Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika, Zimpapers Writer
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa will today deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA) and officially open the Third Session of the 10th Parliament, where he is expected to make key pronouncements that reinforce Zimbabwe’s economic growth trajectory, as envisaged in the soon-to-be-launched National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The President delivers the SONA and officially opens Parliamentary sessions in joint sittings of the National Assembly and Senate, as required by Section 140(1) and Section 140(4) of the Constitution. He will also set the legislative agenda for the Third Session of the 10th Parliament in his official opening remarks, which will be delivered from the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
Political analyst Mr Dereck Goto said he expects the President to set a forward-looking agenda based on the successes of NDS1.
“Going into NDS2, I expect President Mnangagwa to set a confident, execution-first agenda that builds on the concrete gains of NDS1 and keeps us on course for Vision 2030. NDS1 stabilised key levers of the economy, expanded energy supply, accelerated trunk road rehabilitation, modernised Beitbridge, strengthened food security through wheat self-sufficiency, and catalysed value addition in mining and steel. The lesson is clear: where the State provides enabling infrastructure and policy certainty, private capital follows and jobs are created,” he said.
Another political analyst, Mr Goodwine Mureriwa, said he expects the President to speak on developments in key economic sectors including agriculture, tourism and mining.
“With the coming of the rains and an expected good agricultural season, I expect the President, as a serious farmer himself, to rally the nation into working the land to boost food security and drive the economy forward. His speech should also touch on other sectors such as tourism, which has seen phenomenal growth — Zimbabwe was voted the best country to visit in 2025 by Forbes magazine — and the mining sector, especially in terms of beneficiation,” Mr Mureriwa said.
On the international front, he said he hopes the President will continue with his diplomatic thrust of making Zimbabwe a friend to all and an enemy to none.
South Africa-based economic analyst Mr Chris Mutizwa echoed similar sentiments, saying the SONA should consolidate macroeconomic stability.
“The SONA should consolidate macroeconomic stability, deepen devolution, and attract more investment into productive sectors. I expect the President to highlight achievements such as currency and price stability, anchored by disciplined fiscal management, export growth, and the continued maturation of the ZiG architecture,” Mr Mutizwa said.
He added that the country’s development philosophy remains people-first, productivity-led and sovereignty-affirming.
“NDS1 proved that steady, hands-on leadership works. NDS2 must convert that momentum into faster growth, better services, and dignified jobs in every province, so that Vision 2030 becomes a lived reality for Zimbabweans,” he said.
Government Chief Whip Cde Pupurai Togarepi said that during the Second Session of the 10th Parliament, about 15 Bills were announced, in addition to the 10 carried over from the previous session.
“The reduced number of Bills indicates there may be real challenges in the Executive regarding drafting. Government had to prioritise those most important at this time. To date, about nine Bills have been passed, which is a great improvement compared to previous sessions. While we are mindful of challenges in the Attorney General’s Office regarding shortages of drafters, Parliament was not satisfied with the rate at which Bills were coming.
“Since the First Session, we have consistently engaged the Executive on this issue. I am pleased to say that beginning this year, we have seen great improvement. Currently, 15 Bills are at various stages before Parliament, and we hope to dispose of these and more before year-end,” said Cde Togarepi.
CCC National Assembly Chief Whip Mr Charles Moyo said legislators would work harder in the coming session.
“It is that critical moment again when President Mnangagwa sets the legislative agenda for the year ahead. In the last SONA, he proposed 25 Bills, and Parliament improved greatly from the First Session, with some Bills now at the report compilation stage after successful public hearings — for example, the Climate Change Bill and Tourism Bill.
“This Third Session, believe you me, citizens will witness an upward trend in how we legislate, represent them and carry out our oversight role. I encourage citizens to attend public hearings in large numbers and make their voices heard,” he said.
Mr Moyo added that all MPs, including CCC members, were eagerly awaiting the President’s address to Parliament and the nation.
