We publish here the 32st post Cabinet media briefing presented by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Zhemu Soda, in Harare yesterday.
Today October 6, 2026, His Excellency the President, Cde Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa chaired the 32nd Cabinet Meeting and the following issues, among others, were considered and approved:
1.0 NATIONAL BROAD-BASED WOMEN EMPOWERMENT FRAMEWORK (2026-2030)
Cabinet considered and approved the National Broad-Based Women Empowerment Framework (2026-2030), as presented by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Daniel Garwe on behalf of Vice President, Hon. Col. (Rtd.) Dr. K.C.D Mohadi, Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Social Development.
The National Broad-Based Women Empowerment Framework (2026-2030) reviews the 2016 framework, and builds on the achievements of the National Development Strategy 1, laying the foundation for National Development Strategy 2 in pursuit of Vision 2030.
The framework also conforms to various international and regional frameworks.
The framework is a flagship policy instrument of the Government of Zimbabwe, which will provide a coordinated, inclusive and transformative roadmap for advancing women’s empowerment.
It recognises that women’s full and equal participation in the economy is not only a matter of social justice, but also an economic imperative, considering that women constitute 52% of Zimbabwe’s population and play a central role in household welfare, community resilience and national productivity.
The pillars which will anchor the National Broad-Based Women Empowerment Framework (2026-2030) include: (i) Women’s access to, control and ownership of productive resources and financial inclusion; (ii) Equal employment opportunities, Women in leadership and economic decision-making; (iii) Women’s education and training, entrepreneurship and Information Communication Technology Development; and (iv) Women access to social protection, decent work and health services.
2.0 PROPOSED ZIMBABWE’s UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW (UPR) 4TH CYCLE REPORT TO THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Cabinet approved the Zimbabwe’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) 4th Cycle Report to the United Nations Human Rights Council, which was presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi as Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Human Rights.
The Universal Periodic Report is a framework which was established by the United Nations Human Rights Council to help Member States to give periodic reports on measures being undertaken to fulfil human rights obligations and responses to recommendations from previous review cycles. Zimbabwe approved a National Plan of Action in 2024 in order to facilitate the effective implementation and monitoring of the accepted recommendations.
The Nation is informed that to date, Zimbabwe has undertaken three Universal Periodic Report cycles in 2011, 2016 and 2022.
The current 4th Cycle comprises 161 out of 264 recommendations which were accepted by Zimbabwe. In that regard, the 4th Cycle Report provides a comprehensive account of Zimbabwe’s human rights developments, legislative and policy measures, implementation of accepted recommendations, emerging issues and challenges encountered during the period under review.
The key highlights of the report include the following: improved access to basic services by the public, including safe drinking water, from 71% to 81% in rural areas, and from 94% to 96% in urban areas, supported by 4 939 boreholes and 1 060 solarised boreholes; access to electricity; access to communication technologies; and the expansion of the Climate Proofed Agriculture Pfumvudza/Intwasa from 1.8 million to 3.5 million farmers, producing 2.29 million tonnes of cereal.
The report highlights significant constitutional and policy developments attained during the period under review including: abolition of the death penalty; electoral amendments; streamlining of functions between the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the Civil Registry Department; issuance of 1 741 258 national identity documents; adoption of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System, which improved access to justice and reduced backlog by 20%; development of the forthcoming National Anti-Corruption Strategy II (2026-2030); progress in the Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution Process; and the adoption of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, among other achievements.
The 4th Cycle Universal Periodic Report, therefore, amplifies Zimbabwe’s definitive declaration to the United Nations Human Rights Council concerning its substantive interventions to safeguard, promote and protect human rights.
3.0 PROPOSED HOSTING OF THE 6TH CONFERENCE OF AFRICAN MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR CIVIL REGISTRATION (COM 6)
Following Zimbabwe’s appointment as Chair of the African Registrars General Bureau representing the Southern Africa region, Cabinet considered and approved the hosting of the 6th Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Civil Registration, to be held from November 15- 19, 2026, as presented by the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe.
Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems play a crucial role in providing legal identity, supporting effective governance and enabling evidence-based planning and service delivery.
African countries have prioritised strengthening Civil Registration and Vital Statistics through improved registration systems, digital transformation, legal reforms, sustainable financing and enhanced coordination among member states.
Hosting the conference will position Zimbabwe as a leader in advancing civil registration and vital statistics systems in Africa and demonstrate the country’s commitment to the continental Civil Registration and Vital Statistics agenda.
4.0 UPDATE ON THE KUZANA-SPORT AND CREATIVE EXPO OF ZIMBABWE (KUZANA-SCEEZ): OCTOBER 7-11, 2026: ZITF GROUNDS, BULAWAYO
Cabinet considered and noted the update on the Kuzana-Sport and Creative Expo of Zimbabwe (Kuzana-SCEEZ) to be held from the October 7-11, 2026 in Bulawayo, as presented by the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Honourable Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) A.N. Sanyatwe.
