Online Reporter
AS we close the chapter on 2025, the year has left behind a mixed bag of triumphs and disappointments.
From the struggles of the national football team to the resilience shown in other sporting disciplines, and from the economic headwinds that tested households to the infrastructural projects that brought glimpses of progress, the nation has endured yet another year of challenges.
Yet, as the calendar turns to 2026, the imperative is clear: Zimbabwe must strive for better fortunes, not only in the immediate year, but also in the long-term pursuit of Vision 2030, the national aspiration to become an upper middle-class economy.
The need for improved fortunes in 2026 is, not simply a matter of optimism; it is a necessity born out of the realities facing the country.
Inflationary pressures, currency instability, and the rising cost of living have weighed heavily on ordinary citizens.
Families have had to make difficult choices, often sacrificing basic comforts to survive.
Businesses, too, have struggled to navigate an unpredictable environment, with many closing their doors, while others operate below capacity. These challenges have created a sense of fatigue and frustration, but they also underscore the urgency of charting a new course.
Better fortunes in 2026 must be anchored in tangible progress. The Government’s ongoing infrastructure drive, particularly in road rehabilitation and border modernisation, offers a glimpse of what is possible when resources are channelled effectively.
Projects such as the Christmas Pass Bypass and the Chipinge–Mt Selinda Road are not just about asphalt and concrete; they represent lifelines for trade, agriculture, and tourism. They are the arteries through which economic activity can flow, connecting communities and opening opportunities.
If such projects are accelerated and completed with efficiency, they will contribute significantly to the broader vision of economic transformation.
Equally important is the need to strengthen governance and accountability. Zimbabweans have long been wary of corruption and mismanagement, which erode trust and stifle progress.
For 2026 to be a year of better fortunes, transparency must be more than a slogan; it must be a lived reality.
Public resources must be safeguarded, and citizens must see the dividends of their taxes in improved services, reliable utilities, and functional institutions. Only then can the promise of Vision 2030 be credible and inspiring.
Vision 2030 itself is a bold and ambitious target. To become an upper middle-class economy within the next five years requires, not only economic growth, but also inclusive development.
It is not enough for GDP figures to rise; the benefits must reach the ordinary Zimbabwean in Mutare, Gweru, or Plumtree.
Jobs must be created, wages must be fair, and opportunities must be accessible. Education and healthcare must be strengthened, ensuring that the human capital driving the economy is healthy, skilled, and empowered.
Zimbabweans must remain resolute in this quest because Vision 2030 is not merely a Government blueprint; it is a collective aspiration. It speaks to the desire of every citizen to live in a country where dignity is restored, where hard work is rewarded, and where the future is secure. The road will not be easy. Global economic shocks, climate change, and domestic challenges will continue to test the nation’s resolve. Yet, resilience has always been a defining trait of Zimbabweans.
From the hardships of the past two decades to the struggles of the present, the people have shown remarkable endurance. That same spirit must now be harnessed to push forward.
Remaining resolute also means embracing innovation and entrepreneurship. The world is shifting towards digital economies, renewable energy, and sustainable practices. Zimbabwe cannot afford to lag behind.
In 2026, Zimbabwe must rise above partisan squabbles and focus on the bigger picture.
Vision 2030 is not about one party or one leader; it is about the collective destiny of the nation. Citizens, civil society, business, and Government must work hand in hand, recognising that progress is only possible when everyone pulls in the same direction.
As we step into 2026, the message is clear: Zimbabwe cannot afford another year of stagnation or regression. The challenges of 2025 must serve as lessons, not anchors.
The pursuit of better fortunes is not optional; it is imperative.
