Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
FINANCE Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has hailed the opening day of the 2027 Pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo on Wednesday as an excellent start, saying deliberations had indicatee Zimbabwe’s economic recovery and the need to channel resources towards key development priorities.
The seminar, which is gathering proposals to inform next year’s National Budget, has brought together Government officials, industry representatives and other stakeholders to discuss measures to accelerate economic transformation and strengthen resilience against climate and global economic shocks.
Professor Ncube said discussions had been constructive, with participants recognising the country’s strong economic performance and presenting proposals to support growth and development.
“I must say that overall today (Wednesday) was an excellent day, excellent start.”
He said the positive assessment of the economy had been evident throughout the deliberations, providing an encouraging foundation for the budget consultation process.
“So the recognition about the economic performance was loud and clear across the room.
“I was also able to communicate that to the Speaker of Parliament and all others, that the economy has shown a strong recovery last year and even this year is still showing a very strong growth right across the board.”
The Minister said the discussions had also indicated the need to mobilise revenue from the recovering economy to finance Government programmes, particularly in critical sectors such as education, health and tourism.
The 2027 Budget theme centres on accelerating economic transformation while building resilience against anticipated El Niño-induced climate shocks and global pressures, including oil price developments.
Professor Ncube, however, acknowledged that funding demands from ministries and stakeholders exceeded the available fiscal space.
The consultations are continuing on Thursday, with stakeholders expected to submit further proposals to shape the 2027 Budget.
The Minister said the deliberations would help Government identify priority areas for funding while sustaining the country’s economic recovery.
