1.0 UPDATE ON THE 2024 TO 2025 SUMMER CROPS MARKETING AND THE 2025 WINTER PRODUCTION PROGRAMMES
Cabinet received and noted an update on the 2024 to 2025 Summer Crops Marketing, and the 2025 Winter Crops Production Plan. The current grain stock at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) is 135 896 metric tonnes (MT), with 70 666 metric tonnes being wheat while the balance comprises maize, traditional grains and Genetically Modified Maize imports. In terms of crops marketed as of 2nd September 2025, the GMB has 8.3% of the intake, compared to the 12.7% recorded over the same period in 2024. Total marketed grain is 840 562 MT.
Cabinet highlights that a total of 354.8 million kilogrammes of tobacco have been sold so far, compared to the 231.8 million kilogrammes sold over the same period in 2024. Regarding cotton, 28 205 407 kilogrammes have been sold compared to 13 551 021 kilogrammes recorded over the same period in 2024. Page 2 of 14 The nation is also advised that a total of 122 566 hectares of wheat have been planted against the target of 120 000 hectares. There is enough manpower, vehicles, sprayers and chemicals to respond to quelea bird outbreaks, and localised district teams of first responders have been activated.
2.0 REVIEW OF LICENSES, PERMITS, LEVIES AND FEES IN THE TRANSPORT SECTOR
Cabinet considered and approved the review of licences, permits, levies and fees in the transport sector in line with the earlier Cabinet decision of 29 July, 2025 which approved the implementation of a raft of business reforms in twelve sectors of the economy. The review process is aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, increasing competitiveness and enhancing the growth of the Zimbabwean economy.
Cabinet streamlined regulatory overlaps and duplications, rationalized licences and permits, removed unnecessary levies and fees and lowered unjustifiably high levies and fees for the following transport sub-sectors: passenger transport; haulage and cargo; taxi services; and other transport services in tobacco transportation and boating services.
Cabinet also reviewed cross-cutting licences, permits, levies and fees that have a significant impact beyond the transport sector and relate to the following: vehicle registration by the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR); vehicle licencing by the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (ZINARA); vehicle change of ownership by CVR, ZINARA and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA); parking fees and related traffic management fees by Local Authorities. The reviewed Licences, Permits, Levies and Fees will be subjected to further refinements. However, Cabinet directed that the US$23 000 duty on transit fuel payable to ZIMRA be immediately scrapped. The relevant Statutory Instrument will be repealed accordingly.
3.0 THE 2025 TO 2026 SEASONAL RAINFALL FORECAST
Cabinet noted the predicted seasonal climate indicators influencing Zimbabwe’s forthcoming rainfall patterns as informed by the Meteorological Services Department in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife. Accordingly, the nation is advised that the 2025-2026 rainfall season will be largely similar to the 2024-2025 season. A delayed, erratic start with initial dry conditions in October-November is expected, particularly in northern provinces, while the southern and western regions may receive normal to above-normal rains early on.
However, prospects for improvement will be realised nationally from December onwards, though the northern areas may dry out again later in the season. This high variability will necessitate proactive risk management, including delayed planting by dryland farmers, robust water conservation, and preparedness for both dry spells and extreme weather events such as floods.
Cabinet wishes to advise that the Meteorological Services Department will continue to monitor seasonal climate indicators that influence Zimbabwe’s rainfall as they evolve. Thus, the seasonal rainfall predictions will be updated on a monthly basis. In addition, there will be daily weather forecasts and 10-day weather bulletins that will take into account any changes.
4.0 UPDATE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BAN ON ALLUVIAL MINING ON BANKS OF DEGRADED RIVERS
Cabinet received an update on the Implementation of the Ban on Alluvial Mining on Banks of Degraded Rivers. The enforcement of Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024 is ongoing, with most provinces reporting significant progress in operations to eliminate alluvial mining. Since alluvial mining has largely ceased, attention has now shifted to the rehabilitation of degraded sites, with liability for the rehabilitation being borne by the perpetrators through the “Polluter Pays Principle”.
To enforce this aspect, the “Polluter Pays Principle” shall be strengthened through the development of appropriate regulations and the strengthening of the existing legislative framework. The legislative reform shall be expedited to ensure environmental justice and accountability in view of public interest. There were no identified alluvial mining sites in need of rehabilitation in Matabeleland North, Masvingo Provinces and Bulawayo and Harare Metropolitan provinces. Meanwhile, Government continues to heighten the monitoring and evaluation as well as enforcement mechanisms.
