KEY POINTS
- Mnangagwa expects economic rebound driven by fiscal and monetary reforms.
- Government commits to housing development and rehabilitation nationwide.
- Rural modernization remains a core goal, supporting better infrastructure.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is confident Zimbabwe’s economy is on course for a rebound, despite the challenges brought on by the El Niño-induced drought.
Speaking during the final cabinet meeting of the year in Harare, the President highlighted key fiscal and monetary reforms as the primary drivers of the projected economic recovery.
President Mnangagwa acknowledged the toll that adverse weather conditions have taken on agricultural output, but he remained optimistic.
“On the economic front, the revision of the economic growth projections on the back of the El Niño-induced drought’s negative impact on agricultural output was inevitable.
However, we remain resolute and optimistic that the fiscal and monetary reforms introduced during the year will increasingly underpin currency stability and usher economic rebound,” he said.
The President’s remarks came during the 41st and final cabinet meeting of 2024, where he assessed government achievements across various sectors.
While addressing ministers, he emphasized that cabinet business should always take precedence over other engagements, instructing the Chief Secretary to monitor attendance closely.
Housing development takes center stage in Zimbabwe’s growth plan
One of the key highlights of Mnangagwa’s cabinet address was his commitment to housing development.
According to ZBC News, he noted that the government’s ongoing investments in housing had led to the commissioning and handover of numerous housing projects.
He assured citizens that more resources would be allocated toward residential development and the rehabilitation of both residential and institutional accommodation nationwide.
“It is encouraging that the housing stock in our country is modernising and improving in both quality and quantity,” he said.” Government will on its part continue to channel resources towards housing delivery as well as the upgrading and rehabilitation of both residential and institutional accommodation nationwide.”
This housing development initiative is part of Zimbabwe’s broader goal of providing quality living spaces for its citizens, especially in urban and rural areas.
By prioritizing housing, the government aims to bridge the gap between demand and supply, while also improving the standard of living for Zimbabweans.
Rural development and decentralisation remain core government priorities
President Mnangagwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the “leaving no one and no place behind” development agenda.
This initiative aims to ensure that Zimbabwe’s rural communities are not left behind in the government’s efforts toward modernization and improved infrastructure.
He said, “The modernisation and development indicators that are evident throughout all provinces and districts of the country undoubtedly speak to the ongoing success of our decentralisation and devolution agenda.
This has seen an improved standard of life and living environments for our people with enhanced basic social services infrastructure, particularly in health and education as well as water and sanitation.”
The President cited evidence of progress in rural areas, where infrastructure projects in education, health, and water sanitation have improved living conditions.
By prioritizing rural development, Zimbabwe aims to achieve a more balanced and inclusive national growth strategy.
In 2025, the government is expected to maintain its focus on decentralization as a means to ensure that all regions of Zimbabwe benefit from government initiatives.
President Mnangagwa emphasized that government business would not be halted during the end-of-year break, noting that service delivery would remain uninterrupted.
