AGP Executive Report

Investment: Kudakwashe Tagwirei, whose Sakunda interests span energy, mining, agriculture and logistics, has been appointed Minister of Economic Development and Investment Promotion. Gold Mining: Namib Minerals has commissioned an expanded How Mine plant, lifting monthly processing capacity by about 36% to 55,000 tonnes; full capacity is targeted by December. Minerals: Zimbabwe’s lithium export sales have surged, while the Mutapa mining cluster is tightening oversight of the sector. Agriculture: A €14 million EU-IFAD programme will support climate-resilient horticulture in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries, targeting more efficient water use, stronger market links and value addition. Trade: Zimbabwean and Namibian businesses are pursuing opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, logistics and renewable energy. Industry Policy: Delta is urging clearer, more predictable tax rules, including a dual-currency VAT framework, as it points to recent investment in brewing and packaging capacity. Logistics: Dinson’s partnership with state rail operators aims to increase rail haulage for coal and steel.

Mining: Zimbabwe’s lithium export sales reached US$2.16 billion in the first nine months of 2026, nearly four times last year’s total, as higher spodumene prices lifted earnings. Lithium sulphate exports also signal growing local processing. Manufacturing and Tax: Delta is urging Parliament to adopt predictable VAT rules and revise the sugar surtax, saying stable conditions supported a 40% rise in domestic volumes since 2022 and US$50 million in recent investment. Water Infrastructure: A new industry report says more than half of water supplied by Zimbabwe’s utilities is lost or unbilled, highlighting the need for better metering and leak control. Mining Governance: Mutapa Investment Fund’s mining executives have signed integrity pledges as the fund seeks stronger oversight of strategic mineral assets. Tourism: Operators say demand has held up after VAT changes, though the sudden tax shift initially created booking and pricing challenges. Innovation: ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera is pressing local innovators to turn prototypes into commercially viable solutions that support businesses and industry.

Export Push: Zimbabwean businesses are targeting Namibia with agricultural and industrial products, while ZimTrade says local firms can use regional forums to open more export markets. Innovation: ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera urged innovators to move beyond prototypes and get locally developed solutions tested, adopted and commercialised. Mining: State-owned Mutapa Platinum has secured US$100 million for its Darwendale project, with civil works beginning on a deposit estimated at 44 million ounces of platinum-group metals. A separate Zimbabwe-China mission focused on building lithium processing, battery and other value-addition capacity. Transport: Tsingshan’s Zimbabwe steel unit has partnered with the state rail operator to boost coal and steel haulage. Agriculture: A locally led drought plan for Chiredzi, Kariba and Mwenezi sets out early support for farmers, livestock, water access and household incomes.

Platinum: State-owned Mutapa Platinum has secured US$100 million for its Darwendale project, where civil works are starting and production is expected next year. Lithium: A Zimbabwean delegation’s China mission is part of efforts to build local processing and battery supply chains, rather than rely on raw mineral exports. Mining governance: Four Mutapa mining executives signed integrity pledges with ZACC, committing to stronger accountability and lawful conduct. Digital payments: Zimbabwe is seeking India’s UPI technology for a new payment system aimed at speeding transactions and cutting transfer costs. Rail and steel: NRZ and Tsingshan’s Dinson Steel agreed to move coal and steel by rail, alongside a US$27 million track rehabilitation and plans for a new line to the plant. Construction: Government plans to build 1,350 schools from November, backed by more than US$600 million, with a target of closing the infrastructure gap by 2029.

Mining & Critical Minerals: Zimbabwe-linked responsible mining discussions took centre stage as WWF Zimbabwe pushed for community-inclusive, lower-impact lithium value chains via public-private-community partnership models in the SADC region. Rail & Steel Logistics: Tsingshan’s Dinson Steel signed with NRZ to move 1.1m tonnes of Hwange coal and 600,000 tonnes of steel by rail, alongside an 80km track rehab and a 50km line to the plant. Aviation & Safety: Zimbabwe is bringing in foreign aviation experts to examine the wreckage of the Chivayo helicopter crash under Annex 13, as forensic work continues in Harare. Drug Enforcement: Police arrested four suspects (including a Zimbabwean man) after uncovering a suspected multimillion-rand Mandrax lab near Hartbeespoort Dam, seizing firearms and lab equipment. Agriculture & Trade: EU suspended fresh meat imports from Namibia over foot-and-mouth fears, a move that could ripple across southern Africa’s livestock and meat export plans. Finance & Governance: Zambia agreed to sign a $1.5bn US health pact after resolving medical data-sharing concerns, highlighting how health funding terms can affect sovereignty debates. Supply Chain Leadership: ASCON Awards recognised Africa’s supply chain professionals, with Eswatini’s ESPPRA CEO winning Africa’s SCM Professional of the Year.

