AGP Executive Report

Green Jobs & Clean Energy: Practical Action Zimbabwe says it has created 400 green jobs in Mabvuku and Tafara by running a solar-powered clean energy and resource recovery centre that pays waste pickers on the spot and trains residents in carpentry and welding. Local Medicines Push: Zimbabwe’s pharmaceutical manufacturers are urging Government to prioritise locally made medicines in public procurement after local purchases reportedly fell to about 1% over four years, despite domestic capacity to produce much of the country’s essential drugs. Mining Oversight: Harare authorities plan a task force to tackle illegal mining after reports from Bindura linked galamsey to damage to roads, land, and the Mazowe River, plus health risks like silicosis and TB. Critical Minerals & Processing: A DRC export ban on copper and cobalt concentrates is expected to have limited impact on Chinese firms already operating processing lines locally, highlighting the race for beneficiation. Livestock Genetics: Government-backed breeding and artificial insemination programmes are supporting Zimbabwe’s drive to grow the national cattle herd to six million by 2030 using improved genetics and adapted breeds. Agro-Processing Livelihoods: In Binga’s Lusulu, villagers are moving from subsistence to value addition through community agro-processing equipment that turns crops into sellable products like stockfeed, peanut butter, and honey. Transport & Safety: Bulawayo passengers and operators complain of harassment by kombi and bus touts at Fourth Avenue terminus, prompting Government to move on the issue. Border Trade Facilitation: SADC is pushing a Simplified Trade Regime to cut costs and speed up cross-border commerce for small traders, including Zimbabwe. Mining Skills Pipeline: The Zimbabwe School of Mines graduation highlights that mining growth constraints are increasingly “human capital” related, with demand for engineers and new skills tied to digitalisation and lithium processing. Zimbabwe T20 League Plans: Flash Sports & Media says a proposed Zimbabwe T20 League is targeted for Oct–Nov 2026, with venues under consideration including Harare Sports Club and Bulawayo.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Zimbabwe is setting up a task force to tackle illegal mining after reports from Bindura linked it to damaged roads and rail, polluted water (Mazowe River), and health risks including silicosis, TB and drug abuse. Debt Recovery Auctions: Environment minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and agriculture deputy Paddy Zhanda face property auctions after CBZ and ABC attachments over unpaid debts, with sales listed for November 20. Local Governance Enforcement: Cabinet has approved a Municipal Police and Courts Bill to strengthen by-law enforcement through municipal police powers and dedicated municipal courts. Fuel Tax Pressure: Government says fuel taxes are key for taxing the informal economy, but fuel-tax collections fell in the first half of the year, renewing scrutiny over fuel costs. Gold Incentive Review: Zimbabwe will cap gold-buying incentive spending at $300m for 2026 and review it for the 2027 budget as part of currency-stability efforts. Returnees + Cholera Response: EU funding of US$345,000 supports Zimbabwe Red Cross shelter, clean water and hygiene for returnees, as cholera spreads in border and mining communities. Music & Culture Industry: Feli Nandi targets a packed 4,500-seat HICC show, while Boss Khumalo’s fundraising concert seeks surgery funds after a machete attack. Responsible Gambling Push: NACZ and the Lotteries and Gaming Board launch a skit challenge to promote responsible gambling ahead of a 31 August deadline.

Mining & Industry Investment: Zimbabwe approved US$1.59bn in new investment licences in Q2 2026, with mining (US$768.5m) and manufacturing (US$496.7m) taking nearly 80% of the pipeline, as ZIDA pushes value-add around mineral resources. Agri-Industrial Push: Government targets full self-sufficiency in basal fertiliser by end-2027 and aims to become a net exporter of fertiliser nutrients to the region, backed by a US$153.1m programme to recapitalise state fertiliser value-chain entities. Exports & Trade Signals: Zimbabwe’s monthly exports crossed US$1bn for the first time this year, reaching US$1.44bn in June, led by semi-manufactured gold and nickel mattes, with the UAE as top destination. Local Business & Jobs: Econet’s TechCity and Victoria Falls Lifestyle Villas are drawing strong market interest ahead of commissioning, while Massmart appointed Zimbabwean marketing executive Charmagne Mazhindu as VP Marketing to drive digital and customer-focused growth. Urban Livelihoods: The planned eviction of traders at Kuwadzana 1 Home Industry was halted after council intervention, with relocation plans to a nearby two-hectare site. Community & Health Infrastructure: Construction of a mothers’ shelter at Nyamandlovu Hospital is nearing completion (about 90%), aimed at reducing delays for pregnant women. Tourism & Skills: The Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe elected Kathy Kathewela as president, with a new leadership team to steer the sector.

