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Nqobile Tshili, [email protected]

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has noted the transformative achievements in mining, agriculture and infrastructure development since the coming in of the Second Republic saying these have laid a solid foundation for the country’s prosperity and attainment of Vision 2030.

Guided by the National Development Strategy (NDS1), the Second Republic has championed various comprehensive socio-economic interventions and projects that have positioned Zimbabwe on a path to modernity with positive impact on ordinary people’s livelihoods.

The pro-development policies have enhanced the country’s attractiveness to fresh investments and rejuvenated domestic business confidence across economic sectors.

President Mnangagwa has said the strides in the mining sector, agriculture, tourism and infrastructure development, stand out as shining examples of his administration’s commitment to deliver an upper-middle-income economy target for the benefit of all Zimbabweans.

In a statement posted on his X handle yesterday, the President reflected on the just-ended Zanu-PF 21st National People’s Conference, where he touched on a number of progress points achieved under the Second Republic, and re-affirmed the party’s determination to deliver tangible results. 

The Zanu-PF 21st Annual National People’s Conference ended on a high note in Bulawayo on Saturday under the theme: “Industrialise and Modernise Towards the Attainment of Vision 2030”, with close to 4  000 delegates participating.

“At the 21st Zanu-PF Conference, we renewed our pledge to unity, peace, and development in pursuit of Vision 2030. Together, we are building a modern Zimbabwe, brick by brick,” he said. 

“Our progress in agriculture, mining, and infrastructure is the foundation of a prosperous future. Pamberi ne Zanu-PF!” reads President Mnangagwa’s statement.

Speaking during the opening session of the party’s Indaba on Friday, President Mnangagwa said the mining sector, in particular, has recording significant growth as it is now contributing 18 percent to the gross domestic product.

“The resilience of the mining sector is evident through the realisation of 84 percent capacity utilisation in 2024 with an expected jump to 90 percent in 2025. 

“Overall, mining industry growth was at seven percent in 2024, despite low commodity prices. The sector is contributing 75 percent of our country’s exports and 18 percent of GDP,” said President Mnangagwa.

He said gold output on one hand, especially from artisanal and small-scale miners, has been growing month on month and the Government is periodically reviewing incentives in the sector for the realisation of win-win benefits.

Under the Second Republic, the agricultural sector has similarly recorded noticeable growth resulting in Zimbabwe producing surpassing pre-land reform productions, especially in wheat and tobacco farming.

President Mnangagwa said the Agriculture Food Systems and Transformation Strategy is guaranteeing national food security and nutrition.

“I commend provinces, farmers and stakeholders in the agriculture sector for the expected bumper winter wheat harvest, as well as growth milestones in the horticulture sector,” he told delegates. 

“The promise of good rains during the 2024/2025 summer cropping season should see thorough preparations. 

“The party, along with Government ministries, departments and agencies, is tasked to ensure that inputs for the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme are timely distributed,” said President Mnangagwa.

Through the Second Republic’s policies, Zimbabwe is now wheat sufficient while indigenous Zimbabweans now dominant the tobacco production.

He said for the agricultural sector to realise its full potential, there is a need to eliminate corruption and favouritism during the inputs distribution exercise.

“A comprehensive farmer-driven livestock feeding programme launched by Government is helping to minimise drought-related livestock deaths. The construction of new dams is on-going,” said President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa

He also vowed that his administration will deliver the promise on completing the Lake Gwayi-Tshangani project and shame the prophets of doom. This includes ensuring that Harare gets water from Kunzvi Dam.

In terms of infrastructure development, President Mnangagwa said the construction and maintenance of national road networks was ongoing and flagged out the upgrading the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls and Harare-Chirundu roads, among other roads.

Meanwhile, Zanu-PF Secretary-General Dr Obert Mpofu has described the party’s 21st National People’s Conference as highly successful and commended delegates for producing people-centric policies.

“Bulawayo province delivered a conference that was well-organised and one that ensured fruitful deliberations. 

“The gathering in Bulawayo demonstrated how serious Zanu-PF takes issues to do with improving the lives of our people,” wrote Dr Mpofu in his weekly column published on our sister paper, Sunday News yesterday. 

“Whatever Zanu PF endeavours to do is for the benefit of our people, and nothing else. This is what we have done previously and continue to do. The 21st National People’s Conference has re-energised our party as we strive towards Vision 2030.” 

He said the conference renewed vigour and hope to deliver the mandate of transforming people’s lives. Dr Mpofu said under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, the party is now shifting towards the implementation of its resolutions by the Government.

“Now, the conference as usual came up with a list of resolutions for implementation by the Government, which are meant to ensure that they improve the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans and meet the targets of Vision 2030,” said Dr Mpofu. 

“The Zanu-PF Government led by President ED Mnangagwa will strive to ensure that all resolutions adopted at the conference are implemented.”– @nqotshili