THE government is undertaking consultative processes for the formulation of the National Development Strategy Two (2026-2030), which is expected to give further impetus to Zimbabwe’s journey towards attaining an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
With the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which spans from 2021 to 2025, drawing to a close this year, preparations are already underway to shape the second phase of Zimbabwe’s economic transformation blueprint.
Presenting the ten thematic areas that will guide NDS2 during a stakeholder engagement in Harare this Wednesday, the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, said the strategy would consolidate the progress made under NDS1 and sharpen focus on national priorities.
“The National Development Strategy 2 will serve as the second five-year medium-term economic plan under the Second Republic, aimed at achieving Vision 2030. Following Cabinet’s approval of the NDS2 roadmap on September 17, 2024, the government has appointed chairpersons and co-chairpersons for each of the ten thematic working groups. These groups will consult widely across their domains to determine appropriate strategies and interventions aligned to national priorities,” Professor Ncube said.
He added that the consultations will adopt a participatory approach to promote inclusivity and national ownership of the strategy.
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, reinforced the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusiveness in the formulation process.
“The successful implementation of NDS2 requires transformative leadership, alignment of goals across sectors, and collaboration from all stakeholders. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed that the consultative process be inclusive and comprehensive, capturing a wide range of voices from across the country, ensuring that no one and no place is left behind,” he said.
He further noted that NDS2 would establish a robust framework for aligning planning, budgeting, and execution of public investments.
The strategy will also define minimum service standards at all levels and adopt integrated results-based management principles.
Specific performance indicators will be used to measure progress and ensure the delivery of tangible development outcomes.
Stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, academia, and religious institutions attended the launch and welcomed government’s inclusive approach to policy formulation.
“As stakeholders in the transport sector, we are pleased that our concerns will be addressed. It is encouraging that the government is engaging all sectors,” one participant said.
“The inclusion of the church in this process shows that government is not working in isolation but drawing from the collective wisdom of its citizens,” another added.
The National Development Strategy 2, which is expected to be officially launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa later this year, will cover ten thematic areas.
These include sustainable macroeconomic growth and stability, food security and agriculture, health and well-being, education and skills development, image building, international engagement and re-engagement, as well as social protection and inclusive development.
