ZEDCON 2026
Hon. Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Prof. Mthuli Ncube, gives a concluding interview on how key recommendations emerging from ZEDCON 2026 will inform the formulation of the 2027 National Budget.
The Minister highlights the importance of translating discussions and proposals from the Convention into practical policy measures that support economic growth, infrastructure development, investment and Zimbabwe’s journey towards an Upper-Middle-Income Society by 2030.
As ZEDCON 2026 draws to a close, the focus now shifts from dialogue to implementation ensuring that the ideas generated translate into actionable priorities for the 2027 National Budget.
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📢S.I. 153 of 2026
S.I. 153 of 2026 sets clear deadlines for Zimbabwe’s annual budget process.
The Government of Zimbabwe is strengthening public finance management through S.I. 153 of 2026 (Public Finance Management (General) Amendment) Regulations, which set a clear timetable for annual budget preparation, review, and approval.
The Budget Strategy Paper and Mid-Year Fiscal Review will be submitted to Parliament by July 31, and the National Budget by the third Thursday of November, supporting timely planning and accountability.
Ministries, Departments, and Agencies must submit strategic priorities and expenditure intentions by 1 June, then present the Budget Strategy Paper and the Mid-Year Fiscal Review to Cabinet by 15 July and to Parliament by 31 July.
Updated economic forecasts and expenditure ceilings guide budget submissions by September 30, ahead of October budget discussions. The National Budget must be presented to Parliament no later than the third Thursday of November.
This structured process supports coordinated planning, fiscal discipline, Parliamentary oversight and greater accountability in the allocation and use of public resources.
ZEDCON is more than a conference, it is a national platform for shaping Zimbabwe’s economic future.Opening the 5th Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference #ZEDCON2026 in Bulawayo, Hon. Prof. Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, emphasised the importance of turning dialogue into policy, investment and practical action towards Vision 2030.
Prof. Ncube said the theme, “Smart Infrastructure for an Upper Middle-Income Society,” is more than an aspiration,it is a call to action. Zimbabwe’s transformation requires smart, resilient and integrated infrastructure that strengthens productivity, competitiveness, investment and inclusive economic growth.
The Minister underscored Zimbabwe’s strategic position as a land-linked country, with the potential to become a logistics hub connecting markets across SADC, COMESA and the wider African continent. Modern roads, rail networks, border infrastructure and transport corridors will be critical to unlocking trade opportunities under AfCFTA.
Prof. Ncube identified five priority areas for high-impact capital investment:
▪️ Energy and power security
▪️ Digital & broadband connectivity
▪️ Integrated transport & rail networks
▪️ Water infrastructure
▪️ Urban planning & smart cities
These are key foundations for Zimbabwe’s structural transformation.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of sustaining macroeconomic stability as Zimbabwe pursues stronger and more sustainable economic growth. He highlighted progress in inflation and exchange-rate stability, supported by prudent fiscal and monetary policies, while stressing the need to preserve these gains to support investment and economic confidence.
Prof. Ncube stressed that the scale of infrastructure investment required cannot be financed through public resources alone.
He called for stronger participation by the private sector and financial markets, alongside innovative financing instruments including municipal infrastructure bonds, institutional capital and green energy funds.
The message from ZEDCON 2026 is clear: deliberations must translate into delivery.
Prof. Ncube called on policymakers, investors, businesses, engineers, contractors and young Zimbabweans to help turn ideas into projects, investment and opportunities that advance Vision 2030.
Zimbabwe is open for business. The time to invest in smart infrastructure is now.
#ZEDCON2026
ZEDCON 2026
We are on Day 3 of the 5th Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference (ZEDCON) 2026, taking place in Bulawayo, the City of Kings and Queens.
Today’s programme features the Official Opening Ceremony, followed by a key session on Internet Infrastructure and Connectivity for Inclusive Economic Growth.
As Zimbabwe advances towards an Upper Middle-Income Society by 2030, reliable, accessible and affordable digital connectivity remains critical to expanding economic opportunities, supporting innovation, improving access to services and ensuring that communities and businesses can participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
Follow the conversation as ZEDCON 2026 continues to explore practical solutions for smart infrastructure, inclusive growth and sustainable economic transformation.
What role do you think improved digital connectivity can play in driving Zimbabwe’s economic growth?
