Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address in full

As a clear endorsement of our National Vaccination Programme, we have begun receiving requests for the hosting of regional and international meetings in Victoria Falls. Special attention to other tourism areas such as Kariba and the Eastern Highlands remains critical with regards to the roll-out of the Vaccination Programme.

Mr. Speaker Sir, Madame President,

Government has prioritised capital spending, with 34% of total expenditure to date, having been earmarked for infrastructure development. The ongoing Phase 2 of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme is indeed transformational across all provinces, districts, cities and towns. Local resources are being put to good use, while local contractors are empowered and the commuting and trading public is experiencing the added convenience.

In response to the transport needs of an ever growing and highly productive population, my Government has availed resources for the procurement of modern buses to service urban, inter-city and rural routes. The establishment of electronic systems for the integration and computerisation of the Vehicle Inspection Department, Central Vehicle Registry, ZINARA and related stakeholders will have far reaching impacts on our national transport management system.

The entry of Qatar Airways to further link our country with Middle East markets is a welcome development.  Air Zimbabwe continues on its quest to enhance efficiency and viability of the national carrier. The recent procurement of the Embraer ERJ 145 will thus increase the entity’s serviceable fleet of planes.

Meanwhile, the rehabilitation and expansion works at the R.G. Mugabe International Airport, J. M. Nkomo International Airport and other air strips such as Kariba, Buffalo Range and Grand Reef airports are on schedule.

Mr. Speaker Sir, Madame President,

I want to commend our frontline workers for their selfless sacrifice towards COVID-19 infection prevention, control and management. My Government will continue to avail more vaccines in order to save lives and livelihoods.

I, however, call upon all of us to heighten our determination with regards to continued vaccinations in order to meet our desired national herd immunity target.

In the education sector, the resumption of the school calendar for all categories of learners is being carefully managed and monitored. I am confident that the measures we are enforcing, along with the invaluable support from our educators, parents and guardians, will see the schooling period run its full course.

Remarkable progress is being registered towards the creation of a competence based education system both in primary and higher education.  The intention is to vault innovation for a knowledge driven economy and the production of goods and services which benefit our people and the economy as a whole.

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