AGP Executive Report

CEDIS Programme: Zimbabwe’s Catalysing Economic Development through the Informal Sector (CEDIS) is closing June 30 after directly supporting over 30,000 women and youth entrepreneurs, with Swedish funding via Mercy Corps, boosting agro-processing, waste management, renewable energy and manufacturing through skills, finance and market access. Municipal Accountability: Police say three people drowned in Budiriro’s open sewer pond and have arrested four Harare City Council officials over alleged negligence tied to incomplete excavation works. Water Security & Rural Livelihoods: China has handed over 300 boreholes to drought-hit communities across four provinces, bringing clean water to 75,000+ people and supporting farming. Mining & Energy Policy: Government has gazetted a river rehabilitation framework that lets contractors recover gold via permits while restoring damaged river ecosystems, with state royalties and reporting requirements. Gold Output Push: Mutapa Gold Resources plans to double output to 220,000 oz by 2029 after securing $75m for the Shamva Hill expansion. Agriculture Input Relief: Cabinet says duty-free fertiliser imports and steps to revive Sable Chemicals’ ammonium plant are planned to shield farmers from fertiliser price shocks. Broadcasting Industry: BAZ is gearing up for its Annual Broadcasters’ Convention 2026 at NUST in Bulawayo on June 17-18. Digital Economy: NetOne marks 30 years, positioning itself as a driver of education, commerce and financial inclusion. Public Procurement Watch: Industry and Commerce Minister Ndhlovu warns public entities against dodging the National Standard Price List through weak exemptions. Tourism Conservation: KAZA ministers commend First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa for enabling 10,000 women to visit Victoria Falls.

Border Town Development: Beitbridge has officially launched servicing of its new CBD extension, with contractor Tiger Eye set to build roads, water reticulation, sewer and stormwater drainage in a 6–9 month window, paving the way for commercial development in early 2027. Public Health & Procurement Scrutiny: A youth group is demanding answers over procurement of four cancer radiotherapy machines worth US$27m funded by ring-fenced sugar tax revenue, saying officials refused a Freedom of Information request. Construction & Jobs: Chegutu is set to get a US$3m brick-moulding plant by Heng Chang Investments, targeting 200,000 bricks per day and about 200 jobs. Responsible Mining Push: WWF Zimbabwe and ZELO launched a five-year UNECA-backed project to promote environmentally and socially responsible mining and build inclusive value chains for energy-transition minerals. Land Governance: Hurungwe Rural District Council warns residents about illegal stand scams in communal and resettlement areas, saying buyers risk losing money as land is not zoned for housing. Midwifery Workforce Plan: Government says it will expand midwifery training, e-learning and retention to tackle shortages and improve maternal and newborn outcomes. Digital Transformation: NetOne says it is integrating AI to improve network management and service delivery as part of Zimbabwe’s digital economy push. Transport & Safety: ZIMSTAT data shows a surge in motorcycle registrations, highlighting fast-growing delivery work alongside rising licensing and road-safety concerns.