5.0 REPORTS ON PRIORITY PROJECTS FOR THE SECOND 100- DAY CYCLE OF 2025
Under the Social Protection and Moving the Economy up the Value Chain and Economic Growth and Stability Thematic Areas of the National Development Strategy 1, the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development highlighted the following achievements:
i. Commencement of operations at he Hauna Fruits and Vegetable Processing Plant in Mutasa District, Manicaland Province;
ii. Provision of dairy livestock to 24 beneficiaries in the Cynara Dairy Cooperative in Mutasa District, Manicland Province;
iii. Disbursement of funds to 31 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises located across the 10 provinces of Zimbabwe;
iv. Retooling of food processing and metal fabrication plants for Small and Medium Enterprises in all provinces;
v. Facilitating exposure to local and regional markets for 138 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises;
vi. Construction of Chikomba Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Hub in Chikomba District, Mashonaland East Province; Under the Governance pillar of the National Development Strategy 1, the Minister of Industry and Commerce as the Acting Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage reported the following progress:
i. decentralization of passport services to the Zim-London Embassy in the United Kingdom;
ii. the establishment of an Online Border Management System, which is almost complete;
iii. the deployment of a Smart Traffic Management System in Harare, starting with 20 sites;
iv. the capacitation of 50 Police Stations communication gadgets; and
v. implementation of an electronic Case Management System at Warren Park Police Station in Harare Metropolitan Province. Under the Youth, Sport and Culture pillar of the National Development Strategy 1, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage established the following:
i. Nechombo Community Archive in Mashonaland East Province;
ii. the Sikombela Monument Museum in Gokwe South District, Midlands Province; and
iii. The Altena Farm Monument in Centenary District, Mashonaland Central Province. Under Infrastructure and Utilities pillar of the National Development Strategy 1, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage commenced construction of a clinic in the Chimusasa area of Nyanga District, Manicaland Province and construction of a classroom block at Kundayi High School in Concession, Mazowe District in Mashonaland Central Province. Under the Housing and Utility pillar of the National Development Strategy 1, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage is constructing a New Administration Block for the Zimbabwe Republic Police at Nembudziya Growth Point. Under the Youth, Sport and Culture pillar of the National Development Strategy 1, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training reported the following progress:
i. the successful convening of the 33rd session of the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe on 20th June 2025 at the Parliament of Zimbabwe in Mt Hampden;
ii. construction of a girls hostel at Nyamuroro Vocational Training Centre in Gokwe South District, Midlands Province;
iii. 60% construction of Sivomo Vocational Training Centre;-
iv. 30% construction of Kadoma Vocational Training Centre; and convening of a National Youth Empowerment Symposium.
6.0 UPDATE ON PREPARATIONS FOR THE 18TH EDITION OF THE SANGANAI/HLANGANANI/KUMBANAYI WORLD TOURISM EXPO 2025
Cabinet received an update on Preparations for the 18th Edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo 2025. In keeping with the national devolution agenda, the 2025 edition will be the first in the Expo’s 18-year history to be hosted in Manicaland Province and the venue will be the recently renovated Mutare Sports Club. The decision decentralises tourism benefits and strengthens the visibility and inclusivity of provincial tourism benefits.
The event will be held from 10th to 12th September, 2025 under the theme “Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development—Our Future”. The refurbishment of Grand Reef Airport, which had been idle since 1980, has paved way for air travel directly into Mutare. This refurbishment has already facilitated the reintroduction of Air Zimbabwe flights between Harare and Mutare. The restoration of air connectivity is a game changer for the Expo and also for long-term domestic and international tourism traffic into the Eastern Highlands. Meanwhile, the National Railways of Zimbabwe under the Mutapa Investment Fund has similarly refurbished the Harare-Mutare rail network.
Road networks have also been rehabilitated through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, further enhancing ease of access to Mutare. To date, 83 companies from 20 countries have confirmed their participation as buyers and exhibitors. The countries include Botswana, Ghana Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, China, South Korea, India, Hong Kong, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
In addition to these international participants, 12 local companies will be engaging directly with these international buyers and exchanging knowledge, products and services to foster business linkages and investment opportunities. Overall, the Expo will feature a total of 420 exhibitors representing both domestic and international tourism stakeholders. A number of programmes and activities have been lined up, as follows: Road Shows around Rusape, Nyazura, Chipembere, Riverside, Odzi Turnoff, Mutare City, Zimunya, Dangamvura, Sakubva and Chikanga; a Tourism Investment Conference; Sanganai Buyers, Media, and Exhibitors Welcome Reception; Buyers Night Life Tours; and the Tourism Scholastica Conference, among others. The Official Opening ceremony will be held on 10th September, 2025.
