Harare, (New Ziana) -President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday set a firm and uncompromising tone for governance, challenging his Cabinet to accelerate reforms, deliver tangible results and uphold accountable leadership as the country enters a new phase of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Opening the first Cabinet meeting of the 2026 calendar at the Munhumutapa Offices in Harare, President Mnangagwa said the year marked a pivotal stage in the development journey towards Vision 2030, warning that complacency, bureaucratic inertia and poor coordination within Government would not be tolerated.
“This Cabinet is duty-bound to sustain the ongoing development momentum towards a people-centred, multi-pronged and transformative economic growth,” he said, stressing that a culture of results had become an “embedded part” of governance under the Second Republic.
He commended Ministers who remained on duty during the festive break, describing their availability as a demonstration of patriotism and commitment to public service.
However, he made it clear that such dedication should now translate into faster implementation of programs and projects across all sectors of the economy.
President Mnangagwa underscored the interconnected nature of the Zimbabwean economy, calling for stronger synergies among key sectors including agriculture, mining, infrastructure development, energy, tourism and manufacturing.
He urged Cabinet Ministers to abandon petty competitiveness and inflated individualism in favour of collaboration and a shared national vision.
“We must all focus on achieving a single national vision and the objectives outlined in NDS2. I will not accept misalignment or bureaucratic lethargy that frustrates progress,” he said.
In a message to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), President Mnangagwa said accountable governance was non-negotiable, adding that the government remained answerable to the people of Zimbabwe.
He also emphasised the role of the media in promoting transparency and holding institutions to account.
On economic reforms, President Mnangagwa directed the government to finalise the review of licences, permits, levies and fees within the first quarter of this year, a move aimed at improving the ease of doing business, attracting investment and enhancing service delivery, adding the necessary Statutory Instruments should be released without delay to give effect to the reforms.
While acknowledging progress already made in some sectors, he challenged MDAs to deepen engagement with a broader cross-section of industry players and stakeholders, saying a people-centred government should remain receptive to the views and recommendations of citizens.
“This is at the core of our people-centred government under our ruling party, ZANU PF,” he said.
Turning to agriculture, President Mnangagwa expressed optimism over the generally favourable rainfall patterns experienced this season, saying they were expected to boost agricultural output, strengthen food security and support agri-business, noting however, that heavy rains in some areas could result in crop losses and other challenges.
He said the government would continue implementing concrete measures to mitigate the negative effects of weather-related disasters, with the relevant Minister tasked to prepare a comprehensive report for Cabinet consideration to ensure affected and vulnerable communities are adequately cushioned.
President Mnangagwa also extended solidarity to neighbouring countries, including Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and northern South Africa, which have been affected by climate change-induced disasters.
He said guided by the spirit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) solidarity, Zimbabwe would continue providing assistance under the Zim-Aid framework to support affected communities.
“We remain guided by the ethos of Ubuntu. The well-being of our brothers and sisters in the region is as essential as our own,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged motorists and the general public to exercise extreme caution on the roads, particularly during the rainy season, and to adhere to warnings issued by the Civil Protection Unit and the Meteorological Services Department.
In a stern warning to Ministers, he said failure to make decisions and the culture of “sitting on documents” would no longer be condoned, as Zimbabweans expected Government to facilitate investment and deliver quality services.
Turning to the media, President Mnangagwa challenged journalists to uphold responsible journalism grounded in Hunhu/Ubuntu and national interest, describing the Fourth Estate as a critical partner in nation-building, peace, unity and socio-economic transformation.
He expressed confidence that post-Cabinet press briefings would continue to enhance public information and transparency in 2026.
“Let us increase the pace of implementation and deliver a higher quality of life for our people,” said.
New Ziana
