By a Correspondent
Zimbabwean Cabinet has approved a new five-year women’s empowerment framework, endorsed the country’s fourth Universal Periodic Review report on human rights, and received an update on investigations into the helicopter crash that killed businessman Wicknell Chivayo and four others.
The decisions were made during the 32nd Cabinet meeting chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Cabinet approved the National Broad-Based Women Empowerment Framework (2026-2030), which seeks to provide a coordinated approach to increasing women’s participation in Zimbabwe’s economy.
The framework, presented by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe on behalf of Vice President Kembo Mohadi, reviews the 2016 framework and builds on the achievements of the National Development Strategy 1 while laying the foundation for NDS 2 and Vision 2030.
Women account for 52 percent of Zimbabwe’s population, with Cabinet saying their full and equal participation in the economy is both a matter of social justice and an economic imperative.
The framework will focus on women’s access to and ownership of productive resources and financial inclusion, equal employment opportunities and leadership, education and training, entrepreneurship and ICT development, as well as social protection, decent work and health services.
Cabinet also approved Zimbabwe’s fourth-cycle Universal Periodic Review report to the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The report covers 161 of the 264 recommendations accepted by Zimbabwe and outlines legislative and policy measures, progress in implementing accepted recommendations and challenges encountered during the review period.
According to the Government, access to safe drinking water in rural areas improved from 71 percent to 81 percent, while urban access increased from 94 percent to 96 percent.
The report also highlighted the drilling of 4 939 boreholes and 1 060 solarised boreholes, expansion of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa climate-proofed agriculture programme from 1.8 million to 3.5 million farmers, and production of 2.29 million tonnes of cereal.
Other developments cited include the abolition of the death penalty, electoral amendments, issuance of more than 1.74 million national identity documents, adoption of an electronic case management system that reduced the court backlog by 20 percent, progress on debt resolution and the adoption of a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
Cabinet also received an update on the September 30 helicopter crash at Kudenga Farm in Mashonaland East, which claimed the lives of Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and three other people.
The Bell 430 helicopter, registered Z-PED and operated by Sky Helicopters Private Limited, was flying from Gandami in Chikomba District to Marondera when it crashed, killing all five people aboard.
The victims were identified as pilot Captain Calvin Soda, Chivayo, Muteke, Sanelisiwe Magagula and Captain Courage Mutavira.
Government said a full investigation had been instituted in accordance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the Civil Aviation Act.
Preliminary on-site investigations have been completed and the wreckage has been moved to the Government Hangar at Charles Prince Airport for detailed forensic examination, including examination by international experts.
A preliminary report is expected within 30 days of the accident and will cover the wreckage, weather conditions, maintenance records, the aircraft operator and crew records.
Government said further updates would be provided as investigations continue.
Cabinet also confirmed that Confederation of African Football (CAF) has temporarily suspended spectator access to CAF matches hosted in Zimbabwe following the death of a spectator during the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Harare.
CAF said the measure was precautionary and would remain in place pending a comprehensive review and verification of safety and security protocols.
As a result, all CAF matches played in Zimbabwe during the suspension will be held behind closed doors until further notice.
Cabinet approved principles of the Cooperative Societies Amendment Bill, 2026, aimed at modernising legislation governing co-operatives, strengthening access to finance, digitisation and training, and improving support for SACCOs.
Zimbabwe will also host the 6th Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Civil Registration from November 15 to 19, after being appointed chair of the African Registrars General Bureau for the southern Africa region.
Meanwhile, Cabinet noted reports on President Mnangagwa’s participation at the 81st United Nations General Assembly and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s September visit to China, where Zimbabwe pushed for investment, beneficiation, industrialisation, infrastructure development and technology and skills transfer.
