Prof. Paul Mavima

Today, I joined fellow Ministers responsible for Housing, built environment professionals, local government institutions, and strategic stakeholders at the Dialogue Session on Transforming Informal Settlements and Slums for Housing during the ongoing World Urban Forum 13 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The session offered valuable insights into Azerbaijan’s response to urban informality following refugee migration after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. A key takeaway was the importance of first recognising the realities of informal settlements before implementing inclusive and sustainable solutions supported by political will, economic viability, and community participation. Discussions also highlighted that over 1.1 billion people globally reside in informal settlements, with women and children remaining the most vulnerable to climate-related challenges. The need for community-led upgrading, policy reform, and integrated spatial planning remains central to building resilient and sustainable cities.

Is housing an investment or a human right? With 3 billion people lacking adequate sanitation and nearly half of households struggling to pay rent, the status quo isn't working. Read the summary of day 3 of the World Urban Forum: enb.iisd.org/world-urban-fo…

On the sidelines of the UN-Habitat World Urban Forum (WUF13), I had the honour of delivering introductory remarks at a meeting with the Zimbabwean diaspora community in Azerbaijan, where I introduced the Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Honourable General (Rtd) Dr. Constantino Guveya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga, who is leading the Zimbabwean delegation attending the global forum. In my remarks, I reaffirmed the critical role of the diaspora in Zimbabwe’s socio-economic transformation under Vision 2030, highlighting the remarkable contributions Zimbabweans continue to make across business, healthcare, academia, engineering, entrepreneurship, and public service around the world. I emphasized the importance of harnessing the diaspora’s expertise, innovation, investment potential, and global networks in building a prosperous, modern, and globally competitive Zimbabwe. 🇿🇼

The Dynamos FC vs Caps United FC match reminded us that sport plays a vital role in promoting unity, peace, and national development. Acting in as the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture last Sunday, I was encouraged to witness Rufaro Stadium filled to capacity as thousands of supporters came together in the spirit of football and patriotism. Sport continues to unite our people beyond backgrounds and differences, while also contributing immensely to the growth of our nation.

This morning, I inspected the vaults of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) to personally verify our national gold and ZiG reserves. I am delighted to report that our strategic initiatives to establish a gold-backed foundation for our economy are producing substantial outcomes. Following my directive two years ago to accumulate mineral royalties in physical form, our gold reserves have increased considerably. Presently, Zimbabwe proudly ranks 11th in Africa and 3rd in the SADC region for official gold reserves. These reserves are tangible assets that underpin our monetary sovereignty, rather than mere numbers. With over 4 metric tonnes of gold and foreign currency reserves, our ZiG currency remains fully backed and resilient to global economic shocks. As we progress toward our goal of 5 metric tonnes by year-end, we remain committed to fostering a stable, transparent, and prosperous economy for all Zimbabweans. Collectively, we are laying the groundwork for a robust future.

Today, I had the honour of standing in as the Acting Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture at Rufaro Stadium where I witnessed an exciting football encounter involving CAPS United And Dynamos FC The vibrant atmosphere and unity displayed by supporters once again highlighted the important role sport plays in bringing communities together, empowering young people and promoting national pride. Government remains committed to supporting the growth and development of sport in Zimbabwe in line with Vision 2030.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to The Academy of Engineering and Technology of the Developing World for conferring upon me the honour of admission as a Fellow (F.AETDEW). I am deeply humbled by this recognition and accept it with a strong sense of responsibility. This distinction is not only a personal milestone, but a reflection of the collective efforts toward advancing education, innovation, and sustainable development across the developing world. I look forward to contributing meaningfully to the Academy’s mission, working collaboratively with fellow members to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen capacity, and drive impactful solutions that uplift our communities. Thank you once again to the leadership of AETDEW for this esteemed honour. Hon. Prof. Paul Mavima F.AETDEW

Honoured to join the Graduation Ceremony of the IYF Free Weekend Academy Season 3. Congratulations to all graduands for your discipline, growth, and commitment. This programme continues to empower Zimbabwean communities with practical skills, confidence, and opportunity. Today is not the finish line, it is your launchpad. Keep learning, stay disciplined, and create solutions. The future is not something you enter, it is something you build.

