Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira and Debra Matabvu, Zimpapers Writers
THE implementation of the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2 will ensure that all Zimbabweans receive timely, people-centred and high-quality services, paving the way for an empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030, President Mnangagwa has said.
In his keynote address during the launch of NDS2 at State House in Harare yesterday, the President noted that the document reflects a shared national responsibility and embodies the aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe.
He added that the development plan aims to consolidate the socio-economic gains achieved under NDS1 and further accelerate the country’s progress towards Vision 2030.
“It is a document that embodies unity, self-reliance and shared responsibility, in line with our national development philosophy; ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo’,” President Mnangagwa said.
“The National Development Strategy 2 seeks to consolidate the gains achieved to date. In keeping with my Administration’s focus on professionalism and a high work ethic, the implementation of this Strategy will be anchored in stakeholder participation, value for money and the timely delivery of impactful results.
“All public institutions are challenged, therefore, to develop and nurture Service Delivery Standards that suit our unique local realities, while also dovetailing with global best practices.
“Through this commitment, my Government assures citizens of timely, people-centred and quality service delivery, befitting an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society.
“In line with our Zimbabwe is Open for Business drive, NDS2 will continue to advance reforms aimed at enhancing competitiveness and reducing the cost as well as the complexity of doing business.”
Under the NDS2, 10 broad national priorities have been identified to drive development across all sectors.
The priorities are (i) macro-economic stability and financial sector deepening, (ii) inclusive economic growth and structural transformation, (iii) infrastructural development and housing, (iv) agriculture, food security, climate resilience and environmental protection, (v) science, technology, innovation, digitalisation and human capital development, (vi) job creation, youth development, creative industry and culture, (vii) social development, gender and social protection.
The others are regional development and inclusivity through devolution and decentralisation; image building, international relations and trade, and good governance, institution building, peace and security.
President Mnangagwa also called on every Zimbabwean, local and abroad, to rally behind the NDS2 to accelerate progress and development envisioned in the document.
The President said the nation should leverage its hard work, unity and domestic resources to modernise, industrialise and develop.
“I call upon all the people of our motherland, Zimbabwe, inclusive of development partners, to put their shoulder to the wheel and rally behind this transformational National Development Strategy 2,” President Mnangagwa added.
“Together, in unity, with focus and unwavering determination, let us play our respective parts to accelerate progress and surpass the development aspirations and expectations as envisioned in this document.
“Our cherished national Vision is becoming a reality. Leveraging our domestic resource endowments, the hardworking nature of our people, the ingenuity of our youth, along with the invaluable role of our citizens in the diaspora, nothing in this Plan is impossible.
“Let us all continue to uphold the enduring principles of service, patriotism, loyalty, hard-honest work, production and productivity, for the prosperity, development and modernisation of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
“Let us move forward, hand in hand, building, modernising and industrialising our country.”
The NDS2, President Mnangagwa said, will ensure that communities will benefit from the country’s natural resources through industrialisation, value addition and beneficiation, particularly in the agriculture and mining sectors.
He also said the document will focus on infrastructure which is orderly and planned, implementation of comprehensive interventions in energy, transport, ICT, water and sanitation, housing development, as well as climate-proof agriculture.
“These are key enablers for inclusive economic growth and structural transformation. Riding on the unprecedented gains realised in agriculture, particularly in maize, wheat and tobacco, NDS2 will see us ring-fence our national food and nutrition security through increased productivity, modern storage infrastructure and enhanced climate resilience,” President Mnangagwa said.
Turning to science and technology development, President Mnangagwa said NDS2 will enhance the quality of education through science and vocational learning to enhance industrialisation and modernisation.
The President said through the NDS2, Government will continue to promote entrepreneurship, empower youth, women, as well as support sports and cultural industries.
He said: “With regards to science, technology, digitalisation, innovation and human capital development, NDS2 has been designed to enhance the quality of education through science, vocational education training and lifelong learning.
“The intricate nexus between academia, innovation and industry is set to be consolidated.
“Job Creation, Entrepreneurship, Youth and Women Empowerment, as well as the growth of the Sport, Creative and Cultural Industries, remain of critical importance under my Administration.
“Support for content creation that resonates with nation building, development and value addition to aid industrialisation as well as entrepreneurship programmes for youth and women, will be enhanced.
“Additionally, Government will continue to roll out measures to formalise small to medium enterprises, promote sport and creative industries, as well as protect intellectual property.”
President Mnangagwa said the Government will promote equal and equitable development through devolution and decentralisation of services.
“He said: “Under my leadership, therefore, equitable regional development and inclusivity will be achieved across provinces through the accelerated implementation of the Devolution and Decentralisation Agenda. Under the National Development Strategy 2, broader social development and the mainstreaming of cross-cutting development issues, such as gender, disability, and overall social protection, remain key. Strategic interventions, inclusive of modernisation of our country’s healthcare infrastructure, availability of medicine, expansion of health insurance coverage and implementing gender-responsive policies, shall be rolled out at a faster pace.”
President Mnangagwa also said that the document promotes unity, peace, security, and strong national institutions are essential for the successful implementation of the document.
He also said the development plan will reinforce transparency, accountability, and an uncompromising fight against corruption. The President emphasised that the document should continue to promote the country’s image and the country’s engagement and re-engagement efforts.
Zimbabwe will uphold its international commitments on human rights, peace, and the rule of law, guided by its foreign-policy principle of being “a friend to all and enemy of none.”
The NDS2 will be monitored through a digitally enabled Integrated Results-Based Management Framework, supported by dedicated data units across Government institutions.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube said an evaluation of the NDS1 had shown that progress had been registered in all thematic sectors.
“Under your visionary leadership, the Zimbabwe socio-economic development has realised palpable and tangible achievements across all sectors of the economy and this has laid a firm foundation of sustained growth,” said Prof Ncube.
United Nations Resident Co-ordinator and Humanitarian Co-ordinator, Mr Edward Kallon, commended the Government for the consultative work done in compiling the NDS2.
“This goal of Government and society approach, as articulated in NDS2, has ensured that this blueprint is truly national, reflecting the aspirations and contributions of all Zimbabweans. Your Excellency, the United Nations firmly believes that this National Development Strategy is a robust national blueprint that we are proud to align with. It forms the bedrock of our current Zimbabwe-UN Co-operation Framework, which ends in 2026, and indeed, the next Zimbabwe UN Sustainable Development Co-operation Framework that we are seeking to develop from 2027 to 2030,” said Mr Kallon.