Rail & Steel Deal: Tsingshan’s Zimbabwe steel unit, Dinson Steel, has partnered with National Railways of Zimbabwe to shift coal haulage from road to rail and move 600,000 tonnes of steel products, with track upgrades between Gweru–Mvuma and Mvuma–the plant under a build-operate-transfer model. Digital & Innovation Push: Zimbabwe’s ICT Minister T. A. Mavetera toured the POTRAZ 2026 Innovation Expo, where school learners and innovators pitched solutions aimed at inclusive industrial transformation. Payments Reform: Zimbabwe is negotiating to use India’s UPI-style real-time payments infrastructure to cut transfer costs and speed up digital transactions, with talks expected to conclude by late October. Energy & Solar Growth: Africa is forecast to add a record 17GW of solar in 2026, with Zimbabwe among the fastest-growing markets as commercial rooftop and solar-plus-storage expand. Food Systems & Climate: El Niño risks are rising for Zimbabwe’s food security, while UN-linked research warns extreme heat is increasing pregnancy and childbirth dangers. Agribusiness Trade Shock: The EU suspended imports of Namibian meat after foot-and-mouth disease fears, threatening jobs tied to exports. Consumer Finance Watch: Zimbabwe’s National Financial Ombud Scheme says banks can’t bypass legal steps when repossessing cars, after a R300,000 debt was wiped. Regional Governance & Resources: Mthwakazi unions are demanding local control of Matabeleland resources, citing underinvestment in roads, water, health and local industries. Business & Mining Momentum: Ariana Resources is advancing Dokwe gold work with a new independent resource estimate and DFS studies ramping up. Local Disruption: A hailstorm hit Masvingo, damaging homes and vehicles, as communities assess losses.

Solar Boom: Africa is forecast to install a record 17GW of solar in 2026, with growth driven largely by commercial rooftop, estate and solar-plus-storage systems that official stats often miss; Ember estimates Zimbabwe’s solar additions could jump 282% year-on-year. Digital & Telecom Regulation: Zimbabwe’s ICT regulator joins regional peers in Nairobi to strengthen rules for AI, cyber risk, data governance and online safety as digital services race ahead of policy. Rail Revival Deal: Chinese steel giant Tsingshan’s Zimbabwe unit, Dinson Steel, signs a partnership with NRZ to expand coal and steel haulage, including track upgrades and new links to the steel plant. Payments Push: Zimbabwe is set to use India’s UPI-style real-time payments infrastructure to cut transfer costs and speed up digital transactions. Climate & Food Security: UN warnings highlight extreme heat risks for pregnant women and newborns, while Zimbabwe braces for a potentially severe El Niño and steps up resilience planning. Agriculture Partnerships: AfricaRice visits CIMMYT in Zimbabwe to deepen research ties for resilient food systems. Energy/Industry Finance: Premier African Minerals raises about £1.2m to restart Zimbabwe’s Zulu lithium and tantalum project operations. Infrastructure Trade: ATDC Zimbabwe launches with CBZ Holdings to boost intra-AfCFTA trade logistics for agriculture, mining and manufacturing. Elites & Aviation Shock: Wicknell Chivayo’s helicopter crash continues to dominate debate, including new claims about the aircraft being hired from Themba Nkatazo’s Sky Helicopters and burial details.

