Zimbabwe Closes 2025 on a High Note

Zimbabwe closed 2025 on a high note, with the administration of Emmerson Mnangagwa delivering a raft of signature projects that have laid a strong foundation for the rollout of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which begins in 2026. Guided by the philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind, the Second Republic translated policy into action through major investments in infrastructure, food security, energy, agriculture, and social services, aligning with Vision 2030's goal of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.

In a significant year-end reform, the government approved the reduction, consolidation, and removal of multiple government and local authority fees, licenses, and permits that had long constrained business growth. The rationalization process is set to continue in 2026. Infrastructure development remained a major highlight, with the Harare-Beitbridge Highway modernization nearing completion, and progress recorded on the Harare-Chirundu and Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highways.  Follow & Share Our WhatsApp Channel

The energy sector recorded a major boost with the full commissioning of 600MW from Hwange Thermal Power Station Units 7 and 8, alongside improved output at Kariba South as Zambezi River flows recovered. Plans were also advanced for a 600MW floating solar plant on Lake Kariba. Food security gains were underpinned by dam construction and irrigation expansion, with strategic projects such as Kunzvi Dam and Gwayi-Shangani Dam progressing, while irrigation schemes were revitalized nationwide, targeting 350,000 hectares by 2026.

Agriculture gains, increased mining output, stable gold prices, and remittance inflows contributed to strong GDP growth estimated between 6 percent and 6.6 percent in 2025. Foreign currency inflows rose to $10.4 billion by August, up from $8.3 billion in the same period in 2024. Inflation dropped sharply from nearly 96 percent in July to about 15 percent by December, driven by tight monetary policy, improved food supply, and currency stability under the ZiG.

Social infrastructure expanded with over 500 new schools, 1,000 classroom blocks, and more than 121 new clinics constructed, many powered by solar energy. Major hospitals, including Parirenyatwa and United Bulawayo Hospital, underwent significant upgrades. Youth and women empowerment initiatives were rolled out, including a $2 million Presidential Youth Empowerment Revolving Fund and a $5 million Youth Mining Equipment Scheme.