Editorial

Zimbabwe is on the brink of a major agricultural and economic transformation as the Second Republic, under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, moves to convert the longstanding 99‑year agricultural leases into freehold title deeds.

The shift is expected to unlock billions of dollars in investment in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

Government officials say the transition to freehold is one of the most significant reforms introduced since the land redistribution programme, marking a decisive policy shift intended to stabilise the agricultural sector and stimulate long‑term growth.

It is designed to address deep‑rooted structural barriers that have limited productivity for decades, particularly the absence of fully secure and transferable land rights that farmers can use as collateral.

President Mnangagwa’s administration believes the new tenure system will open the door for fresh capital inflows, both domestic and international, while restoring confidence in the land market.

Economic analysts predict that the reform will transform land from a static asset into a productive economic tool capable of driving large-scale investment.

The freehold policy is being viewed as a major turning point because it unlocks capital previously trapped in what has long been termed “dead assets,” thereby enabling farmers to borrow for inputs and infrastructure that can significantly boost production.

It is also expected to strengthen investor confidence by providing clear, bankable property rights, a key requirement for both local financiers and foreign investors.

Furthermore, officials say the reform positions Zimbabwe for reintegration into global financial institutions by aligning land governance with international market norms, marking a shift from politically driven land policies to a more economically pragmatic approach aimed at stabilising the agrarian economy.

Chairman of the Land Tenure Technical Committee, Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, said the issuance of freehold title deeds will be transformative for farmers and the nation.

He said the conversion of land into bankable assets would enable farmers to access loans, invest meaningfully, and build lasting wealth, effectively empowering them and solidifying the gains of the land reform programme.

He indicated that the government aims to issue title deeds to all beneficiaries by mid‑2026, creating a secure and uniform tenure system.

Dr Tagwirei said that the deeds are essential for unlocking capital, integrating farmers into the formal economy, and laying the groundwork for national development.

He stated that repayment systems are already in place through financial institutions such as AFC, CBZ, FBC, and POSB, allowing beneficiaries to service the costs over 20 years.

The reform is set to stimulate fresh investment, expand agricultural output and signal a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s land policy, one that balances historical justice with economic pragmatism.

As Zimbabwe continues its march toward Vision 2030, the freehold transition is being positioned as a cornerstone reform that will reshape the agricultural landscape for generations, modernise land governance and reduce the country’s reliance on food imports.

Analysts say the policy has the potential to unlock billions in agricultural value, enabling farmers to mechanise, irrigate and expand production under a strengthened and secure tenure framework.

Male MPs in Zimbabwe’s Parliament are leading the charge for gender equality, pushing for a binding rule that would block any bill that fails to meet constitutional gender-equality standards.

The debate on the ZIMSEC Amendment Bill has sparked a passionate plea from MPs like Daniel Molokele Tsiye, who argues that gender balance should be a condition, not just a principle, in every law passed by the National Assembly.

Tsiye, the MP for Hwange Central, emphasised that gender balance is not a favour, but a constitutional requirement that must be met.

“A bill should not pass if it fails the gender-equality test because, as a country, we aim to achieve gender equality,” he said.

His proposal calls for a compulsory 50% women representation clause across all public institutions, citing Sections 17, 56, and 80 of the Constitution.

The proposal also suggests alternating leadership positions in statutory bodies between men and women to reflect the equality guaranteed under the Constitution.

“If the chairperson is a woman, then the vice-chairperson should be a man. If the chairperson is a man, then the vice-chairperson should be a woman,” Tsiye said.

This move aims to address the country’s long-standing struggle with gender parity, where one in three women face gender-based violence and patriarchal norms hinder equal representation.

The calls for change are gaining momentum, with Ruwa MP Thomas Muwodzeri backing Tsiye’s proposal.

Muwodzeri emphasises that women should be prioritised in ZIMSEC board appointments, given their significant role in education and community responsibilities.

“Women should be prioritised… They understand how the education system works,” he said, adding that women’s decision-making power would resolve ZIMSEC’s problems faster.

This unexpected push from male MPs has sparked hope among women’s rights organisations, who have long advocated for constitutional promises to be honoured.

If adopted, this proposal would set a strict 50% gender threshold for all bills, appointments, and statutory bodies, marking a significant turning point in Zimbabwe’s journey towards gender equality.

The move has also sparked interest among international observers, who are watching Zimbabwe’s compliance with global gender-rights conventions.

The Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home Affairs, Security Services and War Veterans Affairs has presented its report on the Ministry of Defence, highlighting significant funding gaps that threaten the Ministry’s operational capacity.

Presenting the report in Parliament, Committee representative Honourable Maoneke Exevila revealed that the Ministry of Defence requires a total budget of ZWL 77,431,265,143 to effectively carry out its mandate.

However, the Treasury allocation stands at ZWL 17,530,189,000, representing only 22.64% of the Ministry’s proposed bid.

Hon. Maoneke emphasised that a robust and well-resourced defence force remains the cornerstone of national stability and sovereignty.

“A strong defence force is the foundation of a strong and secure nation, as the military serves as the first line of defence in protecting civilians and preserving our national sovereignty,” He noted.

The Committee expressed concern that the limited funding could affect the Ministry’s ability to maintain operational readiness, modernise military equipment, and provide adequate welfare for service members.

It urged the government to consider progressively increasing defence allocations in future budgets to ensure the armed forces remain capable of responding to emerging security threats.

Despite the fiscal constraints, the Committee commended the Ministry for its unwavering commitment to upholding national security, safeguarding citizens, and maintaining peace and stability across the country.

The report also called for the prioritisation of resource optimisation and strategic partnerships to bridge the funding gap while ensuring that Zimbabwe’s defence forces remain well-prepared to meet both domestic and regional security challenges.