Mining & Finance: Premier African Minerals raised about £1.2m by issuing 27.5bn new shares to restart Zimbabwe’s Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project, with a first 15-day processing run using ~13,000 tonnes of stockpiled ore. Trade & Logistics: ATDC Zimbabwe launched with CBZ Holdings to connect Zimbabwean agriculture, mining and manufacturing firms to AfCFTA trade routes, tackling storage, cross-border transport and transaction bottlenecks. Energy Policy: Government set an end-2026 deadline for restructuring ZESA entities into a more efficient ZESA Pvt Ltd, tasking the Mutapa Investment Fund with re-bundling and benchmarking regional utilities. Agriculture & Food Security: PELUM’s National Seed Fair was hailed as aligned to NDS2 and CAADP goals on food and nutrition security, including boosting nutritious traditional crops. Environment & Industry Support: EMA plans to decentralise lab services, adding facilities in Beitbridge (from Jan 2027) and Bulawayo to handle chemical samples from border and regional sources. Digital Economy: Zimbabwe launched National Cybersecurity Awareness Month at NUST, pushing a “cyber-strong” approach to protect mobile money, e-gov, online learning and digital trade. Regional Business: ZimTrade will lead an export mission to Windhoek (Oct 7–9) to link Zimbabwean services and FMCG firms with Namibian buyers and partners. Climate Risk: Government deployed three aircraft for cloud seeding across Bulawayo, Harare and Masvingo as part of a wider drought response plan.

ZESA Restructuring: Government has set an end-of-2026 deadline for re-bundling ZESA entities into a more efficient, commercially viable utility, with the Mutapa Investment Fund tasked to finalise the process and support key rehabilitation work like Hwange Unit 5. Energy Transition & Industry: A new focus on commercial and industrial energy decisions highlights how solar projects now hinge on storage value, financing, energy efficiency and credible carbon reporting—pushing businesses to move from renewable ambition to bankable implementation. Regional Trade for Local Firms: ZimTrade will lead an export mission to Windhoek (Oct 7–9) to help Zimbabwean services and FMCG players find Namibian buyers and partners through a business forum and matchmaking. COMESA Push for Bulawayo: Zimbabwe’s COMESA chairmanship is framed as a chance to revive Bulawayo’s industrial base and attract investment across manufacturing, agro-processing, engineering and iron/steel value chains. Agriculture Resilience: Government has deployed aircraft for cloud seeding as part of a six-pillar plan for a potentially drier 2026/27 season, aiming to protect grain, livestock and water supplies. Urban Infrastructure Funding: NECF warns Zimbabwe’s urban infrastructure gap is driven by a credibility crisis in municipal land and revenue models, leaving a large shortfall in roads, water, sanitation and serviced housing. Healthcare Investment: Emuseni Private Hospital and FasterCapital announced a partnership to accelerate construction and launch of a 150-bed private hospital in Gwanda District, targeting specialist care access outside major cities. Aviation & Logistics: Air Zimbabwe says it is carrying about 450 passengers and 25 tonnes of cargo per Harare–London return flight, while also planning network expansion. Water Security Warning: Bulawayo faces another potential water crisis if the rainy season underperforms, with calls to rehabilitate Ncema, complete Glassblock Dam and stop mining threats to catchments. Liquor Licensing Crackdown: Authorities are intensifying inspections after reports of illegal liquor outlets near schools, hospitals and places of worship, with councils to be held accountable for breaches. Skills for Industry: Zimbabwe says it is ready to host Africa Skills Week in Harare (Oct 12–16), targeting nearly 1,000 foreign delegates and positioning skills development as a route to value creation for African industries. Mining & Safety Context: The week’s coverage also keeps spotlighting mining’s human cost and the need for stronger safety and operational discipline.

Water Security: Bulawayo faces another severe water crisis if dams are not replenished, with Mayor David Coltart urging urgent Ncema rehabilitation, completion of the long-delayed Glassblock Dam, and an end to mining threats to water catchments while questioning slow funding for the Gwayi-Shangani–Bulawayo pipeline. Climate & Agriculture: Government has deployed three aircraft for cloud seeding ahead of the 2026/27 season, aiming to cushion agriculture, livestock and water supplies under a forecast of below-normal rains. Industrial & Trade Push: COMESA chairmanship is set to open an “industrial window” for Bulawayo, spotlighting manufacturing, agro-processing, engineering and mining supplies to tap a 640m-strong regional market. Tourism & MICE: Midlands is seeing a hospitality infrastructure boom as tourism receipts rise, with new hotels and venues targeting the growing MICE market. Aviation & Logistics: Air Zimbabwe says it is carrying about 450 passengers and 25 tonnes of cargo per return flight on the Harare–London Gatwick route, while planning further network expansion. Urban Finance: NECF warns Zimbabwe’s urban infrastructure funding is held back by a credibility crisis—investors distrust municipal land and revenues—leaving an 80% financing gap. Health & Safety: ZBC postpones the NyamiNyami series premiere; meanwhile, liquor outlets near sensitive sites are being probed as authorities tighten licensing amid drug peddling concerns. Skills for Industry: Zimbabwe says it is ready to host Africa Skills Week in October, aiming to strengthen skills-to-value creation for resilient African industries.

