Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE’s transformative journey is shifting to another level under the National Development Strategy (NDS) whose second phase begins in January 2026 anchored on higher value addition and industrialisation with a goal to increase the manufacturing sector’s earnings from US$4 billion to over US$10 billion a year.
NDS-2 will build on the successes of National Development Strategy 1 (NDS-1), which spans from 2021 to December 2025, and is part of the broader strategy to achieve Vision 2030.
Last year, the Government launched a consultative process to evaluate major economic activities across the country, and the feedback is being used to guide the formulation of NDS-2.
Cabinet approved the roadmap for NDS-2 last September, recognising the significant achievements under NDS-1, including fiscal consolidation, reforms in monetary policy, liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, structural and governance reforms, infrastructure development, engagement, and re-engagement initiatives, investment promotion and support for productive sectors.
Speaking at the inaugural National Competitiveness Commission (NCC) Competitiveness Summit in Bulawayo yesterday, President Mnangagwa outlined the Government’s commitment to developing NDS-2, with emphasis on key economic priorities.
The summit was held under the theme: “Building Sustainability Towards Enhanced Productivity and Competitiveness in Zimbabwe.”
“As you are aware, the first edition of the National Development Strategy is coming to an end in 2025. Efforts are underway to develop the successor programme, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS-2),” he told delegates.
“This is set to be anchored on fiscal discipline, macro-economic stability, as well as robust trade and investment, as critical drivers for improving productivity and competitiveness.
“The NDS-2 will prioritise value addition and industrialisation, particularly in the manufacturing sector. The aim is to increase the sector’s value from the current US$4 billion to over US$10 billion, through a strategic focus on value chains in different sectors.”
NDS-1 has already delivered several critical infrastructure projects, including the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway rehabilitation, road rehabilitation across rural and urban areas under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme, upgrading public amenities, such as recreational facilities in schools and ICT kiosks in both urban and rural areas.
Added to that, there has been rehabilitation and construction of new schools, hospitals, and clinics through devolution and inter-governmental fiscal transfers.
The Hwange Units 7 and 8 power project, which added 600 megawatts to the national grid during the first half of NDS-1 is among the key milestones.
The crafting of NDS-2 is expected to commence with stakeholder consultations to come up with national priorities, which will be the key pillars for NDS 2 formulation and implementation.
The Government has said the NDS 1 terminal evaluation will be carried out during the period April to June 2025 followed by NDS-2 drafting from June to October 2025. The draft NDS-2 is expected to be presented to Cabinet for approval in November 2025 and, thereafter, launched for implementation.
Driven by the goal of rapid and sustainable economic development, President Mnangagwa has positioned Zimbabwe on a development trajectory to achieve upper middle-income status by 2030.
To achieve this, the Government has set sectoral targets across key industries ranging from agriculture, mining, tourism, and manufacturing.
Each of these sectors will contribute to the broader national economic growth targets, ensuring Zimbabwe’s continued progress towards its Vision 2030 goals.According to the National Competitiveness Commission (NCC), national competitiveness refers to a country’s ability to foster a conducive business environment through key policy improvements, driving economic growth and development.
This enhances business viability, promotes innovation, and facilitates the production of high-quality, affordable products, enabling the country to compete effectively in global markets.
The ultimate goal is to create a supportive business environment that encourages investment, innovation, and productivity, leading to efficient markets, economic growth, and improved living standards.
This aligns with NDS1, which prioritises competitiveness as a means to attract investment, stimulate economic growth, and generate national wealth in a globalised economy.
The summit ended yesterday and provided a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to collaborate on creating a more competitive and business-friendly Zimbabwe.
