Zimbabwe 2026 National Budget: Education, Security and Health Get Biggest Share of Z$290 Billion

Education, Security and Health Get Largest Share in 2026 National Budget

Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has allocated the largest share of the Z$290 billion 2026 National Budget to the education, peace and security, and health sectors.

Speaking during the budget presentation at the new Parliament in Mt Hampden, Ncube said the spending plan is anchored on economic reforms, growth and development.

He projected the economy to grow by five percent in 2026 despite ongoing global and domestic pressures.

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Top Funded Ministries

Education – Z$47.4 Billion

Education received the highest allocation, amounting to Z$47.4 billion (US$1.55 billion).

The funds will go towards salaries, the construction of new classrooms, school infrastructure upgrades and the procurement of learning equipment.

Peace and Security – Z$46.8 Billion

The peace and security sector was allocated Z$46.8 billion (US$1.53 billion), covering recruitment, training, accommodation, vehicle procurement and the continuation of the Military Salary Concept.

Health and Child Care – Z$30.4 Billion

The Ministry of Health and Child Care received Z$30.4 billion (US$997 million), with the bulk targeting primary healthcare, rural access, essential services and medical equipment.

Social Protection – Z$12.7 Billion

Social welfare programmes aimed at vulnerable households will receive Z$12.7 billion (US$416 million).

Agriculture, Youth, Sports and Infrastructure Support

The 2026 budget also channels significant resources towards agriculture, youth empowerment, sports development and major infrastructure projects.

Agriculture received Z$26.8 billion (US$880 million) for irrigation development, dam construction, livestock programmes and grain reserves — measures Ncube said were critical after recent drought shocks.

The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training was allocated ZiG1.7 billion for youth empowerment initiatives, vocational training programmes and capitalisation of EmpowerBank.

Under sports, recreation, arts and culture, ZiG841.4 million was set aside for completing the National Sports Stadium and constructing or upgrading additional sporting, arts and cultural facilities countrywide.

Roads, Water and Housing Projects

Ncube also allocated Z$4.6 billion (US$151 million) for the upgrading of key national highways, including the Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge road and the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls route.

Water and sanitation projects, including the Kunzvi Dam, Gwayi-Shangani Dam and borehole drilling throughout the country, will receive Z$1.1 billion (US$36 million).

For housing and urban development, Z$948.9 million (US$31 million) was committed towards regulatory reforms, site servicing and housing infrastructure.

Tax Relief Measures to Boost Growth

The Minister also announced a series of tax relief measures aimed at stimulating economic activity, easing pressure on households and supporting investment.