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Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube will present the 2025 National Budget Statement this afternoon, amid high expectations that the plan will reignite economic growth, build resilience to shocks, and foster durable macroeconomic stability.
Speaking at a pre-Budget seminar in Bulawayo earlier this month, Minister Ncube hinted at the Government’s key priorities for 2025, emphasizing the need to align limited resources with developmental goals.
His remarks outlined a broad strategy to strengthen critical sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, education, and health. Agriculture remains central to Zimbabwe’s economy, particularly as the country grapples with the impact of an El Nino-induced drought.
Minister Ncube highlighted the importance of rehabilitating and expanding irrigation systems to mitigate adverse weather effects and enhance productivity. “This recommendation aligns with the Government’s thrust of building economic resilience,” he said, hinting at significant allocations to boost food security and reduce vulnerability to climate change.
Prioritising irrigation projects aims to ensure sustainable growth in the sector and create a buffer against recurring droughts. Minister Ncube also addressed the need to stimulate industrial growth, particularly in Bulawayo, historically Zimbabwe’s manufacturing hub.
Efforts to revive the manufacturing sector will focus on value addition and mineral beneficiation to transition the economy from reliance on raw material exports to higher-value production. These initiatives are expected to drive employment creation and broader economic transformation. Education emerged as another priority area, with stakeholders advocating for increased funding to address critical infrastructure deficits.
Minister Ncube acknowledged the need for more schools, improved staff accommodation, and better teacher remuneration. Digitalisation and procurement of teaching materials will also be prioritised to enhance learning outcomes and attract qualified educators. “We take note of the demand to prioritise educational locations,” he said, signalling significant attention to this sector.
The health sector will also receive attention, with efforts to align budgetary allocations with the Abuja Declaration target of 15 percent of government expenditure. Minister Ncube stressed the importance of improving the efficiency of financial resource utilisation in healthcare to address challenges such as infrastructure deficits, equipment shortages, and staffing gaps.
