Online Reporter
We publish here the post-Cabinet media briefing presented by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, in Harare yesterday.
Cabinet noted the update on the winter 2025 and summer 2025/2026 production plan.
Grain security: The Government of Zimbabwe has determined there is adequate grain at the national level, though some localised shortages are expected. A post-harvest survey from September 25, 2025, found that farmers are holding 1 311 340 tonnes of grain, which includes 1 064 510 tonnes of maize and 264 830 tonnes of traditional grains.
Grain marketing and payments: A total of 943 075 tonnes of grain, valued at US$367 415 622, was marketed through various off-takers. The Government will continue to release funds to pay farmers for grain already delivered.
Winter wheat and barley: The harvesting of winter wheat is ongoing, with 57.6 percent of the planted wheat harvested (70,603 hectares), yielding 385,267 tonnes to date. Additionally, 27 796 tonnes of barley have been harvested, with an average yield of 7,6 tonnes/ha.
Irish potato: A total of 5 977 hectares of Irish potato have been planted against a target of 9 000 ha. The yield has improved to 28 tonne/hectare, up from 26 tonne/ha last year.
Summer 2025/2026 crops: The goal for the upcoming summer season is to produce enough food to feed the nation, replenish the Strategic Grain Reserve, and increase exports.
Cereal target: A total of 2 609 000 hectares are targeted to produce 3 207 000 tonnes of grain.
Pfumvudza/Intwasa: Preparations for the scheme are underway, with 9 190 655 plots already prepared.
Tobacco: Planting has reached 21 773 hectares, marking a 29 percent increase.
UPDATE ON PREPARATIONS FOR THE 2025 SADC ANTI-SANCTIONS DAY COMMEMORATIONS
Cabinet approved the update on the preparations for the 2025 SADC Anti-Sanctions Day Commemorations.
Date and Theme: The annual SADC Anti-Sanctions Day will be held on October 25, under the theme “Inclusive Development through Heritage-based Innovation and Industrialisation, in a Multilateral World”.
Objectives
The day is aimed at:
Calling for the unconditional removal of all the unjustified and illegal sanctions.
Raising awareness of the negative impact of the illegal sanctions and celebrating the resilience of the Zimbabwean people.
Reaffirming Zimbabwe’s appreciation for regional and international solidarity against the unilateral coercive measures.
Activities
Activities lined up for the day include:
A national address by His Excellency the President.
The dissemination of the President’s address by Zimbabwean embassies to host Governments, including lobbying for support.
The issuance of a SADC statement by the SADC Secretariat.
An Anti-Sanctions Solidarity Event and Gala at the Heritage Village with musicians and artists.
A documentary by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development showcasing achievements by the SMEs sector.
A public lecture and student-led panel discussions organised by the University of Zimbabwe.
PROGRESS REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ZIMBABWE INDUSTRIAL RECONSTRUCTION AND GROWTH PLAN (2024-2025)
Cabinet adopted the progress report on the Implementation of the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (2024-2025).
Purpose: The plan serves as a bridging framework between the expired Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy (2019-2023) and the upcoming one (2026-2030). It was created to address immediate challenges, harness growth opportunities, reduce the import bill, and enhance local production and export potential.
Implementation Status: As of September 2025, the overall implementation stands at 70 percent completion.
Four Pillars and Key Achievements: The Plan has 115 activities set for implementation under four pillars.
Pillar 1: Commerce Issues Supporting Industrialisation
The commerce sector contributes up to 60 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
A National Command Centre for the Anti-Smuggling Taskforce was established, resulting in 3 970 inspections, 421 prosecutions, and the seizure of 4 831 contraband goods. Over 1,8 million items were inspected for trade measures compliance.
A new policy framework for the reserved sectors was approved, with the ministry now finalising the sector’s thresholds.
A legal framework for the use of Point of Sale (POS) machines has been developed to pave the way for a digital payment system.
Modernisation of the Chirundu and Forbes border posts is underway.
Pillar 2: Measures to Promote Growth of the Manufacturing Sector
The sector accounts for 15 percent of real GDP and contributes 7 percent to total formal employment.
Capacity utilisation improved from an average of 51 percent in the last quarter of 2024 to the current 57.3 percent.
Cement sub-sector investment surge:
US$15 million Huaxin Cement plant
US$1 billion investment by WHI-ZIM in Magunje.
Shuntai Investments in Chegutu. Zimsong Industry in Matabeleland North (US$5 million investment, 2 500 tonnes/month production).
Jianqiang Cement Company (50 000 tonnes/month capacity).
Other Investments:
Mega Market is diversifying into trailer assembly with a US$1 million initial capital, and the Century Auto new vehicle manufacturing plant (valued at US$10 million) is 90 percent complete.
Fertiliser Sub-sector
The Government, through the Mutapa Investment Fund, injected US$5,3 million for the refurbishment of Dorowa Mine to improve local phosphate production. The number of local fertiliser producers has increased from 14 to 16, with more major investments planned.
Pillar 3: Implementation and Monitoring of the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan
A comprehensive implementation matrix is in place, with cluster meetings held monthly, quarterly reports produced, and biannual reviews conducted to track progress.
Pillar 4: Crafting of the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2 (2026-2030)
The draft policy document is now in place and is fully aligned to the National Development Strategy 2.
Other Success Stories:
Identification of over 100 idle industrial assets across nine provinces through a national audit.
Establishment of a Local Content Steering Committee and development of a Local Content Strategy (2026-2035)
The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe issued Circular No OPS/1 of 2025, which mandates Government to procure at least 60 percent from local manufacturers.
Conclusion of a mandate agreement for the industry to access the ZiG100 million Industry Development Fund provided for in the 2025 National Budget.
The plan has successfully laid a strong foundation for Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to industrial renewal despite challenges.
UPDATE REPORT ON VELD FIRES MANAGEMENT
Cabinet noted an update report on veld fires management.
Fire Incidences: A total of 211 fire incidences were reported in the week ending October 10, 2025, burning 76 940,61 hectares of veld, compared to 49 745,83 hectares burnt during the same period the previous year. The high incidence is attributed to increased windy conditions.
Losses: Three lives have been lost, and property valued at over US$1 454 850 (including agricultural equipment, tourism facilities, and household property) has been destroyed.
Prevalent Provinces: Veld fires have been most prevalent in Mashonaland West (46,06 percent), Mashonaland East (14,97 percent), and Mashonaland Central (14,73 percent).
Awareness: Government convened 177 fire awareness meetings, attended by 30 688 people, in the week ending October 10, 2025.
Advisory and Enforcement: Farmers are advised to ensure they have appropriate fire suppression measures, fire-fighting equipment, and teams. They are also urged to use appropriate land preparation tools other than fire during this fire restriction period. The Government will enforce relevant penalties for non-adherence to anti-veld fire regulations.
PRINCIPLES OF THE SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES BILL
Cabinet approved the principles of the Small and Medium Enterprises Bill.
Purpose: The Bill seeks to align the regulatory framework for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to emerging needs and global trends to ensure the sector contributes meaningfully to socio-economic transformation.
Amendments: The Bill will provide for the accreditation of MSMEs, MSME associations, and business development service providers, and will review the definition of MSMEs. It will also expand administrative and legislative measures to support the sector, streamline board appointments, and align governance provisions to corporate governance and public finance management principles.
Expected Outcome: Amending the Small and Medium Enterprises Act will enhance the formalization of MSMEs and bolster their participation in the economy, which will contribute significantly to employment, industrialisation, export growth, and the attainment of Vision 2030.
