POST CABINET BRIEFING: Employment Policy approved

We publish here the 9th post Cabinet media briefing presented by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Zhemu Soda, in Harare yesterday.

Cabinet considered and approved the National Formalisation Strategy, which was presented by Honourable Vice President Col (Rtd) Dr KCD Mohadi as chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Social Development.

Zimbabwe’s National Formalisation Strategy aims to provide workers and businesses with social security, labour rights and financial services, and to address issues including lack of protection, unsafe workplace conditions, low incomes, and limited voices. The strategy also seeks to create a clear pathway for the promotion of small and medium enterprises by removing barriers and simplifying their registration and financing.

The eight strategic priorities include macroeconomic policies for employment, regulatory review, enterprise development, market and finance access, strengthening representation, and supporting marginalised groups, especially youth, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans of the Liberation Struggle. The implementation of the Strategy will involve coordinated funding from Government, development partners, the private sector and social security institutions, guided by a detailed plan to monitor and evaluate progress.

NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT POLICY

Cabinet considered and approved the National Employment Policy, which was presented by Vice President Mohadi.

The review of Zimbabwe’s 2010 National Employment Policy Framework seeks to address socio-economic changes, including those experienced during the Covid-19 outbreak, and to improve coordination among stakeholders.

The aim is to enhance the policy’s relevance, especially in linking education to economic needs, and to reduce youth unemployment and skills deficits.

The new comprehensive National Employment Policy (2026–2030) builds on previous strategies, aligning with national development plans and international frameworks. It sets ten objectives, including strengthening labour rights, promoting inclusive growth, improving employment services, and ensuring safe working conditions.

The policy emphasises enforcement of labour laws, enhancement of targeted skills training, enterprise development, and support for rural employment through initiatives like Village Business Units.

An implementation plan and monitoring framework will guide and evaluate progress. Overally, the policy seeks to foster sustainable employment, revamp social protection, and promote economic resilience in Zimbabwe.

UPDATE ON THE STATE OF PREPAREDNESS FOR THE 2026 ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR

Cabinet received an update report by the Minister of Industry and Commerce regarding the state of preparedness for the upcoming 66th Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair which will run from April 20 to 25, 2026.

The 2026 Trade Fair will run under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” and is expected to be officially opened on April 23 by Botswana President Duma Gedion Boko. This year’s ZITF theme underscores the significance of regional trade, cross border collaboration, and promotion of resilient supply chains in line with the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The build-up to the 2026 ZITF includes ongoing comprehensive stakeholder engagements encompassing private sector and local embassies to promote broader participation. Strategic discussions are also underway with Air services such as Air Zimbabwe, FastJet, and Ethiopian Airlines, among others, to facilitate increased flight frequency for seamless movement of delegates and exhibitors during the ZITF period.

Cabinet noted that a total of 520 exhibitors have registered, surpassing the 486 who participated in 2025, with 72 exhibitors coming for the first time. A total space of 49 100 m²representing 93 percent of the total available exhibition space has been booked.

Additionally, foreign participation is positive with more than 33 international exhibitors from 16 different countries in the region and beyond confirmed, compared to the 17 recorded in 2025.

Highlights of the ZITF programme include various business and strategic engagements, the Rural Industrialisation Indaba, the Youth in Business Festival, the Welcome Cocktail, the ZITF Innovators Forum; the Connect Africa Symposium; the Diplomats Forum; and a Charity Golf Challenge, among many others.

REPORTS ON PRIORITY PROJECTS FOR THE FIRST 100-DAY CYCLE OF 2026

Cabinet considered reports on priority projects for the First 100-Day Cycle of 2026 as presented by the Ministers of Energy and Power Development, National Housing and Social Amenities, National Security in the Office of the President and Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development.

Under the Infrastructure Development and Housing Pillar of the National Development Strategy 2, the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Hon July Moyo highlighted the following achievements under his purview:

Construction of the 235 Megawatt (MW) ZhongJing Heli Thermal Power Plant Project in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, which has reached 50 percent of the targeted 75 percent under the current cycle.
Construction of the Sunny Jin Long 210 MW Thermal Power Plant in Chegutu District, Mashonaland West Province which is currently at 45 percent progress.
Construction of Thermal Power in Beitbridge District, Matabeleland South Province which has reached 90 percent of completion, with the structural and mechanical works in progress.
The construction of the first phase of the 20 MW Dinson thermal power plant (coke oven gas) in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province has been completed.

The following are some of the projects that are expected to be completed by the end of the cycle:

The Mahlahlandela Government Complex LED Lights Retrofitting Project in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, which has reached 80 percent of completion;
Construction of the Zendele Primary School Solar Project in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province;
Construction of the Mbuyamaswa Institutions Grid Extension Project in Zaka District, Masvingo Province;
Construction of the 7,5MW Eureka Solar Power Plant in Guruve District, Mashonaland Central Province;
Installation of transformer monitoring systems in all provinces of the country;
Construction of the Ruwa Liquid Petroleum Gas Phase 2 Project and St Johns Chikwaka biogas digester in Goromonzi District, Mashonaland East Province.

The Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Hon. Professor Paul Mavima highlighted the following achievements under his purview:

Construction works at the Marondera Dombotombo Flats housing project and the Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe Mutawatawa waiting mothers’ shelter in Mashonaland East Province are nearing completion.
Construction works for the Beitbridge Redevelopment Housing Project Phase 1 and refurbishment of 34 houses close to the 46th Independence Day anniversary celebrations venue in Matabeleland South Province are nearing completion, while construction at the Makonde Heights Housing Development project in Mashonaland West Province is underway.

