Online Reporter
We publish here the 20th post-Cabinet media briefing presented by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, in Harare yesterday.
Cabinet noted the update on the 2024-2025 Summer Crops Marketing and 2025 Winter Wheat Production Programme.
The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has been restructured to serve as the country’s food security agency, with a mandate to produce 850 000 tonnes of cereals annually and thereby contributing 95 percent to the Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR).
The Government remains confident about reaching a projected grain surplus of between 812 000 and 1.2 million tonnes for the current marketing season, and is providing resources to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to facilitate timely payments for grain deliveries by farmers.
Grain marketing continues to be conducted through multiple channels, including the Grain Marketing Board, the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX), and direct sales to various agro-processors. The warehouse receipt system remains active, having recorded an intake of 4 700 tonnes of cereals, oilseeds and pulses to date.
The Grain Marketing Board opened 1 804 mobile grain collection centres across all wards to facilitate grain deliveries. Local Strategic Grain Reserves are being created using grain delivered through these mobile centres. Additionally, the mobile centres enable farmers who have delivered maize through the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) platform to purchase inputs using ZMX warehouse receipts.
As of July 3, 2025, approximately 17,3 million kg of cotton, valued at US$5,5 million, had been marketed to six contractors.
Tobacco sales reached 333,3 million kg as of July 2, 2025, compared to the 223 million kg sold during a similar period in 2024. The average price remained subdued at US$3,35/kg, but the total value of sales surged to over US$1,12 billion, up from the US$766 million recorded in 2024.
The Government continues to monitor winter cereal productivity enablers to guarantee the achievement of an anticipated 875 000 tonnes of wheat, barley and potatoes from the 2025 season.
UPDATE ON PREPARATIONS FOR THE 2025 ZIMBABWE AGRICULTURAL SHOW
Cabinet noted the Update on Preparations for the 2025 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
As the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society is set to celebrate 130 years, the 115th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show running under the theme “Building Bridges: Connecting Agriculture, Industry and Community” is scheduled to be held from Monday, August 25 to Saturday, August 30, 2025.
The show is organised around five sections, as follows: agri-produce; tobacco; cotton; livestock; and commercial exhibitions. The space uptake has shown a significant increase of 60.1 percent compared to a similar period in 2024.
The number of exhibitors has also shown a notable increase of 76.8 percent compared to the same period last year. A number of business events planned for the show include the Green Indaba; the annual ZAS School Quiz; the annual National Agribusiness Conference; the Exhibitors Cocktail; Zimbabwe Agricultural Media Awards; Environmental, Social and Governance Conferences; and the Research for Agricultural Excellence and Technology Indaba.
UPDATE ON THE COUNTRY’S MEDICAL OXYGEN SUPPLY
Cabinet noted the update on the country’s medical oxygen supply.
Medical oxygen is a critical supply for patient care in all public health facilities. To ensure a stable oxygen supply, especially during times of high demand, the Government is investing in national infrastructure ownership through a combination of direct investments and partnerships with local firms.
Progress has already been made in developing oxygen supply systems at several hospitals, including Masvingo, Chipinge, Chivhu, Gokwe North, and Victoria Chitepo. Furthermore, in collaboration with partners, the Government is establishing oxygen production plants in Chinhoyi and Lupane, supporting a long-term shift towards national control and bulk supply capability.
By investing in oxygen infrastructure and production capacity, the Government is taking a proactive and sustainable approach to addressing the country’s medical oxygen needs.
This initiative has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and healthcare workers alike, and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to improving the healthcare system and promoting the well-being of its citizens.
PRINCIPLES FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE MEDICINES AND ALLIED SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT (CHAPTER 15:03)
Cabinet considered and approved the Principles for the Amendment of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act.
The Act was promulgated in 1969 and has undergone several amendments over the years. The main intention of the amendment is to control the quality, safety and efficacy of all medical products and allied substances.
The need to amend the Act has also been influenced by African Model Law which provides for the protection of the public from exposure to sub-standard and falsified medical products.
African Model Law is a non-prescriptive legislation that gives guidance to African Union member states on how to develop effective regulatory mechanisms and frameworks within their jurisdictions.
Furthermore, the amendment is in accordance with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe’s vision to be an effective and efficient regulator of medical products and allied substances.
UPDATE ON ECONOMIC CENSUS AND THE NATIONAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT
Cabinet noted the update on economic census and the Gross Domestic Product.
ZIMSTAT conducted the economic census for the year 2023 during the period 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. According to the results, the current Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been revised to ZWL168.5 trillion, (equivalent to US$44,4 billion), from the initial estimate of ZWL133.7 trillion (equivalent to US$35,2 billion).
The substantial increase in GDP is primarily attributed to improved coverage of economic activity. The improvement reflects the inclusion of a larger number of business entities that have emerged since 2019, which is the previous base year.
The new GDP figures have resulted in an improved Gross Net Income (GNI) which increased from US$2 259 to US$2 859 in 2023, and from the projected US$2 228 to US$2 893 in 2024. Per capita income is projected to surpass US$3 000 in 2025. Zimbabwe is therefore evidently making progress towards upper middle income status.
PROGRESS UPDATE ON PRIORITY PROJECTS FOR THE SECOND 100-DAY CYCLE OF 2025
Cabinet considered and noted progress reports on the mid-cycle priority projects for the Second 100-Day Cycle of 2025 as follows:
The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development reported progress on the underlisted projects:
The Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences Students hostel construction project has reached 12 percent, with procurement of materials and services now completed;
Construction of the second workshop at Chivi Industrial Training Centre in Masvingo Province is 50 percent complete and on course to reach the target;
Construction works at the Gwanda State University Agro-Innovation Centre in Matabeleland South Province is 60 percent complete;
Construction at the Midlands State University Kwekwe Law School is 75 percent complete, and will be completed within the cycle;
Construction of the soap factory shell at the Mutoko Bio-Economy Industrial Park is 50 percent complete; and
Construction of the Bindura University of Science Education and National Biotechnology Authority (NBA) — Muzarabani Masawu Value Addition Plant Factory Shell in Mashonaland Central Province has reached 90 percent, and the project is on course to meet the target.
The Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities reported progress as follows:
Construction of the 4×4-storey blocks of Flats (64 units) in Marondera, Mashonaland East Province has reached 97 percent of completion;
Construction of the waiting mothers shelter at Mutawatawa in Uzumba-Maramba Pfungwe, Mashonaland East Province, has reached 90 percent completion;
Under the Beitbridge Redevelopment project in Matabeleland South Province, the stalled two blocks of garden flats and 2 blocks of double-storey duplex flats will soon be completed from the current 71 percent stage, with procurement of materials underway
Servicing of 432 Sheasham stands in Gweru, Midlands Province is 53 percent complete;
Under the Ipmali project in Shurugwi, Midlands Province, the 52 percent progress so far attained entails completion of road drainage and the water reticulation system on 502 housing stands being serviced by Masimba Holdings; and 32 percent progress on sewer works on 602 stands being serviced by CGM Engineering;
The servicing of 650 medium density residential stands in Mahatshula East in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province has reached 92 percent completion;
The servicing of 5 668 Victory Park high density stands in Kadoma, Mashonaland West Province is 55 percent complete;
Construction of Nyabane Clinic in Bulilima, Matabeleland South Province is now complete following collaboration between council, the Nyabane Community, diasporans and the Church of Jesus of the Latter-Day Saints; and
Construction of the Nikita Waiting Mothers shelter in Mwenezi District, Masvingo Province is at 95 percent completion.
