Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT is working to ensure technological advancements in the country are commensurate with the 46 years of independence through innovation, research, modernisation and industrialisation efforts that uplift the lives of ordinary persons, President Mnangagwa has said.
He made the remarks on Saturday, while addressing thousands of people drawn from the country’s 10 provinces gathered to commemorate the 46th National Independence celebrations at Maphisa Stadium, Matabeleland South Province.
“Significant strides are being made towards ensuring that our 46 years of independence are in tandem with technological advancements,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Robust and forward-looking innovation and industrial ecosystems are evident across the economy.
“These incorporate transformational science and technology projects as well as research and development initiatives. We are enjoying products out of the innovation hubs dotted across the country.”
Several initiatives to modernise infrastructure, he said, were underway and various projects had been completed.
“As we celebrate 46 years of independence, the vision towards restoring, modernising and upgrading our national infrastructure is ongoing. The opening of economic development corridors, to build local capacities and create more employment opportunities are on course,” he said.
“Roads are an economy. As such, road construction, routine rehabilitation and maintenance have been rolled out, following the aftermath of flooding and associated destruction of our road network.
“In view of the dire state of bridges through-out the country, a specialised unit will be set up to specifically attend to bridges.”
He said the Government will accelerate the completion of the Beitbridge-Masvingo-Harare Highway, rehabilitation and upgrading of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo and Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, and Harare-Chirundu Road.
Other projects that will be accelerated include the construction of traffic interchanges and the upgrading of border Posts.
“In line with our quest and responsibility to enhance regional integration, my Government has taken concrete steps to upgrade the country’s border management systems,” he said.
“A notable milestone under this initiative has been the installation of e-gates at Beitbridge Border Post, in Matabeleland South Province. This allows for faster, convenient and automated clearance of travellers, reducing congestion and facilitating efficient regional trade.”
“The rural electrification programme, dam construction, rehabilitation and de-siltation programme, together with the Presidential Borehole Drilling and Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme, are receiving additional Treasury financing.”
On tourism, President Mnangagwa said the sector continued to register unprecedented successes.
“In 2025, the industry recorded a remarkable 10 percent annual growth, generating US$1,3 billion in receipts and attracting US$194 million in investments, including in the scenic Matobo Hills as well as at Mosi-oa-Tunya, Great Zimbabwe and the Eastern Highlands,” he said.
“Deliberate focus will be made to grow the Hospitality and Tourism sector along the Zambezi valley, particularly Kariba and Binga.”
“On the global stage, Zimbabwe was recognised by Forbes Magazine as the World’s Best Country to Visit in 2025. That Award, among others, together with new products such as gastronomy tourism, re-affirms the strength of ‘Brand Zimbabwe’,” he said.
On empowerment efforts, President Mnangagwa said the Government has taken a deliberate move to absorb national youth service graduates into the public sector.
“Government is accelerating the absorption of graduates of the National Youth Service into the public sector. Technical as well as vocational education and skills training are being scaled up, as a critical pathway for youth empowerment and development,” the President said.
“To this end, the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Vocational Training and Youth Service Training Centres are being constructed at Nyongolo Village, here in Matobo District,” he said.
“As Government, we are aware that among other rural provinces, Matabeleland South Province is notably enduring high numbers of cross-border migration across all age groups. “To reverse the trend, deliberate empowerment initiatives, including Village Business Units, such as the Sekusile Makorokoro Business Unit, will continue to be established to improve household incomes and livelihoods.”
The celebrations were attended by First Lady, Dr Auxullia Mnangagwa, the two Vice Presidents, Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Dr Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet ministers, Service Chiefs, local traditional leaders and senior Government officials.
