Zimbabwe National Army Opens Recruitment For Officer Cadets – Apply Now

Harare – The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has officially opened recruitment for Regular Officer Cadets, inviting qualified young Zimbabweans to apply for training that could lead to a commission as officers in the national defence force.

The recruitment drive, running from 9 to 18 March 2026, is part of the army’s ongoing effort to strengthen its officer corps with well‑educated and motivated leaders.

Who Can Apply?

ZNA has set clear minimum requirements for all prospective candidates:

• A minimum of six (6) points at ‘A’ Level and five (5) ‘O’ Level passes with grade C or better, including English Language and Mathematics. Any higher qualification is an added advantage.
• Applicants must be aged between 18 and 22 years.
• Candidates must be single at the time of application.
• Minimum height requirements are 1.65m for males and 1.55m for females.
• Minimum weight standards are 55kg for males and 53kg for females.

Prospective applicants are advised to clearly include contact details and traceable references in their application letters.

Where to Apply

Applications must be submitted in person or delivered to Formation Headquarters, established Army Units, and selected provincial venues during the recruitment period. Applicants must attach certified copies of academic certificates.

Contact centres for submission and enquiries:

• Matabeleland North: Headquarters 1 Infantry Brigade (Khumalo Barracks), Bulawayo – Tel: (0292) 209436
• Matabeleland South: Headquarters Bulawayo District (Lookout Masuku Barracks), Bulawayo – Tel: (0292) 66687
• Mashonaland East: Headquarters 2 Infantry Brigade (Kaguvi Barracks), Harare – Tel: (0242) 743446
• Manicaland: Headquarters 3 Infantry Brigade (Herbert Chitepo Barracks), Mutare – Tel: (02020) 63002
• Masvingo: Headquarters 4 Infantry Brigade (Vitalis Gava Musungwa Zvinavashe Barracks), Masvingo – Tel: (0392) 263187
• Mashonaland West: Headquarters Mechanised Brigade (Nkomo Barracks) – Tel: (067) 2192497
• Mashonaland Central: Headquarters Artillery Brigade (Domboshava Barracks) – Tel: (086) 88007342
• Midlands: Headquarters 5 Infantry Brigade, Kwekwe – Tel: (055) 2570012

For those facing difficulties reaching provincial centres, the ZNA Recruiting Office in Harare can be contacted on (0242) 707459 or (0242) 793262.

Training and Career Path

Successful candidates will be selected and sent to the Zimbabwe Military Academy in Gweru, where they will undergo officer cadet training.

Upon completion of the training programme, cadets will be commissioned as Officers in the Zimbabwe National Army.

What the Army Offers

• Free medical and dental care for service members.
• Housing and transport allowances.
• Generous leave conditions.

The Zimbabwe National Army has emphasised that it does not engage third parties in the recruitment process, and no fees are charged to applicants at any stage.

Final Note

This recruitment presents a significant opportunity for young Zimbabweans seeking a disciplined, respected career in national service. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply within the specified recruitment window and ensure all documentation is complete and certified.