Lithium & Mining Finance: Premier African Minerals raised about US$1.02m via a new share subscription to fund operations and working capital at its Zulu Lithium project, after commissioning its flotation plant and starting spodumene concentrate production. Jobs & Corporate Rescue: Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union backed RioZim’s corporate rescue bid, citing severe liquidity stress and large losses as it seeks to protect jobs. Banking Leadership: First Capital Bank CEO Tapera Mushoriwa was re-elected IOBZ chair, with CBZ Bank’s Valeta Mthimkhulu as vice chair, as the institute pushes skills and professionalism in a fast-changing sector. Digital & Telecoms: NetOne is rolling out AI-enabled network optimisation to move from reactive to predictive operations, supporting Zimbabwe’s digital transformation goals. Procurement for Industrialisation: Industry and Commerce Minister Ndlovu told PRAZ’s symposium that procurement must drive industrialisation and inclusion, not just compliance, while PRAZ clarified the National Standard Price List is a guide, not price control. Wildlife & Food Safety: Conservationists warned Zimbabwe’s elephant numbers have surged beyond carrying capacity, while Bulawayo seized 1.5 tonnes of elephant meat and cracked down on unsafe food and licensing breaches. Cross-Border Trade Pressure: A report says Zimbabwean firms are increasingly shifting operations to Zambia, pointing to local business strain despite macroeconomic claims. Tech for Access: Bola Group launched Chatbet, a WhatsApp-based betting platform designed to cut data costs, with plans to expand to Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Rural Investment Push: Chief Dakamela urged Zimbabwean industry leaders to invest in rural areas, arguing there’s enough land and calling for land titling so rural assets can unlock formal finance and curb migration. Water Infrastructure: Bulawayo councillors renewed calls for immediate construction of the Glassblock Dam, saying consultations are done and the city needs new supply to protect growth. Lithium Sector Leadership: MUTAPA Energy Resources CEO Innocent Rukweza was elected chair of the Lithium Association of Zimbabwe, as the sector eyes the next investment and production phase. Education Innovation: An AU commissioner is in Zimbabwe to assess the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, with a view to scaling it across Africa. Food Security: Government expects a strategic grain reserve of about 551,000–965,000 tonnes after a strong season, with maize and other crops showing improved harvest progress. Cement Performance: PPC Zimbabwe posted an 18% jump in cement sales volumes and a record US$36m dividend to PPC Limited, supported by stronger volumes and cash generation. Tobacco Market Pressure: Zimbabwe’s tobacco marketing season is seeing record early sales but weaker prices, leaving farmers worried about profitability. Mining & Gold Prospects: Dokwe Gold Project reserves rose 42% to 1.13m ounces, lifting project economics and reinforcing Zimbabwe’s push for higher gold output. Trade & Industry: ZimTrade says value-added exports surged 34.4% in Jan–Apr 2026, helping narrow the trade deficit as engineering steel exports led gains. Reserved Sectors Compliance: Over 400 foreign firms applied to continue operating in Zimbabwe’s reserved sectors after new indigenisation rules, with more than 280 already approved. Regional Business Links: ZimTrade launched a Zim-Zambia services trade mission focused on agriculture and building/construction services, with B2B matchmaking under way.

Border Trade & Transport: Zimbabwe is upgrading border posts with Malawi and Mozambique to decongest crossings, improve traveller safety and streamline trade, as trilateral route meetings run in Harare. Mining & Local Value: Caledonia’s Motapa drilling returned consistent high-grade gold hits and supports a potential extension of the Bilboes mining complex, with a maiden resource estimate expected in Q3 2026. Lithium Update: Premier African Minerals says spodumene has been found in concentrate from its Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project after commissioning of a new flotation plant, though results are still preliminary. Trade Shift to Value-Added: ZimTrade reports export earnings up 48% to US$3.57bn (Jan–Apr 2026), with value-added products rising 34.4% and engineering steel products surging. Tourism & Mobility: ZIMVRA urges tourism and the mobility sector to work together as arrivals are projected to grow, while ZTA says China is driving an 11% rise in international arrivals. Regulation & Business Costs: Government consults to cut liquor licence fees and streamline licensing, and warns councils against excessive levies. Infrastructure & Construction: Beitbridge starts a CBD extension project with 33 stands and new services, while Bulawayo seeks US$13.16m for water, roads, ICT and renewable energy upgrades. Energy Prices: ZERA’s LPG price increase to about US$1.96/kg sparks fresh criticism over affordability.

