AGP Executive Report

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.”

Aviation & Business: Zimbabwe’s business community mourns after tycoon Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke were confirmed among six killed in a helicopter crash east of Harare in Marondera, with authorities saying there were no survivors and investigations are ongoing. Automotive & Manufacturing: JAC Motors expands its local T9 bakkie line-up with a new Black Edition model, adding rugged styling and premium black interior features. Energy & Mining Finance: British International Investment (BII) commits US$50m to Zimbabwe’s agriculture finance push via CABS and NMB Bank, targeting exporters and agribusinesses with term and trade finance. Agriculture & Food Industry: Varun Beverages Zimbabwe launches Mooju, a new dairy-blend juice, and also moves to distribute Mondelez confectionery and snacks products under an exclusive deal. Industrial Policy & Skills: Government calls for linking schools to industries to turn classroom ideas into goods and services, while the Industry Ministry pushes industrial parks in Matabeleland South to unlock investment and jobs. Trade & Exports: ZimTrade plans a three-day outward trade mission to Namibia (7–9 Oct) to connect Zimbabwean exporters in sectors like agriculture, engineering, FMCG, horticulture and logistics with new buyers. Governance & Investment Readiness: IPEC warns prescribed-asset projects must be bankable and offer value for money as new investable funds remain limited. Local Enforcement: ZIMRA employees face court after allegedly stealing banned BronCleer cough syrup from a warehouse at Beitbridge Border Post.

Industrial Parks Push: Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce is urging industrial parks across Matabeleland South to unlock investment, create jobs and support SMEs, with Beitbridge flagged as a key corridor for value addition. Policy for Growth: Treasury challenged researchers and industry leaders at ZEDCON to deliver practical recommendations to lift growth from 5–6% to 7–8% for the 2027 budget and NDS2 implementation. Prescribed Assets Scrutiny: IPEC warned that prescribed-asset projects must be bankable and offer value for money, citing limited investable funds in insurance and pensions. Education-Industry Link: The education ministry says it will link schools to industries, university hubs and colleges to turn classroom ideas into goods and services. Mining Finance & Rail: Namib Minerals secured a US$6.5m term loan for Redwing Mine’s next development phase, while NRZ seeks US$115m for locomotives and wagons to ease mineral freight bottlenecks. Trade & Exports: ZimStat reports a 64.5% jump in the August trade surplus to US$526.5m, led by semi-manufactured gold. Drought Readiness: Government ring-fenced ZWG9.9bn for social safety nets and outlined a six-pillar drought resilience plan as rainfall risks loom.

Mining Finance: Namib Minerals’ Bulawayo Mining Company secured a non-dilutive US$6.5m term loan with BancABC to fund Redwing Mine development, including surface exploration drilling and pushing the Definitive Feasibility Study to bankability. Parliament & Macro: President Mnangagwa opened Parliament, pledging stronger macroeconomic stability; he flagged agriculture growth gains, drought resilience planning, and renewed focus on mineral exploration, local processing and value addition. Roads & Trade Links: Government targets 50km of upgrades on the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls corridor during the current parliamentary session, after uneven progress on the wider highway rehabilitation. Tax & Revenue: Zimra collected US$4.71bn in H1 2026, beating its target by 16.14%, driven by digitalisation, compliance enforcement and stronger border controls. Aquaculture Value Chain: Zimbabwe is pushing fish value addition and processing, with EU-supported efforts backing fingerling hubs and farmer support to scale production and reduce input costs. Small-Scale Mining: Mnangagwa reiterated formalisation, financing and equipping for small-scale miners, while the Zimbabwe Miners Federation called for safer, more commercially viable artisanal mining through titles, finance, skills and technology. Energy & Industry: ZESA Enterprises is expanding transformer production to meet domestic needs and export demand across SADC, while We Care Solar launched a US$40m campaign to power maternal health facilities with solar “suitcases.” Business & Deals: ZIBCO-UAE says Zimbabwe-UAE commercial discussions worth US$10m–US$200m are at advanced stages, as it pushes for closed transactions and exports.

