President Mnangagwa Outlines Vision for Economic Growth as Parliament Opens Third Session

By Edward Makuzva

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday delivered the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, declaring that Zimbabwe’s economy was on a firm growth trajectory despite the continuing impact of Western-imposed sanctions.

Addressing legislators and dignitaries at the official opening of the Third Session of the Tenth Parliament, President Mnangagwa projected a 6.6% economic growth rate for 2025, anchored on strong performances in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism.

“The unity, peace, and resilience of our people have been the pillar of economic development in the face of illegal sanctions,” said President Mnangagwa. “Let us remain focused and disciplined as we entrench economic stability and growth on our march towards Vision 2030.”

Agriculture Leads Economic Recovery

The President attributed much of the projected growth to the Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy, which he said had transformed rural livelihoods.

More than three million households benefited from the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme, while the national cattle herd now stands at 5.7 million. Milk production, he added, has risen from 76.7 million litres in 2019 to 115 million litres in 2024.

President Mnangagwa revealed that irrigation coverage has expanded from 151,000 hectares in 2019 to 221,000 hectares, and to reach 496,000 hectares to enhance climate resilience.

The Government is also modernising the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) through the construction of 14 Artificial Intelligence-driven silo sites, which will add 750,000 tonnes of storage capacity.

Mining and Manufacturing Drive Industrial Growth

President Mnangagwa hailed the mining sector as a key pillar of the economy, highlighting growing investments in gold, lithium, iron and steel production. He noted that value addition, beneficiation, and new energy parks were creating jobs and boosting exports.

He said the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, already gazetted, would be finalised during this parliamentary session to tighten environmental and governance standards in the sector.

The President also noted that the manufacturing sector contributed 15.3% to GDP, thanks to new investments in steel, cement, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.

He urged citizens to take advantage of Community Economic Empowerment Trusts and newly reserved sectors to enhance local participation in the economy.

Tourism Shines on Global Stage

Tourism, which has been rebounding post-pandemic, received global acclaim when Forbes Magazine named Zimbabwe the “Best Must-Visit Destination in the World.”

President Mnangagwa called on Parliament to expedite the Tourism Amendment Bill, saying it would strengthen regulation and support continued growth.

Infrastructure, Energy and Currency Stability

The President reported significant progress on national infrastructure projects, including the Harare–Chirundu Road, Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road, and Christmas Pass by-pass, as well as interchanges in major cities such as the recently completed Trabablas Interchange.

He noted that electricity generation had improved, thanks to the licensing of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Captive Power Producers (CPPs).

The Rural Electrification Programme, President Mnangagwa added that it was lighting up both public institutions and homes across the country, ensuring that “no one and no place will be left behind.”

President Mnangagwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining the stability of the ZiG currency and controlling inflation, reporting that foreign currency inflows had increased to US$10.4 billion by August 2025, while reserves rose to US$900 million.

The World Bank, he said, recently ranked Zimbabwe first among the top 10 countries making the most progress in foreign currency reserve accumulation.

Social Protection and Human Development

On social welfare, the President revealed that the government would continue supporting vulnerable communities through programmes such as the Food Deficit Mitigation Programme, Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), and the Vulnerable Agriculture Input Scheme.

The health sector is undergoing modernisation, he said, focusing on infrastructure, digital health systems, and maternal and child healthcare.

The education sector will benefit from new public-private partnerships and vocational training upgrades, while the Digital Ambassadors Programme and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy will equip youth with future-ready skills.

“We remain committed to driving innovation for national growth and delivering a beneficial knowledge economy,” President Mnangagwa said.

War Veterans, Gender Equality and Drug Abuse

The President reaffirmed support for war veterans through empowerment programmes, revolving funds, and schemes targeting their children.

He also stressed gender equality, saying several new laws are being enacted or amended to eliminate imbalances and increase women’s participation across economic value chains.

President Mnangagwa described drug and substance abuse as a “scourge” threatening communities and commended civic organisations and the Angel of Hope Foundation for joining the fight.

Legislative Agenda and Call to Action

He outlined an ambitious legislative programme for the Third Session, urging Parliament to clear a backlog of Bills that includes the Persons with Disabilities Bill, Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Bill, and several others.

The President also announced new Bills, among them the National Productivity Institute Bill, Disaster Risk Management Bill, Sports Integrity Bill, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Bill, and amendments to the Veterans of the Liberation Act and National Heroes Act.

“The total backlog of outstanding Bills is unacceptable,” he told lawmakers. “I challenge this August House to do more to ensure that these Bills are brought before Parliament and finalised.”

Unity, Peace and Vision 2030

Concluding his address, President Mnangagwa called for unity, discipline, and hard work across all sectors as Zimbabwe pursues Vision 2030 — becoming an upper middle-income economy.

“We the people of this great nation are building our motherland step by step, brick by brick, and stone upon stone,” he declared. “There is no turning back. Victory, success, and prosperity are certain. Forward ever, backward never.”

The President then officially declared the Third Session of the Tenth Parliament open, setting the tone for another year of legislative and developmental momentum under the Second Republic.