Vocational Skills & Jobs: ZCC graduated 450 youths in practical trades including bricklaying, plumbing, electrical work, welding, carpentry, horticulture, poultry and food prep, with government saying faith-linked training is boosting employability. Higher Education Reform: Government moved to dismantle “self-serving” professional restrictions limiting university intake in areas like law and accountancy, arguing infrastructure expansion must translate into higher student numbers. Roads & Accountability: Zimbabwe defended the quality of rehabilitated roads after Senate questions, saying contractors are only paid once engineers certify standards and defects must be fixed under liability clauses. Transport Costs & Fuel Taxes: Finance officials defended fuel taxes as a way to collect from the informal economy, saying people can’t fully avoid transport and fuel costs. Trade & Agriculture Exports: China’s zero-tariff policy is expected to open bigger markets for Zimbabwean blueberries, citrus and avocados, with exporters urged to secure duty-free access requirements. Critical Infrastructure Budget Push: Analysts urged the 2027 budget to prioritise reliable power, water and rail rehabilitation to unlock industrialisation. Road Funding Update: ZINARA disbursed ZWG4.6bn (US$175.5m) for road rehabilitation in the first half of 2026, with more work expected in the second half. Mining & Education Pressure: Reports show gold pits pulling pupils out of school as poverty and quick cash tempt families into artisanal mining. Energy Transition Minerals: SADC highlighted responsible mining and ESG as the route to industrialisation, citing lithium, copper and cobalt value chains. Heroes Day & Economic Direction: At the 46th Heroes Day, Mnangagwa reiterated a shift toward beneficiation, manufacturing and rural investment under Vision 2030.