Retail & Marketing Leadership: Massmart appoints Zimbabwean marketing executive Charmagne Mazhindu as Vice President of Marketing, betting on digital, data-driven and omnichannel growth. Industrial Parks & Tech: Econet’s TechCity (Harare) and Victoria Falls Lifestyle Villas are drawing strong market interest ahead of commissioning. Sustainability & Finance: Industry players say green tech is cutting costs and unlocking financing, as Zimbabwe discusses sustainability at a Harare breakfast meeting. Livestock Exports: Zimbabwe reports strong first-half 2026 growth in live cattle and sheep exports, with export-approved abattoirs also seeing higher throughput. Agribusiness Exports: Zimbabwe’s blueberry boom continues, with exports and planted area set to rise further in 2026. Mining & Value Addition: DISCO expands into cement using blast-furnace slag, aiming for 400,000 tonnes annually to support infrastructure demand. Capital Markets: VFEX targets $5bn market value and plans a venture board to help junior mining and exploration firms raise capital. Infrastructure & Transport: Harare’s prepaid water meters are blamed for charging for “thin air,” while Parliament and Senate debate transport fare pressure, overloaded trucks, and new weighbridge enforcement. Diaspora Investment: Zimbabwe Diaspora Week pushes a shift from remittances to long-term investment in productive sectors. Regional Labour Shock: South Africa’s migrant exodus is already hitting farms and factories, raising supply and production risks across the region.

Arts & Jobs: Bulawayo’s Khaya Arts Productions opens recruitment for five young creatives, pitching the arts as a real career path for income and community impact. Women & Manufacturing: The Methodist Church equips Insiza North women with 30 sewing machines to produce reusable sanitary pads and garments for sale, boosting rural livelihoods. Roads & Logistics: The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls highway rehabilitation is still far behind schedule, with only 73.4km opened by end of July and MPs warning of stalled works. Education Tech: Chaplin High School in Gweru commissions a smart classroom with tablets and digital teaching tools as Zimbabwe pushes digital learning. Research & Innovation: Midlands State University and UNDP formalise a partnership to expand research and innovation outputs. Health & Community Advocacy: Cotrad helps restart momentum for the Petronella Clinic in Mwenezi North after years of stalled construction, cutting long travel for care. Digital Safety: WhatsApp scams are evolving, with account takeovers and code-trap tactics highlighted as fraudsters get more sophisticated. Capital Markets: VFEX targets $5bn market value and plans a venture board to help junior mining and exploration firms raise capital. Mining & Policy: Congo orders copper and cobalt concentrate exports to stop, pushing more value-add at home. Oil & Energy: Invictus Energy locks a November drill date for Musuma-1 in the Cabora Bassa project after signing a revised rig deal. Transport Enforcement: Senate flags overloaded trucks for road damage; government says new weighbridges and 24-hour enforcement are coming. Water & Billing: Harare admits prepaid meters can bill for “thin air” when compressed air spins meters, sparking consumer backlash. Tourism Push: Zimbabwe plans more tourism attaches in key markets as airline capacity rises, aiming to sustain growth in arrivals and receipts.