Construction & Finance: Masimba Holdings is seeking shareholder approval to repurchase up to 10% of its shares at the ZSE, citing improving profitability, liquidity and a strong order book ahead of its June 30 AGM. Jobs & Manufacturing: A new Shuntai cement plant in Chegutu is 90% complete and has already created about 450 jobs, with output of nearly 800,000 tonnes expected when it commissions in August. Local Infrastructure Funding: Bulawayo City Council wants authority to borrow US$13.16m to rehabilitate water and sewage, roads, ICT, public buildings, equipment and renewable energy. Environment & Land Use: MPs were ordered to vacate Harare’s Monavale Wetland after activists argued it is protected under the Ramsar Convention; equipment was removed. Energy Regulation: ZERA set June LPG at US$1.96/kg (ZWG52.60/kg), as operators are reminded to display maximum retail prices. Mining Safety & Governance: CNRG called on Bikita Minerals to suspend operations and investigate two worker deaths, citing concerns over workplace safety. Trade & Transport Corridors: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique launched a drive to cut border and corridor bottlenecks that raise transit costs and delay goods. Lithium Industry Leadership: Mutapa Energy Resources CEO Innocent Rukweza was appointed chair of the Lithium Association of Zimbabwe, as the sector pushes for beneficiation and value addition. Urban Transport: ZPTO says 200 public service buses have left China, with 500 more under production to ease city shortages and curb illegal touting. Agribusiness Skills: Zimbabwe dispatched a delegation to Rwanda for rabbit artificial insemination training to speed up genetic improvement and productivity.

LPG Pricing Watch: ZERA set June 2026 maximum retail LPG at US$1.96/kg (ZWG52.60/kg), urging operators to display prices clearly while allowing lower charges where possible. Lithium Industry: Mutapa Energy Resources CEO Innocent Rukweza was appointed chair of the Lithium Association of Zimbabwe, as the sector pushes for more beneficiation and value addition. Mining Safety & Accountability: CNRG demanded Bikita Minerals suspend operations and investigate after two workers died at the lithium mine, citing worsening workplace safety concerns. Transport & Urban Services: Zimbabwe is set to receive 200 public service buses from China, with another 500 under manufacture, aimed at easing urban shortages and curbing illegal touting. Agriculture & Food Systems: Women smallholder farmers received training on food sovereignty and climate resilience under a popular feminism programme, while rabbit breeders are set to benefit from government-backed training in artificial insemination to boost productivity. Tourism & Manufacturing: Zimbabwe’s tourism receipts rose 14% in Q1 2026, and Varichem Pharmaceuticals reported over 70% capacity utilisation with growing regional exports.

Tertiary Education Overhaul: Minister Frederick Shava has ordered immediate structural and digital reforms at TESC and ZIMCHE, including mandatory pre-departure clearance for students heading to foreign universities and urgent Treasury engagement to fix funding gaps. Cancer Care Funding: Treasury says US$50m from the sugar tax cancer fund will keep upgrading radiotherapy capacity, with new machines for Parirenyatwa and Mpilo. Water Security Push: First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa called for stronger African cooperation and infrastructure investment to tackle chronic water insecurity under AU Agenda 2063. Fertiliser Localisation: Government is accelerating local fertiliser production and pushing regional procurement to blunt supply shocks hitting nitrogen inputs. Urban Transport Upgrade: ZPTO says 200 buses are already en route from China, with 500 more under manufacture, aiming to cut illegal touting and pirate taxes. Food & Manufacturing Jobs: CZI reports Zimbabwe’s food processing sector led manufacturing job growth in 2025, while Cairns Foods rebrands Spuds to match a more competitive snack market. Labour Rights Watch: Zimbabwe has landed on the ITUC workers’ rights watch list after reports of increased violations against trade unionists. Mining & Value Addition: Zimbabwe’s lithium strategy is back in focus as the country moves to ban exports of unprocessed concentrate to capture more value locally.

