Online Reporter
We publish here the 22nd 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 production plan.
The Government of Zimbabwe remains confident about achieving a projected grain surplus of between 812 000 tonnes and 1,2 million tonnes for the current marketing season and continues to provide resources to facilitate timely payments for grain deliveries by farmers.
The ZMX platform remains active, having processed the marketing of 7 507 tonnes of cereals, oilseeds and pulses to date. The Warehouse Receipt System is gaining traction, with farmers actively utilising warehouse receipts for grain storage, financing and input swap programmes.
The GMB has opened agro-shops at all 88 depots across the country, where consignment stock is available for farmers to purchase inputs using grain sale proceeds or ZMX warehouse receipts.
As of July 24, 2025, about 25,3 million kg of cotton, valued at US$7,7 million, had been marketed to six active contractors, compared to 13,3 million kg in 2024. Most contractors are paying cash on the spot, while others are using electronic transfers.
Tobacco sales reached 348,5 million kg as at July 24, 2025, a notable rise from 228.9 million kg sold during the same period in 2024.
The sales surge pushed the total value to over US$1,16 billion, a significant jump from US$785,3 million in 2024. With seed sales up 46 percent to over 1 million grammes worth 212 377 hectares, compared to 727 000 grammes worth 145 321 hectares last year, the country is set for another record-breaking 2025-2026 tobacco production season.
With a planted area of 122 897 hectares of wheat, 6 115 hectares of barley, and 4 708 hectares of potatoes, the Government continues to monitor productivity enablers to guarantee the achievement of the anticipated 875 000 tonnes of wheat, barley and potatoes from the 2025 winter season.
REVIEW OF LEVIES, LICENCES FEES AND PERMITS LEVIED ON BUSINESS BY MINISTRIES, DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES OF GOVERNMENT
Cabinet considered and approved the review of levies, licences, fees and permits on business by ministries, departments and agencies of Government.
President, Mnangagwa, at the beginning of the year, highlighted the high level of levies, licences, fees and permits, raising the cost of doing business in Zimbabwe.
The President directed a review of levies, licences, fees and permits across 12 sectors, namely: Health; Agriculture; Retail; Tourism; Transport; Energy; Manufacturing; Broadcasting; Telecommunications; Liquor; Construction; and Financial Services.
The study established among other things that some of the regulators require a single business to obtain multiple fragmented licences or permits, adding unnecessary complexities and administrative burdens.
Other regulators have lengthy procedures and processes before they can issue their respective licences.
In order to provide relief to business, the Government has directed the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Prof Mthuli Ncube, in collaboration with the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya; and line ministries to superintend and coordinate detailed sector reviews on the levies, licences, fees and permits. The review will specifically address economy-wide regulatory challenges, including the multiplicity, duplication and fragmentation of regulatory charges.
A Whole-of Government approach will be adopted and will bring together respective MDAs and business for a consensus-based review. The process will adopt a 100-day cycle-based accelerator model and detailed recommendations agreed upon by stakeholders will be submitted to Cabinet for approval.
Once approved, the reviewed fees and levies would be implemented through amendment of the respective legislation and Statutory Instruments.
This reform process will significantly streamline and reduce the burden on the people, business, enhance national competitiveness, attract investment, promote economic growth, create employment and catapult the country towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE POLICY
Cabinet considered and approved the Foreign Relations and International Trade Policy.
The Foreign Relations and International Trade Policy is anchored on the following goals: promotion of a peaceful and secure international environment for Zimbabwe’s development; facilitation of local production for international markets to promote trade; promotion of international tourism for Zimbabwe’s prosperity; fostering international cooperation in Education, Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture; and the promotion and protection of the interests of Zimbabwean Citizens living abroad.
Implementation of the policy will be guided by Zimbabwe’s Doctrine on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation which has the following six tenets:
- Zimbabwe’s strength lies in its heritage and its people (Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo);
- Zimbabwe is committed to overcoming colonial mindsets;
- Leaving no one and no place behind;
- A friend to all and enemy to none mantra;
- Zimbabwe is Open for Business; and
- Zimbabwe will never be a colony again.
A robust foreign service architecture is essential for advancing national interests and global standing for the integrity, dignity and prosperity of Zimbabwe.
