AGP Executive Report

Minerals & Beneficiation: Parliament praised Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe’s Arcadia operation as a “model” for lithium beneficiation, highlighting local processing and a proposed graduated royalty approach to push deeper value addition. Mining & Formalisation: Mutapa Gold is laying groundwork to formalise artisanal mining at Phoenix Prince (Kitsiyatota) by deploying geologists, metallurgists and mining engineers, plus equipment support arrangements. Energy & Industry: Kamativi Mining Company (KMC) won committee praise for investing in downstream processing and a planned 36MW solar plant with battery storage, with lawmakers urging more exploration to extend mine life. Agribusiness & Inputs: Malawi is urged to redesign farm input subsidies ahead of El Niño, warning that one-size-fits-all fertiliser strategies won’t work across agro-ecological zones. Housing & Policy: Government says it’s tightening the policy and regulatory environment to restore confidence in Zimbabwe’s property market and move viable projects from approvals to construction. Finance & Working Capital: ZEEX is promoting invoice discounting to turn delayed payments into working capital for SMEs, using competitive financier bidding. Trade & Regional Deals: Industry leaders want tangible outcomes from Zimbabwe’s upcoming COMESA Summit, pushing for practical trade and investment deals. Disaster & Safety: Lake Kariba ferry tragedy updates keep attention on transport safety as the death toll rises.

Lake Kariba Ferry Disaster: Zimbabwe Police say the death toll from the overloaded, aged ferry that capsized on Lake Kariba has risen to 84, with 18 children among the dead, as divers battle cold water and deep depths to recover missing victims. Energy & Power Sector: Energy Minister July Moyo says improved electricity supply can be sustained, citing higher generation and lower demand, while Cabinet has approved restructuring of the Zesa Group to reduce fragmentation and strengthen coordination. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: Government is tightening seed testing and variety release systems to ensure new crops are drought- and heat-ready, and is also strengthening indigenous cattle genetics to build a climate-resilient national herd. Mining & Value Addition: A newly appointed Mining Affairs Board says it will push mineral exploration, value addition and beneficiation, while Kamativi Mining targets September commissioning of a 36MW solar plant with battery storage to cut grid reliance. Digital Trade & Payments: Standard Bank and UnionPay expanded e-commerce acceptance across nine African markets, including Zimbabwe, giving merchants more cross-border payment options. Local Business & Industry Events: The MTE Gweru Exhibition is set for 20 August, bringing mining, engineering and mineral processing suppliers together with free entry for visitors. Governance & Land: Lands Commissioner Tsitsi Choruma is accused of defying a High Court order by fencing and occupying disputed land at Amandas Estate in Mazowe.

Kariba Ferry Aftermath: Preliminary findings say the Mbuya Nehanda was carrying about 180 passengers—above its stated capacity—raising fresh questions on overloading, inspections and weather decisions as investigations intensify after 94+ deaths. Accountability Debate: A housing minister’s attempt to pin blame on the captain while also approving an inquest is being criticised as premature and deflective. Transport Resilience: Authorities are urged to upgrade the Charara-Kanyanya (Gachegache) road to give Kariba communities a safer land alternative after the ferry tragedy. Energy & Industry: Cabinet approved restructuring of the ZESA Group into a leaner, vertically integrated setup, while Kamativi Mining targets September commissioning of a 36MW solar plant with battery storage. Mining & Value Chains: Kavango is using artisanal gold workings to refine targets, and Mutapa Gold is extending formalisation at Phoenix Prince. Finance & Trade Tech: Standard Bank and UnionPay expanded e-commerce acceptance across nine African markets, including Zimbabwe. Agriculture: Zimbabwe targets one million hectares under Pfumvudza/Intwasa as drier-season fears grow. Regional Integration: COMESA chairmanship should focus on removing trade barriers and modernising border posts, ahead of Zimbabwe’s October summit. Jobs for Returnees: Strive Masiyiwa’s Econet push includes plans to expand EcoCash agents and create jobs for Zimbabweans returning from South Africa. Local Governance & Skills: Bulilima RDC completed gender training to strengthen inclusive planning, and a Gweru mining/engineering expo is set for 20 August.