Child Resilience Program: Zimbabwe and UNICEF launched a two-year Chinese-funded programme to help children and communities recover from the 2023/24 El Niño drought, targeting nutrition, WASH, child protection and behaviour change in up to eight districts. Humanitarian Support: The EU pledged US$345,000 for cholera response and assistance to over 5,000 vulnerable returnees from South Africa, as nearly 110,000 people crossed back through Beitbridge between April and July 28. Household Data Drive: ZimStat began a nationwide household listing exercise (Aug 7–17) to update the sampling frame for the 2026/27 Household Budget Survey. Road Safety Push: Transport Minister Mhona said road crashes cost Zimbabwe about US$400m annually and unveiled an AI-backed traffic enforcement expansion plan. Mining Law Update: Government says the Mines and Minerals Bill is nearing gazetting after constitutional concerns were addressed, aiming to improve regulatory certainty for investment. Industrial Growth Signals: Zimbabwe’s manufacturing is seeing a new investment cycle, with June imports of specialised industrial heating and cooling equipment jumping sharply. Agro-Processing Shift: Premier Foods’ planned South Africa fruit-canning closure is being linked to Zimbabwe’s improving agro-processing base as production ramps up in Harare. Local Governance & Enforcement: Bulawayo councillor backs giving municipal police arrest powers to enforce by-laws and protect infrastructure. Public Transport Crackdown: The Consumer Protection Commission called for action against kombi tout harassment, citing violations under the Consumer Protection Act. Water Service Pressure: Ward 9 Harare residents urged faster resolution of persistent water shortages despite ongoing infrastructure rehabilitation. Lithium Beneficiation Outlook: Lithium producers forecast about US$1bn turnover this year from exporting lithium sulphate, with revenue expected to rise as processing plants come on stream. Skills Pipeline: Zimbabwe School of Mines graduated 369 new mining professionals to support a more technology and value-add focused sector.

Oil & Gas: Invictus Energy has locked in a November 2026 spud for Musuma-1 at the Cabora Bassa Project after signing a revised drilling contract with Exalo Rig 202, targeting gas and condensate to expand the resource base. Roads & Infrastructure: Community-led work to rehabilitate the Bulawayo–Tsholotsho Road is underway, with Tsholotsho residents raising diesel for equipment and Zinara donating 5,000 litres to support the programme. Capital Markets: Old Mutual has returned to Zimbabwe’s market with a VFEX listing after a six-year suspension, aiming to restore liquidity for its shareholders. Creative & Skills Development: Magitare Africa and PMIZ signed an MoU to train creatives in project management and open pathways to internationally recognised certification. Tourism & Investment: A US$66.9m joint venture will install bulk water, power and telecoms at Masuwe Special Economic Zone near Victoria Falls, unlocking serviced land for hotels and other tourism assets. Mining & Jobs: Ariana Resources says it expects to start gold production at its Dokwe greenfield project in 2028, with a feasibility study due in early 2027. Governance & Compliance: The High Court dismissed Dinson Colliery’s appeal over an unfair dismissal award, while Korzim Strategic Minerals was found in contempt of court in a mining claims dispute. Business Climate: Government faces fresh parliamentary scrutiny over the strategic fuel reserve levy and whether collected funds are being used as intended.

Infrastructure Finance: Zimbabwe is securing fresh funding to restart and accelerate the 440km Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road, with 73.4km already opened and about 367km still to be rehabilitated, as Government seeks more than the annual US$150m roads allocation and looks to PPPs and loan facilities. Industrialisation & Trade: Local goods now claim over 60% of supermarket shelves, up from 30% in 2018, as Davipel and other firms expand agro-processing and import substitution. Mining & Investment: CBZ has expanded its Afreximbank trade finance facility to US$190m to boost letters of credit and export-oriented businesses. Energy/Finance Pipeline: Zimbabwe’s BRICS New Development Bank borrowing status opens a possible pipeline for projects including Hwange power expansion, Beitbridge–Harare highway refinancing and an urban mass-transit system. Agriculture & Livestock: Farmers are urged to set aside 10% of arable land for pasture and fodder to cut stock feed costs and livestock deaths during dry spells. Education for Industry: Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Shava says universities must stop being “degree factories” and push innovation and commercialisation under Education 5.0, while a new policy removes Mathematics as a compulsory entry requirement for Indigenous Minority Languages teacher training. Mining Justice: Korzim Strategic Minerals was found in contempt of court over false reports in a Shamva mining dispute involving Canterbury Mining. Aviation: Fastjet’s Captain Charles Chikosi retires after 43 years and 20,500 flight hours.