Mining Policy & Industrialisation: Government says it will push a “big boost” for mining and strengthen state institutions around the Zimbabwe School of Mines, while youth miners in Masvingo are urged to tap local investment opportunities across lithium, gold, chrome and industrial minerals. Lithium Value-Add: Zimbabwe’s early-2026 ban on exporting unprocessed lithium concentrate is framed as a bid to capture more value domestically and reduce dependence on raw-material exports. Education Regulation: Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Frederick Shava orders mandatory pre-departure clearance for Zimbabweans going to foreign universities and pushes Treasury talks over tertiary funding. Healthcare & Jobs: Mpilo Central Hospital’s cancer upgrade is nearing completion, with more equipment planned using proceeds from the sugar content tax. Agriculture & Food Security: US USDA forecasts a 38% corn output rebound in 2026-27, cutting expected imports by 25%, while tobacco sales volumes rise but prices fall sharply, squeezing farmer earnings. Cement & Manufacturing: PPC reports a second year of turnaround with a 31% EBITDA jump, and Zimgold is investing in a Bulawayo oil extraction/refining plant to expand capacity and target regional exports. Mining Safety: ZDAMWU marks the Kamandama disaster anniversary by calling for tougher mine safety standards and stronger worker protections. Trade & Compliance: High Court strikes off GMAZ’s urgent challenge to the grain import levy framework, clearing the way for continued implementation. Finance & Capital Markets: Ndarama plans tokenised real-asset trading and token-backed lending, while VFEX expects continued momentum as more ZSE counters migrate.

Cancer Care Upgrade: Mpilo Central Hospital has started installing a new lower-energy linear accelerator, with a multi-energy machine and CT scan still expected—installation and quality control could take up to three months, boosting radiotherapy access in Bulawayo. Local Industry Push: Government plans a Local Content Act to restrict importation of about US$4.5bn in goods Zimbabwe can produce, with a steering committee set to operationalise the framework next year. Manufacturing Momentum: Industry and Commerce officials report capacity utilisation rising to 57% in Q1, citing investment and expansion at National Foods and ZimGold. Special Economic Zones: Mashonaland Central targets three SEZs—energy petrochemicals, agro-processing/tobacco value chains, and mineral beneficiation—aiming to lift the province’s GDP contribution. Mining & Youths: A renewed push to reserve small-scale gold mining for Zimbabweans is framed as an opportunity for young miners, with warnings against treating it as a free handout. Transport & Tourism: Airlink is taking over Compair slots, adding daily Johannesburg–Harare flights to support tourism recovery. Telecoms: Zimbabwe expects Starlink licensing by end of July, with the service positioned to complement mobile networks. Food Safety Crackdown: Bulawayo inspected 1,715 premises, issuing tickets and destroying unsafe products including about 1,500kg of rotten elephant meat. Regional Migration Shock: South Africa’s Ramaphosa announced tougher action on illegal immigration, raising fresh anxiety for Zimbabweans working there. Governance Debate: Parliament continues CAB3 constitutional amendment debate, with critics alleging a coordinated push to extend terms and reshape elections.

Migration & Xenophobia: South Africa’s President Ramaphosa admitted rising tensions over illegal migration after anti-foreigner protests, warning only authorised officials can act. Governance & CAB3: Zimbabwe’s Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill debate is drawing claims of a coordinated Zanu-PF push to extend terms and reshape elections, while critics warn it weakens democratic checks. Tax, Inflation & Currency: Inflation has returned to three digits (May 131.7%), with renewed criticism of multiple exchange rates and dedollarisation promises. Revenue & Leadership Appointments: TelOne boss Chipo Mtasa is reportedly shortlisted for Zimra commissioner-general as the tax authority awaits a substantive head. Health & Industry Link: Government says it will keep upgrading cancer diagnosis and treatment at Mpilo and Parirenyatwa using sugar-content tax proceeds, aiming to expand the full treatment value chain. Local Food Safety: Bulawayo stepped up food-safety enforcement, inspecting 1,715 premises, issuing tickets and destroying unsafe products. Mining & Youth: Mines Ministry urged young miners to prepare for reserved-sector policy after a ban on foreigners in small-scale gold mining. Transport & Aviation: Air Zimbabwe says it will relaunch Harare–London from 1 July via an ACMI deal with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra. Agribusiness & Productivity: Mnangagwa handed retired Chief Justice Luke Malaba a mechanisation package, sparking public debate over state “donations.” Arts & Tourism: Chegutu’s Hintonville Arts Centre is investing nearly US$30,000 in a cultural village to boost tourism and heritage learning. Digital & SMEs: Zimbabwean SMEs are increasingly adopting cybersecurity practices as digital transactions expand. Sports: Mighty Warriors booked the Four Nations final after beating Lesotho 3-1. Culture & Pageantry: Roseanna Hall was crowned Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026, though the event was overshadowed by a cash-splash stage invasion.

