’s commitment to reparatory and restorative justice.
I THANK YOU!
