AGP Executive Report

Rail & Mining Logistics: Zimbabwe’s NRZ is negotiating a US$115m Afreximbank facility to buy 10 locomotives and 315 wagons and repair infrastructure, as freight capacity remains constrained and lithium moves increasingly by rail. Agriculture & Food Security: Government has reversed last year’s private maize import-substitution rules, allowing private grain imports ahead of an El Niño-linked cereal drop, while officials project a record winter wheat harvest on expanding planted hectares. Water & Infrastructure Funding: Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart warns the Gwayi-Shangani–Bulawayo pipeline could take 217 years if funding stays at last year’s pace, despite progress on the mini-hydropower works. Local Business Climate: Bulawayo pushes digital-first services and regulatory reforms to improve ease of doing business, with the National Competitiveness Strategy 2026–2030 stressing measurable implementation. Urban Governance: Authorities order property owners to renovate unsafe buildings or face fines and possible jail, while a curfew restricts legal vending hours in CBDs and residential areas. Trade & Partnerships: SCCI and Zimbabwe’s embassy in the UAE discuss expanding cooperation across agriculture, mining and tourism, including logistics ideas like dry ports. Sports Administration: Tavengwa Mukuhlani becomes ICC Deputy Chairperson until Nov 2027, a major boost as Zimbabwe co-hosts the 2027 Cricket World Cup. Health & Livestock: WHO flags dementia as a growing Africa burden, and research highlights dairy farmers’ antibiotic practices as a driver of antimicrobial resistance. Cross-border Transport: Musician Andy Muridzo takes over as CEO of Khen Tours, expanding bus operations linking Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Regulatory Push for Industry: Bulawayo’s Minister Judith Ncube urged faster, digital-first regulatory reforms to cut red tape and restore the city’s role as Zimbabwe’s industrial hub, as the National Competitiveness Commission strategy gets a “measurable improvements” focus. Competitiveness Oversight: The NCC board says it will enforce implementation discipline for the 2026–2030 National Competitiveness Strategy, aiming to translate policy into business results. Mining & Trade Logistics: Zimbabwe courts Chinese battery makers to set up local production, arguing raw materials are mined locally and should be processed into higher-value products. Regional Border Modernisation: A Chinese-led consortium won a 25-year concession to modernise Mozambique–Zimbabwe’s Machipanda One-Stop Border Post, targeting lower waiting times and cheaper logistics on the Beira Corridor. Energy & Power: Chinese-backed projects are set to add over 1,000MW through solar and waste-to-energy initiatives, while Zimbabwe also commissions six new FM transmitters in Bulawayo to expand coverage. Agriculture Under El Niño: Cabinet approved a six-pillar drought mitigation plan, including higher grain import support and an enhanced strategic grain reserve as cereal output is projected to fall. Labour & Services: Nurses threaten labour action over a government u-turn on reviewing health allowances. Consumer Safety: Isuzu D-Max owners are warned after a brake defect recall affecting vehicles exported to Zimbabwe. Aviation & Connectivity: Air Zimbabwe’s Harare–London Gatwick route reports a 95% completion rate in early operations. Business Pipeline: ZIDA shifts from investment promises to tracking projects on the ground, after approving 184 new licences in Q2 2026.

Food Security & Climate: Zimbabwe expects a drier 2026/27 summer under El Niño, with cereal output projected to fall to 1.6m tonnes from 2.68m, prompting higher grain imports, a stronger strategic grain reserve and faster climate-smart farming. Industrial Policy & Procurement: PRAZ says the National Standard Price List is helping curb overcharging in public procurement, while the NCC pushes regulatory overhaul, digitalisation and regulatory coherence to cut the cost of doing business. Local Competitiveness: Bulawayo is positioning itself as a “test case” for competitiveness by tightening licensing, land administration and service delivery to attract investment. Mining & Investment: Caledonia Mining will outline its US$584m Bilboes gold project funding plan at a New York Capital Markets Day, while Terra Group completes full ownership of Pan African Mining Corporation’s Madagascar assets. Energy & Value Addition: VP Chiwenga is urging Chinese battery makers to set up in-country production and deeper beneficiation, pointing to existing lithium mining and local processing investments. Public Health & Safety: Zimbabwe’s medicines regulators warn of recalled hypertension and Parkinson’s-related tablets (Nifedipine and Levodopa/Carbidopa) over quality concerns, with batch details issued. SME Support: Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe launches the Standard Bank Africa Business Awards, with categories spanning agriculture, construction, FMCG/retail, manufacturing, women and youth-owned firms.

