Zimbabwe’s Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home Affairs, Security Services, and War Veterans Affairs has recommended that the country’s defence forces be permitted to compete for and win major government tenders, a move aimed at addressing a significant funding gap facing the military. The proposal, revealed during pre-budget hearings in Harare, comes as the Ministry of Defence faces a massive shortfall, with Treasury allocating only a fraction of the funds requested for 2026.
Committee chairperson E. Maoneke highlighted that a well-resourced defence force is essential for national security, but the funding constraints have prompted lawmakers to suggest a dramatic shift. The committee’s recommendation would see the Zimbabwe Defence Forces leveraging their trained personnel to participate in national development projects, such as road and infrastructure construction. By allowing the military to bid for large-scale public contracts, the committee believes the ZDF could generate its own revenue, reduce reliance on Treasury funding, and contribute more directly to national infrastructure goals. The proposal, now under Treasury review, signals a potential turning point in Zimbabwe’s defence and economic strategy.
Committee chairperson E. Maoneke highlighted that a well-resourced defence force is essential for national security, but the funding constraints have prompted lawmakers to suggest a dramatic shift. The committee’s recommendation would see the Zimbabwe Defence Forces leveraging their trained personnel to participate in national development projects, such as road and infrastructure construction. By allowing the military to bid for large-scale public contracts, the committee believes the ZDF could generate its own revenue, reduce reliance on Treasury funding, and contribute more directly to national infrastructure goals. The proposal, now under Treasury review, signals a potential turning point in Zimbabwe’s defence and economic strategy.
