HARARE, ZIMBABWE — The Zimbabwean government, under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is pursuing a dual-pronged strategy, simultaneously advancing its “Vision 2030” economic development plan and introducing new social media regulations.
Launched in 2019, Vision 2030 outlines an ambitious national development trajectory, aiming to elevate Zimbabwe to an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, with a focus on sustainable growth, social equity, and inclusive prosperity.
Concurrently, the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services is drafting legislation to address concerns surrounding the unregulated use of social media. Minister Jenfan Muswere has highlighted the need for improved social media governance, citing the proliferation of “ghost accounts” used to disseminate negative narratives about the country, and the alleged decline of journalistic integrity among some former journalists.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish accountability for social media users, aiming to create a more structured and regulated online environment.
Minister Muswere also emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and access to information, citing existing governance structures that facilitate communication with officials.
He further stated that the ministry will maintain its practice of holding Q&A sessions with ministers and organizing media tours to showcase government projects, thereby providing journalists with firsthand access to information.
