Staff Reporter 

Zimbabwe is gearing up for the next phase of its economic transformation, with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS-2) set to be launchedlater this year.

Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, said that the strategy will build on the successes of NDS-1, advancing the country’s Vision 2030 goal of achieving an upper-middle-income economy.

In an exclusive interview yesterday, Professor Ncube expressed confidence in achieving a 6 percent economic growth rate this year, thanks to the recovery in agriculture and ongoing capital investments in the manufacturing sector.

A favourable rainfall outlook has further bolstered expectations for a strong agricultural performance.

“The economy has shifted from recovery to sustained growth. This creates fertile ground for the realisation of Vision 2030. By the end of the year, we will launch the NDS-2 document, which will drive further economic transformation, ensuring no one and no place is left behind,” said Prof. Ncube.

He added that the NDS-1, implemented from 2021 to 2025, has laid the foundation for sustainable development across political, economic, and social spheres.

The upcoming NDS-2 will build on this progress, focusing on inclusive growth and economic resilience.

As part of measures to boost local production, the Minister said that Government plans to reintroduce import duties on fully assembled buses.

According to Professor Ncube, this move aims to strengthen the local manufacturing sector.

“We are reimposing duty on imported buses to encourage local production of vehicles, including buses and trucks. This policy will support economic resilience and further transformation,” he said.

The Minister also highlighted that the ongoing rains have revived optimism for a strong agricultural output.

This follows a challenging dry spell at the start of the farming season.

“Agriculture remains a cornerstone of our economy. The rainfall has improved prospects for a better harvest, which will positively impact growth,”Professor Ncube noted.

Professor Ncube emphasised Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for sustainable and inclusive development.

Meanwhile, robust policies are being implemented to consolidate the gains already made under NDS-1, ensuring Zimbabwe continues on a growth trajectory aligned with Vision 2030.