Competitiveness Push: Zimbabwe’s National Competitiveness Commission (NCC) is driving a regulatory overhaul at its Bulawayo summit, with a focus on easing the cost of doing business through regulatory impact assessments, digitalisation and better coordination to cut duplication. COMESA Trade Window: NCC chair Patiance Chimuka says Zimbabwe’s COMESA chairmanship can help position the country as a value-added manufacturing and export hub ahead of the Harare COMESA Summit in October. Local Government as a Test Case: Bulawayo is pitching itself as the “test case” for the competitiveness agenda, reviewing licensing, land administration, planning and service delivery to attract investment. Tourism Finance: The SECZ is pushing for capital markets tools that could let citizens, pension funds and the diaspora invest directly in hotels and tourism assets as tourism investment rises. Rail Freight Boost: NRZ received a US$2.5m PPP boost from Zimasco, refurbishing three locomotives and 100 wagons to expand freight capacity. Industrial Expansion at Beitbridge: Progress continues on the US$3.6bn Palm River Energy Metallurgical SEZ and cement plant, with completion targeted next month. Aviation Connectivity: Air Zimbabwe’s Harare–London Gatwick route has stabilised, hitting a 95% completion rate in its first six weeks, though on-time performance remains a challenge.

Power & Growth: The World Bank says Zimbabwe’s unreliable electricity is costing the economy about 6.1% of GDP each year, with firms reporting frequent outages and turning to costly backup power. Mining Revenue: The AfDB warns Zimbabwe’s mining boom is not translating into fiscal gains, with royalties and related taxes contributing only around 3% of state revenues, citing gaps in licensing, contracting, transparency and enforcement. Mining Tax & Policy: A closer look at Zimbabwe’s additional profits tax for special mining lease areas highlights how the 23rd Schedule is meant to capture upside when projects become exceptionally profitable. Minerals Value-Add Push: Kenya moves to ban exports of unprocessed gold and plans at least three refineries, joining Ghana and Zimbabwe in tightening control of raw mineral exports. Local Governance & Waste: Bulawayo’s Town Clerk recommends the city comply with a ministerial directive to engage Geo Pomona to tackle its waste management crisis, reigniting local debate over procurement and control. Business Environment: President Mnangagwa officially opens Ecobank’s US$24m Harare HQ, reiterating efforts to remove barriers for investment and trade. Food Security Watch: AGRA reports 36.3m Nigerians face crisis-level hunger, with conflict, insecurity, high prices and weather disruptions driving the worsening outlook. Critical Minerals Pipeline: A new Africa Business+/EY database shows the critical-minerals pipeline has grown fast, but production is lagging—especially in lithium.

China-Africa Trade & Green Tech: CIFTIS in Beijing showcased Chinese digital and green cooperation, with firms pitching EV charging and battery-swapping services aimed at African markets. Zimbabwe Trade Governance: ZITF Company appointed a new eight-member board, with Dr Busisa Moyo retained as chair, to steer the fair’s push for trade, investment and industrial development. Mining Value-Add Push: Kenya says it will ban exports of unprocessed gold and require local processing through approved channels, citing Ghana and Zimbabwe as models. Local Manufacturing Boost: CTC approved Mega Market’s acquisition of Lobels Holdings to strengthen Zimbabwe’s bread and flour value chain. Cement Supply Upgrade: Shuntai completed its 0.8Mta Chegutu cement plant, with commissioning targeted for October 2026 after equipment delays. Lithium Project Funding: Premier African Minerals extended its Canmax offtake/prepayment long stop to 31 Dec 2026 to restart and optimise the Zulu Lithium flotation plant. Bulawayo Industrial Drive: Government warned of counterfeit goods undermining industry and promised tougher enforcement alongside incentives to revive Bulawayo’s industrial status. Regional Integration Agenda: Zimbabwe will leverage the COMESA Summit in Harare to deepen regional trade and industrialisation, with Zimbabwe set to assume COMESA chairmanship.

