Online Reporter
We publish here the post Cabinet media briefing presented by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Zhemu Soda, in Harare yesterday.
Cabinet received a report on the summer 2025/2026 and winter 2026 crops update which was presented by Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuku.
Cabinet was informed that the “Second Round of Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment” led by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, is currently underway and is expected to be completed by April 10.
The area planted to cereal crops is 2.5 million hectares, with an estimated 1.9 million hectares planted to maize; 343 661 ha to sorghum; 216 615 ha to pearl millet and 30 645 ha to finger millet. Despite the two-three weeks dry spell experienced, there are indications of strong crop recovery, especially for maize in agro-ecological regions 1, 2 and 3 while regions 4 and 5 face localised losses.
Regarding the Strategic Grain Reserve, the Grain Markerting Board holds 166 894 metric tonnes. Additionally, GMB managed to pay 88,8 percent of US dollar and 74,8 percent of ZiG amounts owed to farmers, and current outstanding balance payments stand at US$4,1 million and ZiG90 million.
Concerning Marketing Arrangements, five categories were considered for the 2025/26 selling season. GMB is expected to purchase commodities financed under the Climate-Proofed Presidential Input Scheme (Pfumvudza/Intwasa). Contractors will buy grain financed under contract at market prices; self-financed farmers are expected to sell to the best advantage market; ARDA will sell to GMB to replenish the SGR, while the balance will be sold to the best market. The Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange will provide a warehouse receipt system and support a market trading platform for agricultural commodities.
The Grain Marketing Board will utilize 1 804 collections points and its 89 depots around the country for collecting and storing grain. This arrangement is expected to provide convenience and cost-effective marketing options to farmers and private players. GMB will also provide an in-transit storage facility to enhance grain imports and overall moderation of consumer prices across the country.
The GMB silo Storage capacity has increased from 750 000 tonnes to 862 000 tones as a result of the expansion on Kwekwe and Mutare silos. Work is continuing on the remaining 12 silos, with Mhangura in Mashonaland West Province and Timber Nails in Makoni District of Manicaland Province expected to be commissioned by the end of this year.
Under the Tobacco marketing Update, a total of 48.2 million kilogrammes of tobacco has been sold throughout the country at an average price of US$2,85 per kg. The volume of tobacco sold marks a 68 percent increase from 2025, while the average selling price decreased by 18 percent from the US$3,45/kg over a similar period in 2025.
Regarding the winter cropping season for 2026, the average national dam level capacity stands at 93.2 percent, with Mashonaland Central dam levels ranking the lowest at 66,4 percent among the 10 provinces.
The Government is targeting to produce 956 350 tonnes of winter cereals on 140 500 hectares; 662 500 tonnes of winter wheat over a combined 125 000 hectares for all provinces; 50 000 tonnes of barley on 6 500 hectares; and 243 850 tonnes of Irish potato on 9 500 hectares.
REVIEW OF LICENCES, PERMITS, LEVIES AND FEES IN THE FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR
Following comprehensive proposals presented Hon Felix Mhona as Acting Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion,
Cabinet approved the streamlining of duplicated and overlapping regulatory licences and permits, removed unnecessary levies and fees and lowered unjustifiably high levies and fees for the financial services sector as per the following highlights:
Removal of the following fees:
Monthly fees for accounts with less than US$100 balances; fees for transactions less than US$5;
Cash deposit charges for both US$ and ZiG amounts;
Cash withdrawal fees capped at 2 percent for both US$ and ZiG;
Account opening charges; and reduction of the fees in the following sub-sectors:
Micro-finance institutions;
Insurance and pensions;
Mobile money; and
Fintech capital Markets.
The reviewed licences, permits and fees will be subjected to further refinements and a comprehensive schedule will be duly gazetted.
REVIEW OF LICENCES, PERMITS AND LEVIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR
Following comprehensive proposals presented Hon Felix Mhona as Acting Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Cabinet approved the review of licences, permits and levies in the
Manufacturing sector, covering ten selected light and heavy manufacturing sub-sectors including Beverages; Agro-processing; Confectionery and Food; Textiles and Clothing; Timber; Paint; Pharmaceutical; Brick Moulding; Motor Vehicle Assembly and Iron and Steel Manufacturing Industries.
The reviewed licences, permits and levies under manufacturing sector include the following highlights removal of the Rural District Councils (RDCs) Timber Movement Permit; ii. combining of the EMA registration and monitoring licences that were charged separately;
Reduction of the following fees
The General Import Licence fee;
The Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe Industry
Nuclear Gauge Licence fee; and
the Radiation Authority of Zimbabwe registration fees; among others.
The reviewed licences, permits and fees will be subjected to further refinements and a comprehensive schedule will be duly gazetted.
Following comprehensive proposals presented Hon Felix Mhona as Acting Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Cabinet approved the streamlining of duplicated and overlapping regulatory licences and permits, removed unnecessary levies and fees and lowered unjustifiably high levies and fees for the health sector, including the following highlights:
Removal of the following fees:
Initial registration fees for wholesalers; and initial registration of pharmaceutical premises and facilities;
Annual inspection fees for manufacturing wholesalers; and pharmaceutical wholesalers;
Initial licence registration fees for retail pharmacies, in all locations; and
Annual renewal premises licence registration fees for retail pharmacies.
Reduction of the following fees:
Application to change material particulars in the registration of a health institution;
Clinical trials of locally funded Human Medicine and Veterinary Medicine;
Hospital tier Approval Letters;
Certificate of Status;
Certificate of Good Standing; and
Registration of new premises, among others.
The reviewed licences, permits and fees will be subjected to further refinements and a comprehensive schedule will be duly gazetted.