Artisanal Gold Formalisation: Mutapa Gold is extending its contract-based artisanal mining model from Elvington to Phoenix Prince Mine in Bindura, using town-hall talks to bring miners and officials into a safer, more organised production chain. EV Infrastructure Push: Tsapo Group, partnering BYD, says EV growth in Zimbabwe hinges on charging access and wants government to mandate EV chargers at fuel service stations as it builds a nationwide network. Lake Kariba Disaster Update: Zimbabwe confirms 93 deaths in the RIDA ferry capsizing, including 39 children; 83 victims are positively identified and more bodies remain unidentified as authorities weigh DNA testing. Returnees, Jobs and Fintech: Strive Masiyiwa’s Econet plan targets up to 15,000 new EcoCash agents by Christmas to create income for returnees, with additional opportunities flagged in construction and agriculture. Sugar Sector Pressure: Hippo Valley Estates reports US$51.8m revenue but cane deliveries fell 25% and sugar output dropped 21%, raising questions about whether pricing is masking weaker volumes. Solar and Industrialisation Agenda: Victoria Falls will host the ISA Africa solar committee meeting (25–27 Aug) as ECA urges SADC to process minerals and agricultural products into regional value chains. Retail Expansion: Zimbabwe’s formal retail is growing again as chains like TM Pick n Pay and SPAR invest despite informal-market price pressure. Mining Oversight: Parliament is intensifying field checks on ZINARA road funds and fuel use to see whether spending is translating into real infrastructure. Climate-Proofing Agriculture: Government targets 1 million hectares under Pfumvudza/Intwasa for 2026/27, urging farmers to start early to conserve soil moisture ahead of drier conditions.

COMESA & Trade: Zimbabwe’s COMESA summit preparations are ramping up ahead of the Oct 22 Heads of State meeting, with focus on digital connectivity, transport logistics and Mt Hampden Parliament Building readiness, under a theme pushing inclusive industrialisation and regional integration. Parliament Oversight: A portfolio committee is field-checking how ZINARA road funds and fuel are being used by local authorities, to see whether spending is translating into real community road improvements. Mining & Value Chains: Mutapa Gold Resources plans to formalize artisanal gold mining on the Freda Rebecca lease through contract arrangements to improve oversight, safety, costs and gold movement. Mobile Money Jobs: Econet says it will add up to 15,000 EcoCash agents by Christmas to support returnees from South Africa, potentially creating income for about 30,000 people via agent commissions. Exports & Industry Support: ZimTrade and CZI signed an MoU for an export manufacturers initiative aimed at boosting competitiveness and helping firms move from local production to global markets. Climate Finance: Zimbabwe is pushing for stronger climate financing for drought prevention and resilience at COP17, including a legally binding drought protocol and access to funds like the GCF. Agri-Business Updates: Tanganda targets value addition and a US$8m investment to rebuild growth, while AMA reports the 2025/26 sesame season closed with 2.315m kg formally marketed worth about US$1.84m. Tourism Infrastructure: Gymkhana Tourism Park in Masvingo is about 80% complete ahead of Sanganai/Hlanganani, with new facilities to expand event hosting capacity. Regional Integration Push: At the 46th SADC summit in Durban, leaders—including Ramaphosa—urged faster integration and industrialisation, with renewed calls to turn borders into bridges and resources into industries.