Beverage Manufacturing Boost: Delta Corporation says demand is outpacing production, with beverage volumes up 14% and revenue up 23%, prompting upgrades at Southerton and Belmont breweries plus more packaging and distribution investment. Digital Infrastructure: EAAIF backed by PIDG signed US$82.8m in private debt—US$32.8m for 728 telecom towers in DRC and US$50m to refinance and expand Liquid Intelligent Technologies’ 110,000km pan-African fibre network. Rural Industry & Value Addition: Zimbabwe’s cottonseed refining is gaining traction as local processors in Gokwe turn leftover seed into cooking oil, livestock feed and soap, keeping more value and jobs in rural areas. SME Capital Access: ZEEX is pushing Private Markets so SMEs can raise growth capital without going public, linking them to institutional and development finance investors. Energy Access: Government will expand rural electrification using least-cost technology via the Rural Electrification Fund and fiscus, mixing grid extension and solar where suitable. Labour Policy Dialogue: The 2026 Labour and Employment Summit opens in Bulawayo to shape reforms on decent work, formalisation and green jobs. Mining & Industrialisation Push: ZIDA approved about US$1.59bn in Q2 investments, with mining leading (US$768.5m) and manufacturing next (US$496.7m), as the agency shifts to implementation follow-through. Transport & Trade Links: Zimbabwe and South Africa hold transport talks in Victoria Falls, with a third Beitbridge bridge on the agenda to cut delays and improve cross-border movement. AI Skills Drive: Zimbabwe reports over 100,000 citizens trained in foundational AI skills under the National AI Strategy, alongside plans for regulation and service transformation. Debt Support: Zimbabwe secured UK and France backing through a new Debt Consultative Group to help restructure US$2.7bn arrears and unlock financing for infrastructure and industry.

SADC Migration Pressure: SADC’s 2026 summit in Durban is being urged to tackle xenophobia and anti-migrant violence head-on, after South Africa’s anti-immigration protests triggered wider regional fallout. Investment Push: ZIDA approved about US$1.59bn in Q2 investments, with mining (US$768.5m) and manufacturing (US$496.7m) leading, as the agency shifts toward implementation and job creation. Cross-Border Trade: Zimbabwe and South Africa held transport talks in Victoria Falls, with plans for a third Beitbridge bridge and moves to cut border delays across road, rail and aviation. Tourism Infrastructure: Government signed a US$66.9m PPP deal for bulk infrastructure in Victoria Falls, aimed at unlocking hotels, a tourism academy and the multi-purpose cricket stadium. Mining vs Environment: Environmental groups petitioned Mnangagwa to stop destructive mining at Mutare’s Christmas Pass. Local Industry Safety: Harare City Council plans to standardise home industries after fires, starting with Mbare Musika and moving to Chemanza and Magaba. Livestock Resilience: Masvingo stepped up anthrax vaccinations, exceeding targets ahead of El Niño drought risks. Dairy Update: Zimbabwe’s milk production reportedly hit 155m litres in 2025, though consumers still face high food costs. Property/PPP: Harare’s Rufaro Marketing is pursuing PPPs to redevelop its land bank and commercial properties.

