Manicaland sets tone for NDS2

Solomon Bhumu
Post Reporter
MANICALAND has registered far-reaching development gains under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) – laying a solid foundation for accelerated transformation as the nation moves into NDS2.
Opening the 2026 Strategic Review Stakeholder Consultative Workshop today, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said the achievements in agriculture, infrastructure, digital connectivity and service delivery clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated national planning and devolution.
The workshop brought together Government ministries, local authorities, academia, religious and cultural institutions, civil society, private sector players and special-interest groups to review NDS1 implementation and outline Manicaland’s priorities for NDS2.
Minister Mugadza said the platform offers “an opportunity to reflect on our developmental journey and the collective progress made between 2021 and 2025.”
He noted that under NDS1, the province recorded significant growth in macadamia, timber, tea and tobacco production; revitalised key irrigation schemes; and benefitted from the Pfumvudza programme, which boosted household food security.
“Major infrastructure works – including road rehabilitation, borehole drilling, electrification and improved connectivity – also strengthened the province’s economic base, while the expansion of ICT infrastructure opened new opportunities for youth,” said Minister Mugadza.
He further highlighted that Manicaland contributes nearly 10 percent of national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), driven by mining, agriculture and manufacturing, proving the impact of inclusive participation between Government, private sector, civil society and communities.
“As the country transitions to NDS2, anchored on 10 thematic areas, the province will focus on climate-smart agriculture, road and energy infrastructure, value addition, employment creation, strengthened social services, youth and women empowerment, environmental resilience and digital transformation,” said Minister Mugadza.