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Source: Govt in US$153m plan to end fertiliser imports – herald

Martin Kadzere

ZIMBABWE is targeting full self-sufficiency in basal fertiliser by the end of 2027 and aims to become a net exporter of both basal and top-dressing nutrients to the Southern African region before 2030, an official has said.

Addressing delegates at a recent industrial summit in Harare, Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe (IDCZ) general manager Mr Edward Tome outlined an aggressive retooling and recapitalisation road map across State-owned fertiliser manufacturing entities.

The strategy, implemented under the Mutapa Investment Fund framework, seeks to eliminate imports, capitalise on raw material supply chains from emerging domestic industries and position Zimbabwe as a key agro-industrial hub within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 

Mutapa has initiated a US$153,1 million programme to rehabilitate Zimbabwe’s domestic fertiliser value chain and curb the severe foreign currency drain on input imports.

The funding centres on direct capital allocations to recapitalise State-owned manufacturing entities across the entire production ecosystem.

Fertiliser ranks among Zimbabwe’s largest foreign currency drains, with US$330 million to US$400 million spent annually importing basal and nitrogenous nutrients.

Curbing this significant import exposure remains a central pillar of the Government’s broader import substitution strategy, which aims to shield the economy from external supply chain shocks, conserve foreign exchange reserves and boost local manufacturing capacity.

Central to the basal fertiliser drive is a new processing and expansion initiative centred at Dorowa Mine, designed to scale processing output to up to 3,6 million tonnes annually of varied basal fertilisers and specialised agricultural chemicals.

The ambitious capacity target far exceeds Zimbabwe’s national basal demand — estimated at 400 000 tonnes annually — creating a massive export surplus for the regional trade corridor.

“We are in the process of modernising and retooling all our basal fertiliser-producing companies and before the end of 2027, Zimbabwe will not import any basal fertiliser,” Mr Tome assured.

He said with regional basal fertiliser demand standing at 3,2 million tonnes, Zimbabwe’s increased output will allow the country to transition into a net regional exporter within the next two years.

“We have got a basal fertiliser production plant which we are setting up in Dorowa . . . (and with that) we should become a regional agro-industrial hub, starting with self-sufficiency in basal fertilisers,” said Mr Tome.

“This, we are doing, such that we are not run over by other countries as we comply with AfCFTA regulations.”

On top-dressing fertilisers, retooling efforts are underway at Kwekwe-based Sable Chemical, where capacity is being rehabilitated to produce 240 000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate (AN) annually, roughly 50 to 60 percent of national demand.

Mr Tome noted that emerging coal-to-fertiliser ventures coming on stream are expected to close the remaining 200 000-tonne supply gap.

Fertiliser remains a vital input in agriculture, constituting a major driver of production costs across the sector.

While Zimbabwe continues to scale up agricultural output, as evidenced by record yields in wheat and tobacco, the upstream input manufacturing industry has missed out on this growth owing to over-reliance on imported inputs.

Economic analysts argue that strategically recapacitating domestic fertiliser producers will unlock immense value by curtailing foreign currency outflows, strengthening local value chains and creating thousands of industrial jobs. The urgency of local production is underscored by Zimbabwe’s vulnerability to global shocks.

Heavy reliance on cash crops like tobacco leaves the broader economy exposed to external volatility. Illustrating this risk, a recent economic report warns that local fertiliser prices could skyrocket by up to 120 percent if the conflict in the Middle East leads to prolonged disruptions along global trade corridors.

According to the April Zimbabwe Economic Pulse Report by local think tank Africa Economic Development Strategies (AEDS), a worst-case scenario involving the prolonged militarisation or closure of the Strait of Hormuz for more than 12 months could plunge the country into chronic input shortages and trigger severe food insecurity.

The Middle East is a global manufacturing hub for natural gas and petroleum-derived inputs, with an estimated 30 percent of global fertiliser supplies, particularly urea, ammonia and sulphur, transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.

Since Zimbabwe continues to import significant quantities of finished nitrogenous fertilisers and raw chemical ingredients owing to constrained local capacity, the country remains acutely vulnerable to maritime supply shocks.

AEDS warns that supply bottlenecks could drive up local fertiliser prices by 70 to 120 percent, forcing smallholders and commercial farmers to scale back nutrient application rates drastically.

Although farmers acknowledge the inevitability of higher fertiliser prices, their primary worry stems from supplier indiscipline and potential price gouging amid global market supply strains.

