Story by Oleen Ndori
Government has expressed satisfaction with progress made in achieving the objectives of the National Development Strategy One (NDS1), as the country embarks on a roadmap for transitioning to NDS2.
Since its rolling out in January 2021, the National Development Strategy One sought to grow the economy after successful stabilisation efforts under the Transitional Stabilisation Programme.
In a post-cabinet media briefing in Harare this Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere outlined progress made in economic growth and stability, food security and nutrition, human capital development and inclusive structural transformation.
“Some of the achievements include fiscal consolidation, monetary policy restoration, the liberalisation of foreign exchange, market structural and governance reforms, infrastructural development, engagement and re-engagement. We are also satisfied with the growth of the economy in terms of GDP.
“Pre-new dispensation, or before the TSP and the NDS1, the size of the economy was below 20 billion now it’s plus 60 billion, so it means the economy is growing. Even if you analyse the GDP per capita, as we journey towards an upper middle income society, we are satisfied with the positive changes that have taken place,” he said.
With Zimbabwe having successfully hosted the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, the Transform Africa Summit and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s participation at various international fora, Dr Muswere noted the success under the image building, engagement and re-engagement thrust of the economic blueprint.
“Then it in terms of re-engagement, I think we are all basking in the glory in terms of the achievements that have been led by His Excellency the President, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, in terms of the re-engagement and engagement strategy, the it in terms of a change of attitude with the Western countries, or the it, the number of visitors that have visited our country.
“We could start with the Transform Africa Summit where plus six heads of state visited Zimbabwe, plus seven prime ministers and 40 ministers coming to Zimbabwe. This is a change in terms of international relations. We can talk about the SADC Summit, we can talk about so many success stories in terms of our international relations. So all these are achievements.”
The National Development Strategy Two, which will run from 2026 – 2030, is expected to propel sustainable economic growth of the country towards an upper middle income society by 2030.
