AGP Executive Report

Transport & Trade (Regional Rail): Rovos Rail’s 15-day “Copper Trail” starts in Victoria Falls and links Zambia, the DRC and Angola via the Lobito Corridor, highlighting EU-backed efforts to move copper-belt resources to the Atlantic port of Lobito. Media & Entertainment (Piracy): MultiChoice Zimbabwe says content piracy has shifted from DVDs to fast, digital, cross-border streaming and cloning, pushing broadcasters and creators to team up on enforcement, education and platform protection. Agribusiness & Food Security (Sugar): Parliament calls for concessional finance, stronger rail and water support, and better credit access for sugarcane out-growers to strengthen Zimbabwe’s sugar value chain. Water & Infrastructure (Bulawayo): Construction of the Cowdray Park water treatment plant is underway to feed Bulawayo homes with a capacity above current demand. Mining & Industry (Legal): Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court orders Iganyana camp operator Forever African to pay a US$418,950.69 debt, rejecting attempts to hide liability through related firms. Business (Distribution): Varun Beverages Zimbabwe signs an exclusive Mondelez distribution deal for chocolates, biscuits, candy and gum from October 1. Governance & Finance (Zimpapers): Zimpapers fires veteran journalists as it restructures and accelerates a digital-first transformation.

Sugar Value Chain Push: Zimbabwe’s Parliament wants concessional finance (below 15% interest), better rail and water support, and stronger credit access for sugarcane out-growers to revive the sugar value chain. Confectionery Distribution Deal: Varun Beverages Zimbabwe signed an exclusive Mondelez distribution agreement for chocolate, biscuits, candy and gum from 1 October 2026, using its existing network to expand its portfolio. Mining & Beneficiation: Sinomine Bikita Minerals says it will pour over US$900m into direct beneficiation by end-2027, while Mines Minister Polite Kambamura visited to assess compliance and progress on new processing facilities. Water Infrastructure: Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park water treatment works are moving ahead to feed homes with treated water from the Gwayi-Shangani project. Energy & Industry: Improved electricity stability is boosting industrial output and cutting costs, with government stressing affordable power as a key industrialisation enabler. Women in Mining: ZAWIMA elected Melody “Melo” Juma as chairperson, prioritising resources, formalisation, markets and stronger representation. Tourism Tech Theme: Heritage Village will host World Tourism Day under a “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence” theme. Legal Ruling: Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court ordered Iganyana Tented Camp operator Forever African to pay a US$418,950.69 debt after piercing a related-company liability shield.

Energy & Industry: Zimbabwe’s sustained electricity stability—now beyond 200 days without load shedding—has boosted plant efficiency, cut costs, improved production planning, and reduced generator fuel and wastage, with government stressing affordability of power as a key industrialisation enabler. Mining & Beneficiation: Sinomine Bikita Minerals has broken ground on a new tantalite-niobium recovery plant as authorities push lithium producers to deepen local processing, with Mines Minister Polite Kambamura warning of possible shutdowns for non-compliance. Water & Infrastructure: Harare City Council, with Helcraw Water, has installed 79,000 smart prepaid water meters and replaced 62km of ageing pipes, commissioning new pumps as it targets 100,000 meters by year-end. Local Business & Fire Safety: A “massive” fire destroyed a Glen View 8 home industry complex housing about 4,000 carpenters and informal furniture traders; the City of Harare Fire Brigade contained it after hours and is investigating the cause. Tourism Tech Push: Heritage Village will host World Tourism Day in Harare under a theme linking the digital agenda and AI to tourism redesign. Retail Wages: Zimbabwe’s retail and wholesale sector minimum wage is set to rise to at least US$331/month, lifting pay for the lowest-paid workers.

