By Staff Reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed Zimbabwe’s Parliament to prioritize the passage of more than 20 Bills during the newly opened fourth parliamentary session at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
The President outlined an ambitious legislative agenda, highlighting a comprehensive list of key Bills and amendments across various sectors:
- Financial Sector: The Finance Bill aims to modernize and enhance revenue collection.
- Foreign Affairs: The Foreign Affairs and International Trade Bill will focus on embedding trade and investment promotion within diplomatic missions.
- Agriculture & Water: Four significant Bills—including the Water Act, Zimbabwe National Water Authority Act, Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board Act, and Tobacco Research Board Act—are to be tabled.
- Environmental Protection: Amendments to both the Forest Act and Communal Land Forest Produce Act will bolster conservation efforts.
- Health Sector: Parliament will debate six major Bills: National Healthcare Provision Bill, Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council Bill, Medicines and Allied Substances Control Bill, Medical Research Bill, Food and Food Safety Bill, and Mental Health Bill.
- Transport Sector: Four new Bills are on the agenda, including the Road Accident Fund Bill, Merchant Shipping Bill, Road Traffic Authority Bill, and National Roads Authority Bill.
- Veterans’ Affairs: Three Amendment Bills will improve benefits and support for veterans of the liberation struggle, their dependants, and war victims.
- Justice & Governance: Additional Bills include amendments to the Electoral Act, Constitutional Court Act, and the introduction of the Delimitation Commission Act, as well as legislation covering child justice, whistleblower and witness protection, legal practitioners, legal aid, and chartered secretaries.
Mnangagwa also stressed the need for Parliament to align these laws with recent constitutional amendments, ensuring the nation’s legal framework keeps pace with evolving governance standards.
With over 20 Bills set for review and passage, this session is poised to be one of the busiest and most impactful in Zimbabwe’s recent legislative history.
