The move comes as the current five-year National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1), implemented since 2021, has successfully met or exceeded targets for key economic indicators, as reported by the country's authorities.
Zimbabwe's ambition to achieve upper middle income status by 2030 continues to gain momentum, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government approving the roadmap for its next five-year development plan, National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2).
The NDS 2 roadmap, outlined by Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, emphasizes a continuation of the positive economic trajectory set by the current NDS 1, set to be complete in December next year.
The plan will focus on key areas including fiscal consolidation, monetary policy restoration, foreign exchange market liberalization, structural and governance reforms, infrastructure development, and investment promotion.
"It will contain strategies and interventions which will ensure sustainable inclusive growth and development, innovation for modernization and industrialization, adaptation to climate change, eradicating poverty, and promoting sustainable livelihoods of the vulnerable members of society," said Information Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere.
He added that "the process of coming up with the NDS 2 blueprint is set to take 18 months and is scheduled to be completed in November 2025."
According to Dr. Muswere, the process will involve stakeholder consultations to identify national priorities, followed by the formation of thematic working groups and strategy formulation.
A terminal evaluation of NDS 1 will also be conducted before the final drafting of NDS 2.