Inflation & Currency: Zimbabwe’s May inflation jumped back to 131.7% (from 96.4%), with the economy still stuck with five exchange rates—an indictment of unstable currency policy. Aviation & Trade: Air Zimbabwe says it will resume Harare–London flights from 1 July using Spanish Plus Ultra under an ACMI wet-lease for 13 months. Healthcare & Tax-Funded Industry: Government says Mpilo cancer upgrades are nearing completion, with more radiotherapy machines to be acquired using proceeds from the sugar content tax; US$30m already spent. Environment & Water Security: A massive 90-day river restoration drive begins after a state-of-disaster notice, suspending mining and other activities in degraded river systems to curb damage. Agriculture Mechanisation: President Mnangagwa gifts retired Chief Justice Luke Malaba a mechanisation package (tractor, truck, boom sprayer, planter) to support farming post-retirement. Agribusiness: Matabeleland North winter wheat planting is at 1,907ha (about 66% planted) ahead of a 15 June deadline. SME & Business Recognition: ZNCC Midlands Provincial Awards highlight winners across customer service and MSMEs, including Sino Brick and Sixspeed Tech Systems. Renewables: Centragrid Solar Plant in Nyabira now feeds 25MW into the grid, boosting supply reliability in several load centres. Governance & Infrastructure: Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart’s claims of substandard Harare–Beitbridge Highway construction are rejected by the Roads Ministry. Food & Public Health: Police arrest two Mutare company directors over alleged illicit brew production under unhygienic conditions. Climate Diplomacy: Zimbabwe is invited to the Global Zero Waste Forum, with First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa highlighting community-led waste and circular-economy efforts.

Renewables & Power: Centragrid’s Nyabira solar plant has started feeding 25MW into Zimbabwe’s national grid, boosting supply reliability in load centres like Norton, Chinhoyi, Karoi and Bindura. Monetary Policy: The RBZ introduced 30-, 60- and 90-day ZiG Denominated Term Deposit Facility Bills to absorb excess liquidity and ease pressure on the exchange rate. Roads & Accountability: Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart’s claims of shortcut construction on the Harare–Beitbridge Highway were rejected by the Roads Ministry, with the ministry saying an independent technical assessment will be commissioned. Agribusiness: President Mnangagwa handed recently retired Chief Justice Luke Malaba a mechanisation package (tractor, truck, boom sprayer and planter). Public Health & Enforcement: Police arrested two Teku Teku Company directors in Mutare over alleged illicit brew production under unhygienic conditions. Business Recognition: ZNCC Matabeleland awards saw Samuriwo Pub & Grill and Ziyah Media win runner-up honours, with Ziyah Media pushing CSR via youth sport. Agriculture: Boer goats are thriving in Masvingo’s dry regions, with officials citing higher returns and better genetics. Mining: Zimbabwe’s mining sector generated about US$2bn in revenue in the first half, with gold driving export receipts. Health Innovation: CIMAS launched a US$7,000 Healthathon to incubate local tech innovations for Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector. Water Infrastructure: Harare warned Mabelreign residents about chemical rock blasting during a water pipe replacement project, urging strict safety compliance.

