Online Reporter
We publish here the 14th post-Cabinet media briefing presented by Skills Audit and Development Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, in Harare yesterday.
Cabinet noted and approved an update on the 2025/2026 Summer Crops Marketing and 2026 Winter Production Plan; and Insights into Agricultural Impacts of El Nino from 1980 to 2024, which was presented by the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Honourable Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka.
Based on the Second Round of Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Report, Cabinet noted with satisfaction that the food security outlook for the country is generally positive.
The projections indicate that Zimbabwe stands to realise a surplus strategic grain reserve ranging between 550 945 tonnes and 964 945 tonnes. Currently, Government stocks held at the Grain Marketing Board as at May 6, 2026 stand at 155 210 tonnes comprising maize, 36 593 tonnes; white sorghum,1 614 tonnes; red sorghum, 13 187 tonnes; pearl millet, 1 074 tonnes; rapoko, 1 195 tonnes and Strategic Grain wheat, 102 740 tonnes. Additionally, GMB also holds a total of 62 165 tonnes, being third party grain stocks for off-take companies. As at May 11, 2026 GMB had settled over 95 percent of its obligations for grain purchases.
Regarding the 2025/2026 summer crop marketing, a total of 41 584 tonnes of crops comprising maize, soyabean, sorghum and sunflower have been formally marketed compared to the 21 610 tonnes marketed at the same time in 2025. It is noteworthy that GMB holds 7,64 percent of the intake, compared to 3,81 percent in 2025. Concerning marketing arrangements, GMB will aggregate grain from farmers comprising Strategic Grain Reserve and private players through its 1 804 collection points and 89 depots. GMB will also store grain on behalf of clients in order to provide a convenient and cost-effective solution. Furthermore, GMB will introduce an “In-Transit Grain Storage Facility” to enhance grain imports and supply chains.
The actual progress regarding the harvesting of various crops is as follows:
- A total of 1 418 704 tonnes of crops were harvested across all provinces with Mashonaland West topping the list with 41 percent of the harvest followed by Manicaland Province with 195 200 tonnes;
- A total of 226 302 tonnes of sorghum was harvested across the 8 rural provinces with Masvingo topping the list with 58 995 tonnes; and
iii. A total of 70 733 tonnes of soyabean was harvested with Mashonaland West recording the highest figure of 42 372 tonnes.
As at day 42, a total of 203,88 million kilogrammes of tobacco had been sold at an average price of US$2,59 per kilogramme. This represents a 35 percent increase in volume and a 24 percent decline in average price compared to the same period in 2025.
Regarding cotton, plans are underway to revive the cotton production through a value chain approach and accelerated industrialisation buttressed by the COTTCO Corporate Rescue initiative.
Regarding the Winter Cereals Production, the total area earmarked for winter wheat is 125 000 hectares of which 23 595 hectares has been planted, being 54,6 percent above the area planted in 2025.
Cabinet also noted that El Nino events have become more frequent with variable but consistently negative impacts on crops, livestock and water resources. Accordingly, the following mitigation and adaptation measures were adopted:
- Implementation of an Enhanced Strategic Grain Reserve purchase system based on lessons from the worst drought in living memory in 2024;
- Use of the new Artificial Intelligence-powered silos for enhanced Strategic Grain Reserve through strategic purchases;
iii. Acceleration of Climate-Smart agriculture interventions;
- Sustained Presidential Input Programme Gratitude collection;
- Strengthened Early Warning and Advisory systems;
- Enhanced farmer education and extension services capacity; and
vii. Continued focus on irrigation development.
2.0 UPDATE ON THE FOOD DEFICIT MITIGATION PROGRAMME: OCTOBER 2025 to MARCH 2026
Cabinet noted and approved the Update on the Food Deficit Mitigation Programme as presented by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Edgar Moyo.
Following, Cabinet approval of the Food Deficit Mitigation Programme Response Plan (October 2025-March 2026) on the 26th of November 2025, the distributions have been concluded across the country, with 77,53 percent of the targeted 1 293 657 households having been covered and provided with the requisite grain and food assistance.
Meanwhile, the Second Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment (CLAFA2) of 2026 indicates that Beitbridge, Buhera and Chivi Districts are currently cereal insecure, while Mutare, Uzumba Maramba-Pfungwe and Mberengwa districts will require assistance from October 2026. Current focus now is on responding to distress calls on a case-by-case basis commencing in June 2026.
