13-02-2025
Dubai: Meet winner of ‘Best Minister Award' who made Zimbabwe self-sufficient in wheat
In recognition of his efforts in the field of agriculture, Zimbabwean minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Anxious Jongwe Masuka was announced winner of this year's 'Best Minister Award' during Dubai's World Government Summit (WGS).
Masuka's achievements include achieving wheat self-sufficiency in 2022 with a record harvest, reducing the country's reliance on imports for the first time in over two decades.
Masuka received the award on Thursday in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Masuka said, 'We are climate-proofing agriculture, and we need to accelerate that, so that whether there is rain or not, we can produce enough to feed ourselves and also begin feeding a growing and needy global market,' he added.
He commented on receiving the award by saying: "Well, this award is very humbling, but I receive it on behalf of farmers and the people of Zimbabwe and the colleagues back home."
The Best Minister Award, which is organised by WGS in collaboration with PwC Middle East, recognises public officials who have led sustainable, high-impact initiatives that drive social and economic progress.
In its eighth edition, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the role ministers can play in moving toward a better future.
He said during the award ceremony: 'Exceptional ministers don't merely occupy positions; they lead transformative change. They turn every decision into a valuable contribution, every challenge into an opportunity, and every idea into a tangible reality that shapes history and the future.'
Winners of the prestigious award are selected based on their countries' achievements and whether they are in line with four global indices: Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index, the World Governance Indicators, Human Development Index, and the Happiness Index.
A panel of judges then assess the shortlisted ministers based on the following criteria: 40% for innovation, 25% for impact and inclusivity, 20% for continuity and feasibility, and 15% for the presentation.
