Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
ZIMBABWE has made substantial progress in advancing key regional priorities, as part of its commitment to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) agenda through strategic initiatives in cybersecurity, economic recovery, youth empowerment, health financing and regional trade integration.
The achievements were highlighted by Zimbabwe’s representative to the SADC Parliamentary Forum Ms Maybe Mbowa, during her presentation at the 57th Plenary Assembly meeting in Victoria Falls last Thursday where she underscored the country’s proactive role in regional co-operation.
She was presenting the country report on Zimbabwe’s implementation of the resolutions adopted at the 56th Plenary Assembly meeting on the SADC Parliamentary Forum held in Livingstone, Zambia, in December 2024.
Ms Mbowa highlighted some of the strides that have been made, particularly in cyber security.
This was after the 56th plenary’s recommendation for member parliaments to enact laws safeguarding critical assets, privacy and children in the digital space.
“In alignment with global best practices, Zimbabwe has ratified key regional and international agreements to bolster cross-border digital co-operation.
“The country’s Data Protection Act (Chapter 12, Section 7 of 2021) establishes a robust legal framework for cyber security, while the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan and the National ICT Policy (2022-2027) accelerate digital transformation. These measures ensure safer online spaces, particularly for young users vulnerable to cyber threats and AI-related risks,” she said.
On economic revitalisation, Ms Mbowa told the regional bloc that Zimbabwe’s response to job losses triggered by the Covid-19 through the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (2024-2025).
She said the policy focuses on reducing business costs and fostering private sector collaboration.
“The manufacturing sector is projected to grow by 3.1 percent in 2024 and 3.5 percent in 2025, with capacity utilisation rising from 47 percent in 2020 to 55 percent in 2025,” she said.
She said Zimbabwe is positioning itself to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), having finalised rules of origin negotiations in 2023 to enhance trade preferences.
Responding to calls for increased health funding, Ms Mbowa said Zimbabwe has implemented innovative financing mechanisms, including the HIV and Aids Levy and new taxes targeting non-communicable diseases.
“The introduction of a sugar tax and revised food tax policies aims to improve public health outcomes while generating revenue for universal health coverage,” said Ms Mbowa.
These efforts align with SADC’s push for better Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) outcomes through sustainable domestic funding.
She said Zimbabwe is accelerating the alignment of its Public Finance Management Act with the SADC PF Model Law (2022) to enhance fiscal transparency and debt management accountability.
“Parliament is committed to ensuring effective financial governance in line with regional best practices,” she said.
Furthermore, to eliminate trade barriers, Ms Mbowa said Zimbabwe is prioritising infrastructure development, including the Harare-Beitbridge road (linking South Africa), Macheke-Plumtree Road (connecting Botswana and Mozambique), Harare-Nyamapanda road(facilitating trade with Malawi) and Beitbridge-Victoria Falls highway(enhancing Zambia-Namibia connectivity).
She said the projects reaffirm Zimbabwe’s dedication to seamless regional trade under AfCFTA.
Turning to addressing youth unemployment, Ms Mbowa told the regional bloc that Zimbabwe launched the Youth Empowerment Strategy (2024), emphasising digital literacy, skills training, and entrepreneurship, particularly for young women.
“Initiatives like the Digital Ambassadors Program and the US$7 million Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme provide funding and mining equipment to young entrepreneurs.
“Additionally, a US$10 million allocation from the National Irrigation Fund supports youth-led agricultural ventures, while the Youth Empowerment Bank ensures sustainable financial access,” she said.
Ms Mbowa confirmed Zimbabwe’s endorsement of transforming the SADC-PF into a Regional Parliament, having submitted amendments through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She said the country also supports increasing member subscriptions by April 2026 to counter inflation’s impact on the Forum’s budget. — @nyeve14
