Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube | Zim GBC News
HARARE – Cabinet has approved a major review of telecommunications fees with the aim of reducing data costs for consumers and businesses, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, announced on Tuesday.
Following the 38th Cabinet meeting chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Minister Muswere presented a comprehensive post-Cabinet brief, highlighting significant progress in agriculture, energy, and industrial policy.
Grain Marketing Sees Sharp Rise, Planting Accelerates
Cabinet received an update on the 2025/2026 Summer Production Plan, noting a dramatic increase in grain marketing. A total of 1,333,892 metric tonnes of grain were marketed in 2025, a substantial jump from 434,839 metric tonnes the previous year.
Minister Muswere reported that grain stocks at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) stood at 181,931 metric tonnes as of December 11, 2025. He noted that grain marketed through the GMB represented only 8.76% of the total, “following structural market liberalisation introduced in 2022.”
Planting for the new season is progressing rapidly, with maize planted on over 1.2 million hectares against a target of 1.8 million hectares. President Mnangagwa directed that “there should be no discrimination in the distribution of inputs under the Presidential Inputs Programme and other programmes.”
Telecoms Fee Review Targets Lower Data Costs
In a move poised to impact millions of citizens and businesses, Cabinet approved a review of licences, levies, permits, and fees across the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.
“The review aims to reduce the cost of data and voice calls for businesses and the public, while ensuring sustainable revenue streams for the fiscus,” Muswere said. He acknowledged that some current fees “are on the higher side, imposing a cost burden on operators.”
The review covers mobile network operators, internet service providers, and various broadcasting services, signalling a potential shift towards more affordable connectivity.
ZESA Enterprises Partners with Chinese Firm for Local Manufacturing
Cabinet cleared a strategic Public-Private Partnership between ZESA Enterprises Limited and China’s Shanghai Jingdao Electric Company. The deal will establish a local manufacturing and assembly plant for switchgears, smart meters, and electric vehicle chargers.
Government said the partnership is expected to “position Zimbabwe as a switchgear supplier within the SADC region, improve ZETDC billing efficiency through smart metering, and support electric mobility.”
Other Key Decisions
· Willdale Farm: Cabinet received an update on the eviction of families from Willdale Farm and proposals for handling other illegal settlements. Government expressed concern over “the growth of illegal settlements” and vowed to identify more sites for evictions.
· Cooperatives Policy: A new National Cooperative Societies Development Policy was approved to transform over 10,800 registered cooperatives into catalysts for “innovation, industrialisation, empowerment and wealth creation.”
· Ferrochrome Tariff Extension: Concessionary electricity tariffs for ferrochrome producers were extended for 12 months, with producers continuing to pay US10c/kWh. Only four of 14 producers have completed required captive power projects.
· Tourism Restructuring: Cabinet approved Zambezi Crescent’s buy-out of ZIMPARKS’ 50% stake in the Zambezi Joint Venture, which operates Malachite Camp in Victoria Falls. ZIMPARKS will retain land ownership and receive lease fees.
· International Events: Zimbabwe will host the 2027 International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) Annual Conference.
Key Questions Remain
While the announcements outline government policy, immediate public questions centre on implementation timelines. Key among them are when the telecoms fee reviews will translate into lower consumer data prices and whether ferrochrome producers will complete their captive power projects within the new extension period.
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