REPORTS ON PRIORITY PROJECTS FOR SECOND 100-DAY CYCLE OF 2025
In terms of the Infrastructure and Utilities Thematic pillar of the National Development Strategy 1, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona highlighted the following achievements under his purview:
- 492km of the 580km of the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge road have been completed and opened to traffic;
- Construction of the Trabablas Interchange is complete and was commissioned by President Mnangagwa on May 30 2025;
- 24km of the 357,7km Harare-Kanyemba Road upgrading has been completed and opened to traffic;
- Fencing of the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe road is 35 percent of complete;
- Construction of the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe Masvingo Offices is 80,5 percent of complete;
- Construction of the 10km Chipinge-Mt Selinda road is ongoing; and
- Construction of the Mpopoma Traffic Training Centre (Bulawayo) is at 50 percent complete.
Under the Infrastructure and Utilities pillar of the National Development Strategy 1, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe reported the following achievements under his purview:
- Construction of the Hwedza Composite Offices is at 98 percent complete;
- Construction of eight City Villas at Mt Hampden is at 80 percent of completion;
- Overall progress for the Nembudziya Independence Legacy projects is at 96 percent of completion;
- The spatial train layout for the Munhumutapa Youth Programme in Mashonaland East Province is 70 percent complete; and
- Installation of chiefs is 70 percent completion with seven chiefs having been installed.
Regarding the Social Development pillar of the National Development Strategy 1, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo reported the following achievements under his purview:
- The rehabilitation of Dzivarasekwa pump station, pumping/gravity mains and treated water reservoir repairs were completed;
- Preparations are ongoing for the construction of 300 units at Rangemore Phase 2 in Bulawayo to house civil servants;
- Road surfacing, storm water drainage, sewer and water pipe laying for the construction of 124 stands at the Mathandale project in Plumtree, Matabeleland South Province, is 100 percent complete;
- Construction of the Zvishavane Mixed Accommodation, Midlands Province, to house 448 students is ongoing;
- The Concept Note for the Tugwi-Mukosi Hydro-Power project was developed and civil engineering drawings are under way;
- Construction of the Marondera Commercial Centre, Mashonaland East Province, is at 93 percent of completion; and
- Brickwork at the Madokero Creek Phase 2 Housing project is at 65 percent of completion.
Under the Environmental Protection, Climate Resilience and Natural Resources pillar of the National Development Strategy 1, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi highlighted progress on projects under her purview as follows:
- Construction of the 65-roomed Tamarind Lodges and 500-seater conference facility in Kariba, Mashonaland West Province, are at 80 percent and 100 percent complete, respectively;
- Construction of a 250-conference facility and furnishing of Blocks A and B at Tamarind Lodges in Nyanga, Manicaland Province, are at 70 percent and 95 percent of completion, respectively;
- Construction of seven Holy Cross Dam chalets has been completed;
- Construction of the Media Centre and Training pitch at the Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North Province, are at 50 percent and 40 percent complete,respectively;
- Construction of the AATC Hotel in Harare is complete, while the 550-capacity conference is 75 percent complete;
- Beautification and greening of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport Vicinity is ongoing;
- Construction of five chalets at Manjirenji Lakeside Resort has been completed;
- Construction of a hotel in the Masvingo CBD is 70 percent complete; and
- Construction of a 16-roomed and 50-seater conference Sterling Kanyemba Resort has been completed;
POSTAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AMENDMENT BILL, 2025
Cabinet approved the Postal and Telecommunications Amendment Bill, 2025.
The Bill seeks to amend the Postal and Telecommunications Act [Chapter 12:05] and align it with the current trends and new developments in the telecommunications sector.
It also seeks to achieve several key objectives. It aims to provide a framework for the regulation of the communications sector by an independent regulatory authority and for the provision of communications services.
Additionally, it seeks to promote the availability of efficient and quality communications services nationally. The Bill also promotes technological innovations and the introduction and maintenance of advanced facilities and services in line with international standards.
Furthermore, it encourages private investment and participation by citizens of Zimbabwe in the communications sector. The Bill ensures increased accessibility of efficient and quality communications services to all regions at fair and reasonable prices.
