AS National Development Strategy Two (NDS2) thematic clusters are wrapping up consultations, government says the process will blend lessons from NDS1 with fresh stakeholder input in order to come up with an effective blueprint.
The National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) thematic clusters are set to conclude their priority consultations this Friday and meetings which are underway in Kadoma are aimed at shaping Zimbabwe’s next blueprint, building on lessons and achievements from NDS1.
Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Mr Willard Manungo said the deliberations will merge input from these consultations with terminal results from NDS1 to produce a comprehensive national document.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana, who co-chairs the thematic cluster on Image Building, International Relations and Trade, stressed that alongside sectoral development, Zimbabwe must continue to strengthen its global image.
“Branding Zimbabwe positively is not just a public relations exercise, it is an economic strategy. We must tell our own story, showcase our successes, and project the opportunities that exist here. A well-branded Zimbabwe attracts investors, tourists, and partners, creating the socio-economic momentum needed to achieve our development goals,” he said.
Fellow permanent secretaries, who are part of the 10 national priority areas tool stock of progress achieved in NDS1 ahead of the next blueprint.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Engineer Gloria Magombo highlighted gains in the energy sector.
“Through NDS1, we commissioned units 7 and 8 at Hwange, rehabilitated existing plants, and invested in renewable energy projects. This has added hundreds of megawatts to the grid and improved stability. However, over 400 000 homesteads still need to be connected to the national grid. We are inviting private investors to partner with us in extending transmission and distribution infrastructure so that every household can access reliable power and contribute to economic growth.”
“We have widened and resurfaced the Beitbridge–Harare highway, upgraded the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road, and improved rural feeder roads. The Beitbridge Border Post has been fully modernised, significantly cutting clearance times for both cargo and passengers. We have also rehabilitated major airports such as R. G. Mugabe International and Victoria Falls International Airports to meet global standards. Going forward, we are preparing to start working on the Chirundu–Harare corridor, ensuring our transport network continues to facilitate investment, tourism, and trade across the region,” the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Joy Makumbe highlighted.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Mr Solomon Mhlanga stated youth-focused initiatives.
“The National Youth Empowerment Strategy 2026–2030, recently approved by Cabinet, provides a roadmap for skills development, entrepreneurship support, and youth participation in national projects and it is feeding directly into our NDS2 priorities. We are revitalising vocational training centres to equip young people with modern, industry-relevant skills, while expanding access to funding and mentorship. Thousands of youths have already benefited from technical training, business loans, and enterprise incubation, and we are determined to build on that momentum so that young Zimbabweans remain at the heart of our economic transformation.”
The final NDS2 document is expected to set the tone for accelerated economic growth, building firmly on the foundation laid by NDS1.
