Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa is strengthening regional integration by upgrading Zimbabwe’s engagement with neighbouring countries, shifting from Joint Permanent Commissions of Cooperation to full Binational Commissions.
At the 36th meeting held in Harare this Tuesday, the Cabinet considered a range of issues, including diplomatic relations, agricultural developments, infrastructure projects, and progress on the construction of the National Sports Stadium, among other matters.
On the diplomatic front, it emerged that President Mnangagwa is championing regional integration through upgrading relations with other countries.
“One-Stop Border Posts at Forbes-Machipanda and Nyamapanda-Cuchamano will be operational by the end of the first quarter of 2026. The Bi-National Commission directed the removal of all barriers to the movement of people, goods, services, and all tariffs and Non-Tariff barriers to trade under the SADC and African Continental Free Trade Area frameworks. Three Memoranda of Understanding on Women Empowerment and Gender Equality, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Youth Development were also signed during the Bi-National Commission,” the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere said.
“President Mnangagwa continues to entrench regional integration through the creation of Binational Commissions with South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, and Botswana, among other nations. It is one huge step towards creating more of these,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira said.
Trials to produce hard wheat are underway after the country registered a record-breaking 640 thousand metric tonnes of soft wheat this season.
“The harvesting of the wheat crop has been completed, with a total of 640 195 metric tonnes harvested from 122 146 hectares, at an average yield of 5.2 metric tonnes per hectare.
“Trials are underway at ARDA to produce a variety with “hard wheat characteristics. A total of 47 709 metric tonnes of barley has been harvested from the 6,156 hectares planted. A higher average yield of 7.75 metric tonnes per hectare has been achieved, compared to the 7 metric tonnes per hectare in 2024,” Dr Muswere said.
“We produce soft wheat, and we are self-sufficient in that regard. We could not produce hard wheat, and we are convinced that, after research, we can start conversations around policy. ARDA is already implementing trials for this,” the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka said.
Zimbabwe has enjoyed increased tourist arrivals from Spain, which prompted the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries to promote the growth of the sector.
“Before COVID-19, Spain was one of our major source markets, and during this year, at least 8 000 visitors from that country have been recorded. This is one country which has adopted gastronomy tourism, which is being championed by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, so the MOU will increase tourist arrivals,” Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbra Rwodzi said.
The construction and refurbishment of the National Sports Stadium is expected to be complete early next year.
“I am happy with the progress that I have seen and the work being done by contractors. We adopted the public-private partnership model to ensure the completion of the facility. I gave contractors a deadline that by the beginning of next year, they must be done paving way for the utilisation of the facility,” Rtd) Anselem Sanyatwe (Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lieutenant General said.
Other issues discussed include the construction of student accommodation at universities, agro-processing plants, Mutoko bio-economical industrial parks, and Marondera flats, among other human capital development and innovation initiatives.