Yesterday in Dzivarasekwa, I stood in as Acting Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, reaffirming Government’s commitment to the welfare and empowerment of Zimbabwean workers in line with Vision 2030. Key highlights from Workers’ Day: Reaffirmed commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities across key sectors of the economy. Emphasized the importance of decent work, fair wages, safe working conditions, social protection, and workers’ rights. Highlighted priority sectors including manufacturing, mining value addition, agriculture, and the digital economy as drivers of job creation. Underscored the need for unity and collective effort in advancing national development. Recognized and honoured the contribution of workers as the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economic growth.

As we commemorate Workers’ Day, I pay tribute to all those whose labour is shaping the physical and social landscape of our nation. From construction workers and engineers to planners and community developers, your work is transforming lives, delivering homes, building infrastructure, and strengthening the social fabric of Zimbabwe. Housing and social amenities are not just structures; they are the foundation of dignity, stability, and opportunity. Behind every completed project are the hands and minds of committed workers who believe in building a better future. This day calls on us to continuously improve working conditions, expand access to opportunities, and ensure that every worker benefits from the development they help create. We remain steadfast in our mission to deliver inclusive, sustainable, and people-centred development, because when workers thrive, the nation prospers. Happy Workers’ Day.

Happy Workers’ Day! 🇿🇼 Labour is the foundation of our socio-economic development. Today, we reaffirm that the dignity of work must always be protected & respected. We honour the vendors, farmers, miners, & professionals whose toil builds our great nation We recommit to fostering an environment where every worker flourishes with fair wages & safe conditions. Together, we are building a prosperous Zimbabwe, leaving no one & no place behind

I today toured the Dombotombo Walk-Up Flats in Marondera to assess progress as the project nears completion. These 64 housing units represent a critical step in addressing accommodation challenges for civil servants in Mashonaland East. During the visit, I reaffirmed our Ministry’s commitment to accelerating the delivery of quality, affordable housing for government employees across the country. Projects such as Dombotombo will serve as a model for future developments under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) framework. #housingzim #NDS2

Today, I had the distinct pleasure of receiving Letters of Credence from three newly appointed Ambassadors-Designate at State House. Zimbabwe reaffirms its commitment to the policy of being a 'friend to all and enemy to none' as we pursue our engagement and re-engagement efforts to bolster bilateral relations globally. I formally welcomed: Ms. Maria del Rosario Mina Rojas, Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Colombia, Mr. Yury Nikalaichyk, Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Belarus, and Mr. Matthijs Pieter Van Eewen, Ambassador-Designate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We anticipate strengthening our collaboration in crucial sectors such as trade, agriculture, and innovation, yielding mutual benefits for our nations. Zimbabwe remains open for business.

I had the honour of addressing the Inaugural Convention of the Presidential Program for Professionals (PP4P), where we reaffirmed the critical role of professionals in driving Zimbabwe’s socio-economic transformation. As Patron of PP4P, I emphasised that professionals are the bridge between knowledge and national development, powering key sectors such as housing, infrastructure, and industry. I highlighted the central role of real estate as both a driver and enabler of economic growth, creating communities, unlocking investment, and improving livelihoods. Through strengthened collaboration between Government and professionals, we are advancing Vision 2030 and NDS2 by promoting sustainable housing, innovation, mentorship, and inclusive development across both urban and rural spaces. Together, we are building not just houses, but resilient communities and a prosperous Zimbabwe for all. 🇿🇼

Yesterday evening I had the privilege of sitting down with stakeholders at the High-Level Dinner held at Newlands Country Club. The conversations were honest, practical, and necessary. We took time to reflect on how far we’ve come under NDS1, and more importantly, what lies ahead under NDS2. The reality is simple , the demand for housing is growing, and we have to move with urgency and purpose. Our goal of delivering 1 million housing units by 2030 is achievable, but only if we work together. This means bringing in the private sector, unlocking financing that works for ordinary Zimbabweans, and making sure land is properly serviced with roads, water, and other essentials. We also spoke about upgrading informal settlements, not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to improve people’s lives in a meaningful way. At the centre of it all is one thing , dignity. A home changes everything. It brings stability, pride, and a sense of belonging. The conversations were encouraging, but now it’s about action. The work continues.

We need this to work .

Today, I am hosting the Inaugural High-Level Housing and Social Amenities Stakeholders Dinner, under the theme: “Building Together: Operationalising NDS2 for Housing and Social Amenities.” This important platform brings together key stakeholders from Government, the private sector, and development partners as we strengthen collaboration, mobilise investment, and accelerate the delivery of safe, affordable, and sustainable housing across the country. Through this engagement, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that will drive the successful implementation of NDS2 and improve the quality of life for all Zimbabweans.