Weighing in on the issue, the Zimbabwe Farmers union (ZFU) stressed that while price hikes are unavoidable, Government monitoring is essential to ensure an equitable, win-win framework across the agricultural value chain.

Clarifying the union’s position, ZFU executive director Mr Paul Zakariya noted that farmers are not calling for rigid price controls, but are, instead, lobbying for market fairness to shield producers from supplier exploitation.

He urged stakeholders to establish a balanced pricing mechanism that safeguards supplier viability without eroding farmer margins —underscoring the symbiotic, interdependent relationship between agricultural producers and input manufacturers.

In an interview on the sidelines of a recent regional agricultural assembly, the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, affirmed that a robust framework was being implemented locally.

“In Zimbabwe, we are already discussing the localisation of the fertiliser industry, and there is a Cabinet committee that is focusing on that. We have made very important progress in that regard,” he said.

Beyond agricultural inputs, the IDCZ is aligning its heavy engineering portfolio with the operationalisation of the Dinson Iron and Steel Company plant in Manhize to create a broader industrial and logistics ecosystem.

Mr Tome said its engineering unit, Deven Engineering, will leverage primary steel outputs from the Manhize plant to restart the manufacturing of railway wagons and heavy transport equipment, a prerequisite for moving millions of tonnes of bulk industrial inputs like phosphate and finished fertiliser.

“We have gone back and are starting again to manufacture railway wagons,” he said. “If Manhize comes on stream, Zimbabwe will soon be the industrial giant that Africa pays respect to.”

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Source: ZIM PAYS TRIBUTE TO ITS GALLANT SONS AND DAUGHTERS . . . 50 000 war veterans to be honoured – herald

Sunday Mail Reporters

THOUSANDS of Zimbabweans will  tomorrow gather at the National Heroes Acre, as well as provincial and district shrines across the country, to honour and pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed for the country’s freedom.

The main event will be presided over by President Mnangagwa at the National Heroes Acre.

This year’s commemorations are running under the theme “Lest We Forget”, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the liberation struggle and recognising the sacrifices that secured Zimbabwe’s independence.

Zimbabweans will have an opportunity to participate in the national remembrance at the country’s 10 provincial heroes acres and 60 district heroes acres.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said preparations had been finalised for the festivities.

“Everything is on course with regards to preparations of our Heroes Day commemorations; all the logistical arrangements have been concluded,” said Minister Kazembe.

“Those who have been invited, especially the widows and widowers, have already been notified and the transport logistics have been arranged, accommodation has been arranged.

“So, we look forward to receiving a lot of people on the day; we are ready to host these commemorations.”

Heroes Day commemorations, Minister Kazembe said, are among the country’s most significant national events, providing an opportunity for Zimbabweans to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by liberation fighters, whose courage secured the country’s independence and laid the foundation for peace, unity and national development.

“These commemorations are very critical. The peace and tranquillity that we enjoy today, the independence that we enjoy today, the economic development that we enjoy today, did not come on a silver platter,” added Minister Kazembe.

“It came through sacrifices, through bloodshed of people that sacrificed to liberate this country.

“So, we must always find time during the year where we remember these gallant sons and daughters of the soil.”

During this year’s commemorations, at least 50 000 former freedom fighters will receive independence medals as part of ongoing efforts to honour those who contributed to Zimbabwe’s liberation.

Speaking during a recent post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the awards were in line with constitutional provisions for recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to national development.

Following Heroes Day tomorrow, the nation will commemorate Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day on Tuesday, a day dedicated to recognising the professionalism, dedication and service of members of the country’s defence forces in safeguarding Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.

In Harare, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Charles Tawengwa said preparations for the main event and provincial commemorations are going well for both Heroes Day and Defence Forces commemorations.

“We held a rehearsal for the Heroes Day commemorations on Thursday at Warren Hills Provincial Heroes Acre, which will host the provincial event.

“As Harare province, we have been allocated 50 buses for the national event and 10 buses for the provincial acre,” he said.

Minister Tawengwa said provincial commemorations will commence soon after the national event at the National Heroes Acre.

Honouring veterans of the struggle

Separately, Bulawayo province is set to honour 1 191 veterans of the liberation struggle during ZDF Day celebrations on Tuesday as part of a nationwide programme to recognise 50 000 veterans.

On Friday, Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube assessed final preparations at the White City Stadium.

She said all logistical and administrative arrangements were on schedule.

“Everything is in place and we are optimistic of hosting pleasant commemorations on Monday and Tuesday,” she said.

“We have 15 national and 1 176 provincial heroes and heroines from Bulawayo province who will be honoured.”

Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo said Heroes Day celebrations are slated for the Chinhoyi Provincial Heroes Acre, while Defence Forces Day celebrations will be held at Chinhoyi Stadium.

She urged people across the province to attend the commemorations in their numbers while maintaining peace and order.

“We warmly invite the people of Mashonaland West to come out in their numbers and commemorate these important days in our national history,” she said.

This year’s Heroes Day commemorations in Mashonaland Central province will be marked by the unveiling of granite tombstones installed on 35 graves at the provincial heroes acre, giving fallen heroes and heroines a befitting final resting place.

The provincial shrine has also been fenced as partners continue to support efforts to preserve and upgrade the sacred site.

Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Timothy Maregere said final touch-ups were underway and the tombstones would be unveiled during Heroes Day commemorations.

“We are working closely with the Department of Museums and Monuments, but resources were availed by our partners. Our wish is to do much more for the provincial shrine,” he said.

Mr Maregere said preparations for Defence Forces Day were also complete, with the provincial celebrations set for Chipadze Stadium in Bindura.

Preparations for the Heroes Day celebrations are at an advanced stage in Marondera, Mashonaland East province.

According to the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, the province had mobilised resources and prepared venues and entertainment throughout the nine administrative districts.

“But equally important is that here in Marondera, we will host the provincial Heroes Day celebrations at our provincial heroes’ shrine. We have prepared the place and procured the necessary requirements and amenities to make sure that those who would attend the event will do so in comfort,” he said.

Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said the provincial Heroes Day will be held at the Gwanda provincial shrine and that all seven districts will simultaneously hold their commemorations at their respective shrines.

The Defence Forces Day, he said, will be hosted at the Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda, where a parade will be held on Tuesday.

“We have spruced up the venues, done rehearsals at both the provincial shrine and the Pelandaba Stadium, where the provincial Defence Forces Day commemorations will be held. At the same time, we extend invitations to everyone in the province to attend the respective venues in their numbers,” said Minister Nguluvhe.

Paying homage to fallen comrades in Mozambique

The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, is expected to deliver President Mnangagwa’s messages during the provincial Heroes Day commemorations at the Mutare Provincial Heroes Acre on Monday and the ZDF Day celebrations at Sakubva Stadium on Tuesday.

Manicaland Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Abiot Maronge said refurbishment works were underway at the provincial and district heroes acres.

He said a delegation comprising war veterans and the provincial leadership would travel to Mozambique to pay homage to thousands of liberation fighters buried at former wartime camps and shrines.

The camps include Nyadzonya, Chimoio, Tembwe, Nyangao, the Tongogara Memorial and Changara.

Shrines on the itinerary also include Madulu, Mapai, Chibavava, Mavonde, Espungabeira and Save, where many liberation fighters and refugees are buried.

In Midlands province, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube invited people from all the eight administrative districts to attend the provincial Heroes Day celebrations at the Midlands Provincial Heroes Acre in Gweru.

“Transport will be available at our usual pick-up points,” he said.

He added that the province’s Defence Forces Day commemorations will be held at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe on Tuesday.

In Matabeleland North, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo said preparations in Lupane were progressing smoothly, with Government departments, local authorities and other stakeholders working together to ensure successful commemorations.

“We are ready to host our people in Lupane. All the necessary arrangements are being finalised to ensure the day is commemorated with the dignity it deserves,” he said.

In Lupane, Heroes Day commemorations will be held at the provincial heroes acre, while ZDF Day celebrations will take place at Somhlolo Stadium.

It is also all systems go in Masvingo province.

The main Heroes Day celebrations in the province will be held at the Masvingo Provincial Heroes Acre in Hillside suburb, where the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Ezra Chadzamira, will lead proceedings.

Celebrations will also be held at various district heroes shrines across the province.

Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa said all was set for the celebrations.

“There will be food and entertainment galore during the celebrations that will also be held at various shrines in all the seven administrative districts in Masvingo,” he said.

Masvingo expects an even bigger crowd for the festivities than last year.

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Source: Zim, UAE seek to grow US$7bn trade ties – herald

Rumbidzayi Zinyuke-Senior Reporter

ZIMBABWE and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), whose bilateral trade has since ballooned to US$7 billion, are working on further deepening ties, with the two countries set to conclude negotiations on a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in the coming weeks.

The agreement, which is effectively a free trade pact, is expected to create a stronger framework for expanding trade, investment and market access between Harare and Abu Dhabi.