Retail Expansion: Simbisa Brands says Zimbabwe served a record 53.6m customers in FY2026 to June 30, with revenue up 23% and operating profit up 39% as delivery orders jumped 75% and the network hit 352 counters. Aquaculture & Jobs: EU-backed FISH4ACP support is helping about 450 Masvingo fish farmers via the Maponga Fingerling Hub, targeting one million fingerlings this season to cut costs and boost tilapia production. Rail Revival: NRZ holds its Bulawayo AGM as it clears a backlog and pushes fleet renewal, including refurbished locomotives and 100 wagons funded through a Zimasco-backed public-private push. Mining Safety & Formalisation: Zimbabwe Miners Federation calls for a safer, more commercially viable artisanal and small-scale mining sector, urging better titles, finance, skills and tailored regulation. Construction Finance Pressure: CIFOZ warns late payments to sub-contractors are undermining infrastructure delivery, with small firms unable to survive payment delays. Monetary Policy: RBZ cuts the policy rate to 27.5% as inflation hits the lowest in 46 years, while warning oil-price shocks could still lift prices. Water & Infrastructure Litigation: Kariba ferry disaster survivors sue over “woefully inadequate” replacement capacity, arguing the state has not restored safe, affordable transport. Manufacturing Shift: Government says manufacturing has overtaken mining as the biggest GDP contributor, with capacity utilisation rising to 61.2%.

Climate Resilience in Agriculture: Zimbabwe is pushing aquaculture as an El Niño-proof income and food strategy, with EU-backed FISH4ACP investments assessed at the Maponga Fish Hub in Masvingo. Local Industry Push: Government says a Local Content Strategy (2026–2035) is coming this quarter to boost domestic production, cut the import bill and use preferential public procurement—without lowering quality standards. Water for Industry: South Africa and Zimbabwe are still discussing the proposed Thuli Moswa dam (about US$500m) to supply water to the Musina-Makhado SEZ, with no start date yet. Trade and Exports: ZIMSTAT reports Zimbabwe’s trade surplus rose to US$526.5m in August as exports climbed to US$1.68bn, led by semi-manufactured gold. Mining Governance: The High Court set aside a Goromonzi mine eviction default judgment after disputes over how court papers were served. Construction and Housing: ZimBuild’s Eastworlds Youth Housing Project in Mvurwi is set to ease the housing backlog. PPC Earnings: PPC Zimbabwe declared US$25m in dividends and reported stronger performance, with group EBITDA up 40% for five months to August. Mining Safety: Zimbabwe’s “zero fatalities” push faces pressure as 2025 deaths fell but artisanal and small-scale mining fatalities remain a concern. Business Competitiveness: The National Competitiveness Commission moves into implementation to cut business costs and improve productivity under the 2026–2030 strategy.

Housing & Construction: ZimBuild says its Eastworlds Youth Housing Project in Mvurwi will help ease Zimbabwe’s housing backlog after a groundbreaking attended by senior officials. Chemicals Safety: EMA says Zimbabwe has secured over 10 tonnes of obsolete pesticides in controlled storage at Gwanda, moving from scattered stockpiles to a monitored system. Cement & Manufacturing: PPC Zimbabwe declared US$25m in dividends and reported stronger earnings, citing improved plant reliability and higher clinker self-sufficiency. Agri-Industry & Local Jobs: Zimbabwe’s gold export receipts jumped 61% to US$2.6bn in eight months to August, driven by higher prices and expanded domestic production. Mining & Energy Transition: Invictus Energy advances Cabora Bassa gas commercialisation with a PPSA and pilot gas production plans; Government also points to improved power stability boosting industry. Water Infrastructure: South Africa and Zimbabwe are discussing a $500m Thuli Moswa dam to supply the Musina-Makhado SEZ. Local Value Chains: Schweppes is lining up a Phikwe Citrus supply deal to strengthen agro-processing links. Transport & Compliance: Harare’s AI traffic system has recorded 4m+ violations, with fines now being issued. Culture as an Industry: Bulawayo designers return from Durban Fashion Fair, while the Tshitaudze Cultural Festival wrapped with calls to turn culture into jobs and tourism.