Staff Reporter
Government informed the nation that the implementation of National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) has been successful despite the adverse effects of Covid-19.
Speaking during the eighth Cabinet meeting, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa said, “The nation is advised that implementation of NDS1 has largely been successful despite the adverse effects of the Covid-19 and the exchange rate induced inflationary pressures in the economy. The second half-year performance report highlights the progress registered by all the fourteen National Priorities.”
Minister Mutsvangwa also advised the nation that on the economic growth front, the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for 2021 stood at 7.8 percent, mainly on account of the good 2021 agriculture season, higher international mineral commodities` prices, a general stable macroeconomic environment that enabled the domestication of some value chain, and better management of the Covid-19 pandemic.
She further informed the nation that inflation significantly declined from 837.5 percent in July 2020 to 60.7 percent in December 2021.
Pertaining to food and nutrition security, Minister Mutsvangwa reported that a total of 2 717 171 metric tonnes of maize was produced in the 2020/2021 agricultural season against a national requirement of 2.2 million metric tonnes. She said that beef production as a percentage of national requirements stood at 79 percent against a target of 46 percent resulting in a positive variance of 33 percent.
The Minister informed the nation that the country now has a total of fourteen licensed radio stations.
“On image building, Cabinet advises that Government efforts saw eight community radio stations being licensed in September 2021, bringing to fourteen such radio broadcasters to promote diversity and plurality. AIPPA was repealed and replaced with the Freedom of Information Act,” reported Minister Mutsvangwa.
Minister Mutsvangwa said that regarding Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, a total of 22 000 youths had accessed empowerment opportunities` in all sector and a total of 25 out of 27 training centres were refurbished.
Minister Mutsvangwa reiterated that successful implementation of the NDS1 requires full participation and commitment.
“Successful implementation of the NDS1 requires full participation and commitment of all stakeholders through the Thematic Working Groups which were established during the NDS1 formulation process, comprising Government and Non-State Actors` representatives.”
Full operationalization of the NDS1 Coordination Structure as well as NDS1 Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and the whole of Government Performance Management System allows Government and stakeholders to track progress in the implementation of the Strategy`s targets.