Tourism & Devolution: Zimbabwe’s Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo is being rolled out to Masvingo, with officials touring Gymkhana Tourism Park, Masvingo Airport and the Great Zimbabwe Visitor Centre as works near completion and transport upgrades aim to leave lasting MICE and tourism infrastructure. Regional Trade & Industry: At the 46th SADC summit in Durban, South Africa took over the chairmanship from Zimbabwe, with Ramaphosa urging faster integration and industrialisation as intra-SADC trade remains low and raw-material exports still dominate. SADC Security: Durban police arrested three people over attempted breaches at the SADC Summit, including fake or disguised accreditation attempts, warning would-be disruptors to stay away from controlled areas. Kariba Ferry Disaster Accountability: Investigations into the Mbuya Nehanda/RIDA ferry capsizing point to navigational error, overloading and poor weather warnings, while a budget review highlights that RIDA’s operations funding is tiny compared to salaries—raising questions about maintenance capacity. Agri & Climate Resilience: Zadzamatura says drought-tolerant germplasm and climate-smart agronomy are key for El Niño resilience, pushing conservation agriculture and early-maturing varieties to stabilise yields and food security. Digital & Telecoms for Inclusion: NetOne’s 30-year outreach is using telemedicine to improve access to healthcare in remote areas, while Econet’s Strive Masiyiwa is directing job-creation support for Zimbabweans returning from South Africa. VAT Relief for Aquaculture: Zimbabwe’s VAT exemption on fish feed is easing input costs for aquaculture producers, supporting growth in the sector. Mining Value Addition Push: SADC leaders renewed calls for processing critical minerals domestically to build jobs and industries, not just export ore.

Aquaculture Boost: Zimbabwe’s VAT exemption on fish feed is starting to cut production costs, with FinFish Suppliers receiving two new containers and more consignments expected as Government pushes fisheries modernisation and a US$2.37bn aquaculture target by 2030. Mining Skills & Formalisation: The Zimbabwe School of Mines reaffirmed its support for artisanal and small-scale mining, training 655 miners in 2026 under the Principles of Responsible Small-Scale Mining programme covering safety, processing, environmental management and compliance. Gold Output Watch: July 2026 gold deliveries fell 26.5% month-on-month and 17.3% year-on-year, driven mainly by a sharp ASM drop, even as large-scale deliveries held up better. Capital for Junior Miners: The ZSE is moving to unlock equity funding for junior mining and exploration firms, aiming to ease a looming US$10bn five-year mining funding gap. Rural Agro-Industry Jobs: Beitbridge’s US$40m Orange Ville citrus project is creating jobs and building a local value chain, with plans to expand processing and even use peels for animal feed. Energy for Industry: Jin An Group’s 20MW solar plant at Almid in Gweru is 60% complete, expected to support ferrochrome production and reduce grid pressure. Regional Summit Security: Ahead of the SADC summit in Durban, police arrested people over alleged attempts to breach venue security using fake or misused accreditation. SADC Agenda: South Africa’s SADC chair push highlights migration, trade, critical minerals and industrialisation as leaders meet. Kariba Ferry Disaster: The Lake Kariba ferry death toll rose to 84 as investigations intensify into navigational error, possible overloading and failure to heed weather warnings.

VAT & Trade Compliance: Zimbabwe’s “credit note” explained as the VAT document used to correct overcharged VAT when supplies are cancelled, reduced, discounted or goods are returned. Energy Procurement: ZETDC awards multi-million-dollar tenders for spares, security services, drones, generators and transformers, plus works like perimeter walls and billing systems. Regional Industrialisation: SADC urged to fast-track a regional development fund to finance industrialisation and boost collective sovereignty, with unemployment and food insecurity cited as urgent drivers. Electricity & Reliability Focus: Commentary argues Zimbabwe must protect energy gains by strengthening system stability and delivery, not just building generation. Agribusiness & Exports: El Niño could lift global sugar prices, potentially boosting Zimbabwe’s sugar export earnings even as local cane risks remain. Mining Performance: Caledonia Mining reports 16% higher Q2 revenue on stronger gold prices and improved Blanket Mine production. Consumer Safety: Authorities warn of fake Nivea lotion and counterfeit/expired Hullets sugar flooding informal markets. Transport & Safety: Lake Kariba ferry tragedy highlights how infrastructure neglect and weak early-warning action can turn risk into disaster. Construction Policy: Government moves to scrap outdated 1977 building rules to cut costs and speed housing delivery using modern, climate-resilient methods. Local Skills & Industry: Kadoma opens its first tertiary technical college, aiming to supply skilled labour for local industrial growth. Governance & Housing Dispute: St Martins demolitions spark allegations of politically driven land grabs and questions over court order enforcement. Finance & Markets: VFEX changes how it values cross-listed companies after Old Mutual’s return, lifting reported market capitalisation. SADC Chair & Migration: South Africa takes SADC chair as leaders push integration, critical mineral beneficiation and migration protocol progress.

