Online Reporter
AS we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025 this week, Zimbabwe’s transformative journey under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa continues to take centre stage.
The year 2025 is poised to be pivotal for the nation, as it comes with a lot of economic potential and societal advancements.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has since projected a 6 percent economic growth rate in 2025.
Presenting the 2025 National Budget recently, Minister Ncube hinged his prediction on the recovery of the agriculture sector, improvements in electricity generation and expected stability in commodity prices in the mining sector.
With agriculture traditionally being the backbone of the economy, the sector is expected to play a crucial role next year and impact the overall economic landscape in the coming years.
The latest in agriculture has been the title deeds programme for land owners, which will unlock value by allowing new farmers to operate as businesspeople with powers to borrow for production on their farms.
In his speech to mark Zimbabwe Unity Day, President Mnangagwa said the issuance of title deeds to beneficiaries of the Land Reform Programme marks a historic milestone, affirming the irreversibility of the initiative, which will unlock immense value for indigenous people.
An uptick in maize and tobacco production is vital for economic recovery, and the Second Republic has since laid the groundwork for growth in these crops.
Tobacco, in particular, has become one of the leading agricultural exports, generating significant foreign currency.
And the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan seeks to increase tobacco production to 300 million kilogrammes in 2025, transforming the value chain into a US$5 billion industry through exports of tobacco value-added products.
Already, Zimbabwe has become self-sufficient in wheat production, with the country, next season, expected to produce more than 600 000 tonnes, enough for exports.
The mining sector also carries immense potential into 2025.
The country is rich in several minerals, including gold, lithium, platinum and diamond, making it an attractive destination for foreign investors.
According to recent statistics, the mining sector contributed approximately 12 percent to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The Government’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment through policy reform and partnership with international entities in mining present a clearer path towards sustainable growth into 2025.
The mining industry has since breached the US$12 billion mark, and is poised for further growth as more investors continue to consider Zimbabwe a good destination for capital.
Infrastructure development is another key area that enhances Zimbabwe’s economic prospects going into next year, making citizens optimistic about the future.
The Government has recognised the need for more improved roads, rail networks and energy supplies as some of the priorities for 2025.
In fact, the National Development Strategy 1 places considerable focus on infrastructure as a vehicle for economic growth and its continued implementation entails more focus on this area.
This will create a conducive environment for business next year, as enhanced transportation networks facilitate trade, while reliable energy sources are essential for manufacturing and attracting investments.
It is equally expected that in 2025, another important factor will be the role of technology in economic development.
The rise of new technologies and their implementation have seen improved services and products, which have
transformed economic activities in Zimbabwe.
By 2025, it is expected that the integration of technology into traditional sectors such as agriculture and mining could revolutionise operations and improve efficiency.
Tourism is another sector with immense potential in 2025, as Zimbabwe has positioned itself as a premier destination in Africa, through several efforts like the expansion of airports and enhancement of roads and other facilities.
The Second Republic has been prioritising the advancement of youths and women as vital cogs in economic development and this trend is expected to continue next year, giving hope that the future is bright for everyone.
For the youths, it is expected that the Government will continue addressing unemployment and investing in education and skills training.
This will give rise to entrepreneurship driven by young innovators. Ultimately, this has the potential to reshape the
labour market, while enhancing competitiveness.
Political stability is paramount for Zimbabwe’s prospects, and this has been firmly established under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, fostering an environment conducive to development.
There is now a renewed focus on dialogue and reconciliation, building consensus and implementing democratic reforms.
As we approach 2025, Zimbabwe’s prospects are promising, largely due to a robust set of factors that are expected to drive growth.
