AGP Executive Report

Industrial Policy Push: President Mnangagwa used the Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo to reaffirm a drive toward a regional industrial hub, stressing infrastructure, green industrialisation, innovation, value addition and trade. Competition Watch: Mega Market’s proposed 100% takeover of Lobels Holdings is under Competition and Tariff Commission review, while Delta vs Varun Beverages’ fight for Dairibord is also drawing regulatory attention over merger-control rules. Mining & Value Addition: Mutapa Energy says Sandawana lithium resources are nearing 40m tonnes (JORC on Block A), and NRZ/BBR have started rail exports of 1,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate to Maputo Port. Rail & Logistics: The NRZ/transport conference coverage flags border chaos as a major cost to regional trade, with long queues at key crossings. Manufacturing Turnaround: Hwange Colliery commissioned a rehabilitated coke oven battery after an 11-year gap, aiming to strengthen steel inputs. Currency & Skills: RBZ says ZiG’s sole-currency move is now conditions-based (reserves and demand), and Zimbabwe’s aviation sector faces a pilot/controller skills drain. Water & Governance: Bulawayo keeps 72-hour water shedding due to ageing pumping systems, while Parliament’s Bulawayo workshops target stronger public finance oversight. Food & Consumer Demand: A feature argues Zimbabwe must build SME growth and formalise the “missing middle,” and another spotlights how boosting goat value chains needs real consumer demand.

Industrial Policy & Growth: Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector is tipped to hit the US$1bn mark by 2030 as a new survey presented at ZICE 2026 shows output and GDP contribution rising, with firms increasingly investing in machinery, upgrades and export competitiveness. Youth Skills & Jobs: Government hailed the Skills for Youth Resilience Project after 152 graduates completed accredited vocational training in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, with emphasis on practical skills for self-employment and business growth. Trade & Border Infrastructure: VP Mohadi commissioned the Kasambabezi Border Post in Binga, boosting immigration and Zimra systems with solar backup and internet connectivity to unlock legitimate cross-border trade. Mining & Finance: Mutapa Gold secured a US$125m syndicated loan from local banks for Shamva Hill and Jena expansion, while MER confirmed 39.9m tonnes of lithium resources at Sandawana. Energy Investment Push: Zimbabwe seeks over US$9bn for energy expansion, relying on private capital and new rules to attract independent power and grid investment. Regional Business Risk: South Africa’s crackdown on illegal immigration is putting cross-border transporters—especially on the DRC route—under pressure, threatening regional logistics flows. Capital Markets Reform: Zimbabwe moves to deepen capital markets to unlock SME growth through ZEEX and related reforms. International Development Finance: Zimbabwe was admitted as a borrowing member of the BRICS New Development Bank, opening a new pipeline for infrastructure and industrial projects.

Mining Finance: Zimbabwean banks have syndicated US$125m to back Mutapa Gold’s Shamva Hill and Jena Mine expansion, a major vote of confidence in local mining finance. Energy Push: Government is seeking over US$9bn for energy expansion, banking on private capital and new rules to cut power shortages and speed industrialisation. Solar Growth Tracking: ZERA says it will survey with ZIMSTAT to measure how much electricity demand is now being met by privately funded solar systems. BRICS Development Funding: Zimbabwe has joined the BRICS New Development Bank as a borrowing member, aiming to unlock long-term financing for infrastructure, energy and industrial projects. Capital Markets for SMEs: Zimbabwe is moving to deepen capital markets via ZEEX to help SMEs access finance and scale beyond traditional bank limits. Industrial Recovery: Research presented at ZICE 2026 says manufacturing is shifting from survival to strategic growth, with more investment in upgrades and export competitiveness. Critical Minerals Exports: Mineral export earnings jumped 84% to a record US$2.532bn in H1 2026, led by PGMs and lithium products, including first lithium sulphate shipments. Agriculture Policy: A policy push argues agriculture must be repositioned as the foundation of industrial recovery, linking production to manufacturing, finance and exports. Regional Migration Pressure: Reports highlight Zimbabweans fleeing South Africa amid xenophobic violence, with returnees needing support systems. Trade & Logistics Reality Check: A regional transport study estimates cross-border disruption costs South Africa up to R16bn a year, with long delays at key gateways.

