A Deeper Look at the Tenets of Vision 2030… …Delving into Zimbabwe’s Path to Becoming an Upper-Middle-Income Country by 2030 By Takasununguka Ziki FOLLOW OUR CHANNEL: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCpLzu2f3EBYPSgI93M 25 February, 2025 | Zim Global Media News 🗞️ EDITORIAL - In a bold and ambitious move, the Republic of Zimbabwe has unveiled its Vision 2030, a comprehensive blueprint aimed at transforming the nation into a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by the year 2030. The vision, which was officially launched in September 2018, outlines a series of strategic pillars and cross-cutting themes designed to address the country’s socio-economic challenges and position Zimbabwe as a competitive player on the global stage. The advent of Vision 2030 comes on the heels of a new political dispensation that emerged in November 2017, marking a significant turning point in Zimbabwe’s history. The new administration, led by His Excellency the President, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has prioritized democratization, respect for human rights, and economic revitalization as key pillars of its governance agenda. The government has also committed to re-engaging with the international community, fostering a business-friendly environment, and combating corruption to restore investor confidence. “Vision 2030 reflects the collective aspirations and determination of the people of Zimbabwe towards a prosperous upper middle-income nation by 2030,” President Mnangagwa stated in his foreword to the vision document. “It is a call to action for all Zimbabweans to unite and work towards a common goal of national development and prosperity.” The President said. Vision 2030 is built on five strategic pillars, each designed to address specific areas of national development. Good governance is the bedrock of Vision 2030, with a focus on upholding democratic principles, rule of law, and human rights. The vision emphasizes the importance of free and fair elections, transparency, and accountability in public institutions. It also calls for the strengthening of independent commissions and the enforcement of good corporate governance in both the public and private sectors. Achieving macro-economic stability is crucial for the realization of Vision 2030. The government aims to reduce fiscal deficits, stabilize inflation, and resolve the country’s external debt challenges. Efforts will also be made to re-engage with international financial institutions and development partners to secure the necessary resources for economic reconstruction. Vision 2030 seeks to promote inclusive economic growth by fostering a private sector-led market economy. The vision emphasizes the importance of investment promotion, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism. The government is also committed to improving the ease of doing business and creating a conducive environment for both local and foreign investors. A modern and efficient infrastructure is seen as a critical enabler of economic transformation. Vision 2030 prioritizes the rehabilitation and development of power, transport, water, and ICT infrastructure. Major projects include the expansion of the Hwange Thermal Power Station, the construction of the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme, and the development of a functional road network among other projects. The vision places a strong emphasis on social development, with a focus on improving access to quality education, healthcare, and housing. The government aims to upgrade domestic tertiary education facilities, decentralize specialist health services to district hospitals, and invest in the construction of affordable housing across the country. In addition to the five strategic pillars, Vision 2030 also mainstreams several cross-cutting themes that are essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable development. The vision recognizes the importance of MSMEs in driving economic growth and creating employment. Efforts will be made to create an enabling environment for MSMEs, including access to funding and skills development. With a youthful population, Zimbabwe has the potential to reap a demographic dividend. Vision 2030 calls for improved access to education, housing, health, and employment opportunities for young people. The vision aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The government will prioritize women’s participation in politics and decision-making processes. These sectors are seen as important contributors to human development and economic growth. Vision 2030 aims to harness the potential of sports, recreation, arts, and culture to create a vibrant and creative society. While Vision 2030 presents a clear roadmap for Zimbabwe’s development, the country faces significant challenges that must be addressed to achieve its goals. These include high unemployment, decaying infrastructure, foreign currency shortages, and a history of economic instability. The government has acknowledged these challenges and has committed to implementing difficult and painful policies to bring about the necessary transformation. “The aspirations of Vision 2030 may appear highly pitched, but Zimbabwe has no choice as remaining under the current situation of helplessness is unsustainable,” the vision document states. “There is a need to implement difficult and painful policies that bring about the necessary transformation to achieve the Vision.” Despite these challenges, Zimbabwe is well-positioned to achieve its Vision 2030 goals. The country boasts a rich human skills base, abundant natural resources, and a strategic location in the Southern African region. With the right policies and a commitment to good governance, Zimbabwe has the potential to become a thriving and prosperous nation by 2030. Vision 2030 is not just a government initiative; it is a call to action for all Zimbabweans. The vision emphasizes the importance of national unity, broad-based citizen participation, and a collective commitment to the country’s development. It also calls for the active involvement of the private sector, civil society, and development partners in the realization of the vision. “I call upon all Zimbabweans, from all spheres of life, not to be left behind and collectively take up this challenge and elevate this nation to new prosperity,” President Mnangagwa urged. “Together, we can build a new Zimbabwe that provides a high quality of life for all its citizens.” As Zimbabwe embarks on this ambitious journey towards Vision 2030, the world will be watching. The success of this vision will not only transform the lives of millions of Zimbabweans but also serve as a model for other nations striving to achieve sustainable development and prosperity. ——————————————— Zim Global Media News 🗞️ an Afrocentric Voice https://www.zimglobalmedia.co.zw ———————————————