It also enhances regional and global cooperation and integration in communications services. Moreover, it ensures fair competition in the sector and advances consumer protection from unfair business practices. Lastly, the Bill promotes the ethical use of information communication technologies.
THE CONVENTION ON MUTUAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE IN TAX MATTERS
Cabinet considered and approved the proposed ratification of the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters.
Zimbabwe joined the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes in 2024 and as part of the collaboration process, accordingly requested to join the convention on mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters.
The ratification of the convention is a significant step in enhancing international tax cooperation. By joining this convention, Zimbabwe will expand its network for exchanging taxpayer information beyond the current 19 countries with which it has bilateral tax agreements.
The convention will facilitate the exchange of information on cross-border economic activities, enabling accurate taxation and combating tax evasion and avoidance. This move is expected to promote fair and equitable taxation rights while protecting taxpayer confidentiality and respecting sovereign taxing rights.
The convention will also enable Zimbabwe to benefit from simultaneous tax examinations, participation in tax examinations abroad, and assistance in tax recovery, ultimately strengthening the country’s tax administration and revenue collection efforts.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE AND THE GOVERNMENT OF UNITED ARAB EMIRATES ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF HEALTH
Cabinet considered and approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Zimbabwe and the Government of United Arab Emirates on cooperation in the field of health.
The MOU aims to establish a collaborative framework between the two countries to foster mutual growth, development, and enhancement of healthcare systems within their respective territories.
The scope of cooperation encompasses various healthcare domains, including Primary Care, which comprises collaborative efforts in reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health, as well as immunisation programmes; Secondary Care, which comprises specialist care and patient referral services, laboratory services, forensic pathology, and blood services; Health System Resilience, whose key aspect is preparing for and responding to public health emergencies; Health Financing, which enables both countries to explore innovative funding models, share financial expertise, and optimise resource allocation to achieve better health outcomes; Human Resources, which focuses on developing and managing healthcare professionals; and Health Technology, which aims to leverage health technology to improve healthcare delivery, enhance patient care, and streamline healthcare services.
Through this MOU, both countries are poised to strengthen their healthcare systems, improve health outcomes, and enhance the well-being of their populations by working together on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and shared benefit.
REPORT ON THE PRESIDENT’S ATTENDANCE AT THE 2025 LIBERATION MOVEMENTS SUMMIT: SOUTH AFRICA: JULY 26-27 2025
Cabinet noted the report on the President’s Attendance at the 2025 Liberation Movements Summit in South Africa from July 26-27.
The 2025 Liberation Movements Summit was held under the theme “Defending the Liberation Gains, Advancing Integrated Socio-Economic Development, Strengthening Solidarity for a Better Africa.” The summit’s objectives included providing a platform for Liberation Movements to foster learning, advancing regional socio-economic development, addressing contemporary challenges, and building alliances with global allies to support justice and anti-imperial solidarity.
The summit emphasised the need for unity and safeguarding the legacy and mandate of Liberation Movements, highlighting the importance of harnessing the demographic dividend of youthful populations and rejuvenating the movements. The summit’s deliberations focused on key issues of concern such as the rise of unilateralism, socio-economic inequalities, underdevelopment, conflicts, and hybrid warfare.
It also emphasised the importance of ideological orientation among youth, strengthening political, economic, digital, and infrastructural integration through SADC and other platforms, and creating regional industrial value chains.
Additionally, the summit highlighted the significance of Pan-Africanism in addressing inequalities through land redistribution, industrialisation, and inclusive development for the benefit of society, particularly youth and women, who constitute the dominant demographic groups.
THE SEKE ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT AND THE GLEN VIEW AREA 8 INFERNO
Cabinet received and noted a report on the Seke Road traffic accident of 22nd July 22, and the Glen View Area 8 inferno that occurred on July 27.
Cabinet was saddened by the Seke Road traffic accident that claimed the lives of 19 people (10 women, seven men and two minors), and implored drivers to exercise caution on the roads.
Regarding the Glen View 8 inferno, Cabinet was informed that nearly one third of the complex was completely destroyed, negatively impacting on the lives of 700 traders, as well as suppliers and other players in the value chain. The Government is already in discussion with a developer to commence the reconstruction of the market at the beginning of September 2025.
The Civil Protection Department has already moved in to assist the bereaved families and the affected Glen View 8 business community.
