Zimbabwe accelerates gender equality, smart governance and justice reform: Highlights from the 17th cabinet briefing

By Tinashe Mukori | Harare | 17 June 2025

In a bold affirmation of Zimbabwe’s developmental trajectory, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa today presided over the 17th Cabinet Meeting of 2025, unveiling an ambitious and multifaceted policy agenda focused on deepening gender equality, modernising public service and governance, and strengthening regional and global cooperation.

Gender equality takes centre stage

Cabinet approved the National Gender Policy (2025), a landmark blueprint aimed at eradicating systemic inequalities and empowering women across all sectors of Zimbabwean society. The policy, firmly grounded in the Constitution and aligned with international conventions, seeks to dismantle stereotypes, address prejudices, and institutionalise gender mainstreaming across governance structures.

Notably, the policy outlines ten strategic goals, including legal justice, gender-balanced leadership, equitable economic empowerment, and responsive healthcare. Other focal areas include education access, digital inclusion, climate resilience, and the prevention of gender-based violence. A comprehensive monitoring framework led by the Zimbabwe Gender Commission will ensure robust implementation and accountability.

“This is a pivotal step toward building a truly inclusive society that leaves no one behind,” the President remarked, commending stakeholders for their diligence in shaping a policy that is both visionary and actionable.

Smart Traffic Management System to transform urban mobility

In another key development, Cabinet sanctioned the accelerated rollout of the Home-Grown Smart Traffic Management System, developed by TelOne under the Safe City Project. The system – first piloted during the COVID-19 lockdown period, uses Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and big data to address traffic violations, improve road safety, and combat urban congestion.

Equipped with automatic number plate and facial recognition, AI-powered video analytics, and real-time enforcement mechanisms, the system will initially be deployed in Harare and Bulawayo before expanding nationwide. Integrated with ZINARA, the Central Vehicle Registry, and Civil Registry databases, the platform enables instant detection and notification of traffic offences, while also supporting broader public safety initiatives like crowd monitoring and crime prevention.

Cabinet affirmed that the system represents a milestone in Zimbabwe’s localisation of digital innovation and public order enforcement, with the added benefits of skills transfer and national pride.

Public Service Reform enters new phase

Cabinet also approved the Public Service Amendment Bill, 2025, aimed at aligning the Public Service Act with constitutional requirements and modern governance standards. Central to the Bill is the establishment of the Public Service Academy, a centre for continuous professional development of civil servants.

In a progressive shift, the Bill mandates asset disclosure by Public Service Commission members, enhances maternity benefits to 98 days of paid leave, and enforces zero tolerance on workplace violence, especially of a sexual or gender-based nature. It also strengthens supervision mechanisms, with Permanent Secretaries now accountable to the Chief Secretary under ministerial guidance.

The proposed reforms reflect Government’s intention to embed transparency, professionalism, and meritocracy in the public sector.

Transboundary conservation: A regional milestone

Cabinet gave the green light to Zimbabwe’s participation in a tripartite Treaty with Botswana and South Africa to establish the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area. This landmark conservation initiative aims to preserve ecological and cultural heritage sites across borders while enhancing community livelihoods and sustainable tourism.

The transfrontier area will encompass Botswana’s Northern Tuli Game Reserve, South Africa’s Mapungubwe National Park, and Zimbabwe’s Tuli Circle Safari Area and adjacent conservancies. The agreement underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, regional integration, and cultural preservation.

Championing criminal justice reform

Building on recent legal reforms, Zimbabwe will host the Regional Conference on the Parole System in Africa, showcasing its newly expanded parole framework that now allows all prisoners, regardless of offence, to apply for early release based on rehabilitation and good behaviour.

The conference aims to harmonise regional practices, promote alternatives to incarceration, and activate Zimbabwe’s own Parole Board. “This initiative reflects our dedication to humane justice and modern correctional strategies,” President Mnangagwa said.

International mediation framework endorsed

Cabinet also noted Zimbabwe’s signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation on Mediation, affirming the country’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and respect for international law. The Organisation upholds principles of state sovereignty, impartiality, party autonomy, and cooperative engagement in international mediation.

Today’s briefing reflects an administration actively reshaping the contours of governance, justice, and development. From gender parity to smart policing, and from conservation diplomacy to public service reform, Zimbabwe is scripting a new narrative of resilience, inclusivity, and innovation.

About Author