Midlands rolls out over 1 000 development projects

THE Midlands Province has implemented more than 1 000 development projects across key sectors, with major infrastructure works and growing private-sector investment transforming the province’s economic landscape and reinforcing its position as one of Zimbabwe’s leading growth centres.

The development drive, which spans roads, dams, health, education, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, mining and tourism, is being fuelled by a combination of Government investment and increased private-sector participation.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Midlands, Owen Ncube, said the province had recorded significant progress across its development agenda, with projects being rolled out in both urban and rural areas.

Addressing the recent Zanu-PF Midlands Province Inter-District Conference at the Zanu-PF Convention Centre in Gweru, Minister Ncube said the scale of development under way was positioning Midlands as a major contributor to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 industrialisation agenda.

“The province implemented over 1 000 programmes and projects covering roads, bridges, dams, power and devolution-funded health and education infrastructure, irrigation development, manufacturing and tourism sectors, among many others,” he said.

Minister Ncube said the province’s development momentum was being reinforced by increased investment in key productive sectors, including mining and manufacturing. Among the notable investments is the US$6 million Global union Alloy ferrochrome smelting plant in Kwekwe.

The investments come as Midlands continues to leverage its vast mineral resources while promoting beneficiation and value addition to maximise economic returns within the province.
“Midlands Province is emerging as the country’s largest rural provincial economy, driven by

mining, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, construction, retail and wholesale activities. The province continues to experience rapid economic growth, emerging as the largest rural provincial economy driven mainly by robust infrastructure development and massive investments in mining, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, construction, retail and wholesale sectors,” he said.

The minister said infrastructure development remains at the centre of the province’s transformation agenda.

In Kwekwe, the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School has already been commissioned, while construction of the Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court has reached 80 percent completion.

“The 21km Gweru-Lower Gweru Road is also being rehabilitated, while a seven-kilometre section between Chinyenyetu and the Kuwirirana-Nembudziya junction along the Kuwirirana-Nemangwe

Road is being developed under the Independence Legacy Projects,” he said.
Water infrastructure is also receiving significant attention, with construction under way on Vungu

Dam in Kwekwe and Defe Dam in Gokwe South.

According to Minister Ncube, the projects are expected to boost agricultural production, improve water security and unlock economic opportunities in surrounding communities.

“In the energy sector, the province commissioned the 96-kilowatt Gandavaroyi solar mini-grid, while work is progressing on the Gokwe South Smart GMB Silos,” he said.

The province has also recorded progress in strengthening healthcare services through the construction and upgrading of medical facilities.
Minister Ncube said Nkatazo Rural Hospital in Zvishavane has been completed, while the

upgrading of Mberengwa Rural Hospital to district hospital status is nearing completion.

“The province is also constructing clinic pharmacies in several districts, including Mayoka, Malisa Zhombe and Sengwazo in Silobela, Nyautonge in Chirumanzu and Musadzi in Gokwe North,” he said.

“Transport infrastructure has not been left behind, with the completion of Mabori Bridge in Mberengwa, Pohwe Bridge in Gokwe South and Mabanana Bridge in Gokwe North.”

Beyond the major infrastructure projects, the province drilled 22 boreholes during the first half of 2026 and completed 38 business units, expanding access to basic services while creating new economic opportunities.

The Government is also intensifying efforts to unlock value from agricultural land and address longstanding conflicts between farmers and miners.

Minister Ncube said implementation of the new land tenure policy was being accelerated to provide

beneficiaries with security of tenure while reducing disputes over land use.

“Layouts for 55 farms have already been produced, while more than 700 farmers have applied for title deeds in the province.

The developments come against the backdrop of the Government’s broader push to accelerate economic growth and achieve Vision 2030,” he said.

He attributed much of the progress to close collaboration between Government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as party structures, which have helped speed up the implementation of development programmes.

Minister Ncube said the province remained confident of sustaining the current momentum despite concerns over a possible drought during the 2026/27 agricultural season.

A super El Niño has been forecast for the coming rainfall season, raising fears of reduced rainfall and lower agricultural output in some areas.

However, he said Government had adequate grain reserves to cushion citizens against potential food shortages.

“The development momentum being witnessed across Midlands demonstrated that the province was firmly on course. I am convinced the Midlands Province is on the right development trajectory,” he said.

“With major infrastructure projects underway, new industrial investments coming on stream and Government expanding investment in health, education, energy, agriculture and transport,

Midlands is increasingly positioning itself as one of the key engines of Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.”