Zimbabwe Elected Chair of Global Zero Hunger Council at World Governments Summit

By Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation continues to gain international recognition after the country was elected Chair of the World Governing Council for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 2 — Zero Hunger — at the ongoing World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai.

The appointment follows last year’s recognition of the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, who was named Best Minister in the World at the same summit for his leadership in transforming Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector.

Speaking after the announcement, Dr Masuka said the honour reflects global acknowledgement of Zimbabwe’s progress in combating hunger and advancing rural development under Vision 2030.

“Last year, Zimbabwe was recognised through me as the Best Minister in the World. It has been a very eventful year,” he said. “This year, I was invited to present an update on the achievements we have made since receiving that recognition. Additionally, Zimbabwe has now been elected Chair of the World Governing Council for SDG No. 2 — Zero Hunger.”

Dr Masuka said the new role positions Zimbabwe to share its agricultural transformation model and rural development experiences with the international community.

“We are now in a strong position to share our experiences in agricultural transformation, rural development, and rural industrialisation as we work toward achieving Vision 2030,” he said.

He highlighted the continued expansion of Zimbabwe’s climate-smart agriculture initiatives. At household level, the Sustainable Intensive Conservation Agriculture Model — Pfumvudza/Intwasa — has been expanded to cover one million hectares, representing a 48 percent increase from the 2024–2025 season.

The Minister noted significant growth across agricultural sub-sectors, supported by mechanisation and climate-resilient farming systems.

“Tobacco production has reached record levels, and there has been notable growth in blueberries, dairy, and livestock. The national tractor fleet has increased to 60,000 — a 266 percent rise since 2018,” he said. “Every aspect of agriculture has grown significantly, demonstrating the impact of visionary leadership and the whole-of-government and whole-of-sector approach to transforming agriculture — household by household, village by village, leaving no one and no place behind.”

Dr Masuka added that agricultural gains are contributing to broader economic growth and Zimbabwe’s renewed global engagement.

“Zimbabwe has rejoined the community of nations. We are a friend to all and an enemy to none. The country is open for business, and the recognition we are receiving reflects the progress we are making,” he said.

He noted that Zimbabwe’s economy is projected to grow by 6.6 percent, above the Southern African regional average, with the country reportedly ranked among the ten fastest-growing economies.

“This is a stellar performance and further evidence of transformative leadership in pursuit of Vision 2030,” he said.