AGP Executive Report

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.

Grain & Food Security: Treasury introduced grain import levies to protect local producers and fund irrigation, while millers and farmers back the policy as Zimbabwe pushes food sovereignty; Governance & State Firms: NRZ CEO Munyaradzi Charangwa resigned on medical grounds after two months, with deputy CEO Ainah Dube-Kaguru stepping in as acting CEO; Mining & Environment: Chinese miners reportedly abandoned illegal riverbed mining at Haroni River in Chimanimani after scrutiny, leaving behind cabins and fencing; Gold Restart: Namib Minerals’ Redwing Mine restart is already underway, with major water pumping and equipment mobilisation to resume full operations; Renewables Transition: Stakeholders say Zimbabwe’s energy transition must be anchored on community ownership and inclusive governance, not just project rollout; Hospitality Pricing: Government moves to renovate and expand state hospitality facilities after complaints of high private-sector pricing; Digital Economy: YouTube’s purge of AI-generated channels is a warning for Zimbabwean creators relying on automated content; Regional Tensions: Mozambique says five of its citizens were killed in South Africa’s xenophobic attacks, while Ramaphosa rejects the xenophobia label and calls for African-led solutions.

Grain & Oilseed Levies: Treasury has approved new import levies under SI 87 of 2025 to protect local producers, curb “implicit subsidies” on cheaper imports, and fund climate-resilient agriculture. El Niño Preparedness: Government says Zimbabwe is ready for a predicted “Super El Niño” in 2026/27, with plans to protect the food basket as drought risk rises. Trade Gap Widening: ZimStat reports the trade deficit widened 15.9% to US$169.6m in April as exports fell faster than imports, with fuel, machinery and food still driving imports. Tourism Governance: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority will hold its first AGM on June 17, focusing on compliance reports, audit updates and reforms to strengthen Destination Zimbabwe. Rail Turnaround Hit: NRZ CEO Munyaradzi Charangwa resigned on medical grounds after two months; deputy Ainah Dube-Kaguru steps in as acting CEO while recapitalisation and rail rehabilitation continue. Investment Facilitation: ZIDA launched a DIY e-platform to simplify and speed up investor access to opportunities across agriculture, mining, tourism and manufacturing. Energy & Property: WestProp’s Millennium Heights added a 1MW solar plant covering its car park, pushing cleaner power and reduced grid dependence. Carbon Credits Still Early: Only four carbon projects are registered out of 30, showing the gap between policy ambition and monetised returns. Ebola Readiness: Hurungwe activated emergency Ebola preparedness after DRC/WHO alerts, setting up isolation capacity and border screening at Chirundu.

Grain & Oilseed Policy: Zimbabwe’s Treasury has approved new levies on selected grain and oilseed imports under SI 87 of 2025, aiming to protect local farmers from cheaper imports, improve food security, and fund climate-resilient irrigation infrastructure. Rail Turnaround: NRZ CEO Munyaradzi Stephen Charangwa has resigned on medical grounds after two months, with deputy CEO Ainah Dube-Kaguru stepping in as acting CEO as the rail operator pushes recapitalisation. Investment Ease-of-Doing-Business: ZIDA launched a “Do It Yourself” e-platform to simplify investor access to opportunities across agriculture, mining, tourism and manufacturing. Women in Manufacturing: Zimbabwe Women in Manufacturing (ZWIM) was officially launched to boost women’s participation in agro-processing, textiles, leather, furniture and paper production. Energy & Industry: WestProp’s Millennium Heights added a 1MW solar plant powering its apartments and expanding solar-ready parking bays. Mining Stress: RioZim’s loss widened to ZiG739m as revenue fell, with ongoing liquidity and operational pressures. Regional Food Security: SADC called for urgent coordinated action on hunger, climate resilience and livestock disease amid supply and input disruptions. Trade & Services Exports: ZimTrade will lead a services business mission to Zambia (June 9–11) targeting agriculture services and building & construction SMEs. Governance Access: Parliament and ZPCS signed an MoU to build 210 Constituency Information Centres to improve civic education and access to parliamentary information. Drug Abuse Push: Harare officials renewed calls to tackle substance abuse as a threat to productivity, youth and community wellbeing.

