Government is set to disburse more than ZiG14 billion (about US$518 million) to local authorities this year under the devolution and decentralisation programme, pushing national spending on devolution to 4,83 percent of total Government revenue.

This increased allocation brings Zimbabwe closer to meeting the constitutional requirement of at least five percent of nationally collected revenue being transferred annually to lower tiers of Government.

According to Treasury’s 2026 Infrastructure Investment Programme, the latest allocation represents one of the largest annual commitments to devolution since the programme’s launch in 2018 and is expected to fast-track the implementation of community-based infrastructure projects across the country.

Treasury projections indicate that devolution funding will continue to grow significantly over the medium term. Allocations are forecast to rise to ZiG25 billion (US$926 million) in 2027 and ZiG36 billion (US$1,33 billion) in 2028, nearly tripling within three years.

Devolution is provided for under Sections 264 and 301 of the Constitution, which seek to decentralise decision-making, development planning and financial resources from central Government to provincial and local authorities. The framework aims to promote balanced development, reduce regional inequalities and empower communities to drive their own socio-economic progress.

Under this arrangement, local authorities receive funding to support infrastructure development, service delivery and local economic initiatives in sectors such as education, health, water and sanitation, roads and public amenities.

Treasury noted that during the first phase of the National Development Strategy (NDS1), several high-impact projects were successfully completed using devolution funds, while others remain at various stages of implementation.

However, the ministry acknowledged that progress has occasionally been slowed by delays in the release of funds, largely due to limited fiscal space and competing national priorities.

Despite these challenges, Government is now working on establishing a predictable cash-flow framework for Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (IGFTs) to ensure timely and consistent disbursement of funds to local authorities, thereby improving project completion rates.

Going forward, priority will be placed on finalising ongoing projects before approving new ones. Treasury also plans to strengthen the technical, financial and institutional capacity of local authorities to enhance effective service delivery.

Under the 2026–2028 medium-term framework, major urban centres and provinces are set to receive substantial funding increases. Harare, for example, is projected to receive ZiG669 million in 2026, rising to ZiG1,6 billion by 2028, while Bulawayo’s allocation is expected to grow from ZiG153 million in 2026 to ZiG386 million in 2028.

Provincial allocations are also set to rise sharply, with Manicaland, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East each receiving more than ZiG1,4 billion in 2026, with further increases projected through 2028. Similar upward trends are forecast for Mashonaland West, Midlands, Masvingo, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South.

Presenting the 2026 National Budget, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said Government would continue empowering local authorities through the Local Economic Development (LED) Programme to reduce dependence on central Government funding.

“Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers will remain focused on supporting development, with particular emphasis on improving the quality and accessibility of public services,” Prof Ncube said.

He added that the finalisation of the Devolution Act and alignment of regulatory and institutional frameworks with the Constitution would enable full implementation of the devolution agenda.

Priority projects for 2026 include the completion of composite office blocks in Mutoko, Siakobvu and Wedza, refurbishment of public buildings and the rollout of urban renewal programmes.

Since the introduction of devolution in 2018, Government has channelled billions of dollars to local authorities, leading to the construction of schools, clinics, roads, water infrastructure and community facilities, particularly in previously marginalised areas.

The sharp increase in funding from 2026 signals a renewed push to entrench devolution as a key pillar of Zimbabwe’s development strategy under NDS2, with the goal of achieving inclusive and sustainable growth nationwide.

Takudzwa Karowangoro

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has commended Cabinet ministers for their dedication, unity, and hard work as Government held its final Cabinet Calendar meeting for 2025.

Addressing ministers, the President expressed gratitude to God for life, good health and wisdom that enabled Cabinet to effectively carry out its duties throughout the year.

“Government remains committed to fulfilling the expectations of Zimbabweans, noting, Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo – our nation is built, governed, and cared for by its own people.

I commend all of you for your dedication, commitment, and resilience. Ministers should avoid missing Cabinet and Cabinet Committee meetings as these take precedence over all other Government business,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President highlighted the importance of high-quality Cabinet memoranda, noting that well-prepared submissions lead to meaningful discussions and sound decisions. He challenged ministers to assess how well their respective ministries met set targets and encouraged thorough scrutiny of all submissions before they are presented to Cabinet.

Despite global economic shocks during the period of NDS1, he said, “Through the unity and hard work of our people, we have ushered our nation into a new era of hope, development, modernisation, industrialisation, and improved service delivery.”

He noted key achievements in 2025, including economic resilience, stabilisation of the ZiG currency, and growth in GDP.

The President also highlighted progress under the National Energy Compact, which aims to expand power generation and support independent power producers to ensure reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for both urban and rural communities.