Critical Minerals & Industrialisation: SADC mining leaders, including Junior Chamber of Mines’ Dosman Mangisi, urged the region to stop exporting raw minerals and build regional value chains that refine and manufacture locally. US–Zimbabwe Health Transition: The US said its health programmes in Zimbabwe will end by end of September after Zimbabwe declined a bilateral health MOU, with a handover to local systems. Water & Infrastructure: Harare installed 79,000 smart prepaid water meters and replaced 62km of ageing pipes, as it targets 100,000 meters and more leak reduction. Manufacturing Push: AVM Africa unveiled a locally made bus, highlighting sourcing of components like seats, upholstery, steel, batteries and wiring to cut import dependence. Agriculture Finance: NMB Bank secured a US$20m BII facility to close the financing gap for Zimbabwe’s agriculture. Mining & Power Investment: FS Mining outlined a US$500m chrome mining and energy plan in Mberengwa, including a ferrochrome smelter and thermal power to boost beneficiation. Bulawayo Waste Crisis: Ngozi Mine (Richmond Landfill) is under renewed scrutiny after claims that over 1,000 people live around the dumpsite amid fires, smoke and leachate concerns. EV & Transport Policy: Zimbabwe’s EV roadmap gets a boost through an e-bus pilot in Harare aimed at modernising public transport.

Waste & Public Health: Bulawayo’s Ngozi Mine dumpsite is reportedly hosting over 1,000 people, with residents’ groups citing open/underground burning, leachate and lack of clean water—turning a refuse site into a human and environmental crisis. Urban Trading Rules: A new 6pm CBD trading deadline is squeezing Bulawayo vendors, with traders warning of lost customers and unsold stock as demand peaks after work. Housing & Land Governance: ZACC has arrested Harare/Beitbridge housing mogul Jonathan Gapare over allegations of illegally selling 632 residential stands beyond a municipal deal. Water & Industry Support: Bulawayo is hosting the inaugural Zimbabwe Water Indaba and WASH Joint Sector Review, pushing science and innovation to tackle water security for both households and industry. Manufacturing Momentum: Government says manufacturing is driving GDP recovery, citing higher capacity utilisation and rising manufactured exports. Digital Tax & Compliance: Zimbabwean tax experts are urging practical digital tools for cross-border tax cooperation and risk-based audits at an ATRN congress in Rwanda. Energy & Payments Tech: Tango Fuel App has expanded into Zimbabwe and four other African markets, linking fuel payments with fleet and generator monitoring. Agri Innovation: LSU students won US$10,000 for NanoPath’s FreshGuard nano coating aimed at cutting post-harvest losses. Critical Minerals Value Chains: The UN has selected Zimbabwe among six countries for a mechanism to build critical energy minerals industries and jobs beyond raw exports. Tourism Marketing: Zimbabwe is engaging CNN to convert global destination visibility into more arrivals and investment. Road Safety: A Harare kombi-truck crash in Willowvale killed three and injured 19.

Critical Minerals Push: The UN launched a Country Support Mechanism on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, naming Nigeria, Guinea, Indonesia, Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe as first beneficiaries to build local value chains, jobs and governance safeguards. Agribusiness Investment: Zimbabwe is seeking about US$1.42bn for eight agricultural value chains (maize, soya, sunflower, blueberries, broilers, eggs, beef and dairy), with government urging investment beyond farming into irrigation, processing, logistics and finance. Regional Value Chains: Acting President Kembo Mohadi told the TNF Global Summit Zimbabwe must leverage AfCFTA and regional markets (SADC/COMESA) to turn resources into industrial production and decent jobs. Sugar Financing: Parliament urged cheap concessional financing for sugar players (interest below 15%) and faster recapitalisation of NRZ to cut transport costs. Mining Skills & Output: Huayou Cobalt-linked training graduated 31 Zimbabwean mechanical and electrical engineering students; Kavango reported a jump in Hillside revenue as it moves toward own production, while Shuntai’s Chegutu cement line nears commissioning. Road Safety Tech: Government launched a National Speed Monitoring System for public service vehicles, with a 3–6 month grace period. Tourism Data Compliance: POTRAZ plans a data protection awareness workshop for tourism and hospitality firms to help them comply with Zimbabwe’s data protection framework. Drought Response: Zimbabwe rolled out cloud-seeding and a six-pillar drought mitigation plan ahead of forecast below-normal rains.