Regional Integration Push: Zimbabwe’s Amon Murwira challenges SADC to turn integration promises into tangible citizen benefits as South Africa takes the bloc’s chair, with migration, trade, critical minerals and industrialisation on the agenda. Agro-Industrial Drive: Agriculture and Mechanisation Minister Anxious Masuka urges farmers and agribusiness to embrace value addition to speed Zimbabwe’s push toward agro-industrial hub status. Construction Costs Reform: Government is reviewing colonial-era building regulations to cut construction costs, speed housing delivery and enable modern, climate-resilient building methods. Forex Market Reform: The RBZ signals an export surrender policy review as Zimbabwe moves toward a mono-currency path, aiming to improve export competitiveness. Mining & Youth Skills: Young professionals are being urged to shape Zimbabwe’s mining future as ZIMA celebrates recognition for mining and economic development. Value Addition in Citrus: Beitbridge’s Orangeville Trading expands citrus processing, aiming to become a regional hub and create more jobs. Transport Safety Shock: Lake Kariba ferry disaster kills at least 72 people, including 18 children, as searches continue. SADC Industrial Automation: HIT and SIPRON partner to advance industrial automation. Human Stories: A University of Zimbabwe graduate with dwarfism inspires thousands after collecting her degree, while ZPCS highlights inmate education success after a UZ graduation.

Electricity Reliability Debate: South Africa’s Eskom restructuring push is back in focus after President Ramaphosa endorsed a plan that would require the new transmission system operator to own the grid, while Eskom leaders warn sequencing matters for survival and system performance. Regional Migration Pressure: Pretoria is urging SADC to sign and ratify a long-stalled free movement of people protocol, but migration is proving politically sensitive for summit agendas, with Zimbabwe and Mozambique resisting it as a standalone item. Mining Future & Governance: Zimbabwe is pushing youth into mining’s next phase, while the newly constituted Mining Affairs Board is tasked with safeguarding mineral wealth, upholding rule of law, and steering sustainable development. Rural Industrialisation via Citrus: Beitbridge’s Orangeville Trading is expanding citrus processing with major investment, jobs, and plans linked to water supply—positioned as a rural value-add model. Industrial Automation Boost: Harare Institute of Technology partners with Slovak firm SIPRON to advance industrial automation, machine design, robotics and production-line engineering. Food & Trade Shocks: Kenya’s sugar import ban is hitting Zimbabwean producers, with export volumes down sharply, forcing a scramble for alternative regional markets. Skills Pipeline: University of Zimbabwe graduation capped 7,132 graduates and highlighted a surge in student-led start-ups, reinforcing the push toward research, innovation and industrialisation. Transport Safety Crisis: Lake Kariba ferry disaster updates report child deaths among the confirmed toll, renewing calls for safer, properly managed transport infrastructure.

