A Zimbabwean president delivers remarks at a podium during an official address, wearing a national-colour scarf. Photo: Sky News

NNA News - Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa outlined measures for economic stability, agriculture, mining, and infrastructure as he opened the fourth session of the country’s 10th Parliament.

Addressing a joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate at the new Parliament building in Mount Hampden on Tuesday, Mnangagwa said the government had consolidated currency and exchange-rate stability, supported by increased foreign-currency inflows. Zimbabwe’s Parliament confirmed that the address marked the official opening of the fourth session of the 10th Parliament.

“The macro-economic gains were achieved through deepening the financial sector institutional framework and, henceforth, ensuring continued confidence in the country's macro-economic environment,” Mnangagwa said.

The president said agriculture expanded by 27.9 percent and contributed 2.2 percentage points to Zimbabwe’s 8.3 percent GDP growth in 2025. He also warned that the 2026/27 agricultural season could face below-normal rainfall.

Zimbabwe’s Meteorological Services Department has forecast an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall during the coming season, with October to December expected to be predominantly drier than normal across the country. The outlook has been linked to a developing strong El Niño event.

The government has responded with a six-pillar drought and agricultural resilience plan covering strategic grain reserves, climate-smart production, agricultural financing, livestock protection, imports, and coordination and early-warning systems. Cabinet approved the plan earlier this month.

“My government has put in place a Six Pillar Plan for resilience,” Mnangagwa said, according to reporting on the address.

The plan targets 600,000 tonnes for the strategic grain reserve. Government estimates indicate that cereal production in the 2026/27 season could reach 1.6 million tonnes, leaving a projected deficit that would partly be addressed through imports.

Mining also featured prominently in the address, with Mnangagwa highlighting efforts to increase mineral exploration and processing within Zimbabwe.

“In line with our thrust on mineral beneficiation and value addition, we take pride in that we recently recorded the first locally-produced lithium sulphate from Africa. Additional lithium sulphate plants are being established around the country,” he said.

Zimbabwe exported its first locally produced lithium sulphate in April, while additional processing facilities are being developed. The government has been promoting beneficiation as part of efforts to retain more value from the country’s mineral resources.

Mnangagwa also pointed to developments in gold, platinum and iron and steel, while the government is seeking to strengthen mineral exploration and develop projects capable of attracting investment.

On infrastructure, the president said road rehabilitation and construction would continue, alongside efforts to modernise the railway network. The government has also highlighted upgrades to major highways, Kariba Airport and National Railways of Zimbabwe infrastructure.

The address comes as Zimbabwe seeks to maintain economic growth while preparing for another potentially difficult agricultural season. The country is also attempting to increase local processing of minerals and expand infrastructure investment as part of its longer-term development programme.