Tinotenda Hove – Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube on Thursday delivered the 2026 National Budget in Parliament, unveiling a spending plan that immediately stirred debate across political, economic and social circles. President Emmerson Mnangagwa was in attendance as lawmakers and stakeholders listened closely to how government intends to allocate resources in the coming year.

The budget—framed around infrastructure development, social protection, service delivery and economic stabilisation—saw significant portions directed toward agriculture, health and the security sector. However, reactions have been divided, with some praising the allocations as “necessary for national recovery,” while others argue that the budget reflects “misplaced priorities” in a struggling economy.

Below are key allocations outlined in the 2026 National Budget:

2026 Budget Allocations

• Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development: ZiG26.8 billion
• Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training: ZiG1.7 billion
• Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture: ZiG841.4 million
• Ministry of Health and Child Care (aligned with Abuja Declaration): ZiG30.4 billion
• Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare: ZiG12.7 billion
• Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs: ZiG1.1 billion
• Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development: ZiG1.1 billion
• Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development: ZiG4.6 billion
• Ministry of Energy and Power Development: ZiG330.3 million
• Water and Sanitation Projects (Kunzvi and Gwayi-Shashe): ZiG1.1 billion
• Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities: ZiG948.9 million
• Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services: ZiG763.5 million
• Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development: ZiG10.3 billion
• Ministry of Skills Audit and Development: ZiG229.0 million
• Ministry of Local Government and Public Works: ZiG4.6 billion
• Ministry of Local Government: ZiG14.4 billion
• Security Sector (Defence + Home Affairs): ZiG46.8 billion
• Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs: ZiG6.9 billion
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade: ZiG3.9 billion
• Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services: ZiG463.0 million
• Parliament of Zimbabwe: ZiG3.1 billion
• Office of the Attorney General: ZiG764.4 million
• Public Service Commission: ZiG11.4 billion
• Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC): ZiG159.2 million

As analysts continue to pore over the figures, the national conversation is expected to intensify in the coming days, with stakeholders assessing whether the budget will deliver meaningful progress—or deepen long-standing economic challenges.