Land & Housing Accountability: Pressure is mounting on President Emmerson Mnangagwa over the hidden Uchena Commission report, with critics pointing to a High Court order and renewed anger over unlawful land allocations and housing demolitions. Critical Minerals for Jobs: UN chief António Guterres announced a new Country Support Mechanism on critical energy transition minerals, with Nigeria, Zambia, Guinea, Madagascar, Indonesia and Zimbabwe set to get help turning raw resources into local industries and decent work. Lithium Investment Push: Reuters reports Indian firm Lohum is moving deeper into Zimbabwe’s lithium supply chain, planning to process ore into lithium sulphate locally before shipping for higher-value refining in India. Drones & Logistics: CAA Zimbabwe approved nationwide VLOS and BVLOS drone deliveries, expanding Drone Solutions Zimbabwe’s ability to move emergency medical supplies, vaccines and parcels in partnership with ZIMPOST. Road Safety Digital Enforcement: Government launched a nationwide National Speed Monitoring System to curb speeding and reckless driving, using digital monitoring to reduce crashes and protect economic activity. Customs Clearing Rules Clash: Clearing agents challenge Zimra’s PAAB practising-certificate requirement for directors, arguing it’s costly and unrelated to customs facilitation. Industrial Revival in Bulawayo: A photo feature highlights new factories, retail and infrastructure projects, including a textile manufacturing centre and major retail developments, as Bulawayo seeks to reclaim its industrial role.

Bulawayo Investment Push: Government is assessing three projects to revive Bulawayo’s manufacturing, retail and jobs, including the Fairgrounds Retail Centre at ZITF, a Bulawayo Textile Manufacturing Centre, and Delta Corporation’s new US$35m brewhouse. Mineral Wealth for People: The ILO says Zimbabwe must ensure mineral beneficiation creates decent jobs, skills, technology transfer and higher-value exports, not just raw-material processing. Tripartite Social Dialogue: EMCOZ and Government reaffirm commitment to stronger labour-business-state dialogue under the TNF, aiming for the Victoria Falls Declaration and a Tripartite Social Contract. Road Safety Crackdown: Transport authorities launched a nationwide National Speed Monitoring System to curb speeding and reckless driving. Agri Innovation Win: LSU students won US$10,000 for NanoPath’s FreshGuard nano coating to cut post-harvest losses. Trade Corridor Upgrade: Zimbabwe secured funding for the Chirundu border post modernisation with construction expected to start in October under a PPP, targeting faster freight processing. Critical Minerals Industry Talk: Parliament urged SADC policy alignment to build regional critical-minerals value chains and processing. Finance & Trade: Afreximbank and ATDC signed a US$500m Global Credit Facility to boost commodity trading, logistics and distribution across Africa. Mining Results: Padenga Gold output rose to 1,345kg with profit up 161% in the six months to June 30.

Trade Finance Boost: Afreximbank and ATDC signed a US$500m Global Credit Facility to expand intra-African commodity and manufactured goods movement, covering procurement, aggregation, transport, warehousing and distribution—supporting AfCFTA and regional value chains, with initial operations including Egypt, Nigeria, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Border & Logistics: Zimbabwe secured funding for the Chirundu One Stop Border Post upgrade with Zambia under a PPP, aiming to cut freight delays on the North-South Corridor; the project is set to take about 18 months and is expected to cost $66.8m. SME Credit Push: RBZ challenged banks to turn savings into credit for SMEs via the ZiG Term Deposit Facility, designed to mobilise deposits and channel capital into productive sectors. Mining & Production: Mutapa Gold says it is on track to exceed its 2026 target of 3,400kg as water security improves through the Masembura pipeline. Labour & Social Protection: NSSA is preparing to pilot social security for informal workers, while TNF discussions called for a more inclusive labour market and expanded social protection. Governance & Compliance: Supreme Court struck off a bid to place RioZim under corporate rescue on procedural grounds; meanwhile, labour raids and enforcement actions continued, including scrutiny of employment practices in a steel firm. Digital Safety: Econet urged WhatsApp users to secure accounts as scams target mobile users. Local Business & Markets: Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers appointed a new national chairman.

