Defence Ministry Pushes for ZWL 77.4B Funding

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.