The nation is advised that this first-ever Kuzana-Sport and Creative Economy Expo of Zimbabwe will be a platform for upscaling the economic dividends of Zimbabwe’s sport and creative industries.
The expo will feature two conferences, a marathon, a musical festival and a soccer match, positioning Zimbabwe as a global sport and creative economic trade and investment destination of choice by 2030. The theme of the Expo is “Kuzana: Towards Vision 2030 through Sport and Creative Industries”.
5.0 PRINCIPLES OF THE COOPERATIVE SOCIETY (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2026
Cabinet received and approved the Principles of the Cooperative Society Amendment Bill, 2026 which was presented by the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa. Government recognises the critical role played by Cooperative Societies in the national economy, and therefore, seeks to strengthen the institutional, regulatory and the legislative framework governing cooperative societies in order to promote and develop their effective administration.
The current legislation requires modernisation to address emerging developments in the co-operative sector, including the growing roles of Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOs).
The Bill will revise the provisions of the current Act, including interpretation, promotion and development of co-operative societies, management, registration; strengthen co-operative education, training, access to finance, investment, digitisation, research and development; and improved co-operative support services.
In addition, the amendments will eliminate duplication of regulatory functions and facilitate smooth migration and phased compliance to the amended framework by existing co-operative societies and SACCOs.
6.0 REPORT ON THE 81ST UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY (UNGA 81): NEW YORK, USA: SEPTEMBER 22-29, 2026
Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement agenda achieved another milestone as reported by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Amon Murwira in his report on the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81), held in New York, United States of America from September 22-29, 2026, which Cabinet adopted. In line with the 81st UNGA Session theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All”, Zimbabwe’s objectives were (i) to strategically position Zimbabwe as an equal global partner ahead of its UN Security Council tenure; (ii) to economically advance the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” doctrine, attracting investor interest across key growth sectors; (iii) to diplomatically expand Zimbabwe’s global footprint; and (iv) to engage Zimbabweans in the diaspora.
His Excellency the President participated in the General Debate, High Level Meetings, and Side Meetings.
The main highlight of the General Assembly was His Excellency the President’s address to the UN General Assembly, alongside 117 world leaders, where he advocated for accelerated climate action and ethical AI, while demanding the unconditional removal of illegal unilateral coercive measures.
The address created immediate national impact by securing decisive backing from SADC allies, the Global South, and other progressive nations. Bilateral engagements resulted in the signing of cooperation instruments with Benin, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Saint Lucia, and the Sovereign Order of Malta. Key strategic breakthroughs included pursuing a structured relationship with the United States of America and partnerships in energy and mineral value chains, securing Commonwealth re-admission advocacy from Commonwealth Chair Antigua and Barbuda, and locking in debt arrears clearance support from Algeria and the United Arab Emirates ahead of concluding a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement by October 2026.
Furthermore, Zimbabwe deposited its Instrument of Ratification for the United Nations Marine Biodiversity Agreement. Accordingly, Zimbabwe’s diplomatic mission to the United Nations General Assembly was a resounding success that fulfilled its core objectives and built deep international trust.
7.0 REPORT ON THE VISIT TO THE PEOPLE’s REPUBLIC OF CHINA BY VICE PRESIDENT HONOURABLE GEN. (RTD.) DR. C.D.G.N. CHIWENGA
Cabinet noted the report concerning the Visit to the People’s Republic of China by Vice President Honourable Gen. (Rtd.) DR. C.D.G.N. Chiwenga from the 8th to the 17th of September, 2026.
The visit sought to strengthen continuing Zimbabwe-China cooperation and promote transformative investment, domestic beneficiation and value addition, industrialisation, skills transfer and infrastructure development.
The key objectives of the Visit included the following: to engage existing and prospective Chinese investors; to discuss Zimbabwe’s debt to China; to unpack Zimbabwe’s reserved sector policy; and to learn from China’s experience in digital transformation, smart cities, artificial intelligence, Special Economic Zones Industrial Parks and industrial development. During the Visit, the Hon. Vice President had an opportunity to engage various key stakeholders including high level Chinese Government Officials, business and corporate leaders.
He conveyed Zimbabwe’s firm position on transitioning from exploration of raw materials to beneficiation and value addition, recognizing the strategic importance of China in the Zimbabwe economic matrix. The Vice President also amplified the call for mutual trust and delivery of tangible benefits to the Zimbabwean economy. Key highlights of the visit included the following: i. Bilateral Meeting with the Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China and Member of the Chinese Communist Party’s Politburo and Standing Committee, His Excellency Mr. Ding Xuexiang.
The meeting focused on the enduring friendship between Zimbabwe and China; cooperation in various economic trade activities, with exports and imports above US$4 billion; promotion of the zero-tariff trade facility; and infrastructure, including railway development modernisation. Officiating at the 13th China International Fair for Trade Services, the Xionan Digital Trade Innovation and Development Conference, and the Zimbabwe- China Business Forum; and Bilateral meetings with high level Government officials, strategic enterprise engagements and tours of major industrial and technology facilities.