UAE Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan yesterday paid a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa at State House in Harare, where the two discussed the deepening economic and diplomatic relations.

Bilateral trade between the two countries has grown by 74 percent over the past two years.

Speaking after the meeting, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira said the remarkable growth in economic ties demonstrated the strong relations between the two countries and provided fresh impetus for concluding the CEPA.

“Zimbabwe and UAE have excellent relations. Our trade figures have grown astronomically for the past two years by 74 percent. Our economic linkages between Zimbabwe and UAE are excellent,” Prof Murwira said.

He said yesterday’s meeting also provided an opportunity to brief President Mnangagwa on the state of bilateral relations and progress made in negotiations for the trade agreement.

“We are looking forward to the completion of our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which is a free trade agreement between Zimbabwe and the UAE,” he said.

Zimbabwe has already submitted its comments on the draft agreement, clearing the way for further negotiations between the two sides.

“Everything is on course because, as of Thursday evening, Zimbabwe was able to provide its comments to the CEPA, and now it’s time for further negotiations. We are looking forward to finishing the partnership agreement in the shortest future, which might be next week, which might be this month, but practically, very soon,” said Prof Murwira.

Harare and Abu Dhabi intend to broaden relations into sectors such as tourism, infrastructure and other productive areas.

Victoria Falls has already emerged as one of the prime destinations for UAE investment, particularly in tourism and hospitality, as Zimbabwe seeks to leverage the resort town’s global tourism appeal.

The push to deepen economic relations with the UAE is also in line with the Second Republic’s broader economic diplomacy strategy, anchored in President Mnangagwa’s “Zimbabwe is open for business” drive.

The growth in trade with the UAE, Prof Murwira added, was part of wider gains in Zimbabwe’s economic engagement with international partners.

He said trade with the European Union had increased by more than 30 percent, while economic and investment relations with China had also expanded.

“The trade with other countries is growing also at the same time. His Excellency, the President, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, has coined the doctrine in Zimbabwe over the years that Zimbabwe is open for business, and this is causing things that are positive,” he said.

For Harare, deepening ties with the Gulf state presents an opportunity to attract capital into productive sectors while widening the country’s export markets and reducing dependence on minerals.

The proposed CEPA is expected to provide an important platform for consolidating the gains already recorded in bilateral trade by improving market access, facilitating investment and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency indicate that the UAE accounted for half of the country’s export earnings — US$1,4 billion — during the first three months of the year.

The UAE has also become Zimbabwe’s leading export destination, with minerals and horticultural products being the key export products.

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Source: Treasury to widen tax base, resume TB auctions – herald

Tapiwanashe Mangwiro

THE Government is set to intensify efforts to broaden Zimbabwe’s tax base while resuming the issuance of Treasury Bills (TBs) and bonds through an auction-based system.

This is part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen public finances, improve debt sustainability and support economic transformation.

The measures are contained in the 2027 Budget Strategy Paper presented to Parliament by Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, which outlines the Government’s fiscal priorities under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

With domestic resource mobilisation expected to play an increasingly important role in financing development programmes, Treasury says the 2027 National Budget will focus on improving revenue productivity, widening the tax base and modernising tax administration.

“As the country expands implementation of the National Development Strategy 2, sustainable domestic resource mobilisation will remain central to financing Government priorities, accelerating inclusive economic growth and supporting the attainment of Vision 2030,” said Minister Ncube.

He said the Government would continue implementing tax policy and revenue administration reforms aimed at broadening the tax base, rationalising tax expenditures, simplifying tax administration, strengthening tax governance and compliance, improving intergovernmental fiscal coordination and accelerating the digitisation of revenue collection systems.

Economist Mr Malone Gwadu said the proposed reforms reflect the Government’s long-term objective of bringing more economic activity into the formal tax system.

“Zimbabwe’s economy has become largely informal and the Government has a strategic intention to deepen the reach of taxation into the informal sector while gradually encouraging formalisation,” he said.

Mr Gwadu said improving compliance, rather than increasing tax rates, would be critical to expanding Government revenues.

“The strategy speaks to the Government’s policy direction of encouraging compliance and widening the tax net,” he said.

“Rationalising the tax system also supports this objective by reducing compliance costs, while digitisation makes it easier for taxpayers to comply through digital platforms.”

He said stronger intergovernmental fiscal coordination would improve the efficiency of public spending by maximising value for money from tax revenues while strengthening administrative capacity.

On public debt management, Treasury reaffirmed its commitment to restoring debt sustainability through prudent borrowing and continued fiscal discipline.

