Pray for Zimbabwe

About Zimbabwe

The capital is Harare. People speak English, Shona, Ndebele and 13 other official languages. The largest faith is Christianity.

Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.

Prayer briefing for Zimbabwe

Last updated November 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.

Current events

Zimbabwe is mourning after an overloaded passenger ferry capsized in heavy winds on Lake Kariba on 11 August; dozens of people died and 77 were rescued. Later in August, at least 27 people died near Chivhu when a minibus carrying church members to a conference collided with a truck. On 30 September six people died in a helicopter crash in Marondera.

We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.

Leadership and politics

Zimbabwe is a republic where the President leads both the state and the government. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, aged 83, signed a constitutional amendment in July that extends presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and has Parliament choose the president, so his term would run to 2030. Supporters say Parliament had the power to do this; critics say a referendum is needed, and several court challenges are pending.

We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.

Economic health

The economy has grown strongly, by more than 8% in 2025 after a good farming season, and inflation in the local currency fell to about 3% in July 2026. The World Bank says these gains have not yet reached most households. Nearly half of Zimbabweans live below the international poverty line, and about 80% of workers are in informal jobs earning around 130 US dollars a month.

We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.

Social and cultural issues

Zimbabwe is a nation of many peoples, with 16 official languages. Most workers depend on informal jobs with low pay, and many families live close to the food poverty line. The ferry and road disasters have brought grief to many communities. Reports say public meetings have been banned and some critics of the term changes detained, so trust and peace between communities need care.

We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.

Spiritual landscape

About 85% of Zimbabweans are Christian, according to a 2022 national survey. About 40% belong to Apostolic churches, with Pentecostal, other Protestant and Catholic churches also strong. About 11% have no religious affiliation, under 2% follow traditional beliefs only, and Muslims are a small but growing community. Many people blend traditional practices with Christian faith.

We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.

Religious freedom

The constitution protects the freedom of people to practise and share their faith, and religious groups do not need to register to worship. The US State Department reports that some clergy who spoke about public affairs said they were monitored or pressured, and that some leaders choose to stay silent. Proposed rules on charities could affect faith-based organisations.

We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.

Historical wounds

Zimbabwe became independent in 1980 after colonial rule and the liberation war of the 1970s. In the 1980s, rights groups believe about 20,000 people were killed in the Gukurahundi, a deep wound. From 2000, white-owned farms were seized under land reform. Robert Mugabe led the country for 37 years until he was removed in 2017.

We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.

Let us pray together

Our Father, we come to You together for Zimbabwe. Comfort every family grieving after the Kariba ferry disaster and the accidents of these months, and keep travellers safe. Give President Mnangagwa and all in authority wisdom, integrity and justice, and guide the nation through this time of change. Provide good work and fair wages for families, so that growth reaches every home. Bring peace and trust between communities, and protect the poor and the vulnerable. Fill the churches with hope and truth, and keep every believer free to worship safely. Heal the wounds of the Gukurahundi and the past, and lead Zimbabwe in forgiveness and reconciliation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Sources

More ways to pray

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