US-Zim Investment Push: US Ambassador Pamela Tremont says Washington wants deeper commercial ties, more American firms investing in Zimbabwe, and stronger Zimbabwe access to global markets, pointing to shared agriculture and innovation links. Road Safety Digitalisation: Government rolled out an AI Electronic Traffic Management System to detect and fine offences automatically via surveillance and number-plate recognition, feeding data to ZRP and the Central Vehicle Registry. Hydropower Standards Upgrade: Zambezi River Authority joined the International Hydropower Association, aiming to benchmark projects like Kariba rehabilitation and Batoka Gorge against global safety and sustainability practices. Cancer Care Boost: New LINAC radiotherapy machines arrived for Mpilo Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa, set to cut travel and waiting times and expand local oncology capacity. Mining Safety Blitz: Mines ministry launched a National Safety Enforcement Blitz after 64 miner deaths in Q1, targeting unsafe artisanal and small-scale operations. SME Financing Step: Zimbabwe Stock Exchange won SECZim approval to launch ZEEX, an entrepreneurship-focused trading platform to widen funding access for SMEs. Lithium Value-Add Pressure: Zimbabwe’s lithium beneficiating push is gaining traction as mines commit close to US$1bn to processing plants, while warnings remain on policy predictability. Livestock Trade Watch: Botswana eased FMD controls after suppressing outbreaks, allowing permitted movement and trade—important for regional livestock flows. Healthcare Diplomacy: UK pledged support as Zimbabwe prepares for its 2027–2028 UNSC non-permanent seat.

Mining Formalisation: Mashonaland West pushes to formalise artisanal miners to help meet the US$12bn mining target, with plans to boost exploration, improve equipment use beyond “chitokororo”, and tighten “blood-free” gold and platinum supply. TVET Funding: Treasury has released 50% of Zimbabwe School of Mines’ annual funding, ring-fenced to speed up resources and reduce delays. Young Miners Summit: The Young Miners Foundation’s YMF @ 16 Great Stone Summit is set for Masvingo, aiming to secure mining rights and link youth to processing and key regulators. Air Connectivity: Air Zimbabwe’s London return is reportedly set via a 13-month ACMI lease with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra, reviving a flagship route after more than a decade. Food Industry Pressure: Millers and bakers are challenging new grain and oilseed levies, warning of higher bread and stockfeed prices and renewed strain on food security. Energy Transition Skills: Schneider Electric launches a two-year Energy Transition Innovation Challenge in Ruwa to train 9,000 youth for Zimbabwe’s energy shift. Digital Payments: RBZ data shows digital transaction values dipped in Jan-Feb then rebounded in March, reflecting shifting formal-sector activity. Cement Deal: Shuntai signs with China’s CBMI for a 6,000 t/day clinker line in Zvishavane, expanding cement capacity. Livestock Health: South Africa’s voluntary FMD vaccination scheme could reshape cross-border livestock trade and disease control for Zimbabwean farmers. Tourism Co-opetition: Zimbabwe and Zambia position themselves as partners, not rivals, with joint marketing around Victoria Falls. Climate Finance & Buildings: Mnangagwa calls for more green climate funding for Africa and highlights green building as a way to cut emissions and protect infrastructure budgets. Mining Finance Warning: RioZim auditors flag worsening liquidity and losses, casting doubt on continued operations.

Renewables & Climate Governance: Zimbabwe’s renewable energy push is being urged to put communities in charge, with inclusive governance and better implementation so solar and other projects deliver real local benefits. Skills & Smart Agriculture: Matabeleland South’s skills fair showcased rural innovation, including a rust-detecting device for mining machinery and a wearable health-monitoring “Pulsera” system. Digital Divide & STEM: A new report highlights how lack of electricity and internet is pushing rural girls away from STEM dreams, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s education inequality. Women in Transport Under Pressure: Rural women using electric tricycles face growing police crackdowns over registration and licensing fees, threatening livelihoods. AfCFTA Trade Logistics: Swakopmund is positioned as a key AfCFTA trade hub, with cities seen as drivers of infrastructure, logistics, industrialisation and digital connectivity. Grain Import Levies Fight: Indigenous millers back Zimbabwe’s grain import levy framework as a way to protect farmers, food security and land reform gains, amid continued legal and political pushback. Mining Restart & Safety: Redwing Mine’s gold revival is accelerating with major dewatering and power works, while mining safety concerns remain in focus. SME Rental Dispute: More than 40 Bulawayo SMEs are stranded after NRZ closed premises over unpaid rentals, raising fears of business collapse. Regional Mining Control: Mozambique tightens mining rules with a 15% state stake and local processing requirements, echoing moves across the region.