Industrial Policy Push: President Mnangagwa used the Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo to call for faster local manufacturing and mineral beneficiation, naming sectors like lithium, cement, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, leather, dairy, grains, logistics and packaging. Trade Finance & Energy: Afreximbank says its Africa Trade Gateway helped complete a US$5.3m cross-border gasoil deal for a Zimbabwean importer, showing how digital trade ecosystems can unlock regional commerce. Capital Markets for SMEs: Bulawayo launched the Zimbabwe Entrepreneurship Exchange (ZEEX) to widen investment access for SMEs and revive the city’s historic stock exchange role. Mining & Value Addition: Caledonia Mining reported new gold mineralisation potential at Blanket, while Zimbabwe’s lithium push continues with new resources and export supply-chain moves. Border Infrastructure: VP Mohadi is set to commission the Kasambabezi Border Post in Binga, aimed at safer, regulated trade and reduced smuggling. Labour & Skills: The Educators Union of Zimbabwe urged government to create a framework for registering and re-employing teachers returning from South Africa after xenophobic attacks. Youth Empowerment: A Chitungwiza youth group received Chinese Embassy-backed vocational equipment to expand sewing and baking training tied to income and crime prevention. Logistics Cost Warning: A transport study estimates cross-border disruption at R15–R16bn a year for key SADC gateways, with delays running into days.

Industrial Policy Push: President Mnangagwa officially opened the inaugural Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo, urging faster value addition, import substitution and beneficiation across sectors like iron and steel, lithium, cement, pharmaceuticals, tobacco and dairy. Lithium & Mining Updates: Mutapa Energy Resources confirmed a JORC-compliant 39.9 million-tonne lithium resource at Sandawana (covering only 30% of its claim), while Caledonia’s Blanket mine says surface drilling has identified a new gold orebody about 200m east of the current underground target. Finance & Agriculture: POSB declared a record US$5.14m dividend for 2026, citing transformation, growth in loans and deposits, and funding support including agricultural mechanisation; Government also started climate-smart dairy support with drought-tolerant fodder banks and resilient forage seed. Trade & Exports: Zimbabwe exported its first batch of blueberries to China as a new market opens, and lithium exports were reported at US$746m in the first half of 2026. Infrastructure & Roads: Bulawayo says road repairs need about US$700m as deferred maintenance bites, while a contractor on the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway launched an anti-litter drive on a key tourism corridor. Business & Services: AURUM expands with a new Harare CBD branch and upgrades its flagship facility, and Zimbabwe’s MICE sector is getting a boost as Government highlights growth in conferencing facilities. Agriculture Show: ZAS targets 630 exhibitors for the 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, running Aug 24–29.

SME Capital Boost: ZEEX is set to launch in Bulawayo, giving small businesses a new way to raise equity capital through the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, with the city’s economic development team saying it could unlock growth for the industrial hub. Lithium Push: Mutapa Energy Resources confirmed a JORC-compliant 39.9 million-tonne lithium resource at Sandawana, covering only 30% of its claim, after 103,000m of drilling and US$24m in exploration. Mining Logistics: NRZ outlined a long-term plan for mineral logistics hubs and new rail links, starting with the lithium corridor to Maputo, and naming future rail heads at Zvishavane, Dete, Shangani and Goromonzi. Local Governance Probe: Parliament’s local government committee recommends a Commission of Inquiry into Hwange’s dual administration after residents complained they pay taxes but are excluded from service delivery where they live. Roads Funding Gap: Bulawayo says it needs about US$700m to rehabilitate roads, citing deferred maintenance, an ageing fleet and rising contractor costs. Investment Confidence: US envoy Pamela Tremont told Zimbabwe’s AI and cybersecurity conference that predictable policies, security of tenure, an independent judiciary and anti-corruption are key to attracting investors. Banking Returns: POSB declared a record US$5.14m dividend to the Mutapa Investment Fund, citing transformation and stronger customer-focused performance.

Procurement & Governance: SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu and Zimbabwe’s PRAZ CEO Dr Clever Ruswa will headline the CIPS Southern Africa Connect & Engage Conference 2026 in Johannesburg on 4–5 August, spotlighting how procurement and supply chains can strengthen growth and resilience across Africa. Lithium & Rail Logistics: NRZ moved its first 1,000-tonne lithium concentrate consignment from Gwanda to Mozambique’s Port of Maputo via the Beitbridge-Bulawayo railway corridor, aiming to cut export costs and revive freight volumes. Banking & Finance: POSB declared a record US$5.14m dividend for 2026, crediting Mutapa Investment Fund support for its transformation and earnings push. Industrialisation Push: Government says Zimbabwe must shift from exporting raw minerals and farm commodities to value addition and manufacturing, ahead of ZICE 2026, while urging media to translate industrial policy into job-creating stories. Energy Transition: A Zimbabwe Energy Conference will tackle investment, renewable power expansion and regulatory reforms to unlock financing amid power shortages. Currency Clarity: RBZ says US dollar savings will not be forcibly converted to ZiG during the mono-currency transition.

