Tobacco Market Reform: Government says it is rewriting Zimbabwe’s tobacco marketing system after record 2026 output (about 359m kg) and earnings failed to lift growers’ incomes. Banking & SME Credit: RBZ challenged banks to pass on cheaper Targeted Finance Facility funding (15%) to SMEs, warning against charging the full 25% cap. Local Content Push: Industry and Commerce is developing a digital rating system to track local procurement, jobs and domestic production compliance as Zimbabwe intensifies “Buy Local” and value-add goals. Public Procurement for MSMEs: Government urged MSMEs and cooperatives to actively bid in public procurement, framing it as a job-creation and industrialisation lever. Renewables for Industry: Innscor seeks ZERA approval to expand its Bulawayo solar plant and shift to captive generation to improve power security for production. Trade & Logistics Finance: Afreximbank and ATDC signed a $500m facility to finance purchasing, aggregation, logistics, warehousing and distribution of “Made-in-Africa” goods, supporting AfCFTA implementation. Drone Deliveries: Drone Solutions Zimbabwe won CAAZ approval for BVLOS medical deliveries, moving from demos to daily operations. Water Security: A $3m pipeline from Masembura to Bindura commissioned to ease shortages affecting Freda Rebecca Gold Mine and Bindura residents. Mining Restart Milestone: Namib Minerals says Redwing Mine dewatering is complete ahead of schedule, unlocking underground work for its restart plan. Safety & Skills: Beitbridge will host a national firefighters’ competition with 440+ participants from municipalities, mining firms and private industry. Legal/Business Fallout: Former minister Ignatius Chombo lost nearly half the value of the Allan Grange Farm 99-year lease in a matrimonial ruling (45% to ex-wife Marian). Corporate/Personal Controversy: Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama was released on warning after a viral Sandton threats case, with multiple investigations underway.