Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa delivers State of the Nation Address

President Emmerson Mnangagwa delivered the State of the Nation Address to open the Fourth Session of the 10th Parliament in Mt Hampden. During his address, the President reported significant economic progress, stating that inflation has fallen to single-digit levels since January 2026 and that foreign currency inflows reached US$10.7 billion in the first half of the year.

Mnangagwa highlighted an 8.3% GDP growth rate, driven in part by a 27.9% expansion in the agricultural sector. To mitigate potential risks from unfavorable weather in the 2026/27 season, the government has implemented a ‘Six Pillar Plan’ for resilience. He also noted advancements in the mining sector, including the production of locally produced lithium sulphate and increased investment in iron and steel.

The address occurs amidst intense political debate regarding recent constitutional changes. Constitutional Amendment No. 3 (CAB3) extended presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and shifted the presidential election method to a vote by Members of Parliament. Within the ruling ZANU-PF party, there are ongoing discussions regarding further amendments to extend the President's tenure toward 2037.