7.0 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME
7.1 Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Zimbabwe on Cooperation in the Field of Social Development.
Cabinet considered and approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Zimbabwe on Cooperation in the Field of Social Development. The Memorandum of Understanding seeks to provide a framework for cooperation between the Republics of Zimbabwe and South Africa in the field of social development, more particularly addressing the following issues: substance abuse, including demand reduction, rehabilitation and psychosocial support; community reintegration strategies for alcohol and drug abuse victims; promotion of sustainable livelihoods; and social protection for vulnerable groups, including children; and children on the move and children’s rights. Other matters will include child protection in emergencies, alternative care and adoption; social aspects of HIV and AIDS; older persons; capacity building for social welfare development professionals; and the operations of non-profit organisations in civil society.
8.0 REPORTS ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS MATTERS
8.1 Report on His Excellency the President’s Visit to the Vatican: 29 to 31 August, 2025
Cabinet received and noted the report on His Excellency the President’s Visit to the Vatican from 30 to 31 August 2025 at the invitation of the Holy Father, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The outcomes of the State Visit included strengthened diplomatic relations and cooperation between Zimbabwe and the Vatican in education, climate change management, justice, youth empowerment, inclusive governance, healthcare, agriculture, humanitarian assistance and community development as well as regional and global peace-building efforts, multilateral cooperation and the promotion of dialogue among nations.
8.2 Report on His Excellency the President’s Visit to the People’s Republic of China from 1st To 5th September, 2025
Cabinet received and noted the report on His Excellency the President’s Visit to the People’s Republic of China from 1st to 5th September 2025 for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti- Fascist War. The event was held in Beijing, China on 3 September, 2025. The visit was significant in solidifying the excellent relations which were elevated to “an all-weather Community with a Shared Future,” also known as a “Five Star Iron-clad” relationship. The two leaders undertook to establish a debt clearance mechanism that will significantly unlock further investments in Zimbabwe. The Visit further provided a platform for His Excellency the President to engage the China Rail International Group and its subsidiary, China Railways Resource Group, Huawei Technologies and China North Industries Corporation. Mutual Strategies for the revival of the National Railways of Zimbabwe were agreed upon during the visit.
8.3 Report on His Excellency the President’s Official State Visit to Eswatini: 5th To 7th September 2025
Cabinet noted the Report on His Excellency the President’s Visit to Eswatini from 5th to 7th September 2025 at the invitation of his counterpart His Majesty King Mswati 111. The visit was critical in strengthening longstanding political and diplomatic ties between the two countries and the creation of avenues for further partnerships in agriculture, trade, education, science, innovation, manufacturing, renewable energy and technology as well as collaboration in the pursuit of peace, regional integration, modernisation, and industrialization for posterity. The visit also provided a platform for His Excellency the President to officially open the 57th Eswatini International Page 13 of 14 Trade Fair in Manzini. The endorsement of direct flights for Eswatini Airlines between Harare and Manzini was a milestone for increased tourism, business linkages and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
8.4 Report on the Visit and Participation at the 20th C11 India Africa Business Forum by Honourable Vice President General (Retired) Dr. C.G.D.N. Chiwenga from 22nd to 30th August, 2025.
Cabinet noted the Report on the Visit by Honourable Vice President Chiwenga to the 20th Confederation of Indian Industry India- Africa Business Forum from 22nd to 30th August, 2025. The purpose of the visit was to promote Zimbabwe’s strategic investment destination, to deepen bilateral economic ties and secure partnerships in mining , agriculture, textiles, tourism, renewable energy , infrastructure, and healthcare. The visit included participation at the Chalo Zimbabwe Forum in Surat and the India- Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi . Based on the Visit, Cabinet noted that the following outcomes were achieved:
i. strengthening bilateral investment in key sectors;
ii. forging strategic partnerships in skills development and academic collaboration;
iii. enhancing of prospects for modernisation of agricultural systems and rural livelihoods;
iv. prospects for enhancing tourism and cultural exchange;
v. establishment of direct flights between Zimbabwe and India; and promotion of Brand Zimbabwe.