In terms of provincial distribution disaggregation, the nation is informed that Manicaland Province covered 59,8 percent distribution across three districts, namely: Chipinge, Mutare and Buhera, while Mashonaland Central covered 87,08 percent for Bindura, Guruve, tonnes Darwin and Mbire districts. Mashonaland East covered 58,91 percent for Goromonzi, Hwedza, Mudzi, Mutoko and Uzumba Maramba-Pfungwe. Mashonaland West Province covered 94,41 percent, although communities in Hurungwe and Zvimba districts faced challenges in mobilising resources for transportation of grain.
Masvingo Province managed to cover 63,52 percent, while Matabeleland North Province covered 90,61 percent. Matabeleland South Province covered 79,15 percent, while Midlands Province covered 79,98 percent.
In line with the Second Republic’s ethos of working with all stakeholders, Government advises that during the peak hunger period for 2025/2026, the World Food Programme and its implementing partner World Vision complemented Government efforts in four districts, namely: Bulilima, Kariba, Mberengwa and Mwenezi districts.
3.0 REPORT-BACK ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOB EVALUATION EXERCISE AND NEW REMUNERATION FRAMEWORK FOR 2026
Cabinet noted and approved the Feed-back Report on the Implementation of the Job Evaluation Exercise and the New Remuneration Framework for 2026, as presented by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Edgar Moyo.
In order to address anomalies in the just-concluded Job Evaluation and Grading System within the Public Service, an appeals mechanism encompassing a Job Evaluation Appeals Committee will be activated to expeditiously address individual-specific grading and hierarchical anomalies across all public institutions of Zimbabwe. Simultaneously, Ministries, Departments and Agencies concerns will be addressed through formal engagements entailing submission of written concerns which are to be finalised by May 31st, 2026.
In addition, a stakeholder Workshop comprising Workers Representatives and Ministries, Departments and Agencies will be held in due course to iron out issues emanating from the Job Evaluation implementation process.
4.0 REPORT ON THE 2026 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS AND CHILDREN’S PARTY
Cabinet considered and approved the Report on the Review of the 2026 Independence Day Celebrations and Children’s Party as presented by the Acting Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments and Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe.
Cabinet is pleased that the 2026 Independence Celebrations were a resounding success, characterised by exceptional public turnout and the delivery of high-standard infrastructure owing to the Whole-of-Government Approach adopted in the preparations, under the coordination of the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments. The Main Celebrations at Maphisa Town were attended by an estimated 55 000 Zimbabweans. The Children’s Party presided over by His Excellency the President and the First Lady, Dr A Mnangagwa on April 17th, 2026 was also a resounding success.
A new, high-standard stadium was successfully constructed in Maphisa Town to host the Independence Celebrations.
The facility was designed to meet international standards, including a Confederation of African Football (CAF)-grade football pitch with underground drainage and modern changing rooms for players and officials.
The arena features five public toilet facilities and permanent seating for 10 000 people, alongside specially-constructed parking space for VVIP and VIP dignitaries. This project significantly enhanced the aesthetic appeal of Maphisa Town and stands as proud testimony to the Second Republic’s mantra of “leaving no one and no place behind”.
The significant component of the preparations involved the execution of legacy projects, as follows: Construction of the New Maphisa Stadium (98 percent complete); Delivery of equipment for the J.M.N. Nkomo Polytechnic Home Economics Block whose superstructure is 100 percent complete; Completion of the Insiza District Registry; Upgrading of Mahetshe Primary School (98 percent complete); Construction of 40 science laboratories (85 percent complete); Upgrading of Minda High School (92 percent complete); Upgrading of Shashane Adventist High School (100 percent complete); Upgrading of Kezi Primary School (100 percent complete); Construction of Isizinda Cultural Centre (85 percent complete); and construction of the J. M. N. Nkomo Youth Service and Vocational Training Centre (66 percent complete).
Construction of Rondavels (3 out of 10 are 100 percent complete); Construction and Rehabilitation of Maphisa Police Station (55 percent complete); Construction and Rehabilitation of Kezi Police Station (92 percent complete); Completion of Kezi Rural Health Centre; Construction and Rehabilitation of Maphisa Hospital (100 percent complete); Rehabilitation of 34 Government Pool Properties in Maphisa (100 percent complete); Beitbridge Civil Servants Housing Redevelopment Project (the 12 units under construction are 98 percent complete); Construction of 3 houses for war veterans (100 percent complete); ICT equipment distribution (76 percent complete); and Construction and Rehabilitation of Kezi Aerodrome (95 percent complete).