Digital Infrastructure & Transport: Zimbabwe’s transport ministry has started Training of Trainers for a National Road Condition Survey, using Android-based tools with ZINGSA, ZINARA, RIDA and councils to standardise road data for better maintenance decisions. Food & Agriculture Resilience: Government unveiled a six-point El Niño drought cushion plan for 2026/27, while Ardas Matabeleland South pushes traditional grains and climate-smart practices, including boreholes and solarising water points. Trade & Exports: Zimbabwe secured duty-free access to China for nearly 9,000 product categories under Beijing’s Pre-Early Harvest Initiative (to April 2028), with ZimTrade issuing certificates of origin and ZIMRA checking rules. Mining & Logistics: NRZ says it has partnered with private logistics to move lithium concentrate by rail to Mozambique’s Port of Maputo, starting with 1,000 tonnes. Industry Value Addition: SADC backs regional leather transformation; Zimbabwe is among six states with aligned national leather strategic work plans. Energy & Tech for Industry: Econet InfraCo expanded telecom towers and solar rollouts, using AI for generator maintenance and fuel optimisation. Aquaculture Upgrade: Government approved duty/VAT waivers for Danish cage fish farming equipment to boost fish production and food security. Public Health Funding Shock: A study says US PEPFAR disruptions led to 1,700 HIV/AIDS service sites closing and 77,163 fewer children receiving treatment in 2025.

El Niño Drought Plan: Government unveiled a six-point strategy to cushion Zimbabwe against a possible El Niño-linked drought in 2026/27, including expanding grain reserves, boosting climate-smart farming and irrigation, promoting drought-tolerant crops, strengthening livestock support, improving financing and coordination. ZiG and Business Confidence: ZNCC backed RBZ’s exchange-rate stability and inflation moderation, but flagged ongoing issues like credit costs, liquidity, bank charges and export surrender requirements affecting firms’ ability to grow and use ZiG. Lithium Logistics Boost: NRZ dispatched its first 1,000-tonne lithium concentrate trainload from Gwanda to Maputo, adding a rail option to cut bottlenecks and support faster mineral exports. Lithium Export Numbers: MMCZ reported lithium export earnings of US$746m in H1 2026, led by spodumene concentrates, with lithium sulphate showing early beneficiation gains. Trade Access to China: Zimbabwe secured duty-free access to China for nearly 9,000 product categories under the Pre-Early Harvest Initiative, running to April 2028. Energy for Schools: Climate Action Network Zimbabwe donated a 3.5kVA solar system to Thomas Coulter Primary School and trained youth in installation and maintenance. Food Security Alarm: UN warned 4.2m Zimbabweans faced hunger in 2025, with healthy diets unaffordable for many households. Econet InfraCo Expansion: Econet InfraCo, newly listed on VFEX, rolled out 90 base stations and accelerated solar and AI-driven infrastructure management. Mining Finance for Small-Scale Miners: Mining Industry Loan Fund is being reworked to better support formalised artisanal and small-scale miners and help them scale up.

Air Connectivity & Trade: Air Zimbabwe relaunches direct Harare–London Gatwick flights after a 14-year gap, with three weekly services and promotional fares from £490/US$495 one-way, expected to boost tourism, trade and diaspora links. Rail & Minerals Logistics: Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway (BBR) is pushing the North–South Corridor with a US$1.5m lithium transshipment siding in West Nicholson; it has already sent its first lithium concentrate consignment to Maputo. Small-Scale Mining Finance: The Mining Industry Loan Fund (MILF) is being overhauled to better support formalised artisanal and small-scale miners, aiming to help them scale up from small to medium/large production. Food Security: ARDA and GMB deepen grain deliveries, with 120,054 tonnes already delivered and more expected, strengthening strategic grain reserves ahead of El Niño risk. Telecoms Value Push: Econet launches XtraData Bundles, offering bonus data first, as network complaints continue. Lithium Value Addition Pressure: Zimbabwe’s lithium export push shows growth (US$746m in H1), but Reuters reports the country’s sole lithium sulphate plant lacks capacity to process third-party concentrates, ahead of a January 2027 concentrate export ban. Property Rights Digitisation: Banks will be digitally linked to the Deeds Office to track immovable property changes and curb fraud in title deeds and lending. Health & Cancer Care: Zimbabwe seeks WHO support to expand cancer screening, early diagnosis, oncology services and access to affordable medicines and modern technologies.