Correctional Education: A ZPCS inmate, Robert Zivengwa, graduated from the University of Zimbabwe with a BSc Honours in Biological Sciences, showing how prison rehabilitation can build real skills for life after release. Agro-Processing & Jobs: Orange Ville Trading in Beitbridge is pushing to become a regional citrus processing hub after investing over US$43m across orchards, nurseries and its orange crush plant, with employment expected to rise to about 2,000. Urban Housing Enforcement: Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume says St Martins demolitions will continue unless residents with approved plans produce their documents during council inspections, blaming illegal land sales for the spread of unapproved builds. Mining Governance: Deputy Mines Minister Fred Moyo urged the newly constituted Mining Affairs Board to protect Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth, uphold the rule of law and ensure mining supports sustainable development. Industrial Automation: Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) signed an MoU with Slovak firm SIPRON to boost industrial automation, machine design and robotics training for Zimbabwe’s manufacturing push. Trade & Food Security: Kenya’s sugar import ban has cut Zimbabwe producers’ export volumes by 59%, forcing firms to hunt for new regional markets. Consumer Protection: The Consumer Protection Commission warned of counterfeit Nivea cosmetics and Hullets sugar after recent seizures, urging buyers to check expiry dates and proper labelling. Regional Integration: Ahead of the SADC summit, President Ramaphosa urged member states to deepen integration and trade within the bloc, warning against exclusion of foreigners on the streets. Transport Safety Tragedy: Lake Kariba’s ferry disaster has claimed 18 children among 46 deaths, with investigations focusing on passenger numbers versus the vessel’s authorised capacity.

Mining Governance: Deputy Mines Minister Fred Moyo has urged the newly constituted Mining Affairs Board to protect Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth, uphold the rule of law and ensure mining delivers sustainable national prosperity. Industrial Automation: Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) has signed an MoU with Slovak firm SIPRON to boost industrial automation, machine design, robotics and engineering services, with students working on real products. PGM Output Boost: Zimplats says it delivered broad-based production growth in the quarter to June 30, with strong gains across platinum group metals and base metals. Construction Outlook: Zimbabwe’s construction sector is eyeing major growth as housing, roads, dams, energy and urban renewal spending ramps up, with contractors pushing for modern technologies. Food & Consumer Watch: White maize prices rose 5% to US$348/tonne, while the Consumer Protection Commission warned of fake Nivea cosmetics and Hullets sugar amid a crackdown on counterfeit and expired goods. Labour Tension: Zimbabwe nurses are threatening another strike over delays in promised allowance reviews tied to a job evaluation process. Regional Integration Push: President Ramaphosa told SADC leaders the bloc can’t preach integration while practicing exclusion, as migration tensions rise. SADC Summit Focus: Zimbabwe’s Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to attend the 46th SADC Summit in Durban, where industrialisation, trade and critical minerals transformation are on the agenda. Overseas Recruitment Risks: A Russia-linked recruiter facing fresh abuse allegations has renewed concerns about overseas employment schemes targeting young Zimbabweans. Housing for Youth: Bulawayo’s Munhumutapa National Youth Housing Scheme is progressing, with 1,500+ serviced stands planned under a public-private partnership. Gold Deliveries: Gold deliveries to Fidelity Gold Refinery hit 26.05 tonnes in seven months, driven largely by small-scale miners. Arts & Events: Promoters are calling for action against Zimdancehall couple Malloti Rose and Hulengende over alleged no-shows and late appearances after taking deposits.

Tourism & Air Travel: Emirates hosted nine Zimbabwean travel professionals on a Dubai familiarisation tour, aiming to help agents craft stronger leisure and business packages after Emirates moves over 20,000 passengers on the Harare–Dubai route in the past year. Regional Integration: Zimbabwe’s Amon Murwira and SADC leadership used the 46th summit platform to push deeper SADC integration and regional self-reliance, with Elias Magosi highlighting priorities for the bloc. Media & Governance: Zimpapers reshuffled top editorial posts, appointing Chronicle editor Lawson Mabhena to head news, while Elias Mambo was moved to digital operations amid ongoing concerns about political interference. Mining & Value Addition: Zimbabwe’s lithium story keeps accelerating, with first-half 2026 export earnings hitting US$782m, while gold deliveries to Fidelity Gold Refinery rose to 26.05 tonnes in seven months, driven largely by small-scale miners. Transport & Infrastructure: Zinara disbursed US$175.5m for road maintenance in the first half of 2026, and the Kariba ferry disaster response continues as government reassures communities and restores transport links. Legal & IP for Industry: A new debate is emerging on whether Zimbabwe’s IP law is ready for deepfakes and fake voices, especially where commercial identity rights are at stake. Regulation for Traders: SI 59 of 2026 tightens import and export licensing rules, warning businesses to check compliance before paying suppliers.