Urban Governance Crackdown: Government is pushing Operation Chenesa to restore order in towns by targeting illegal vending, unregulated roadside business and misuse of leased markets, with tighter liquor licensing controls also flagged. Aviation & Trade: Air Zimbabwe says its Harare–London Gatwick service is running with about 450 passengers and 25 tonnes of cargo per return flight, while it maps further international expansion. Innovation for Industry: ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera urged innovators to turn expo ideas into market-ready solutions within 99 days, linking innovation to jobs and industrialisation. Cybersecurity Push: Zimbabwe launched National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026 at NUST under “Build a Cyber Strong Zimbabwe,” focusing on mobile money fraud, phishing and safer digital habits. Energy & Climate Funding: Green Governance Zimbabwe’s Nyasha Frank Mpahlo was named a 2026 Climate Breakthrough Awardee to scale locally led energy solutions across Africa. Mining & Investment Signals: Wildsky Resources signed an LOI to acquire the NewRidge Gold Project in Manicaland, while Zimbabwe also continues positioning logistics and infrastructure for growth. Business & Public Life Shock: The helicopter crash death of controversial tycoon Wicknell Chivayo dominated headlines, with government and regional leaders offering condolences and investigations ongoing.

Cybersecurity Push: Zimbabwe launched National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026 at NUST under “Don’t Make It Easy for Them,” urging citizens, businesses and institutions to tackle mobile money fraud, phishing and online risks, with a hackathon spotlighting local talent. Trade & Value Addition: Zibco Indaba in Bulawayo urged Zimbabwean firms to tap UAE export opportunities beyond gold and diamonds, while a CBZ-Afreximbank-backed ATDC Zimbabwe joint venture aims to finance and market local goods across Africa. Mining Deal: Wildsky Resources signed a binding LOI to acquire Zimbabwe’s NewRidge Gold Project in Manicaland, expanding its African mineral portfolio. Infrastructure & Housing: President Mnangagwa called for smart infrastructure and private capital at ZEDCON 2026, as WestProp targets about 40,000 housing units across its developments ahead of World Habitat Day. Education for Industry: Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences says it’s shifting to IP protection and commercialising research for agriculture and tourism under Vision 2030. Agribusiness Growth: Buntu Foods scaled up indigenous foods and alternative stock feeds using a USADF grant and contract farming to reduce drought-linked supply shocks. Energy Planning: The Energy Ministry began a five-day review workshop to set measurable 2027 priorities aligned to NDS2 and Vision 2030.

Cybersecurity Push: Zimbabwe’s government urged citizens and businesses to adopt safer digital habits as mobile money, e-government and online trade expand, warning of phishing, ransomware and identity theft. Infrastructure & Housing: WestProp says it will help ease Zimbabwe’s housing backlog with mixed-use developments, targeting about 40,000 units across projects including Pomona City and Chivhu Eco City. Regional Trade: ZimTrade flagged COMESA’s Harare business forum (19–21 Oct) as a direct route for local firms into regional buyers and green value-chain opportunities. Energy Planning: The Energy Ministry began a 5-day review to set measurable 2027 priorities aligned to NDS2 and Vision 2030. Agri-Industry Growth: Bulawayo agro-processor Buntu Foods scaled up indigenous foods and alternative stock feeds using a USADF grant and contract farming to cushion El Niño-linked grain shocks. Mining Safety: Mine managers called for stronger safety and compliance systems where large-scale mining and artisanal miners operate together. Dangote IPO: Bard Santner Investors is finalising Zimbabwe’s US$1.6bn Dangote Petroleum IPO as the subscription window closes today. Business & Society: The death of tycoon Wicknell Chivayo in a helicopter crash continues to dominate debate, from questions about his wealth to official tributes and public scrutiny.