“The successful implementation of the 10-month Staff-Monitored Programme is critical and will provide a stepping stone for clearing the country’s external debt arrears and securing future financial support from bilateral and multilateral financial institutions,” said Minister Ncube.

He said the Government would continue prioritising concessional financing for critical projects while restricting non-concessional borrowing to economically viable investments with demonstrable repayment capacity.

Treasury pledged to keep fiscal deficits below three percent of gross domestic product and maintain its policy of avoiding central bank financing, while limiting the accumulation of domestic arrears owed to service providers.

In a significant development for domestic capital markets, the Government will resume issuing TBs and bonds through competitive auctions. This comes after a period of administrative issuance.

“Considering the prevailing and projected macroeconomic stability associated with a single-digit inflation profile and a stable exchange rate, the Treasury will resume the issuance of Treasury Bills and bonds through the auction-based system, to encourage competitive price discovery and enhance the growth of the primary market and development of a market yield curve,” said Minister Ncube.

Economist Dr Lorraine Nyazema said the return of auction-based issuance marks an important step in strengthening Zimbabwe’s domestic capital market, but cautioned that its success would depend on preserving macroeconomic stability.

“The return of Treasury Bill and bond auctions is a positive step towards strengthening Zimbabwe’s domestic capital market and improving price discovery,” she said.

“However, the strategy depends on maintaining low inflation and exchange rate stability. Key risks include climate shocks, global commodity price swings, fiscal slippages and external financial pressures.”

Dr Nyazema said any deterioration in those fundamentals would affect investor behaviour.

“Should inflation rise or the exchange rate weaken, investors would demand higher yields to compensate for greater risk,” she said.

“That would increase the Government’s borrowing costs and reduce demand for longer-dated securities at auction. Maintaining disciplined fiscal and monetary policies will, therefore, be critical to sustaining investor confidence and ensuring a successful auction programme.”

Dr Nyazema said the Staff-Monitored Programme remains central to Zimbabwe’s debt resolution agenda and future access to affordable development finance.

“The Staff-Monitored Programme is critical because it underpins Zimbabwe’s debt resolution process and prospects for renewed multilateral financing,” she said.

“If implementation is delayed, the Government will have to rely more on domestic revenues, tighter expenditure controls, improved tax compliance and reduced revenue leakages, while expanding public-private partnerships to support infrastructure investment.

“However, these measures cannot fully replace concessional external financing, making continued reform implementation essential for fiscal sustainability and investor confidence.”

Economist Mr Enoch Rukarwa said the Government’s target of containing the fiscal deficit below three percent of gross domestic product (GDP) was ambitious, given the prevailing macroeconomic conditions, but recent policy progress suggested the objective was within reach if reforms remain on course.

“When you examine the current macroeconomic dynamics, it is clear the target is challenging,” he said. “However, the authorities have demonstrated encouraging commitment to reducing budget deficits and containing public expenditure.”

Mr Rukarwa said improvements in exchange rate stability and inflation following the introduction of Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) in April 2024 had strengthened the macroeconomic environment and provided a platform for further gains.

On the Government’s commitment to limit non-concessional borrowing to economically viable projects, he said the policy was sound.

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Source: New traffic cameras record 1,1 m violations in Harare, as Govt steps up road safety drive – herald

Debra Matabvu and Freeman Razemba

THE newly installed traffic cameras — a key part of the Electronic Traffic Management System — have recorded more than 1,1 million incidents of vehicles committing traffic violations in the capital, Harare, since going live early this year, as the Government steps up road safety measures and enforcement of traffic laws.

The revelations come as the Government, through the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), has launched a road safety campaign to reduce road traffic accidents.

Harare currently has 16 traffic surveillance camera sites at key intersections along major roads.

The cameras detect speeding, failure to obey road signs, using mobile phones while driving and travelling without fastened seatbelts, among other breaches of traffic regulations.

The Government intends to instal more than 300 high-tech cameras in Harare before the programme is expanded to other cities across the country.

The cameras are part of Phase One of the national Smart Traffic Management and Surveillance Programme being implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, with TelOne serving as the technical partner.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Ambassador Raphael Faranisi told The Sunday Mail that, as of the beginning of this month, more than 1,1 million road traffic violations had been flagged.

He, however, said despite the huge number of violations recorded, no penalties had yet been issued as every offence was undergoing rigorous verification to ensure fairness and accuracy.

Some of the recorded violations, he said, may have occurred when traffic lights were temporarily overridden by police officers directing traffic at busy intersections, while in other cases, unclear or faded road markings may have contributed to motorists unintentionally breaching traffic regulations.