Air Connectivity & Tourism: Air Zimbabwe officially relaunches the Harare–London Gatwick direct route after 14 years, with an Airbus A330-300 delivered and early bookings plus cargo already confirmed, while the Transport ministry says the route is a major commercial test for the Mutapa Investment Fund. Mining & Production: Namib Minerals lays out a five-step, funded restart pathway for Redwing Mine, with dewatering targeted for Q4 2026 and the Definitive Feasibility Study technical programme fully funded to completion by early 2027. Gold Output: Caledonia Mining reports an 18% quarter-on-quarter rise in Blanket Mine gold output to 17,360 ounces as access to higher-grade ore improves, reiterating full-year guidance. Currency & Financial Inclusion: Zimbabwe’s ZiG push faces its biggest test as policymakers say conditions are improving, but the US dollar still dominates pricing and transactions. Digital Economy: A national digital identity system is flagged as critical for trust, lending and financial inclusion, while AI hosting adoption is challenged by infrastructure and skills gaps. Health: Zimbabwe seeks WHO support to expand cancer screening, early diagnosis, oncology capacity and access to affordable medicines and modern technologies. Agriculture & Livestock Health: SADC moves to coordinate a cross-border foot-and-mouth disease strategy, including diagnostics, vaccinations and a transboundary plan. Industry Skills: Saint Augustine’s College launches an Advanced Design Colleges laboratory to train learners in digital design and engineering tools. Returnees & Social Support: The Magolide Foundation steps up food support for Zimbabweans returning from South Africa amid xenophobia-linked losses. Governance & Reform: Churches back Constitutional Amendment Act 3 rallies, while ZDF benchmarks ZPCS commercial ventures to build self-sustaining enterprises.

Mining & Production: Caledonia Mining says Blanket Mine gold output rose 18% to 17,360 oz in Q2 2026 as access to higher-grade ore improves, with grades up to 3.05 g/t for July-to-date; the firm keeps full-year guidance at 72,000–76,500 oz. Digital Economy: ZIMSTAT and POTRAZ report household internet access jumped to 75.5% in 2025 (from 50.1% in 2020) and mobile phone ownership hit 96.4%, showing Zimbabwe is going “mobile-first” with smartphones driving most internet use. Industrialisation & Manufacturing: A push to use the Manhize Dinson Iron and Steel Plant to shift Zimbabwe from exporting raw minerals to making higher-value goods is gaining momentum, with steel seen as a base for wider manufacturing and jobs. Energy Projects: Kariba Floating Solar’s first 600MW phase is nearing financial closure, with a second proposal in environmental impact assessment—aimed at boosting renewable generation and energy security. Currency & Business Climate: RBZ says ZiG demand is rising and Zimbabwe has met 6 of 8 conditions for a mono-currency move, while government reiterates reforms to cut fees and levies to improve the ease of doing business. Small-Scale Mining Safety: Government plans training and licensing for about 600,000 artisanal miners to improve safety and formalise the sector, which contributes over 60% of gold output. Local Industry Skills: Pump and Steel Suppliers plans to revive heavy rail manufacturing capabilities from ZECO, aiming to reduce import reliance and build local engineering capacity.

Ward 40 Development Push: Residents of Dzivaresekwa Ward 40 in Harare have elected an interim Ward Development Committee after disputes in existing structures delayed roads and other services, with calls for an apolitical, inclusive body representing housing cooperatives. ZiG Credibility Debate: Commentators argue Zimbabwe can’t achieve “sole use” of ZiG through propaganda alone, stressing that trust depends on consistent institutional commitment, not just reserve figures. Industrialisation Watch: Manhize Dinson’s steel plant is framed as a potential shift from exporting raw minerals to building local value chains, with steel seen as a backbone for wider manufacturing. Mining Policy: Zimbabwe will not extend its planned January 1, 2027 ban on lithium concentrate exports, even as producers warn processing capacity is tight; officials also say the country’s only operational lithium sulphate plant can’t process third-party concentrate. Finance for SMEs: Government says the Zimbabwe Small Enterprises Stock Exchange will launch next month to help MSMEs raise capital, alongside licensing and tax reforms. Banking Results: RBZ reports bank profits fell 67.2% in 2025 as forex revaluation gains faded under more stable exchange rates. Energy Collaboration: A push for collaboration is highlighted as Zimbabwe maps its energy future, linking power and digital infrastructure to industrial growth.