Smart Infrastructure Push: Zimbabwe is positioning infrastructure as the backbone of economic transformation, aiming to cut logistics costs and turn the country into a regional logistics hub for SADC and COMESA, with ZEDCON 2026 in Bulawayo spotlighting “smart infrastructure” and the need for private capital. COMESA Trade Access: ZimTrade says Harare will host the 19th COMESA Business Forum (19–21 Oct), with a COMESA Green Industries Connect to open doors for local firms into regional buyers and investors. Energy Planning 2027: The Energy Ministry is running a five-day strategic review to set measurable priorities for 2027 aligned to NDS2 and Vision 2030. Diaspora Investment Drive: Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe urged Zimbabweans abroad to invest directly in infrastructure, smart cities, housing, roads and clean energy—not just send remittances. Tourism Financing: IDBZ named tourism a foreign-currency priority, saying it will fund projects across the investment cycle, from hotels to conference facilities. Rail Freight Financing: NRZ says it could tap a 20m-tonne cargo market to unlock private capital for rail recapitalisation, focusing on bankable corridors. Solar Scale-Up: A US$762.75m solar rollout plan unveiled at ZEDCON targets power for mining, heavy industry and agriculture, with surplus exports projected. AI to Industrialise: Government called for turning AI research into industrial impact through university–industry–state partnerships. Mining Safety Warning: Mining fatalities have risen to about 150 in nine months, with artisanal and small-scale operations under pressure. Wicknell Chivayo Crash Fallout: Investigations into the helicopter crash that killed tycoon Wicknell Chivayo and his wife continue, with preliminary findings pointing to fuel spill on impact and a post-crash fire, while tributes and public debate intensify.

Helicopter crash and wealth debate: Zimbabwean tycoon Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke were among six killed in a Marondera helicopter crash near Harare; police named the five occupants, while aviation authorities said fuel spilled on impact and a fire followed, as investigations continue and tributes pour in from regional leaders. Infrastructure and rail revival: IDBZ urged Zimbabwe to pull in large-scale private capital for rail, energy and urban works to cut the cost of doing business, while NRZ says it aims to lift freight volumes under NDS2 and IDBZ flagged a potential 20m-tonne cargo market to attract rail investment. Climate resilience for farmers: ZINWA reported Gwayi-Shangani is 82% complete and Kunzvi 76% as El Niño drought mitigation ramps up, alongside irrigation drives in Mashonaland Central and UNDP climate services reaching tens of thousands. Energy and green finance push: ZEDCON heard calls for a Zimbabwe Green Sovereign Bond Facility and proposals for a 1,065MW distributed solar programme that could unlock export revenue. Local industry incentives: Zimra urged Matabeleland South firms to formalise and use duty rebates for retooling, while TIMB moved to make ESG compliance a prerequisite for tobacco contractor and merchant licensing. Business updates: Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe reached financial close to upgrade the Chirundu One-Stop Border Post, and Simbisa Brands reported 20% revenue growth in FY2026 with Zimbabwe as its biggest market.

Rail Revival & Steel Demand: Zimbabwe is urged to consolidate steel demand across public and private players to build a local rail manufacturing base, instead of importing steel for NRZ rehabilitation. NRZ Freight Targets: NRZ says it is banking on NDS2 to lift freight volumes from about 2.5–3m tonnes to 12m tonnes, with priorities including fixing dilapidated permanent way and cutting delays. Rail Investment Pitch: IDBZ estimates a 20m-tonne annual cargo market that could anchor private capital into rail modernisation, especially via mining corridors. Green Finance Push: Delegates called for a Zimbabwe Green Sovereign Bond Facility to close a green infrastructure financing gap of about US$8bn (2025–2030), alongside blended finance and carbon-credit models. Solar Export Opportunity: A proposed 1,065MW distributed solar programme could unlock about US$28m a year in export revenue to SAPP. Tax & Industrial Retooling: Zimra urged Matabeleland South firms to formalise and use duty rebates to import capital equipment for retooling. Tobacco ESG Compliance: TIMB plans to link tobacco contractor and merchant licensing to ESG performance, including labour, environmental and traceability requirements. Business Climate: ZEDCON challenged researchers and industry to propose evidence-based policies to raise growth to 7–8%. Energy/Industry Context: Zimpapers reported cautious optimism driven by digital transformation and cost optimisation. Aviation & Crime: RwandAir plans four more A330-200s as it expands Europe and the Far East; police probe a firearm syndicate after 88 guns disappeared. Major Tragedy: Zimbabwe tycoon Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke died in a helicopter crash near Marondera; President William Ruto mourned him as a “dear friend.”