Education & Skills: Zimpapers Training Institute says it hit a 90% pass rate in HEXCO May/June 2026 exams, with Mass Communication Intake 1 posting 100% passes, reinforcing its media and business training push. Mining & Local Content: Zimbabwe Indigenous Miners Association and the Zimbabwe School of Mines roll out a “Train the Trainer” programme to help artisanal miners adopt safer, more productive practices under Education 5.0. Security: Police intensify patrols, roadblocks and surveillance ahead of Heroes’ Day and Defence Forces holidays. Debt & Finance: Zimbabwe’s Finance ministry says the UK and France will co-chair a debt coordination group to drive the US$2.7bn arrears clearance and restructuring plan. Tourism Infrastructure: Cabinet-backed PPP in Victoria Falls unlocks a US$66.9m bulk-infrastructure deal for Jafuta Estate, while Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road works get renewed funding. Ease of Doing Business: Government cuts licence fees across 13 sectors, including agriculture, education, transport, sport and natural stone exports. Trade & Industry: June export data shows a diversification gap, with gold and nickel mattes dominating and earnings concentrated in the UAE, South Africa and China. Climate & Food Security: UN warns El Niño could worsen hunger, with up to 49 million more people at risk. Mining Governance: CNRG petitions President Mnangagwa to halt mining at Mutare’s Christmas Pass over alleged irreversible environmental damage.

Food & Energy Self-Sufficiency: Zimbabwe is being reminded that survival now depends on reliable local food and power as global shocks push up fuel and essentials, with El Niño also looming over harvests. Hemp Push: Government cut industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis licence and registration fees by up to 90% to attract investment, jobs and new agro-export streams. Tobacco Reality Check: Zimbabwe hit a record 357.1m kg tobacco sales by July 31, but farmers complain low prices, rejections and delayed payments are squeezing returns. Mining & Justice: An MP alleges a “fraudulent” court plot to seize a gold mine and calls for urgent probe into judicial abuse. Cybersecurity: INTERPOL says AI now drives over half of African cybercrime, with losses rising to $484m, and warns laws often predate the technology. Agriculture Resilience: ARDA’s wheat push is backed by reliable water and electricity, while Namibia eyes Zimbabwe’s ARDA farming model to strengthen food security. Ease of Doing Business: Cabinet abolished cemetery entry fees and cut sport levies, plus reduced outdoor advertising charges, easing costs for businesses and clubs. Aviation & Trade: Air Zimbabwe relaunched the Harare–London route after 16 years; Emirates SkyCargo reports UK export growth and even shipped conservation dogs to Zimbabwe. Regional Migration Tensions: Commentary ahead of SADC’s Durban summit urges leaders to tackle xenophobia directly as labour shortages expose how dependent economies are on migrant workers.

Mining Finance: Zimbabwean banks say they can mobilise US$4bn–US$5bn to help meet the sector’s US$10bn five-year investment push, aiming to expand mines and accelerate beneficiation. Tourism PPP: Government and private partners signed a US$66.9m commercial joint venture for bulk infrastructure at Jafuta Estate in Victoria Falls, paving the way for hotels, services and the multi-purpose cricket stadium. Local Content & Jobs: Mining Minister Thoko Tembo urged stronger local investing, while banks and the Chamber of Mines backed a financing framework to reduce reliance on offshore capital. Energy Supply: Zimbabwe targets about 4,000MW of new generation capacity by 2030 to meet rising demand and strengthen reserves. Environmental Enforcement: EMA launched a Harare Metropolitan compliance drive, issuing 300+ tickets over illegal sand mining, unlicensed hazardous substances and poor waste management. Mining Security: Police arrested eight men after a four-year illegal mining operation in Marlborough, including a deep shaft and clandestine blasting. Agriculture & Food Security: ARDA is scaling up commercial cereals production to 850,000 tonnes annually under its revamped mandate. Hospitality Ownership: African Sun gained full control of Victoria Falls Hotel after buying out Meikles’ stake. Policy & Compliance: POTRAZ’s mandatory annual data protection licence fees drew criticism from analysts and industry leaders.

