Story by Tichaona Kurewa
HARARE – ZIMBABWE’S economic planning is poised for a significant step forward as the government enters the final stretch of implementing the National Development Strategy One (NDS1), with preparatory work for the successor blueprint NDS2 already underway.
Launched in 2021, NDS1 has been instrumental in guiding the country’s socio-economic development.
Its notable milestones include macroeconomic stabilisation, the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure such as roads and dams, and the introduction of the new structured currency, among other achievements.
Speaking on the sidelines of stakeholder consultations, the Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Honourable David Mnangagwa, said NDS2 will be informed by key lessons drawn from the current framework.
“We are currently assessing 2025 as the wrap-up year for NDS1, reviewing areas of success, identifying gaps, and exploring new sectors to include in NDS2,” he said.
He emphasised that greater attention will be given to small and micro-enterprises, with plans underway to develop a comprehensive register for small businesses.
“We intend to establish a small business register, which will allow our economic planning to be more granular ensuring that the micro-business person is not left behind,” he said.
As the country builds momentum toward achieving its Vision 2030 goal of becoming an upper-middle-income society, Honourable Mnangagwa underscored the importance of aligning the next development strategy with emerging technologies and shifting global dynamics.
“New technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, along with changing global geopolitical trends, are being factored into our strategic planning. We must remain agile and future-oriented,” he added.
Consultations with key stakeholders are expected to continue throughout 2025, ensuring broad-based input into the formulation of NDS2.
The National Development Strategy series, launched under the Second Republic, is central to Zimbabwe’s economic transformation agenda, and NDS2 is expected to consolidate the progress made under NDS1 while introducing innovative and inclusive growth mechanisms.
