President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected in Mutare, Manicaland Province, this Wednesday where he will officially commission the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Smart Silos and launch the 2026–2030 Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy.

The commissioning of the Smart Silos marks another milestone in the Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s grain storage and management systems in line with Vision 2030. The state of the art facilities, which include 14 Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven silos established across various parts of the country are designed to enhance efficiency, security, and quality control in the handling of strategic grain reserves.

Once fully operational, the new Smart Silos are expected to add an additional 750 000 tonnes of storage capacity to the national system. This will significantly boost Zimbabwe’s ability to manage grain stocks and respond to regional food security demands. The World Food Programme (WFP) has already recognised Zimbabwe as a regional food distribution hub, a status reinforced by such investments in advanced storage infrastructure.

The Smart Silo project falls under the Second Republic’s push to digitalise and industrialise key sectors of the economy, ensuring that agriculture remains the backbone of national development. Through the integration of AI technology, the facilities will be able to monitor temperature, moisture, and stock levels in real time, minimising post-harvest losses and improving decision making in food reserve management.

In addition to the commissioning ceremony, President Mnangagwa will also preside over the launch of the 2026–2030 Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy, which outlines Zimbabwe’s next phase of agricultural development.

The strategy aims to expand the country’s irrigable land from the current 220 000 hectares to nearly 500 000 hectares by 2030, a move expected to increase productivity and resilience against climate change. It also places emphasis on rural industrialisation, sustainable farming practices, and the empowerment of smallholder farmers through access to modern technologies, finance, and markets.

Government officials, farmers’ unions, development partners, and private sector representatives are expected to attend the event, which underscores the importance of agriculture in driving inclusive economic growth and food self sufficiency.

The Mutare event follows a series of nationwide infrastructure developments being rolled out under the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Programme, which seeks to position Zimbabwe as a regional leader in sustainable food production and distribution.

President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is today expected to deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA) and officially open the Third Session of the 10th Parliament of Zimbabwe in a joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate.

The President’s address will outline Government’s legislative and policy agenda for the coming session, setting the tone for Parliament’s work in the months ahead. He is also expected to make key pronouncements aimed at reinforcing Zimbabwe’s economic growth trajectory under the soon to be launched National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

In line with Sections 140(1) and 140(4) of the Constitution, the President is required to deliver the SONA and open each new session of Parliament.

Clerk of Parliament Mr Kennedy Chokuda confirmed that all preparations were complete for the high profile event.

“It is all set for the official opening of the Third Session of the 10th Parliament, and the President, His Excellency Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, will preside over the event,” said Mr Chokuda.

Of particular interest in this year’s address are possible references to the much anticipated ED2030 Amendments, which have sparked widespread debate and speculation across the political spectrum.

The President’s address is expected to be a defining moment on the national governance calendar, as he outlines key Bills, reforms and policy measures guiding Zimbabwe’s developmental path.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially cleared the way for Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote to visit Zimbabwe, opening the door for a potential US$1 billion investment in the country.

The anticipated visit, coordinated by Bard Santner Markets Inc and Zimbabwean business adviser Mrs. Josephine Mahachi, is expected to solidify a multi-sector investment plan spanning cement production, coal mining, and power generation.

This major investment aligns with the government’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into a prosperous upper-middle-income economy.

Confirmed Presidential Approval and Coordination

Mrs. Mahachi confirmed that President Mnangagwa had approved the visit, paving the way for Dangote and his team to engage directly with the President and senior officials.

“I can confirm that Mr. Dangote will return to Zimbabwe soon to explore strategic investment opportunities,” she said. “While the exact dates are still being finalized, a formal mandate has been signed. We are partnering with Bard Santner Incorporated to ensure the process is smooth and well-coordinated.”

Dr. Paul Tungwarara, Presidential Investment Advisor, highlighted the government’s commitment to the project. “Africa’s richest man is visiting Zimbabwe at the President’s invitation. Continuous communication is underway to finalize logistics and ensure a meaningful investment, avoiding setbacks from previous visits in 2015,” he explained.

Scope of the Proposed Investment

Sources indicate that the Dangote Group’s planned projects in Zimbabwe include:

A fully integrated cement factory

A limestone quarry and grinding plant

A coal mine

A dedicated power station

The total value of these initiatives is projected to range between US$800 million and US$1 billion.

A Second Chance for a Landmark Deal

Aliko Dangote, head of Dangote Industries Limited, is Africa’s wealthiest individual with diverse business interests in cement, sugar, fertilizers, oil, and gas across 16 African countries.

While previous visits to Zimbabwe in 2015 and 2018 did not lead to actual investments, the President’s direct support and the current structured facilitation have raised optimism that this attempt will finally result in a transformative deal for Zimbabwe’s economy.