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#ZEDCON2026
Session Five of #ZEDCON2026 is underway, focusing on Sustainable Energy and Power Generation and the role of a diversified, resilient energy system in Zimbabwe’s transition towards an Upper Middle-Income Economy. The session builds on the progress made in securing universal access to affordable energy as highlighted by His Excellency President Dr E.D. Mnangagwa in his State of the Nation Address: “Remarkable improvements are evident in the Energy sector. Frequent load shedding is now a thing of the past.” Kariba and thermal power generation are being augmented through Independent Power Producers (IPPs), captive power plants, net metering and rooftop solar, demonstrating the diversification of Zimbabwe’s electricity mix and the growing contribution of distributed and private-sector energy generation.
This morning’s presentations are exploring Zimbabwe’s renewable energy transition through policy implementation, Public-Private Partnerships and innovative financing,green finance through smart cities, smart microgrids and resource-efficient green buildings,distributed Solar PV adoption, energy efficiency and regional energy trade,as well as Centragrid’s recommendations for improving the enabling environment for investment in the energy sector. The discussions are taking place within the broader framework of the 2026 National Energy Compact, which sets explicit renewable energy targets and outlines measures to expand generation and transmission capacity, strengthen private-sector participation, increase renewable energy deployment and improve access to reliable and sustainable electricity. The session is therefore examining not only how Zimbabwe can close its energy deficit, but how a diversified energy mix, innovative financing and an enabling investment environment can support industrialisation, economic growth and the attainment of Vision 2030.
Follow the proceedings and join the conversation.
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#ZEDCON2026
Day 2 of #ZEDCON2026 gets underway with the morning session on Rail Infrastructure as an Engine for an Upper Middle-Income Economy.
The session follows His Excellency President Dr E.D. Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address, which highlighted Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen railway infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of strategic rail corridors, expansion of NRZ freight capacity and enhanced regional connectivity.
This morning’s presentations will focus on National Rail Revitalisation, Institutional Reform and Transformation of the Rail Sector, Innovative Financing for Rail Infrastructure and Rail-Steel Integration as a Strategic Industrialisation Lever.
The discussions will examine how an efficient, modern and integrated rail network can strengthen connectivity, support trade and industry, facilitate the movement of minerals and goods and contribute to Zimbabwe’s journey towards an Upper Middle-Income Economy.
Follow the proceedings and be part of today’s conversation.
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Switzerland and Zimbabwe Deepen Cooperation
The Ambassador of Switzerland to Zimbabwe Her Excellency Ms. Christine Schraner Burgener paid a courtesy to the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Hon. Prof. Mthuli Ncube in Harare today.
Discussions focused on areas of cooperation between the two countries. Both reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening and implementing signed bilateral agreements including the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA).
Switzerland has been a valued partner supporting Zimbabwe in agriculture, drought insurance premiums through the Africa Risk Capacity, health, social infrastructure and services, governance, and water and sanitation.
#Zimbabwe #Switzerland #BilateralCooperation #Vision2030
ZEDCON 2026
Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Hon. K.D.Mnangagwa, has welcomed delegates to the 5th Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference (ZEDCON 2026) in Bulawayo, emphasising the conference’s role in translating empirical research and stakeholder input into actionable policy.
Under the theme “Smart Infrastructure for an Upper Middle-Income Society,” ZEDCON 2026 will interrogate evidence-based approaches to infrastructure development, inform the 2027 National Budget, support the implementation of NDS2 and advance Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 aspirations.
The Deputy Minister called for practical, evidence-based policy recommendations capable of accelerating economic growth and strengthening national development.
Discussions will center around 5 pillars namely:
1. Homegrown Fintech and Financial Inclusion
2. Rail Infrastructure as an engine for Upper Middle-Income Economy
3. Sustainable Energy and Power Generation
4. Urban Infrastructure and Smart Cities for an Enabling Business Environment
5. Internet Infrastructure and Connectivity for Inclusive Economic Growth
ZEDCON 2026
Follow ZEDCON 2026 Live proceedings on our official social media handles.
Be part of the conversation!!
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ZEDCON 2026
The 5th Annual Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference (ZEDCON 2026) officially commences today at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZITF) in Bulawayo.
Running from September 30th to October 2, 2026, this flagship gathering hosted by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development & Investment Promotion brings together policymakers, industry leaders and economic experts under one roof.
This year's edition is centered around the strategic theme: "Smart Infrastructure for an Upper Middle-Income Society." Discussions will focus on driving sustainable economic growth, innovation and infrastructure development in line with Vision 2030.
Stay tuned across our channels for live updates, keynote highlights, and key takeaways from Bulawayo as stakeholders collaborate to shape Zimbabwe's economic future.
📢📢 New X Handle
Please note that this is the official X account of the Ministry. We encourage all our stakeholders, partners and members of the public to follow and engage with us on our new plattorm.