Munhumutapa Day & Youth Housing: President Mnangagwa will launch a 259-hectare youth housing scheme in Mvurwi, with over 100,000 expected to attend celebrations and 2,000 youths set to receive residential stands. Bulawayo Waste Crisis: Residents’ groups oppose a government directive bringing Geo Pomona into the Richmond Landfill (Ngozi Mine) waste deal, warning it could bypass procurement rules despite urgent pollution concerns. Harare Wetland Court Stop: Glen Lorne residents, led by Shingai Mutasa, won an interim High Court order halting a Chinese developer’s villa and cluster housing works over alleged wetland and environmental approval breaches. Economic Pulse: Zimstat reports Q2 2026 GDP up 3.1% year-on-year, with manufacturing, mining and quarrying among key contributors. Bulawayo Industrial Push: Government approved a framework for Integrated Provincial SEZs, earmarking Bulawayo for major industrial incentives and renewed manufacturing revival. Mining Governance: Mines Ministry orders small and medium-scale miners with blocks registered before 2001 to submit cleared survey-grade coordinates for a cadastre land folio upload clearance. Energy & Industry Inputs: Zimbabwe spent US$259m on mineral fuels and oils in July, spotlighting fuel import pressure as domestic gas ambitions remain in focus. Competition Watch: Zambia’s competition regulator is investigating Varun Beverages (Zimbabwe)’s proposed Dairibord stake acquisition for potential competition and monopoly impacts. Green Mining Drive: Authorities are pushing green technology across the mining value chain, including cleaner exploration and real-time environmental monitoring. Medicines Recall: MCAZ orders a Class II recall of specific batches of Nifedipine and Levodopa/Carbidopa tablets over quality out-of-specification findings.

RBZ Digital Finance Crackdown: The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has integrated the Civil Registry database with mobile money subscriber records to strengthen identity checks, curb fraud and close gaps behind illicit financial flows. Pharma Quality Alerts: MCAZ ordered a Class II recall of specific Remedica batches of Nifedipine and Levodopa/Carbidopa after out-of-specification results, extending to retail level. Mining Governance & Roads: Parliament heard Dorowa paid about US$1.4m for specialised equipment that was never delivered, while senators also pushed for mining firms to repair roads they damage and face licence renewal conditions. Lithium Deal Timing: Premier African Minerals and Canmax extended the long stop date for the Zulu lithium and tantalum offtake/prepayment agreement to December 31, alongside a priority/subordination arrangement. Renewables for Heavy Industry: CrossBoundary Energy powered up a 233MW solar-plus-storage site at the DRC’s Kamoa copper mine under a PPA, aiming for round-the-clock supply to support expansion. SME Support: Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe launched the Standard Bank Africa Business Awards, with categories spanning agriculture, construction, FMCG/retail, manufacturing, women and youth-owned businesses. Corporate Rescue Denied: Redwing Mine rejected a corporate rescue notice as false and defamatory, saying it will pursue legal action. Energy/Industry Expansion: Bulawayo is positioned as a steel value-add and export hub through DISCO’s proposed steel corridor linking cities across Zimbabwe for downstream manufacturing.

Fuel Theft Crackdown: Mozambique police arrested two Zimbabwean truck drivers and a customs officer over an alleged attempt to steal 800,000 liters of fuel using forged documents, with bail granted to the drivers while the customs official remains detained. Mining & Trade Policy: Resource nationalism is tightening tungsten supply as the US restricts scrap exports, the UK funds Tungsten West, and Zimbabwe bans tungsten and antimony concentrate exports—raising pressure for alternative sourcing. Agriculture & Food Security: Kenya’s drought-hit maize shortfall may force imports of about 2 million tonnes, with white maize supply constraints pushing attention to regional exporters like South Africa. Lithium Pricing Watch: PMET boss Ken Brinsden argues long-term lithium prices may need to reach around US$2,500/t to support demand growth, despite recent price swings. Local Industry & Jobs: Ndlovu toured Zimbabwe’s US$3.6b Palm River Economic Zone in Beitbridge, highlighting ferrochrome output and planned urea/nitrates production. Health Regulation: MCAZ ordered recalls of specific Nifedipine 10mg and Levodopa/Carbidopa batches after quality concerns, urging patients to check batch numbers. First Aid Push: Zimbabwe Red Cross and Civil Protection called for expanded first-aid training across schools, workplaces, mines and communities. Tech for Greener Mining: China’s mining conference showcased smart, cleaner mining systems, including a cited Zimbabwe project cutting costs via clean power. Governance & Land: Bulawayo explores satellite monitoring to curb illegal development and land barons.

Urban Planning & Tech: Bulawayo is exploring satellite technology to spot illegal construction and unapproved developments early, warning that “land barons” still pose a threat even if the city has avoided the scale of Harare’s demolitions. Governance Shake-up: A CAB3 voting backlash is triggering a Zanu PF purge, with ministers and MPs facing dismissal or reshuffles after failing to support the constitutional amendment. Mining & Industry Value: Zimbabwe is pushing investors for mineral beneficiation and value addition, while China’s mining conference highlights “green” smart mining tech—citing a Zimbabwe gold project where clean energy cut costs sharply. Community Impact in Mining: Youth Accountability Initiative argues mining must benefit communities through processing, jobs and skills—not just extraction. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: El Niño preparations continue, with Matabeleland South stockpiling feed and building drought-proofing measures; meanwhile, research points to a fungus-based approach to fight African armyworm where chemicals fall short. Health & Regulation: Zimbabwe recalls two batches of Nifedipine 10mg tablets after MCAZ quality checks, urging patients to verify batch numbers and return affected stock. Energy & Transport Costs: ZERA sets blended petrol at US$1.99/litre (diesel stays US$1.95), a small uptick that can still ripple through transport and business costs. Trade & Partnerships: Zimbabwe’s COMESA exports rose to US$222m (+10.4%) as the country prepares to host the COMESA summit, with a business forum aimed at boosting regional value chains.

