A coherent national approach to building standards will help reduce regulatory inconsistencies, improve compliance, strengthen consumer protection and create greater certainty for housing developers and investors

Earlier today, I joined the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland Central, Hon. Christopher Magomo, and citizens in Bindura for the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day commemorations at Chipadze Stadium. As Acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, I recognise the significance of this annual observance, established by SADC Heads of State and Government in 2019, in amplifying Zimbabwe’s call for the lifting of sanctions and advancing regional solidarity. Held under the theme “Leveraging Regional Integration and Global Partnerships for Economic Transformation beyond Illegal Sanctions,” this year’s commemorations highlight the importance of regional cooperation and global partnerships in unlocking economic opportunities and advancing sustainable development. #AntiSanctionsDay #SADC #Zimbabwe

I had the honour of officiating as Guest of Honour at the official launch of the inaugural Home Makers Expo Zimbabwe 2026 at Thornpark Polo Grounds in Harare. Held under the theme “Everything Home,” the Expo provides a vital platform for housing, property development, construction, home financing and the broader built environment to converge in support of Zimbabwe’s national housing delivery ambitions and Vision 2030. As Government advances the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the National Housing Delivery Programme, private sector-led initiatives such as this remain important in mobilising investment, fostering innovation and accelerating the delivery of affordable, quality homes and sustainable communities for all Zimbabweans.

Government urges citizens to verify all land allocations with local authorities before making payments. Beware of land barons and fraudulent land deals. Verify first, pay later.

In my capacity as Acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, I joined the Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province, Hon. Charles Tawengwa, and Ministry officials on a media tour of key development projects in Harare, assessing progress in infrastructure development, market modernisation and road connectivity. The tour provided an opportunity to appreciate the Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise urban spaces, improve trading conditions for informal businesses, strengthen public infrastructure and enhance the safety and efficiency of the city’s transport network. These interventions reflect the broader commitment to orderly urban development, improved livelihoods and sustainable economic growth in pursuit of Vision 2030. #Vision2030

The 19th COMESA Business Forum and Exhibition provides a vital platform for strengthening regional integration, mobilising investment and advancing inclusive industrialisation. From a housing and urban development perspective, such regional cooperation presents opportunities to accelerate affordable housing delivery, develop sustainable human settlements and mobilise private-sector investment in critical infrastructure. Our collective priority remains translating economic cooperation into tangible development outcomes that improve livelihoods and advance shared prosperity. #COMESA #ShelteringTheNation

For too long, we have imported and adapted solutions without adequately considering Zimbabwe’s local conditions, resources, culture, climate, settlement patterns, and economic realities. This must change. We need Zimbabwean engineers asking different questions: How do we build affordable housing using local materials? Design climate-resilient infrastructure? Harness digital technologies to manage growing cities? Build roads, bridges, water systems, and energy infrastructure more efficiently and affordably? Transform Zimbabwe’s natural resources into value-added products, technologies, and industries that create jobs locally rather than exporting raw materials? These are not merely engineering questions. They are questions of Zimbabwe’s economic sovereignty.

ZIMBABWE AND RWANDA DEEPEN HOUSING COOPERATION I received a delegation from the Rwanda Housing Authority, led by Deputy Director General Mr Nsanzineza Noel, for a technical exchange visit aimed at advancing the implementation of the 2023 Zimbabwe-Rwanda Housing MoU. Our discussions centred on affordable housing delivery, innovative building technologies, public-private partnerships and sustainable urban development, with particular emphasis on exchanging expertise and exploring practical solutions to housing delivery. As Zimbabwe advances towards its target of delivering one million housing units by 2030, international cooperation, investment mobilisation and modern construction methods remain essential to building inclusive, functional and sustainable human settlements. Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo. Sheltering the Nation.

Go Warriors Go !