Women in Manufacturing: Zimbabwe launched Zimbabwe Women in Manufacturing (ZWIM), backing women-led value addition and industrialisation, with China also pointing to its new zero-tariff access for African goods as a boost for local manufacturers. Fuel & Energy Security: South Africa says it wants to learn from Zimbabwe’s biofuel and ethanol blending push as global Middle East shocks keep lifting fuel prices. Livestock Business Reforms: Livestock sector players are urging ministries to speed up promised ease-of-doing-business changes on levies, licences and permits after some fees were cut via SI 41 of 2026. Court Challenge to Food Imports: Grain millers have sued government over controversial grain import levies, arguing they are unlawful and could threaten food security. Manufacturing Jobs at Risk: Battery makers warn rising imports are squeezing local capacity and threatening over 500 jobs, calling for stronger protection of the domestic value chain. Mining & Investment: Ariana Resources says Zimbabwe’s Dokwe gold reserves jumped 42%, lifting the project’s potential value as the country seeks more mining investment. Climate & Governance: Zimbabwe faces a $4.8bn climate funding gap to 2030, with calls for reforms to improve how climate finance is mobilised and managed. Health & Local Services: Harare’s mayor says council clinics are outdated and urges upgrades, while ZIMTA calls for rural digital hubs and teacher retooling to make education tech work. Regional Tensions: Zimbabwean groups urge repatriation support for citizens displaced in South Africa amid xenophobic unrest. Veld Fires: Reports highlight worsening veld fire losses, with communities describing repeated destruction from land-clearing burns. Hospitality Exit: Meikles is again exploring disposal of its remaining hospitality interests, signalling a further retreat from the sector.

Livestock & Agriculture: South Africa’s FMD push is ramping up with 13.5m vaccine doses procured since February and 4.4m animals vaccinated so far, with new consignments set to accelerate coverage in feedlots and red meat, milk and border areas. Climate Finance Gap: Zimbabwe says it needs $4.8bn by 2030 for climate commitments, but approved funding is only $35.4m, with calls for stronger governance and accountability in how climate money is managed. Industrialisation & Skills: Local engineers are being urged to keep driving Vision 2030, while Zimbabwe also signs a diaspora skills push to plug gaps in advanced mineral processing and battery manufacturing. Solar & Energy Access: Millennium Heights in Harare powers ahead with a 1MW solar plant for estate operations, cutting reliance on the grid. Mining Safety & Policy: 64 artisanal miners died in Q1 2026, mostly from ground collapses, and watchdogs warn Zimbabwe’s strategic minerals policy may be on weak legal footing, risking regulatory uncertainty. Trade & Manufacturing: Zimbabwe’s trade deficit widened 16% in April to $169.6m as exports fell, while China’s zero-tariff access and the launch of a women-led manufacturing body (ZWIM) aim to open new export opportunities. Regulation & Consumer Protection: IPEC cancels Orchid Funeral Assurance’s licence and orders policyholders to submit claims by June 30. Food & Risk: UN weather warnings flag El Nino-driven extreme heat and drought risks, while fuel shocks are squeezing household purchasing power.

Cancer Care Funding: Zimbabwe’s sugar tax is already translating into health gains, with US$27 million radiotherapy machines being installed at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals to cut the cancer treatment backlog. Energy & Industry: A 350-kilowatt UBH solar plant is improving hospital operations by boosting reliable power and cutting costs, while Zimbabwe also reports lower electricity import bills after increased generation. Manufacturing & Value Addition: The AfDB says Zimbabwe’s manufacturing has grown strongly since 2010, though diversification remains limited; meanwhile steel exports surged in Q1 2026, up sharply in both volume and value. Mining Safety: ZDAMWU warns 2026 is worsening for mine safety after fatalities, calling for tougher compliance and enforcement. Agriculture & Livelihoods: Khami Prison harvested about six tonnes of tobacco from its project, and tobacco price pressures are being linked to structural issues in contract farming. Policy & Governance: Parliament’s bill agenda is set for the week, and Zimbabwe is pushing its UNSC bid as it seeks stronger international partnerships. Trade & Payments: UAE is projected to remain a top export market for Zimbabwe, and Stanbic launched a prepaid USD VISA card for cross-border spending. Health & Compliance: Police busted a backyard cough syrup lab in Harare, highlighting risks from unregistered medicines. Environment: President Mnangagwa declared 17 river systems a state of disaster, with critics warning enforcement must match the policy.

Industrialisation Push: Zimbabwe will host ZICE 2026 in Bulawayo on July 23–24 to attract investment into manufacturing and mineral processing, with a deal-making focus on execution, financing and partnerships. Local Business Competitiveness: Bulawayo firms are being urged to embrace a 24-hour economy and strengthen local supply chains to boost industrial competitiveness and jobs. Mining Safety Alarm: ZIDAMWU warns 2026 is turning deadly for miners, citing rising fatalities and calling for tougher safety enforcement across small-scale, artisanal and large operations. Mining Policy Shift: The Zimbabwe Miners Federation says lobbying has paid off as small and medium-scale gold mining is reserved for Zimbabweans and locally owned entities, with clear production thresholds. Trade Growth: Zimbabwe-UAE bilateral trade is projected to top US$6bn by year-end, with minerals and horticulture driving exports. Regional Food Security: SADC agriculture ministers met in Victoria Falls to push cooperation on food security, fertiliser supply and animal disease threats. Finance & Sustainability: Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe invests US$100,000 with My Trees Trust to plant 40,000 indigenous trees in Hurungwe over three years, supporting smallholder farmers. Tourism Governance: ZTA sets its first AGM for 17 June in Harare to review 2023–2024 performance and outline growth expectations for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.