SADC Chair Handover: Zimbabwe handed the SADC council of ministers chairmanship to South Africa, with ministers pushing unity on peace, industrialisation, infrastructure and human capital as the bloc prepares for its Durban summit. Roads Funding: Zinara disbursed US$175.5m for road maintenance in the first half of 2026, releasing over ZiG4.6bn (47.1% of the annual budget) to cut transport costs and protect movement of goods. Power Debt Shock: ZETDC is struggling with a reported US$430m debt tied to Hwange Units 7 and 8, raising worries over maintenance and coal funding for the newest generation. Mining Skills & Mechanisation: Industry voices stress mechanisation as key to mining growth, efficiency and safer operations as gold extraction shifts deeper underground. Import Rules for Traders: SI 59 of 2026 tightens import and export licensing, warning traders to check compliance before paying suppliers to avoid costly failed consignments. Agriculture Audit Red Flags: Matabeleland North projects face scrutiny after an Auditor-General report found borehole pump installations and pest-control measures deviated from approved plans, risking lower yields. Value Addition in Citrus: Orangeville Trading invested US$25m in a Beitbridge juicing plant supplying Schweppes, with plans to expand capacity and jobs through a nearby citrus estate. Regional Trade & Migration: South Africa plans to push SADC toward a more orderly migration approach and sign a free movement protocol, amid rising migration tensions.

Renewables Investment: Inox Clean Energy says Motilal Oswal’s private credit arm has committed about $157m (Rs 1,500 crore) to fund expansion, with Rs 1,000 crore already secured via compulsorily convertible debentures. Urban Transport Regulation: Harare is taxing and cracking down on e-hailing operators like InDrive and Bolt, but drivers complain they’re being arrested without a clear legal framework for licensing and operations. Agro-Processing Push: President Mnangagwa urged the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to move from farm production into agro-processing and exporting high-value crops. Energy & Gas: Invictus Energy confirms November drilling for the Musuma-1 well at Cabora Bassa after signing a revised rig deal. Mining Enforcement: Mines minister Polite Kambamura shut an illegal gold processing plant linked to Trojan Mine claims, citing environmental violations. Road Works: Two contractors have been awarded tenders to rehabilitate 15km of the Bulawayo–Tsholotsho road. Tourism Trade: Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo has 89 international buyers confirmed so far for Sept 9–12 in Masvingo. Regional Trade Agenda: South Africa took the SADC chair, pushing industrialisation and a target of 50% intra-regional trade.

Minerals & Manufacturing Shift: A new push for local processing is reshaping China-Africa industrial ties, with Zimbabwe and others moving beyond “dig and export” toward lithium sulphate/carbonate and other higher-value outputs. Energy & Oil/Gas: Invictus Energy confirms a November 2026 start for Musuma-1 drilling in Cabora Bassa after revising its rig contract with Exalo. Mining Skills: Kamativi Mining Company signs an MoU with the Zimbabwe School of Mines on scholarships, internships, research and a training base for mining managers. Agri Exports: Kuminda links thousands of smallholders to EU horticulture markets through contract farming and quality training, targeting crops like mangetout and sugar snap peas. Finance for SMEs: ZEEX lets SMEs choose between debt and equity instruments instead of defaulting to traditional loans. Infrastructure & Roads: Government awards two contractors to rehabilitate 15km of the Bulawayo–Tsholotsho road, with works split between the firms. Public Safety Shock: Lake Kariba ferry disaster kills at least 15 with dozens missing; authorities cite overloading and launch an intensified rescue operation. Language Policy: Zimbabwe exempts minority-language trainee teachers from the maths prerequisite to boost endangered language instruction. Environment & Jobs: Stanbic and Ele-Collection sign a deal to recover plastic waste in Victoria Falls while creating jobs for underserved women.