The hosting of the 2026 Children’s Party at Mahetshe Primary and Secondary Schools served as a catalyst for major infrastructure uplift of the schools. Government successfully delivered three classroom blocks, an administration office, an Early Childhood Development block and three staff houses, ensuring a lasting legacy for the local communities. Other significant milestones included the commissioning of a modern computer laboratory by His Excellency the President, and the completion of a fully-equipped science laboratory at Mahetshe Secondary School.
Going forward, and in line with already-announced next venue selection criteria and the devolution agenda, Masvingo Province will host the 2027 (47th) Independence Anniversary Celebrations. The subsequent Independence Celebrations hosting sequence will be as follows: Masvingo in 2027; Matabeleland North in 2028; Mashonaland East in 2029; Mashonaland West in 2030; Harare Metropolitan in 2031; Bulawayo Metropolitan in 2032; Mashonaland Central in 2033; Manicaland in 2034; and Midlands in 2035.
5.0 PROPOSED HOSTING OF THE AFRICAN UNION AFRICA SKILLS WEEK: HARARE, 12-16 OCTOBER 2026
Cabinet considered and approved the Hosting of the African Union Africa Skills Week as presented by the Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Honourable Dr. Jenfan Muswere.
The Africa Skills Week is the premier continental platform established by the African Union Commission to advance policy dialogue, partnerships and innovation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training as well as skills development. Under the theme “Skills for Resilient and Competitive African Industries: From Training to Value Creation,” the event will align with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2, focusing on human capital development as a catalyst for industrialisation.
Hosting of the African Union event provides Zimbabwe with an opportunity for global visibility, showcasing the nation as a knowledge hub for innovative skills governance. The event fulfils Zimbabwe’s statutory obligations to contribute to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals by advancing inclusive growth, youth empowerment and decent job creation through high quality Technical Vocational Education and Training. The event will also boost the local hospitality and tourism sectors.
6.0 REPORT ON PRIORITY PROJECTS FOR THE FIRST 100-DAY CYCLE OF 2026
Cabinet received reports on progress made in the implementation of priority projects for the First 100-Day Cycle of 2026, as presented by the Ministers of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs; and Mines and Mining Development.
In terms of the Social Protection Thematic Area of the National Development Strategy 2, the Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, Honourable Monicah Mavunga highlighted the following:
- Implementation of the Veterans Memorial Hospital which is now 30 percent complete;
- Operationalisation of the Kyle Photographic Safari which is 30 percent complete;
iii. Establishment of the Veterans Micro-Finance Bank which is 20 percent complete;
- Implementation of a Veterans Skills Training which is on course; and
- Implementation of a Veterans Livestock Pass-on Scheme which is on course.
In terms of Inclusive Economic Growth and Structural Transformation, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Honourable Polite Kambamura highlighted the following projects:
- Establishment of an Online Mineral Export Permit System which is now 96 percent complete;
- Implementation of the Fife Miles Industrial Park 2nd Phase Expansion, Power Plant Expansion and Cement Plant Expansion in Hwange, Matabeleland North Province which is on course for second phase expansion;
iii. Implementation of the Dibon Mines Tungsten Processing Plant in Chiredzi, Masvingo Province which is on course for completion;
- Implementation of Palm River Energy Metallurgical Special Economic Zone 2nd Phase Expansion Project, Beitbridge, Matabeleland South which is 90 percent complete;
- Establishment of the Gold Service Centre in Mberengwa, Midlands which is on course;
- Establishment of the Empress Mine Gold Processing Plant in Mashava, Masvingo Province which is on course; and
vii. Implementation of the Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe Lithium Sulphate Plant in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East Province where installation of the plant has been completed;
7.0 REPORT ON THE MISSION TO EASTERN EUROPE BY THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE AS SPECIAL ENVOY OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT
Cabinet considered and noted the Report on the visit undertaken by the Special Envoy of the President, His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Professor Amon Murwira to the Central and Eastern European countries namely: Albania; Montenegro; Romania; the Republic of Serbia; and Bosnia and Herzegovina from 29 April to 8 May 2026, as presented by the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Honourable Dr F.M. Shava, M.P.
The purpose of the outreach was to fulfil the foreign policy pillar of promoting a peaceful and secure international environment for Zimbabwe’s development through canvassing for support for Zimbabwe’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the period 2027-2028, at elections to be held on 3 June 2026. All the countries visited affirmed their full support for Zimbabwe’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
The countries visited agreed to strengthen bilateral relations through the establishment of structured frameworks of cooperation in the form of Joint Permanent Cooperation Commissions. The Visit also provided an opportunity to promote trade and economic cooperation through Zimbabwe’s participation at the Serbia Expo 27 and other Fairs in the region, as well as the commitment by the countries to participate at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and the Mine Entra.
