Online Reporter
Macdenias Moyo
When President Mnangagwa declared, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” — a nation is built by its own people,” he was not merely chanting a slogan. He was articulating a philosophy, a call to action and a roadmap that has since guided Zimbabwe’s journey toward Vision 2030.
Today, despite sanctions, the evidence overwhelmingly points to the realistic culmination of Vision 2030.
The Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP), launched in 2018, was the corrective phase that laid the foundation for reform. It was never meant to be glamorous, but it was indispensable. As Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube noted in 2019, “Fiscal consolidation remains a key stabilisation objective of the TSP and is slowly being attained through containment of the fiscal deficit, broadening of the revenue base and curbing leakages.”
Indeed, the Government reduced its budget deficit from 12 percent of GDP in 2018 to 5 percent in 2019, while recording its first budget surplus in decades. Inflationary pressures were contained, debt restructuring began and the economy was re‑aligned for growth. The TSP was the surgery that halted economic haemorrhage and laid the foundation for the next phase.
National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), covering 2021 to 2025, marked the transition from stabilisation to growth. Its focus was infrastructure rehabilitation, mining expansion, agriculture modernisation and social protection. The results speak volumes. Zinara reported a 106 percent increase in disbursements from ZWL4.6 billion in 2024 to ZWL9.5 billion in 2025, with 97 percent budget utilisation.
Seventy‑two road authorities achieved 100 percent budget absorption, while five provinces recorded full compliance. Zimbabwe’s mineral sector attracted unprecedented investment, with lithium projects in Goromonzi and Bikita positioning the country as a global hub for critical minerals.
Kuvimba Mining House was restructured under the Mutapa Investment Fund into specialised commodity verticals which are Mutapa Gold, Mutapa Platinum, Mutapa Energy eliminating inefficiencies and unlocking value.
Agriculture also recorded significant gains. The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme expanded climate‑smart agriculture, boosting maize output from 1.5 million tonnes in 2020 to over 2.7 million tonnes in 2023. Irrigation schemes in regions such as Chiredzi and Bubi have been revitalised, ensuring food security even under erratic rainfall. As Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr. Anxious Masuka remarked recently, “Zimbabwe is no longer a nation of deficits; we are now a nation of surpluses, capable of feeding ourselves and extending a hand to our neighbours.”
Social services were strengthened, with over 1 000 schools receiving ICT equipment and hospitals upgraded with modern facilities. As Deputy Chief Secretary Willard Manungo confirmed in the mid‑term review, “NDS1 has delivered sustained socio‑economic growth in line with Vision 2030, despite the constraints of sanctions.”
Now, Zimbabwe enters National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the decisive phase that will carry the nation across the finish line to Vision 2030. As the government declared in its foreword, “NDS2 consolidates the gains achieved under TSP and NDS1, transitioning Zimbabwe towards a prosperous and empowered upper middle‑income society.”
At the Iconic Africa Summit & Honors 2026, Dr. Kudakwashe Tagwirei reinforced this trajectory, declaring: “Africa has the brains and resources to prosper. Progress depends on self-belief and decisive action.” He further emphasized the demographic dividend, noting, “Without people, there can be no economic development. A growing population is the foundation of a strong economy.”
Representing the patron, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera added: “True development is built on discipline, collective responsibility and committed leadership. Sustainable development is not built on shortcuts but on deliberate national focus, sacrifice and unwavering dedication.”
At the African Union Summit 2026, AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat echoed similar sentiments, stating: “Africa’s transformation depends on visionary national strategies like Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which demonstrate that resilience and reform can overcome external constraints.”
The International Monetary Fund, in its recent review, acknowledged Zimbabwe’s progress saying: “Zimbabwe has demonstrated resilience and commitment to reform, with measurable improvements in budget execution and resource mobilisation.” The World Bank highlighted infrastructure as a growth driver: “Zimbabwe’s road rehabilitation and energy projects are critical enablers of economic recovery and long-term competitiveness.”
Domestically, the Government has prioritised sovereignty and sustainable resource exploitation. Internationally, Zimbabwe has recalibrated its stance, opening its doors to business while safeguarding national interests. The “Open for Business” mantra has attracted investment from diverse partners. Chinese firms have invested billions in mining and infrastructure. Speaking at the commissioning of the Dinson Iron and Steel Plant, Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding remarked, “Zimbabwe is a strategic partner for China and our cooperation in mining and steel is a model of win‑win development.”
Vision 2030 is realistic because it is not a dream; it is a structured plan backed by evidence. The TSP stabilised the economy. NDS1 built momentum. NDS2 will consolidate and transform. Along the way, Zimbabwe has recorded tangible milestones like budget surpluses, debt reduction, infrastructure expansion, mining growth, agricultural resilience and social service improvements. Sanctions remain a challenge, but they are not insurmountable. Zimbabwe has demonstrated that resilience, innovation and strategic partnerships can overcome external obstacles.
Zimbabwe’s journey to Vision 2030 is a culmination of strategic leadership, disciplined governance and resilient people.
Under President Mnangagwa, the roadmap is clear, the milestones are visible and the momentum is unstoppable. The sceptics will continue to doubt. But history will record that Zimbabwe, against all odds, rose from the ashes of sanctions and economic stagnation to claim its rightful place as a prosperous, sovereign and globally respected nation. Vision 2030 is not just possible. It is inevitable. Only economic saboteurs will fight Vision 2030.