REPORT ON TOURS TO ECONOMIC FLAGSHIP PROJECTS IN MIDLANDS AND MASVINGO PROVINCES
Cabinet received and approved the report on tours to economic flagship projects in Midlands and Masvingo Provinces, which was presented by Honourable Vice President Gen (Rtd) Dr CGDN Chiwenga.
The Vice President led a high-profile delegation on a comprehensive tour of key economic flagship projects in Midlands and Masvingo Provinces as part of the ongoing nationwide assessment of their contributions to Gross Domestic Product, community development, and alignment with the country’s industrialisation and beneficiation objectives.
The tour encompassed various mining, industrial, infrastructure, and health projects across both provinces, highlighting their strategic significance and developmental impact.
The tour covered the following 15 major projects across the Midlands and Masvingo Provinces: Zheli Mining in Zvishavane District; Sandawana Mine in Mberengwa District; Dinson Iron and Steel in Chirumhanzu District; Global Union Alloys; Steelmakers Zimbabwe.; Sable Chemicals; Intrachem; and Zimchem Refiners in Kwekwe District, Midlands Province; Bata Shoe Company; and Sino Zimbabwe Cement Company in Gweru District, in the same Province. Other projects that were toured in Masvingo Province include Zhongxin Chrome Smelting in Mashava District; Bikita Minerals in Bikita District; Great Zimbabwe Hydro; and Mucheke and Chimusana Bridges in Masvingo Province. The Vice President also toured the Mini-Interchange in Masvingo Province and a stretch of the Masvingo-Beitbridge road.
In view of the observation that all the mining companies visited are engaged in ore extraction and the exportation of raw minerals, Cabinet reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the ban on raw mineral exports. This measure is intended to promote value addition, beneficiation, industrialization, and manufacturing initiatives. Additionally, Cabinet has directed that the Great Zimbabwe Hydro-power model be replicated at other dams across the country to enhance power generation capacity.
REPORT ON PREPARATIONS FOR THE 46TH INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS AND CHILDREN’S PARTY
Cabinet received and noted an update report on the preparations for the 46th Independence Day Anniversary Celebrations and Children’s Party, which was presented by Vice President Col (Rtd.) Dr KCD.Mohadi as the chairman of the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments.
As previously communicated, the 46th Independence Day anniversary celebrations and the 2026 Children’s Party will be hosted at Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province. The Children’s Party is scheduled to take place at Mahetshe Primary School, while the Independence Gala will be held at Minda Primary School within the same district.
To ensure the successful hosting of these events, significant progress has been made in various infrastructure developments. The main arena which includes the stadium has been completed, while plumbing and electrical works are currently underway. Additionally, pitch excavation, levelling, drainage and fencing are approaching completion. The parking area has been cleared and partially levelled, with gravelling works continuing to register.
Regarding school upgrades, Mahetshe Primary and Secondary Schools as well as Minda High School have reached 100 percent completion of their superstructures, with major facilities such as classrooms, laboratories, staff houses, and renovations nearing completion. Meanwhile, construction has commenced at Shashane High School and Kezi Primary School.
Construction of the Bulawayo-Kezi-Maphisa and Gwanda-Maphisa roads is currently underway, with some sections nearing completion. The construction of additional roads across the province is progressing smoothly. Furthermore, there has been significant progress in bridge de-siltation, as well as the rehabilitation of access roads. Borehole drilling and water infrastructure development are currently ongoing to support local communities and businesses. The Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo Polytechnic is also nearing completion, with the structures now ready for commissioning.
Furthermore, the cultural and memorial projects including the Ratanyana Battle Site Museum, graves at District Heroes Acres, the former Zezane Assembly Point and Manama Mission School, are progressing steadily towards completion.
Maphisa District Hospital and Kezi Rural Hospital are nearing completion; with emergency infrastructure, including a Command Centre at Maphisa, being established. In terms of power supply, installations at Bazha- Fumungwe project and Maphisa Stadium are almost complete. Additionally, distribution of Starlink kits, laptops, and printers is ongoing with the aim of enhancing communications across the host province.
REPORTS ON PRIORITY PROJECTS FOR THE FIRST 100-DAY CYCLE OF 2026
In terms of the Inclusive Economic Growth and Structural Transformation pillar under the National Development Strategy 2, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi highlighted the following achievements under her purview:
The Masvingo Central Business District Hotel in Masvingo Province, has been completed and is expected to become operational by mid-year.
Construction of the Bridge Hotel in Beitbridge District, Matabeleland South Province, is 85 percent complete, with roofing currently in progress.
Construction of Prevail International Lodges in Mberengwa District, Midlands Province, is progressing well. The project includes 10 four- bedroom units and 10 one-bedroom units, with internal finishes currently underway.
Construction of the Cricket Stadium in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, is progressing well, with 85 percent completion of media centres, 50 percent of the pavilion, and ongoing pitch maintenance.
The construction of Park Inn Hotel in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, is on schedule, with 98 percent of bulk earthworks completed.
The Sky Plaza Hotel in Harare Metropolitan Province, is progressing smoothly. The basement, deck, and ground floor have been completed, while the entertainment centre has reached the third floor.
Construction of the Rural Tourism Independence Rondavel in Matobo District, Matabeleland North Province, is approximately 70 percent complete, with three rondavel structures nearing completion of the superstructure.
Construction of AATC Hotel in Harare Metropolitan Province is approximately 70 percent complete and remains on track and according to schedule.
The beautification and greening initiatives at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and the Trabablas Interchange in Harare Metropolitan Province, are ongoing.
Refurbishment of the Kingdom Hotel in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, is currently at 25 percent progress.