Fuel & Transport: Zimbabwe’s blended petrol price edged up by US$0.03 to US$1.99/litre, while diesel stayed at US$1.95/litre in ZERA’s latest schedule, affecting transport and production costs. Mining Finance: Caledonia Mining says it will finalise a US$150m interim bank facility with local and South African lenders to fund the Bilboes gold project. Health Regulation: Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe ordered an urgent recall of specific batches of Nifedipine 10mg and Levodopa/Carbidopa tablets after quality test failures, warning patients not to stop treatment based on social media claims. Waste-to-Energy & Urban Services: Geo Pomona is in talks with Bulawayo City Council to replicate Harare’s waste-to-energy model at the Ngozi Mine dumpsite, aiming to cut environmental and health risks. Digital & Connectivity: Zimbabwe is integrating Starlink LEO with its terrestrial fibre networks, while officials also discuss a roadmap for domestic gateway teleports and licensing. Tourism & Heritage: Great Zimbabwe drew heavy crowds during Sanganai/Hlanganani, showing how domestic tourism can boost the wider value chain. Skills & Industry Linkages: Africa Skills Week 2026 (Oct 12–16) is set to connect Zimbabwean innovators and businesses with investors across emerging sectors. Governance & Local Industry: Mnangagwa’s constitutional changes bring key appointments, including Tafadzwa Muguti to Local Government and Public Works, with implications for devolution and local development.

Mining & Trade Security: A Chinese national, Ning Yaokun, was remanded in custody over alleged 720-tonne lithium smuggling from Zimbabwe, with claims of illicit processing and fraudulent export paperwork. Waste-to-Energy & Local Industry: Geo Pomona is in talks with Bulawayo City Council to replicate Harare’s waste-to-energy model at the Ngozi Mine dumpsite, aiming to tackle pollution and improve waste collection and recovery. Renewables Finance: Africa GreenCo secured an extra US$11.5m from PIDG/IFDK and welcomed Sanlam Alternative Investments, lifting total funding in the third close to US$21.5m for multi-country renewable power trading. Government & Public Works: President Mnangagwa reshuffled senior leadership, moving Tafadzwa Muguti to Local Government and Public Works as Permanent Secretary, and appointed new chairs and commissioners across key commissions. Provincial Economic Push: Bulawayo was pegged at 12.9% of national GDP, with calls at the Bulawayo Investment Indaba to revive manufacturing, upgrade factories and keep value-add local. Skills & Innovation: Zimbabwe will host Africa Skills Week 2026 (Oct 12–16) to attract investors and partners in emerging sectors, with a focus on skills governance and industrial transformation. Agriculture & Food Security: Zimbabwe cut maize imports by 34% in 2025/26, citing improved production after El Niño drought and continued import-substitution measures. Telecom Modernisation: Econet plans to switch off 3G by end-December 2027 as it expands 4G/5G, while keeping 2G longer for rural users.

Fertiliser Crisis Fallout: Norton MP Richard Tsvangirai says Zimbabwe’s US$2.11bn fertiliser import bill is also a jobs and livelihoods crisis, arguing Parliament must focus on keeping local factories running. Gold Sector Momentum: Fidelity Gold Refinery data shows August gold deliveries up to 5,119.2kg (+10.1% month-on-month; +20.7% year-on-year), led by small-scale miners. Mining & Land Rights: A lawyer warns Matebeleland rural communities face weak protection as mining expands, with mineral rights vested in the State under the Mines and Minerals Act. Bulawayo Water Bottleneck: Harare red tape is delaying Bulawayo’s Glass Block Bopoma Dam PPP, with legal concerns raised over the BOT structure. Mobile Network Shift: Econet plans to switch off 3G by end-December 2027, pushing remaining users to 4G/5G while keeping 2G longer for rural feature phones. Platinum Financing: Tharisa priced a $300m, 11% coupon bond to fund its Karo platinum project, targeting first ore in late 2027. Renewables & Solar Projects: Gwanda solar gets a fresh 24-month deadline, while Mapanzure Solar Park is taking shape and Zim-China partners back a US$100m solar push. Trade & Logistics: Mutare Dry Port is set for early 2027 operations to cut congestion and speed customs clearance. Industrial Revival Push (Bulawayo): Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says Bulawayo contributes 12.9% to national GDP and has a high business formality rate, urging faster investment conversion. Waste-to-Energy Model: Botswana plans to partner with Harare’s Geo Pomona to turn landfills into recycling hubs and green energy. Informal Economy Upgrade: One Tap launches in Bulawayo as a commission-free super-app to bring safety and structure to informal services. Tourism Value Chain: Sanganai’s Gastronomy Hub is driving local sales by giving food traders direct exposure to visitors.