During the visit, strategic observations and development priorities were learnt as key take-aways, including: the need for beneficiation, value addition and industrialisation at source for raw minerals like lithium; development of infrastructure as the backbone of industrialisation, with possibilities of connected railway corridors linking regional production and industrial zones; promotion of research and development, technology and skills transfer; and exploration of opportunities in energy and the productive sectors; agriculture; health; and human capital development.
8.0 REPORT ON THE SIGNING OF THE AFRICAN UNION CONVENTION ON ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS: ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA: 27th AUGUST, 2026
His Excellency the President Cde. Dr. E.D. Munangagwa’s commitment to the protection and advancement of women and girls as well as to the elimination of gender-based violence, achieved an important milestone of Signing of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, as reported by the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa, in her Report on the Signing Ceremony held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 27th August, 2026. Signing the Convention demonstrates Zimbabwe’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls as well as strengthening the continental response to gender-based violence. It also provides an opportunity for Zimbabwe to contribute to the implementation of a common African framework, while ensuring that the country’s national interests, constitutional requirements and other legal obligations are safeguarded.
Following the signing, the next stage entails fulfilment of domestic legal and constitutional processes to ratify the Convention and, thereafter, depositing the Instruments of Ratification. The Convention will come into force once each of the fifteen Member States have deposited their Instruments of Ratification.
9.0 REPORT ON THE 70TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE INTEGRATED ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (GC70) GENERAL CONFERENCE: VIENNA, AUSTRIA: 14–19 SEPTEMBER, 2026
Cabinet noted the Report on the 70th Regular Session of the Integrated Atomic Energy Agency (GC70) General Conference which was held in Vienna, Austria from September 14-19, 2026 as presented by the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Honourable July Moyo. Zimbabwe is a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency whose current state membership now stands at 182, with the recent admission of Timor Leste.
The address by the United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, as represented, warned on the increase in attacks on nuclear sites and the failing guardrails against proliferation. Calls were amplified on the need to honour the Treaty on NonProliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the importance of expanding cooperation with international financial institutions and multilateral development banks.
The Conference commended the work of the Agency, calling for the strengthening of national regulatory frameworks and emergency preparedness, amid global tensions. Several resolutions were adopted, including the following: the application of safeguards in the Middle East, which was sponsored by Egypt; implementation of the Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty Safeguards Agreement between the Agency and the Democratic Republic of Korea; and Security and Safeguards in Ukraine.
Zimbabwe, on its part, supported various progressive Joint Statements and held several bilateral meetings, affirming the need to strengthen cooperation in agriculture in light of climate change threats; and cooperation in health as well as nuclear energy technologies
10.0 REPORT ON AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT INVOLVING A BELL 430 HELICOPTER AT KUDENGA FARM, ON 30 SEPTEMBER, 2026
Cabinet received a brief update concerning the Aircraft accident involving a Bell 430 Helicopter which happened at Kudenga Farm, in Mashonaland East Province on September 30, 2026 as presented by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable F. Mhona. Government is informed that the helicopter was registered in Zimbabwe marked Z-PED and was operated by Sky Helicopters Private Limited.
The aircraft was on a private flight from Gandami, in Chikomba District in Mashonaland East Province, travelling to Marondera. Unfortunately, the helicopter crashed, tragically killing all the five occupants on board, including the Pilot, Captain Calvin Soda; and all the four passengers Mr Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Ms. Lucy Muteke; Ms. Sanelisiwe Magagula; and Captain Courage Mutavira.
The public is informed that a full investigation was instituted pursuant to Annexure 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and Civil Aviation Act Chapter 13:15.
Preliminary on-site investigations have been concluded, with the wreckage being recovered to the Government Hanger at Charles Prince Airport to allow for detailed forensic examination, including international experts.
Government advises that a preliminary report will be expected in 30 days of the accident, in line with international investigation standards detailing examination of the wreckage, meteorological information including the weather, maintenance records, operator, and crew records.
Further updates will be given as the nation mourns together with the bereaving families on this tragic and sad loss.
11.0 TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF SPECTATOR ACCESS TO CAF MATCHES IN ZIMBABWE
Cabinet considered and noted the communication from the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) on the temporary suspension of spectator access to CAF matches in Zimbabwe as presented by the Minister of Industry and Commerce Honourable M. Ndlovu on behalf of the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Honourable A.N. Sanyatwe.
The nation is advised of the unfortunate death of a spectator which occurred during the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Harare. CAF has extended its sincere condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased and the entire nation of Zimbabwe.
It is in that regard that, in line with CAF’s commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety and security at all CAF competitions, CAF has directed that as a precautionary administrative measure, and pending a comprehensive review and verification of the relevant safety and security protocols, has decided to temporarily suspend spectator access to CAF matches hosted Page 14 of 15 in Zimbabwe.
All CAF matches to be played in Zimbabwe during the period of this suspension shall therefore be held behind closed doors until further notice.
I THANK YOU!
