AGP Executive Report

Munhumutapa Day, Youth Housing: Zimbabwe marks Munhumutapa Day today in Mvurwi with expectations of over 100,000 people and President Mnangagwa launching a 259-hectare youth housing scheme, including stands for 2,000 youths in Mashonaland Central. Regional Trade Push: Government says it will leverage the 25th COMESA Summit in Harare (Oct 22) to deepen trade and attract investment, with a Host Agreement signed ahead of Zimbabwe’s expected COMESA chairmanship. Bulawayo Waste Crisis: Bulawayo residents and civic groups reject a directive forcing the city to sign a waste management MOU with Geo Pomona within a week, arguing it breaches procurement rules and demands public scrutiny. Industrial Revival & Counterfeits: Officials in Bulawayo promise tougher action against counterfeit goods and smuggling, alongside incentives to restore the city’s industrial status. Healthcare Education Milestone: First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa officially opens Zimbabwe’s first private nurses’ training school in Kadoma, aimed at strengthening the nursing workforce. Sports (Warriors): Warriors coach Ramon Catala names the AFCON 2027 qualifier squad, but Jordan Zemura is ruled out with injury.

Munhumutapa Day & power politics: Opposition and critics are pushing back hard against President Mnangagwa’s new public holiday, with claims it’s self-serving and not “coincidental,” as the state prepares a youth housing launch in Mvurwi. Housing for youth: Mnangagwa will unveil a 259-hectare scheme, with over 100,000 expected at Munhumutapa Day events and 2,000 youths set to receive stands. Economy watch: Zimstat says Q2 2026 GDP grew 3.1% year-on-year and 5.8% quarter-on-quarter, led by mining and quarrying. Bulawayo industrial push: Government approved Integrated Provincial SEZs, earmarking Bulawayo for major industrial incentives to revive manufacturing and attract investment. Local governance row: Bulawayo residents reject a ministerial directive to fast-track an agreement with Geo Pomona over the Richmond Landfill, arguing due process and procurement rules are being bypassed. RBZ and mobile money: The central bank moves to link mobile money accounts to civil registry data and shuts down ghost wallets to curb illicit flows and fraud. Mining & energy: Zimbabwe is betting on green mining and domestic gas ambitions after a US$259m fuel import bill highlighted pressure on energy costs. Business/competition: Zimbabwe’s competition watchdog is investigating Varun Beverages’ proposed stake acquisition in Dairibord. Sports: Warriors defender Jordan Zemura faces an injury setback ahead of AFCON qualifiers; Zimbabwe also eyes an ODI series vs Australia starting Sept 15 in Harare.

Diaspora & Investment: Zimbabwe could see US$3.5bn+ in remittances this year, but the push is to turn more of it into productive investment, not just household spending. Mobile Money Crackdown: The RBZ has integrated Civil Registry data with mobile money records to tighten identity checks and curb fraud and illicit flows. Mining & Roads: Zimbabwe’s Senate says mining companies must pay for roads they damage, with calls to link licence renewals to repairs. Heritage-Based Curriculum Exams: Government has ordered schools to prepare for the third-term national exams, the first big test of the Heritage-Based Curriculum. Munhumutapa Day: September 15 is now a public holiday, with major celebrations expected in Mvurwi. Traditional Medicine: The First Lady launched a nationwide Traditional Medicinal Herbs programme in Dande Valley to bridge indigenous knowledge and modern healthcare. Zimbabwe–China Minerals: VP Chiwenga says Zimbabwe should use Chinese tech to build value chains from strategic minerals into high-value products. Bulawayo Industrial Push: DISCO plans a steel corridor to drive downstream manufacturing and SADC exports, positioning Bulawayo as a key hub. Sports (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe U20 men’s handball team returned home winless after finishing 16th at the African Junior Nations Championship. Cricket (Zimbabwe-linked): Zimbabwe’s ODI squad for Australia is led by Sikandar Raza with Richard Ngarava out injured.

ODI Cricket: Zimbabwe name a 15-man squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia at Harare Sports Club, with Sikandar Raza captaining as Richard Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga sit out injuries; Brendan Taylor and Graeme Cremer return, while Blessing Muzarabani leads the pace group. Agriculture & Governance: A new column questions the “ultimate farmer” narrative around President Mnangagwa’s Precabe Farm, arguing it exposes deeper structural problems in Zimbabwe’s agricultural system. Public Health & Safety: World First Aid Day in Bulawayo pushes for wider first-aid training across schools, workplaces, mines, farms and communities, saying it can save lives in the first minutes during disasters and migration-related emergencies. Family & Social Issues: Zimbabwe faces renewed debate over paternity fraud after a TV show highlights DNA results and calls for criminalising the practice. Politics & State Power: Zanu PF tensions grow after CAB3/CAA3 dissent, with reports of looming cabinet reshuffles and disciplinary action for MPs accused of disloyalty. Mining Accountability: Youth groups warn that irresponsible mining is deepening inequality, urging value addition and real community benefits beyond extraction.

