HIERARCHY
Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa
Hon Oppah CZ Muchinguri – Kashiri
Brigadier General (Retired) Levi Mayihlome
Cde Aaron DT Nhepera
General Emmanuel Matatu
Introduction
The mandate of the Ministry of Defence is to defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests of Zimbabwe and to contribute to international peace and security. In doing this, the Ministry of Defence provide policy, strategic direction as well as administrative oversight to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. The Ministry operates in a collaborative framework that brings together civilian expertise and military professionalism to provide a conducive environment for national development. The Zimbabwe Defence Forces comprise the Zimbabwe National Army and the Air Force of Zimbabwe, both operating under the command of the Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
Leadership Structure
Constitutional Mandate
The Ministry is headed by the Honourable Minister of Defence. Supporting the Minister are:
The Honourable Deputy Minister, who assists in the discharge of ministerial responsibilities.
The Permanent Secretary, who serves as the Accounting Officer and Principal Advisor on policy and administrative matters.
The Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, who serves as the Principal Military Advisor and exercises overall command of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
“Ministry of Defence: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
The Ministry of Defence derives its mandate from the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act, 2013, particularly Sections 215 and 211 of Chapter 11, Part 2.
The Constitution provides that, “The President must appoint a Minister to be responsible for the Defence Forces” and “The Defence Forces of Zimbabwe consist of an Army, an Air Force and any other services that may be established under an Act of Parliament…”
In fulfilment of its constitutional mandate, the Ministry provides policy direction, administrative oversight and strategic leadership to ensure that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces remain capable of defending Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, territorial integrity.
Development Agenda
The Ministry of Defence recognises that peace, security and stability are fundamental enablers of sustainable development. In support of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, the Ministry contributes to creating a secure environment conducive to economic growth, investment, infrastructure development and national prosperity.
Through civil-military cooperation initiatives, community assistance programmes, disaster preparedness and response activities, and support to national development projects, the Ministry and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces continue to play an important role in advancing socio-economic transformation and improving the well-being of communities.
The Ministry’s efforts are aligned with the National Development Strategy (NDS2) under the Regional and Global Peace Commitment section. Regional and continental frameworks, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) agenda for peace, security and development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 aspiration of “Silencing the Guns” to promote a peaceful, integrated and prosperous Africa.
The Ministry also advances the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by contributing to peaceful and inclusive societies, strengthening institutional resilience and fostering conditions necessary for sustainable development at national, regional and international levels.
Services
Strategic Focus Areas
Defence Policy Formulation
Development and review of defence policies, strategies and legislative frameworks. Conduct policy analysis and strategic studies to inform evidence-based decision-making to strengthen the Ministry’s response to emerging security challenges.
Strategic Oversight
Provision of strategic guidance and oversight for defence programmes and activities.
Defence Administration
Management of resources, finance, human capital and support services within the Ministry.
Civil-Military Relations
Coordination of programmes that strengthen relations between the Defence Forces and the public.
International Relations and Cooperation
Management of defence cooperation agreements and engagements with regional and international partners.
Defence Planning and Resource Management
Coordination of defence planning processes, budget formulation, resource mobilisation and allocation to support operational readiness and institutional effectiveness.
Human Capital Development
Development and implementation of policies and programmes aimed at enhancing leadership, professional development, skills acquisition and capacity building within the Ministry and Defence Forces.
“The Ministry plays a central role in advancing national security while supporting broader development objectives. Through strategic planning, international cooperation, military readiness and community engagement, we contribute to peace, stability and prosperity at national, regional and continental levels.”
National Defence and Security
Protecting Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests against external threats and security challenges.
Defence Policy and Strategic Planning
Formulating and implementing defence policies that support national security objectives and sustainable development.
Military Readiness and Capability Development
Supporting the operational preparedness, training and modernisation of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
Civil-Military Cooperation
Promoting collaboration between the Defence Forces, Government institutions, communities and development partners in support of national development initiatives.
International Defence Cooperation
Strengthening bilateral, regional and international defence partnerships to promote peace, security and mutual cooperation.
Disaster Response and Humanitarian Assistance
Supporting national efforts in disaster preparedness, emergency response and humanitarian assistance when required.
Peace Support Operations
Supporting regional and international peace and security initiatives through participation in peace support operations and security cooperation efforts.
Recent news
Overview: The Minister of Defence, Hon Oppah CZ Muchinguri-Kashiri, delivering the National Speech at the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. (28 April 2026 at United Nations Headquarters in New York, United Staes of America.)
Institutions
