ZIM ON THE RISE: SEPTEMBER 2026 DELIVERS GROWTH, RECOGNITION, AND A CLEAR VISION FORWARD

September 2026 will be remembered as a month in which Zimbabwe's transformation agenda gained undeniable momentum. Under the leadership of President Dr. Emmerson D. Mnangagwa and the Revolutionary Party ZANU PF, our nation has continued its steady march toward Vision 2030,earning international recognition, attracting record investment, and asserting its rightful place on the continental and global stage.

This month's developments tell a story of a country on the move. Yet we also acknowledge the challenges that come with transformation, and we address them with the same resolve that has defined our party's historic mission.

A GROWING ECONOMY: THE NUMBERS SPEAK

The macroeconomic fundamentals are stronger than they have been in a generation.

• 5% GDP growth projected for 2026 by the IMF, one of the highest in the SADC region and Africa.

• Inflation is currently at 2.9%, the lowest in nearly three decades.

• Single digit inflation sustained, providing stability for families and businesses alike.

These are not abstract figures. They represent real progress which is physically tangible: shelves are stocked, prices are more predictable and constant, and the foundation for sustained prosperity has beenlaid.

TOURISM: A JEWEL REVIVED

Our tourism sector has become a powerful engine of job creation and foreign currency generation. Once again numbers do not lie:

• 6.4 million tourist arrivals in the first half of 2026, up 28% from 5 million last year during the same period.

• 384,561 arrivals in the first quarter alone, reflecting a 10.6% increase year on year.

• Major international hotel brands, including Hilton, have shown interest and are investing in Harare.

From the majestic Victoria Falls to the wildlife rich Hwange, the cultural treasures of Great Zimbabwe, the resplendent Nyanga views and many other game parks and ancient monuments abound in our country, the world is rediscovering what we have always known: Zimbabwe is a destination without equal.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND INVESTMENT: BUILDING TOMORROW TODAY

Through devolution, the President and Party's commitment to modernisation is visible in every province.

• US$2 billion in first-quarter real estate investment commitments.

• New landmarks rising in Harare and the country at large. All towns and cities have new buildings coming up.

• NRZ re emerging from the dust: commissioned three refurbished locomotives and 100 wagons in September, with more rolling stock renewal underway through public-private partnerships(PPP’s).

Our national railways, the veins of our economy are being revived. The resuscitation of our railway network allows a competitive pricing advantage on local mining and agricultural goods. 

AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY: A STRATEGIC PRIORITY

Food is a national security matter and the Presidenthas taken decisive action to protect our people from climatic fluctuations and strengthen our agricultural base.

• Cabinet approved a six-pillar drought mitigation plan in response to climate forecasts.

• Grain import controls require millers to source 40% locally from April 2026, rising to 100% by 2028.

• The policy is designed to protect farmers, create jobs, and reduce reliance on foreign food and grain imports.

Under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, weare not simply reacting to climate challenges, we are planning for them, investing in them, and building resilience.

A VOICE ON THE WORLD STAGE: FRIEND TO ALL AND AN ENEMY TO NONE

Zimbabwe's diplomatic standing has never been stronger.

• COMESA Chairmanship assumed at the 25th Summit, running from October 19–22, 2026, over 1,000 delegates will be converging on Harare.

• President Mnangagwa will prioritise food security and regional integration.

• Non-permanent UN Security Council seat secured for 2027–2028.

• World Bank removal from the, "fragile and conflict-affected states", list, a landmark recognition of our governance reforms.

Zimbabwe is no longer on the periphery nor a pariah State. We are at the centre of regional and global decision making.

The progress during the month of September is realand palpable. Inflation is a single digit figure the lowest in decades. Investment is flowing. The world is watching, and the world is investing. The world continues to show eagerness to invest in Zimbabwe, a land of unique vistas and a veritable geological outcrop.

Vision 2030 is not a slogan; it is a roadmap. Every statistic cited above is a milestone on that road.Under the leadership of President Mnangagwa and the Revolutionary Party, Zimbabwe is rising. Let us continue to build, to invest, to work, and to believe.

NYIKA INOVAKWA NEVENE VAYO/ ILIZWE LAKHIWA NGABANIKAZI BALO