Forex squeeze on manufacturers: Proplastics says official forex auctions and interbank access fell short, forcing it to rely on internally generated foreign currency to meet obligations. Monetary policy debate: An editorial questions whether recent interest-rate hikes can curb inflation without choking growth, stressing the RBZ’s inflation-control mandate. Local industry push: Government is reviewing the Motor Industry Development Policy to cut the US$700m annual vehicle import bill and revive local assembly and component manufacturing. Transport infrastructure: Msasa Jaggers Roundabout in Harare is closed indefinitely from 1 June for the Msasa Interchange Project, with detours announced. Energy/health procurement: Zimbabwe expects the final batch of multi-energy cancer machines after airlifting cargo to beat shipping disruptions. Food industry pressure: Grain millers are pushing Treasury to scrap 15% VAT on rice, warning it will raise prices and hit consumers. Energy deal: A petroleum production sharing agreement sets up legal backing for Cabora Bassa gas exploration and further investment. Mining/energy safety: Police step up community policing in mining and farming areas, urging compliance with mining regulations and action against violent crime. Housing and land: Whitecliff evictions leave 300+ families homeless, with allegations of politically connected land grabbing. Digital agri finance: TN Livestock Trust discusses tokenising cattle for liquidity via the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange. Media youth talent: Zimpapers launches a Junior Media Club publication to train future storytellers.

Energy & Environment: President Mnangagwa has declared 17 rivers a state of disaster, citing river systems choked by legal and illegal alluvial mining, with calls for real rehabilitation beyond “paper bans.” Agri & Food Security: Soil degradation is emerging as a quiet threat to Zimbabwe’s farm output, while FAO-backed soil management support is pushing farmers toward better soil testing and tailored inputs. Oil & Industry Costs: With Brent oil swinging amid the Strait of Hormuz standoff, Zimbabwe’s fuel import bill and pump prices face renewed pressure, feeding into transport and food costs. Digital Finance for Livestock: TN Livestock Trust is tokenising cattle for listing on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, aiming to make livestock investment more liquid and accessible. SME Survival: Zimbabwean SMEs are being urged to shift from price-only competition to stronger customer experience, as mobile money and social media make switching easier. Mining & Labour Rights: Zambezi Gas Zimbabwe workers allege brutal assaults by state security agents after diesel-siphoning accusations, reigniting scrutiny of labour abuses in mining. Local Business & Trade: Switzerland-backed support is helping Bulawayo upgrade the Highlanders traders’ market shed, improving safety for informal sellers. Tobacco Farmers Under Pressure: Despite good harvests, tobacco growers report low auction prices and debt repayment swallowing earnings. Energy Sector Deal: A new petroleum production sharing agreement for the Cabora Bassa Basin is framed as a legal and investment boost for Zimbabwe’s oil and gas push.

Regional Trade & Logistics: Botswana says it will keep pushing stronger SADC ties to improve cross-border ease of doing business, streamline logistics and cut non-tariff barriers, citing recent binational commissions with Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and South Africa. Food Security & Agriculture: SADC agriculture ministers in Victoria Falls urged faster regional co-operation on fertiliser regulation and animal disease control as 58 million people face acute food insecurity, warning that climate shocks and input costs are squeezing farmers. Fuel, Forex & Industry Costs: Zimbabwe may lose about US$4.3m monthly revenue after fuel tax changes meant to cushion diesel costs, while forex auction allocations reportedly fell about 50% as liquidity tightens—both raising pressure on production and transport. Energy Overhaul: Government unveiled a multi-billion plan to upgrade the power grid and build strategic fuel reserves, aiming to reduce reliance on imported petroleum and supplementary electricity. Mining & Value Addition: PPC signed with Sinoma to boost clinker and cement output and assess a possible integrated plant; Zimbabwe also approved 190+ carbon credit projects via its blockchain registry, signalling more investment pull for green projects. Governance & Public Services: MPs clashed over a worsening sewage crisis, with responsibility pinned on local authorities; meanwhile, road maintenance is strained by imported chemicals draining forex. Business & Jobs Skills: Zimbabwe pushes TVET as teacher enrolment drops, while Havenhill Academy highlights ACCA pathways for internationally employable accountants. Legal/Policy Signals: State withdrew fraud charges against Harare deputy mayor Rosemary Muronda and Zanu-PF member Shadreck Mashayamombe after prosecutors said evidence was insufficient.