“As of last week, we had recorded about 1,1 million vehicles that had violated traffic laws, and these were recorded on the various traffic cameras installed across the city,” he said.

“However, we are still validating these offences. Probably at the time the violation was committed, the intersection was being controlled by a police officer.

“Then, in some instances, maybe the markings on the road were not clear enough, so those are some of the verifications that we are working on.”

The verification is expected to eliminate erroneous records before any enforcement action is taken, ensuring that motorists are only held accountable for genuine violations.

The Electronic Traffic Management System was introduced as part of the Government’s broader efforts to modernise traffic law enforcement, reduce road accidents and improve compliance with traffic regulations through the use of digital technology.

Unlike conventional traffic policing, the system enables continuous monitoring of roads, allowing the authorities to detect offences around the clock while reducing reliance on manual enforcement.

The initiative also seeks to improve traffic flow in urban centres, particularly in Harare, where congestion has increased significantly due to a growing vehicle population.

The camera network provides real-time monitoring of traffic movements, enabling quicker identification of congestion, major chokepoints and road incidents.

Road safety ahead of holidays

Road safety remains a major concern in Zimbabwe, with human error accounting for the majority of road traffic accidents recorded annually.

The Government believes the introduction of technology-driven enforcement will encourage motorists to comply with traffic regulations, ultimately reducing crashes, injuries and fatalities.

The ongoing validation process also reflects the Government’s intention to ensure that the system is implemented transparently and fairly.

Officials said factors such as malfunctioning traffic lights, temporary traffic control measures and inadequate road signage are all being considered before violations are confirmed.

The system is expected to become a key component of Zimbabwe’s road safety strategy, complementing conventional traffic policing while promoting greater discipline among motorists.

The Electronic Traffic Management System forms part of the country’s broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to harness technology to improve the delivery of public services, enhance law enforcement and build smarter, safer cities.

Officially launching the 2026 Heroes and Defence Forces Holidays Road Safety Enforcement and Educational Awareness Campaign in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central province, last week, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said about 94 percent of road crashes in Zimbabwe are directly linked to inappropriate human decisions.

This year’s campaign launch was attended by TSCZ officials, legislators, the police, senior Government officials and transport operators, among other stakeholders.

The drive is running under the theme “Be patient or you could end up a patient in hospital”.

“Our theme this time around was informed by the disturbing fact that up to 94 percent of road crashes on our roads in Zimbabwe are a direct result of inappropriate human decisions,” said Minister Mhona.

“We, therefore, realised that the time has come for us to speak directly to our road users through this message, which I believe will resonate with many and positively influence the manner in which we ply our roads this holiday . . .

“It is that time of the year again when we anticipate that thousands of Zimbabweans will be travelling across the country to pay respects to our national heroes, visit family and friends, attend church services, join in community events and spend time with loved ones. Indeed, this is a season where our drivers should exhibit all aspects of reducing human error to reduce road crashes.”

Historically, there is an increase in traffic crashes during holiday periods, with most attributed to human error.

Current trends have shown that a crash occurs every 15 minutes, resulting in five lives lost daily on average, while about 38 people are injured on the roads every day.

“Conscious of the fact that the cost of road crashes in Zimbabwe averages around US$400 million per year, the Government, therefore, remains committed to implementing policies and programmes that promote safer roads, save lives and support sustainable national development,” added Minister Mhona.

“We believe the opportunity cost of the high rate of accidents — money spent supporting accident victims, lost production, supply chain delays and damage to property — is simply too high and must be avoided at all costs.”

“Traffic enforcement is not a punishment”

Speaking at the same event, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe reminded motorists that traffic enforcement was not a punishment but was meant to save lives.

“So, many (police) officers will spend these holidays away from their families so that millions of Zimbabweans can travel safely,” he said.

“They will be deployed nationwide to fulfil one of Government’s most important constitutional obligations: the protection of human life. This entails enforcing speed limits, inspecting vehicle roadworthiness or ensuring compliance with traffic regulations, regulating traffic and assisting the travelling public. Hence, my appeal is for us all not to view traffic enforcement as punishment.”

In his address, TSCZ board chairperson Mr Kura Sibanda said they remain committed to fulfil their mandate of promoting road safety through public education and awareness campaigns.

He said simple actions such as wearing seatbelts, observing speed limits, maintaining safe following distances, obeying traffic signs and showing courtesy to other road users can save lives and prevent unnecessary tragedies.

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