RBZ & SME Credit: The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe says ZiG use has climbed to about 43% of transactions and is pushing savings to become credit for small and medium enterprises via the ZiG Term Deposit Facility. Inclusive Labour & Social Protection: At the TNF Global Summit in Victoria Falls, the ILO and partners called for an inclusive labour market, urging implementation of formalisation and gradual extension of social security to informal workers. Electric Mobility Push: Government and the UN (GEF-8) are holding talks on shifting Zimbabwe to cleaner, more efficient electric mobility, targeting lower emissions and better commuter outcomes. Water & Infrastructure: Mashonaland East is advancing its Provincial Development Plan through consultations, while Bindura commissioned a US$3m Masembura Water Pipeline upgrade funded by Mutapa Gold Resources. Trade & Regional Industry: Afreximbank and ATDC signed a $500m Global Credit Facility to finance commodity purchases, logistics, warehousing and trade corridors across Africa. Mining & Jobs at the Community Level: A legislator warned mineral wealth risks becoming “paper” if communities near mines don’t see tangible benefits. Agribusiness Resilience: Farmers are turning to drought-tolerant traditional crops as El Niño threats grow, and LSU students won US$10,000 for FreshGuard, a nano coating to cut post-harvest losses. Local Governance Safety: Southerton residents opened a police case over an abandoned, unguarded council excavation that has become a crime hotspot and safety risk.

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.

Local Content Push: Government is developing a digital rating system to track businesses’ local procurement, jobs and domestic production compliance, as it tightens the Buy Local drive. Public Procurement for MSMEs: At the Victoria Falls conference, officials urged MSMEs and cooperatives to use public procurement as a job-creation and local production lever, with a stronger push for digital procurement. Energy & Industry: Innscor seeks ZERA approval to expand its Bulawayo solar plant by over 50% to 1.5MW and shift it to captive generation. Mining Restart Milestone: Namib Minerals says dewatering at Redwing Mine is complete ahead of schedule, unlocking underground work for its restart and feasibility study. Transport & Infrastructure: Government is accelerating key dams—Gwayi-Shangani (82%) and Kunzvi (74%)—to ease water shortages and support irrigation and industry. Competitiveness Agenda: Zimbabwe targets breaking into the world’s top 50 competitiveness rankings, with reforms aimed at lowering the cost of doing business. Bulawayo Industrial Plan: A proposed steel corridor could link DISCO to Kwekwe and Bulawayo to deepen local processing and regional exports. Health Logistics by Drone: Drone Solutions wins CAAZ approval for BVLOS medical deliveries, moving from demos to daily operations. Media & Governance: A Zimbabwe journalist is suspended for one year over alleged unethical reporting on Chinese investments, with other journalists warned.

Safeguards & Food Industry: Zimbabwe has opened a safeguard probe into rising pasta imports after imports jumped to about 58.1m kg in 2025, crowding out domestic output and prompting National Foods to seek remedial action. Agriculture & Drought Resilience: ARDA is backing the SGR 200ha+ Club’s push for drought-tolerant grains ahead of El Niño, targeting 60,000ha (dryland sorghum plus irrigated maize) and support to rebuild the Strategic Grain Reserve. Regulation & Competitiveness: Zimbabwe’s National Competitiveness Commission is pushing regulatory impact assessment to cut the cost of doing business, after industry estimates compliance can take up around 18% of production costs. Roads & Tourism: Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road damage is hurting travel to the tourism hub, with some tourists reportedly switching to flights as rehabilitation progress is slowed by funding. Urban Informal Sector: Zanu PF faces backlash over a crackdown on CBD vending, with new operating hours (6am–6pm in CBDs) and demolitions in Harare and Chitungwiza. Health & HIV Care: An African trial found eight-weekly HIV injections suppressed the virus better than daily pills among adolescents, with fewer viral rebounds and high preference for the injections. Transport & Infrastructure Contracts: In South Africa, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy ordered SANRAL to probe how Moriel Infrastructure Group secured a SANRAL contract after a viral incident involving Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama.

