Online Reporter
Fourteenth Post-Cabinet Press Briefing May 27, 2025
Today, May 27, 2025, His Excellency the President, Dr ED Mnangagwa chaired the 14th Cabinet Meeting and the following issues, among others, were considered and approved:
1.0 Report on the Extraordinary Meeting of the Committee of Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management
Cabinet considered and noted the Report on the Extraordinary Meeting of the Committee of Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management. The Meeting deliberated on the full operationalisation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre domiciled in the Republic of Mozambique which coordinates regional disaster risk preparedness, response and support to Member States affected by disasters. The Meeting also approved the constitution of the Members of the First Governing Board of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre as well as approval of the Members of the SADC Emergency Response Team as presented by the Secretariat, as this will facilitate effective response to the broad range of disasters the region continues to face.
2.0 Report on the Visit To Zimbabwe by the Namibian President, Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on May 20, 2025
Cabinet received and noted the Report on the visit to Zimbabwe by the Namibian President, Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on May 20, 2025. The President, His Excellency Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, received the President of the Republic of Namibia, Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House in Harare on May 20, 2025. Zimbabwe and Namibia are desirous to deepen bilateral cooperation, as evidenced by the elevation of their Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) to a Bi-National Commission (BNC). The two nations committed to ensuring acceleration of implementation of the instruments of cooperation. On its part, Government of Zimbabwe is committed to joining the Trans Kalahari Corridor, a transport and trade route that will contribute to the increase and harmonisation of trade between Zimbabwe and Namibia, and the Southern African region as a whole. Government commits to ensuring that the Walvis Bay Dry Port, becomes fully operational and Zimbabwe will join the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor connecting Namibia, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a bid to boost trade and enhance regional integration.
3.0 Report on the Sadc Transfronrier Conservation Areas International Conference and Summit Held on May 23, 2025
Cabinet received and noted the Report of the inaugural SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas Summit of Heads of State and Government held on May 23, 2025. The Summit of Heads of State and Government was preceded by the meetings of the SADC Council of Ministers; the Committee of Ministers responsible for Environment, Natural Resources and Tourism; and the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas Conference which were held successively from May 19-22, 2025. The Summit was held under the theme, “SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas: 25 Years of Cooperation for Regional Integration and Sustainable Development”, which resonate with national and regional objectives of building collaboration in the management, conservation and sustainable use of shared natural resources. The Summit recognised the contribution of Transfrontier Conservation Areas to regional integration and sustainable development and identified areas that require intervention. The Summit urged Member States to enhance inclusion and participation of rural communities and to develop effective solutions to address wildlife conflict. The SADC Secretariat was directed to develop regional guidelines on community engagement and community based natural resources management. On a related matter, His Excellency the President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa launched the Zimbabwe Carbon Trading Framework and Carbon Registry on the sidelines of the Summit. As a result, the country is now assured of attaining fair value for its emission reduction contributions.
4.0 Report on the Visit to the Vatican City for the Inaugural Mass of The Holy Father, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV from May 17-18, 2025
Cabinet received and noted the Report on the visit to the Vatican City for the Inaugural Mass of the Holy Father, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The Vice President, Honourable Gen. (Rtd) Dr CGDN Chiwenga participated at the Inaugural Mass of the Holy Father, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican City from May 17-18, 2025. The event was graced by an assembly of world leaders reflecting the global significance of the Papacy. The Pope convened a diplomatic audience where he outlined his vision centred on global solidarity, social equity, climate change and a renewed partnership with Africa. A strong desire to collaborate with African nations through multilateral frameworks in key areas like education, youth empowerment, social development, healthcare, religious tourism, and cultural diplomacy was emphasised, highlighting an opportunity for Zimbabwe’s growth and development. Government acknowledges the ongoing partnerships with the Catholic Church in the sectors of education and health and is committed to deepening this collaboration by inviting more proactive support in building the Zimbabwe Catholic University and financially supporting Catholic institutions contributing to economic growth particularly in agriculture and rural industrialisation. The importance of reclaiming and documenting Zimbabwe’s rich Catholic heritage, specifically the early religious voyages of the Mutapa Princes, was also underscored.
5.0 Report on the Innovation Africa Summit of Ministers of Education, Information Communication and Technology, and Skills Held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from April 27-30, 2025
Cabinet received and noted the Report on the Innovation Africa Summit of Ministers of Education, Information Communication and Technology, and Skills which was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from April 27 to 30, 2025. The Innovation Africa Summit was established in 2012 and convenes governments, private sector leaders and development partners to align strategies for transformative education and training systems. The 14th Session of the Summit was held in Ethiopia under the theme “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century”, building on the African Union’s 2024 mandate to foster resilient, inclusive, and digitally enabled education systems. The objective of the Summit was to address Africa’s education gaps through public-private partnerships, and the focus areas included digital transformation, teacher development, equitable access and alignment with African Union Agenda 2063, Sustainable Development Goal four (SDG 4), and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (2016-2025). As a way forward, the Government of Zimbabwe will partner with the Digital Schools and Global Skilling Academies of the United Arab Emirates to harness the potential of solar energy, digital education, skills development, and public-private community partnerships, to drive inclusive growth in Zimbabwe’s rural communities. Additionally, the Government of Zimbabwe will further strengthen Competence-Based Education and Training reforms. More than 10 000 teachers and lecturers will receive annual training in artificial intelligence and digital literacy. To promote inclusivity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, Government will leverage the One Laptop per Child initiative’s subsidised model. This strategic partnership aims to provide affordable access to digital learning tools, bridging the gap between urban and rural areas, and empowering students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Furthermore, concerted efforts will be made to promote STEM inclusivity for women and girls, ensuring they access equal opportunities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The strategy will empower women and girls to take up leadership roles in these critical areas. Notably, Government will establish more ICT manufacturing hubs as part of the SADC Industrialisation initiative, while also integrating hydrogen energy and solar-powered technologies into the innovation pillars of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). The strategic move aims to drive industrial growth, promote sustainable energy solutions, and foster innovation in key sectors.
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