Parliament Oversight: Matabeleland North musicians complain Parliament sidelined them after hearings on collective management organisations (including Zimura and Zicco) were held only in selected centres. Branding & Real Estate: Nashie Zim named brand ambassador for HSP Realty as the firm targets young home seekers and pushes property ownership. Digital Marketplaces: One Tap launches in Bulawayo as a commission-free super-app for informal services, aiming to improve safety and trust while cutting financial barriers for providers. Industrial Revival in Bulawayo: CZI urges a return to the city’s industrial heartland status; leaders push for Special Economic Zone status to cover all of Bulawayo, not just parts. Energy Projects: Mapanzure Solar Park in Zvishavane is taking shape, while Zimbabwe and China sign a US$100m green solar deal. Mining & Jobs: Invictus Energy awards SLB a key Musuma-1 well services contract for a November drilling milestone; Unki completes its first full IRMA renewal audit. Tourism Growth: Government backs sports tourism and calls for more facilities, while Sanganai/Hlanganani buyers give Zimbabwe a strong vote of confidence. Governance & Land: Govt targets 360,000 title deeds for A1/A2 farmers to secure tenure and unlock farm value. Regulation & Compliance: RBZ shuts down ghost mobile money wallets as authorities tighten financial controls. Security Alert: A Zimbabwean man is arrested in Johannesburg over alleged fake South African ID document manufacturing.

Tourism Investment: Zimbabwe’s hotel pipeline is estimated at US$500m, with projects across the country expected to be completed by 2030, as pension funds and institutional investors increasingly back tourism as a long-term asset class. Minerals & Value Addition: Ariana Resources says Dokwe gold DFS work is advancing after eight tonnes of samples were sent to Xinhai in China for feasibility-level testwork, following drilling that extends mineralisation. Critical Minerals: Indian firm Lohum has shipped its first lithium ore from Zimbabwe and says it will build processing capabilities locally, holding rights to 10 lithium blocks in Matabeleland South. Energy Projects: The Gwanda 100MW solar project is back on track after a Notice to Proceed to resume work within 24 months, pending an advance mobilisation payment. Digital Payments: The RBZ shut down ghost mobile money wallets by linking Civil Registry data to subscriber records to strengthen identity checks and cut fraud. Energy Costs: ZERA raised LPG prices to US$1.76/kg from September 8. Local Industry Push: President Mnangagwa urged more Zimbabwean industrialists and partnerships to move the economy up global value chains. Environment Law: Parliament has gazetted the Environmental Management Amendment Bill, with residents calling for stronger deterrents against water pollution and wetland destruction. Transport Safety: A bus overturn on the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road raised fresh concerns over highway conditions.

Mining & Critical Minerals: Ariana Resources says drilling at Dokwe North in Zimbabwe’s Dokwe Gold Project confirms “very high-grade, wide zones” with samples now at test work in China, while Dokwe Central drilling has identified two higher-grade plunging shoots ahead of feasibility-study progress. Lithium Supply Chain: India’s Lohum has shipped its first lithium ore consignment from Zimbabwe and says it will start lithium mining operations, targeting major output from blocks in Matabeleland South. Tourism & Investment: President Mnangagwa opened the 19th Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo in Masvingo, citing tourism arrivals rising to 6.4 million in H1 2026 and tourism investment tripling to US$132.3m, with calls to remove barriers and scale climate-smart infrastructure. Local Industry & Jobs: NBCC 2026 National Finals in Harare will showcase youth business ideas across sectors like climate-smart agriculture, waste management and AI. Regional Business & Trade: Zimbabwe’s VP Chiwenga backed services-trade opportunities at China’s CIFTIS in Beijing, while China also highlighted new tech to recover rubidium and cesium from lithium ores. Transport & Consumer Safety: Isuzu recalled 2,586 D-Max bakkies across multiple countries, including Zimbabwe, over a potential brake pedal fault.