By Edward Makuzva The 32nd Post-Cabinet Media Briefing outlined several major strategic initiatives the government is implementing to accelerate economic growth and infrastructure development across the country. According to the briefing, significant strides have been recorded in critical sectors such as agriculture, industry, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs). In the agricultural sector, efforts are being intensified to enhance productivity through increased mechanisation, irrigation rehabilitation, and the provision of inputs under various government-supported programmes. The industrial sector continues to register recovery and growth, driven by retooling initiatives, value addition, and import substitution measures under the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan. Meanwhile, the SME sector, a key driver of employment and innovation, is benefiting from targeted funding mechanisms and capacity-building initiatives aimed at formalising and expanding operations. Agricultural Progress The briefing revealed that Zimbabwe maintains sufficient national grain reserves, although some areas continue to experience localized shortages. The winter wheat harvesting season is progressing well, with 57.6% completed and a total yield of 385,267 tonnes recorded so far. Meanwhile, the barley harvest has produced 27,796 tonnes. Industrial DevelopmentGovernment is in the process of formulating the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2 (2026–2030). This policy seeks to tackle key challenges affecting manufacturing and commerce, curb import dependency, boost local production, and enhance export competitiveness. The new framework is being crafted in alignment with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS1). SME DevelopmentThe Cabinet has approved amendments to the Small and Medium Enterprises Bill, designed to accelerate the formalization of MSMEs, strengthen their role in the economy, and enhance their contribution to employment creation, industrialization, export growth, and the realization of Vision 2030. The commerce sector currently contributes up to 60% of Zimbabwe’s GDP, underscoring its critical role in national development. Veld Fire Management The briefing also underscored the urgent need to strengthen veld fire management. A total of 211 veld fires have been recorded to date, destroying 76,940.61 hectares of land, claiming three lives, and causing property losses exceeding US$1.45 million. To curb further destruction, the government has conducted 177 fire awareness meetings, reaching 30,688 people, and continues to urge farmers to establish firebreaks and adopt effective fire suppression strategies. Industrialization Agenda The Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (2024–2025) serves as a transitional framework bridging the gap between the expired Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy (2019–2023) and the forthcoming Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2 (2026–2030). The plan focuses on tackling challenges in manufacturing and commerce, reducing import dependence, boosting local production, and expanding export capacity. Collectively, these initiatives reaffirm the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth, job creation, and industrial transformation in pursuit of Vision 2030. Post navigation ZIM Industrial Growth Plan Drives Industrial Renewal President Mnangagwa’s Regulatory Reforms Signal a New Era of Business Confidence