He applauded successes in infrastructure, mining, manufacturing, tourism, education, skills development, and inclusive empowerment programmes for youth, women, and liberation war veterans.

“On public sector reforms one of the notable results under NDS1 has been the transformation and reinvigoration of public sector performance. We institutionalised a results-oriented culture, strengthened accountability, and promoted digitalised processes, reducing bureaucracy and improving service delivery,” President stated.

He commended the Civil Service for supporting the Executive, noting that familiarisation visits by the Chief Secretary to ministries helped identify challenges and promote more efficient Government operations. The President said such initiatives should be institutionalised to strengthen the Whole-of-Government and Society approach to development.

“All ministries must maintain momentum, government services should continue throughout the festive season. Let us stand ready to attend to any urgent business that may arise,” President added.

President Mnangagwa congratulated Cabinet for a successful year, encouraging ministers to rest during the holidays while upholding leadership dignity.

“Whether you spend the holidays here at home or travel outside the country, always conduct yourselves appropriately with the expected restraint and modesty. I trust we shall meet again in the new year, refreshed and rejuvenated for Cabinet business in 2026 as we roll out NDS2 in earnest,”President Concluded.

President Mnangagwa has emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between local authorities and the private sector to improve waste management and create cleaner cities across Zimbabwe.

Addressing guests at the commissioning of the second phase of refuse collection equipment by Geo Pomona Waste Management in Harare yesterday, the President said partnerships of this nature should form part of the country’s wider urban development plans to ensure consistent and efficient service delivery nationwide.

He said Government remains committed to improving service provision across all local authorities, in line with the Agriculture, Food, Climate and Environment pillar under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

President Mnangagwa noted that waste management facilities must now be upgraded, modernised and supported by appropriate technologies to meet growing urban demands.

Referring to the recently launched NDS2 (2026–2030), he said the strategy outlines key national priorities that will guide development over the next five years.

The newly commissioned fleet includes 25 compactor trucks, 16 tipper trucks, 10 skip trucks, five street sweepers, two excavators and two spinner trucks.

He said the commissioning marked more than the introduction of equipment, but reflected the steady expansion of a project that plays a strategic role in achieving several NDS2 objectives.

According to the President, such initiatives promote better use of resources, environmental rehabilitation and ecosystem restoration, while supporting biodiversity conservation, soil improvement, renewable energy adoption and green economic growth.

He commended Geo Pomona Waste Management for its focus on sustainable environmental solutions, saying the progress achieved so far demonstrates operational discipline and alignment with national development goals.

President Mnangagwa urged authorities to ensure that cities, towns, growth points and municipal areas project a positive national image through cleanliness, beautification and sustainable waste practices.

He said Zimbabwe’s recent recognition as the world’s best country to visit in 2025 should be safeguarded by maintaining clean and healthy environments.

“A clean environment strengthens our national brand and enhances Zimbabwe’s appeal as an investment and tourism destination,” he said, adding that coordinated environmental protection efforts have positioned the country as a credible green-compliant nation.

The President said the Geo Pomona facility complements Government’s efforts to transform Harare into a modern, world-class city through integrated environmental management programmes.

He praised the partnership involving the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the City of Harare and Geo Pomona, saying it demonstrated the effectiveness of a Whole-of-Society approach to national development.

President Mnangagwa further stressed that cooperation between local authorities and private players must be mainstreamed into urban planning frameworks to ensure wider benefits, including job creation, energy generation, improved public health, climate resilience and sustainable urban growth.

He said waste management systems should evolve from being a financial burden for councils into productive economic and environmental value chains, supported by advanced sorting, recycling and disposal technologies.

As Zimbabwe continues to experience rapid infrastructure development, industrial growth and urban expansion, the President said sustainable waste management strategies were now more critical than ever to reduce environmental risks.

He challenged local authorities and communities to strengthen participation in the National Clean-Up Day, held on the first Friday of every month, announcing that awards would be introduced to recognise outstanding performance.

“We must all take responsibility for protecting our environment as we modernise and industrialise our country,” said the President, urging citizens to embrace environmental stewardship.

The Acting Minister of Local Government and Public Works said the commissioning of the trucks marked another step towards achieving national development targets, including Vision 2030.

Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume welcomed the initiative, saying waste management was a shared responsibility that transcends political differences and requires cooperation between Government and the private sector.

Geo Pomona Waste Management reaffirmed its commitment to improving waste collection services in Harare, noting that the new equipment would further enhance efficiency.

Harare Province’s Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution commended the Second Republic for its developmental focus and applauded Geo Pomona for contributing to the improved environmental condition of the metropolitan province.