Harare Post Reporters
The 2024 National Budget, presented yesterday by Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotions Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, has been warmly received by legislators and economic analysts.
The budget, described as people-centred and designed to tackle socio-economic challenges, has been praised for its focus on social development, education, health services, and agriculture.
Economist, Persistence Gwanyanya commended the budget for addressing national aspirations.
"The key question was whether the budget is pro-poor, as advocated during the 2023 national budget consultations. I believe it has successfully addressed this by prioritising the needs of people in crucial sectors," said Gwanyanya.
Mt. Darwin East legislator, Dzidzai Butau welcomed the substantial ZW$4.3 trillion allocation to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development. This funding is earmarked for the implementation of the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy.
"This significant investment shows the country's serious commitment to agriculture, which is vital for our national development," Butau remarked.
Bulilima legislator, Dingumuzi Phuti praised the budget for its inclusive approach.
"The national budget is encouraging as it focuses on inclusive growth, ensuring that no one is left behind,” Phuti noted.
Kudakwashe Mupamhanga, the Mt. Darwin South legislator, expressed his satisfaction with the budget, especially its focus on infrastructure development.
"This budget is set to stimulate economic growth. The focus on infrastructure projects, like road construction, is evident and will continue the country's developmental trajectory. It builds on the successes of the past year and also prioritises consolidating the economic gains achieved so far," Mupamhanga said.
Rushinga Constituency Women's Quota legislator, Barbra Thompson praised the budget and said that she hopes that it will be wholly implemented.
"It's crucial that we see holistic implementation of this budget. It's not just about setting goals, but also about realising them for the benefit of our people," Thompson emphasised.
Meanwhile, Minister Mthuli Ncube said the budget, presented under the theme "Consolidating Economic Transformation," resonates with President Mnangagwa’s people-centred development philosophy: “Nyika inovakwa, igotongwa, igonamatigwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo.
The Minister added that the theme underscores the Government's commitment to building and governing the nation in partnership with its people, fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility towards national development.