ESG Reporting Push: A call to close Zimbabwe’s ESG reporting gap argues that making ESG mandatory only for listed firms leaves most of the economy—construction, manufacturing, SMEs and service agencies—unmeasured and unmanaged. AI Governance for Hosting: A policy debate asks who should control AI-driven decisions in web hosting, stressing transparency, accountability, privacy and human oversight. Food Security Drive: ARDA is targeting 850,000 tonnes of cereals annually, expanding mechanisation, irrigation and modern farming to strengthen the Strategic Grain Reserve. Parliament Backs Wheat Models: MPs toured ARDA-supported wheat projects and urged more funding to scale production models nationwide. Agro-Processing Investment: Zimbabwean billionaire Simon Rudland’s new $25m citrus plant near Beitbridge aims to deepen value addition, create jobs and cut reliance on raw exports. Mining & Beneficiation Reset: The Mines Ministry held a Kadoma review focused on accelerating beneficiation and value addition for industrialisation. Debt Forum Support: France and the UK will co-chair a Zimbabwe debt consultative group to speed arrears clearance and unlock concessional finance. Foreign Exchange Uptick: Zimbabwe’s foreign currency receipts rose to US$10.72bn in the first half of 2026, led by exports, diaspora inflows and stronger FDI. Industrial Fund Disbursements: ZiG33.1m has been disbursed under the Industrial Development Fund, with Bulawayo and Harare taking most approved support for manufacturing growth. Breastfeeding Campaign: Nutrition Action Zimbabwe urges media, government and partners to boost breastfeeding support through community care groups.

Mining & Industrialisation: Kavango Resources has moved its Hillside gold project into live processing, installing a 50-tonne-per-day plant and starting carbon-in-leach operations, with commissioning and gradual run-of-mine feed ramp-up now underway. Policy & Beneficiation: Zimbabwe’s Mines Ministry held a Kadoma mid-term review and reset workshop focused on accelerating value addition and beneficiation, reiterating mining’s role in driving downstream industries and jobs. Manufacturing Finance: Bulawayo and Harare firms dominated the Industrial Development Fund, with ZiG33.1m already disbursed to 15 companies under a ZiG101m programme aimed at import substitution and value chains. Infrastructure & Power: Government announced an Infrastructure Development Fund unlocking US$400m for road projects, while ZETDC says winter power supply held up better than in nearly two decades, supporting productivity for factories and mines. Agriculture & Food Security: A community seed bank in eastern Zimbabwe is preserving traditional varieties to help smallholders withstand drought, and Zimbabwe also pushes irrigation expansion targets to boost food security. Energy/Agri-Industry Investment: A US$25m citrus processing plant in Beitbridge was commissioned, signalling continued agro-processing momentum. Regional Business & Skills: Dubai Chamber backed Techies Infotech’s expansion into South Africa, setting up an engineering and delivery centre and AI/digital transformation services.

Mining Tech & Value: Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company says a new breakthrough will fix colour flaws in Chiadzwa diamonds, boosting value as Mine Entra spotlights mining opportunities. Business Confidence: Trading updates suggest Zimbabwe’s biggest firms are shifting from survival to expansion—more capacity investment and growth as inflation eases and liquidity improves. AI Leadership Push: Global executives gathered in Victoria Falls to back Zimbabwe as an AI and cyber-security hub, stressing governance, trust and skills over “AI alone.” Investor Readiness: ZEEX explains why entrepreneurs lose funding—weak numbers, unclear growth plans and execution gaps—urging businesses to become investment-ready for capital markets. Public Finance Scrutiny: Treasury denies OPC “spending spree” claims, saying the 143% utilisation figure reflects centrally managed programmes later reallocated to ministries. Mining & Environment: Zimbabwe declares a state of disaster for emergency riverine ecosystem rehabilitation, citing damage from legal and illegal mining across 17 rivers. Agriculture & Women: UNDP-backed agritech is helping Zimbabwe’s female farmers cut labour and improve production with tools like threshers and grinder-choppers. Seeds for Resilience: Ghana deposits 422 germplasm accessions at Norway’s Svalbard vault, with Zimbabwe among African countries in the Seeds for Resilience project. Property & Housing Finance: A cash-vs-mortgage debate highlights Zimbabwe’s constrained long-term mortgage market and the need for property strategies that build lasting wealth.