The Minister of State for National Security in the Office of the President, Hon. Lovemore Matuke highlighted the following achievements by the Rural Infrastructural Development Agency under the Infrastructure and Housing Pillar of the National Development Strategy 2:

Construction of one deck at Chadzire Bridge in Buhera District, Manicaland Province has reached 40 percent of completion.
Deck protection works and guide markers at Mabori Bridge in Mberengwa District, Midlands Province has reached 30 percent of completion.
Construction of one deck at Makugwe Bridge in Mwenezi District, Masvingo Province has reached 30 percent of completion.
In terms of the Food Security, Climate Resilience and Environmental Protection pillar under the National Development Strategy 2, the Minister of State for National Security in the Office of the President highlighted that the Ntunugwe piped water scheme in Bulilima District; and the Manama piped water scheme in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province are almost complete.

Regarding the Science Technology Innovation Digital Human Capital Development pillar, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Hon Torerayi Moyo as the Acting Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education,

Innovation, Science and Technology Development, highlighted the following achievements under his purview:

Construction of Gwanda State University Agro-Innovation Centre in Matabeleland South Province, overall progress has reached 88 percent of completion
Installation of Muzarabani Masawu Value Addition Plant by Bindura State University of Science Education in Muzarabani District, Mashonaland Central Province, overall progress has eached 95 percent .
Construction of the Bindura State University of Science Education Male Hostel Block in Mashonaland Central Province has reached 50 percent of the targeted work in this cycle.

Some of the ongoing projects include the following:

Construction of the National Satellite Communication Centre;
Furnishing of Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School in Kwekwe District, Midlands Province; and
38 percent of the targeted 150 Integrated Skills Expanded Outreach Programme trainees certification in bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, flooring, glazing and welding has been achieved.

REPORTS ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS MATTERS

Report on His Excellency the President’s State Visit to Ghana:1-3 April, 2026

Cabinet received a report by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Prof Amon Murwira regarding President’s Mnangagwa’s State visit to Ghana from April 1 to 3, 2026.

The visit sought to advance the engagement and re-engagement policy, consolidate long-standing political and diplomatic relations and expand economic cooperation between Zimbabwe and Ghana.

The visit was at the cordial invitation of Ghanaian President John Dramani. President Mnangagwa recalled the historic and principled relations between Zimbabwe and Ghana rooted in shared Pan-African solidarity ideals.

The two leaders further reaffirmed their commitment to deepen and broaden cooperation, and agreed to sustain regular high-level engagements to unlock the full potential of the partnership.

On the sidelines, business trade engagements were held by ZimTrade and the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency.

Ten legal instruments were signed, and the priority sectors for expanded cooperation were identified including the following: trade and investment; agriculture; mining and mineral beneficiation; renewable and nuclear energy, scientific research; innovation and health and pharmaceuticals, among others.

President Mnangagwa extended an invitation to President Mahama to visit Zimbabwe.

5.2 Report on Zimbabwe’s participation at the 56th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, 2026: Davos – Klosters, Switzerland

Cabinet received a report presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade who represented President Mnangwagwa at the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum 2026: Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, and was accompanied by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion.

The meeting ran from January 19 to 23, 2026 and brought together high- level global leaders, including 69 Heads of State under the theme“A Spirit of Dialogue.” Zimbabwe’s participation was premised on its guiding principle “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” and “A Friend to All and an Enemy to None.”

The minister highlighted that discussions underscored global order tensions impacting trade exchanges and deepening fragmentation.

The tensions are exerting pressures on States to align with dominant powers or defend multilateral norms. Other geopolitical flashpoint highlights included the Greenland issue, the launch of the US led “Board of Peace” and the United States–China economic tensions.

Cabinet noted that the Zimbabwe delegation held high level strategic engagements with political and business leaders, chief executive officers, and an Indian delegation. Going forward, the country will host Zimbabwe House Pavilion at future World Economic Forum annual meetings to promote investment, branding and high-level engagements.

Reports on Zimbabwe’s Outreach to the Pacific, the Caribbean and the Solomon Islands; and the Republic of Fiji: to canvas support for Zimbabwe’s candidature for a non- permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028 at the elections to be held on June 3, 2026.

Cabinet received reports on Zimbabwe’s Outreach to the Pacific, Caribbean States, the Solomon Islands; and the Republic of Fiji, to canvas support for Zimbabwe’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028. The elections will be held June 3, 2026 in New York.

In his capacity as President Mnangagwa’s the special envoy, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Prof Amon Murwira informed Cabinet that the outreach team held several high-level meetings focusing on inclusive global governance and solidarity between landlocked developing countries and small island developing states facing climate-induced droughts.

During deliberations, the Zimbabwe delegation reaffirmed its support for the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 78/319 (UNGA) on sea-level rise.

In line with the NDS2 pillar on promoting peace and a secure international environment for Zimbabwe’s development, the outreach successfully secured political support for Zimbabwe’s candidature from the Solomon Islands, Tonga and the Caribbean States, and cemented relations through signing of joint communiques.

BRIEF ON ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED DURING EASTER HOLIDAYS

Cabinet expressed its deepest condolences following the report by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, on the tragic loss of six Mujuru family members in a road accident last Thursday.

Cabinet also expressed its deepest condolences on the death of seven Highlanders Football Club supporters who died in a road traffic accident along Bulawayo Beitbridge road last Friday; and the death of four family members in a road traffic accident along Shangani-Bulawayo road last Thursday.

A detailed report on the road traffic accidents that occurred during the Easter holidays will be presented to Cabinet in due course.

Cabinet further expressed concern over the circulation of road accident pictures and videos on social media platforms, and strongly discourages the public from engaging in such untoward acts.

In that regard, Cabinet warns the public that appropriate measures will be taken against anyone found responsible for such conduct.