Skills & Reintegration: Zimbabwe launched a skills audit and registration for returnees from South Africa at Beitbridge, with over 15,000 already logged under the Zimbabwe Global Skills Partnership Programme to guide reintegration and policy. Mining Safety: Four miners died after a shaft collapse at Rowdy Mine in Chinhoyi; four escaped and the last two bodies were recovered as investigations continue. Lithium Value Addition Under Pressure: Zimbabwe’s lithium concentrate export ban is pushing local processing, but the sector also faces shocks after San Ding Lithium was ordered to stop operating following allegations of diverting US$3.65m. Agriculture & Climate Risk: Farmers are urged to “bale it, do not burn it” ahead of the El Niño-linked dry season to protect livestock feed; seed cotton intake also fell 27% as the season ends. Industrial Push: Bulawayo is stepping up infrastructure and investment to reclaim its manufacturing hub status, while government accelerates decentralised SEZs and highlights projects like Proton Bakery and the Kanyemba irrigation scheme. Migration Tensions: Zimbabwe’s migration committee condemned xenophobia and vigilantism in South Africa and reiterated repatriation is a state responsibility.

Mine Safety: Three miners died and one remains missing after a shaft collapse at Rowdy Boys 4 Mine in Chinhoyi, with rescue and investigations ongoing. Industrial Policy & Value Addition: Zimbabwe’s mineral exports jumped 84.7% to US$2.53bn in H1 2026, driven by higher-value beneficiation including lithium sulphate, ferrochrome, steel products and polished granite. Lithium Crackdown: San Ding Lithium was forced to stop operating after a Chinese executive and former finance chief were arrested over alleged diversion of US$3.65m, as government pushes for more processing inside Zimbabwe. Reindustrialisation Through Chemicals: A new push argues Zimbabwe’s reindustrialisation must rebuild the chemical industry to supply inputs for agriculture, mining, construction, health and battery chemicals. SME Support & Formalisation: President Mnangagwa opened the National MSMEs and Cooperatives Indaba, urging entrepreneurs to formalise as government rolls out regulatory reforms to cut the cost of doing business. Banking Recognition: CBZ Bank won “Best Bank in Zimbabwe” at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, citing performance and innovation. Regional Labour Pressure: Zimbabwe’s returnees from South Africa are rising fast, with migration enforcement and anti-migrant unrest threatening productivity and production in the region. Agribusiness Exports: Wiserow targets major blueberry growth, projecting up to 2,500 tonnes as it expands for Europe and China.

Zimbabwe Mining & Exports: Zimbabwe’s mineral exports jumped 84.7% to US$2.53bn in H1 2026, led by PGM matte, spodumene concentrates and PGM concentrates, with lithium sulphate now emerging as a higher-value export. Battery Minerals Push: Zimbabwe unveiled Africa’s first battery-grade lithium sulphate (99.5% purity), a boost for local beneficiation and EV battery supply chains. Gold Exploration & Output Plans: State miner Mutapa Gold Resources says large parts of its concessions remain underexplored and is stepping up exploration while targeting higher gold output. Mining Governance Pressure: In South Africa, two SANDF soldiers died during Operation Prosper after falling into an abandoned mine shaft; MACUA is calling for Parliament to probe the full illegal mining value chain, not just street-level operators. Food Safety & Pesticides: Unregistered pesticides are entering South Africa via illicit channels, with toxicologists warning they can contaminate the food chain and harm children. SME & Policy Direction: President Mnangagwa urged SMEs to formalise, grow and build the nation at the MSMEs and Cooperatives Indaba. Agri-Exports: Wiserow says Zimbabwe’s blueberry output is on track to rise sharply, targeting expansion and more exports, including moves toward China. Returnees & Reintegration: Government says over 100,000 Zimbabweans have returned from South Africa since late May, with support and reintegration efforts ramping up.