Zimbabwe Investment Push: Zimbabwe targets at least 10 investment and partnership commitments at the Tripartite Negotiating Forum Global Summit in Victoria Falls, with deals expected to be tracked through ZIDA’s Deal Room and a public portal. Media Accountability: A Zimbabwean journalist’s accreditation was suspended for a year after repeated breaches in reporting on Chinese investments, while authorities also flagged concerns over alleged US embassy interference in media independence. CBD & Property Renewal: Local Government plans modern designs for Harare’s First Street Mall, including removing unauthorised billboards and upgrading service lanes, as part of a wider CBD renewal push. Agriculture & Food Security: Government says it has moved early with seed and fertiliser mobilisation for the 2026/27 summer season to reduce the impact of climate shocks and lessons from the 2024/25 El Niño drought. Regulation Reform: Industry is pushing for regulatory impact assessments to cut the cost of doing business, with compliance estimated at about 18% of production costs. Waste-Management Safety: A freelance journalist, Judith Nyuke, was killed after being struck by a Geo Pomona waste truck in Harare, as Bulawayo faces a deadline to sign up for the model. Arts & SME Formalisation: Matabeleland North launched an arts and crafts co-operative union to formalise and commercialise over 800 artisans, linking them to tourism and markets. Broiler Profit Tips: Feeding management and phase feeding are highlighted as key to broiler growth and profitability, since feed can make up most production costs. Regional Trade Opportunity: Bulawayo is urged to use Zimbabwe’s upcoming COMESA chairmanship to build a permanent industrial and export gateway into the bloc’s 640m consumers. Urban Housing Growth Watch: Experts warn satellite-town expansion is outpacing roads, drainage and services, raising planning and climate resilience risks. Transport & Logistics Angle: UNDP and partners stress multimodal trade corridors for landlocked economies, arguing connectivity and financing are needed to turn geography into an advantage.

Education Transformation: Zimbabwe’s deputy minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Angeline Gata, urged teachers to move beyond theory and embrace practical, technology-driven learning, stressing Continuous Professional Development to match a fast-changing economy. Urban Development & Housing: Matabeleland North is pushing private-led expansion through Kings City, with Crown Ridge adding 295 serviced, titled stands and handing over title deeds to homeowners. Skills & Youth Pathways: Scholastica 2026 wrapped up in Bulawayo with over 4,000 learners taking part in career guidance and skills exposure across arts, commerce and sciences. Mining & Critical Minerals: Mining M&A coverage highlights regulators tightening scrutiny over deals involving strategic minerals, including a European Commission objection to MMG’s proposed US$500m nickel acquisition. SME & Informal Sector Pressure: BPC says Zimbabwe’s informal sector remains the biggest employer but faces policy gaps on finance, markets, skills and formalisation. CBD Crackdown: Government tightened vending rules, limiting central business district trading to 6am–6pm and drawing criticism that enforcement targets livelihoods. Impact Investment Push: UNDP and ZIDA presented a Zimbabwe Impact Investment Map identifying 31 priority opportunities needing about US$535m to turn ideas into bankable projects. Agrifood Linkages: Italy launched an agrifood technology project in Zimbabwe, exploring B2B pilots in tomato production and processing.

Africa-India Trade: A Kolkata conference on “Africa-India Business Linkage” brought Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Zimbabwe to discuss new trade and investment ties. Urban Livelihoods Under Pressure: Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume sparked backlash after saying people who can’t afford the capital should leave, as authorities also push a nationwide cleanup that limits CBD vending hours and targets informal traders. SME & Jobs: Bulawayo-based BPC says Zimbabwe’s informal sector is the biggest employer but still lacks finance, markets, skills support and policy backing—calling for a full SME policy review. Mining & FX Relief: Zimplats unlocked about US$46.5m in local-currency funds previously trapped under Zimbabwe’s FX retention system, easing cash constraints. Competition & Food Industry: Zimbabwe’s Competition and Tariff Commission launched a safeguard probe into pasta imports after National Foods complained of rising volumes and price undercutting. Energy & Cost of Living: ZERA raised fuel prices again, with diesel up to US$2.08/litre and blended petrol to US$2.06. Climate & Agriculture: Zimbabwe braces for a possible severe drought linked to El Niño, with farmers increasingly turning to solar-powered irrigation and anticipatory action support in Beitbridge. Tech & Innovation: World Robot Olympiad Zimbabwe finals highlighted “robots meet culture,” while postal and courier leaders heard admissions that postal volumes are falling and funding gaps remain.