Mining & Investment Push: Zimbabwe is courting investors to set up mineral beneficiation and value-add capacity, with Deputy Mines Minister Dr Caleb Makwiranzou urging processing deals across lithium and PGMs to boost mineral revenue and cut reliance on raw exports. Regional Trade & COMESA: Zimbabwe exported US$222m to COMESA last year, up 10.4% from 2024, as the country prepares to host the COMESA Heads of State summit in Harare on Oct 22 and a business forum to deepen market access. Zimbabwe–China Cooperation: VP Dr Constantino Chiwenga says Zimbabwe and Chinese firms are ready to deepen cooperation through technology transfer and investment, while a China–Zimbabwe seminar for senior officials ended with calls to turn lessons into measurable action. Energy & Agriculture: Government and the International Solar Alliance are working on a solar-powered irrigation push, including pilots for pumps and cold rooms to make farming more climate-resilient. Youth Housing for Mvurwi: Ahead of Munhumutapa Day, Mnangagwa will launch a 259-hectare housing scheme in Mvurwi, with 2,000 youths set to get stands and more festivities drawing over 100,000 people. Fuel Update: Blended petrol rises by 3 cents to US$1.99/litre, while diesel stays at US$1.95/litre. Governance & Appointments: New commissioners for the Gender, Media and Land commissions are set for swearing-in at State House, strengthening constitutional bodies. Sports: Highlanders’ Willard Khumalo is hailed as the club’s best ever anchorman, and Zimbabwe’s Nthabiseng Nini makes history in Proteas debut.

Munhumutapa Day: Zimbabwe has declared September 15, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s birthday, a national public holiday called Munhumutapa Day, via Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026—coming amid fresh debate after his term extensions. High Court Accountability: Zimbabwe’s High Court ordered the state to pay US$15,000 over police brutality and unlawful detention in a Harare case. Cabinet Tensions: Reports say a Cabinet reshuffle is looming as 14 Zanu PF MPs who failed to vote for CAA3 face possible disciplinary action. Fuel Pressure: ZERA has adjusted petrol prices upward, with blended E20 rising to US$1.99/litre, again spotlighting politically connected fuel interests. Charity Fraud Case: Jairos Jiri officials face court over allegations including a Bulawayo property sold far below assessed value and a missing US$90,000 donation. Tech & Tourism Push: Zimbabwe’s tourism drive highlights heritage and AI, while officials in China say they’re drawing lessons on structured planning and implementation. Sports (Zimbabwe): The Zimbabwe Warriors host DR Congo Leopards in a crunch AFCON qualifier at Harare’s National Sports Stadium, with tickets now on sale.

Victoria Falls Ownership Row: Zambia’s tourism officials hit back at President Mnangagwa’s claim that the Falls “belongs exclusively” to Zimbabwe, saying 70% lies in Zambia and citing measurements (1.2km vs 500m) and control of key attractions. Education Gap Push: Government plans 1,000 new schools to cut Zimbabwe’s roughly 2,000-institution deficit, with focus on rural satellite schools and districts like Binga. Bulawayo Economic Weight: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says Bulawayo contributes about 12.9% to national GDP, urging investment to revive closed factories and boost local value addition. Skills and Innovation: Africa Skills Week 2026 is set for 12–16 October in Harare, aiming to attract investors and partnerships in emerging sectors. BUSE Graduation: Mnangagwa capped 2,371 graduates at Bindura University’s 25th ceremony, with women at 53% and a push toward science, innovation and tech. Tourism Investment Call: First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa says tourism growth must translate into sustainable investment and deeper local participation. Digital Leap: VP Chiwenga courts Chinese firms to help Zimbabwe move from using tech to creating and exporting digital solutions. Mobile Network Update: Econet says it will switch off 3G by end-December 2027, keeping 2G longer for rural users. HIV Prevention Debate: Civil society warns Zimbabwe’s Lenacapavir rollout may be missing people who use and inject drugs. Sports: Lady Chevrons lose the opening T20I to South Africa by six wickets; Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League hits 476 goals after 28 rounds.

Bulawayo Industrial Push: Finance Minister Prof Mthuli Ncube says Bulawayo remains Zimbabwe’s second-largest economy, contributing about 12.9% to national GDP, and challenges leaders to convert that strength into investment and inclusive growth. Local Economy & Jobs: Treger Products credits targeted Government support and industry bodies for keeping the 1911-founded manufacturer alive and sustaining around 2,800 jobs. Tourism That Pays Locally: At Sanganai/Hlanganani in Masvingo, the Gastronomy Hub is drawing visitors to local food businesses, showing how tourism spending can flow into everyday livelihoods. Bulawayo Waste Management Shake-up: Harare’s Geo Pomona model is being replicated as Bulawayo is ordered to engage Geo Pomona for waste services, ending the council’s independent search. Skills and Innovation Link-Up: China Railway No. 9 Group plans to deepen ties with Harare Polytechnic through a Youth Bridge Workshop aimed at practical training and pathways into employment. Energy Finance for Mining: Tharisa priced a $300m bond to advance its Karo platinum project, targeting first ore in late 2027. Youth Empowerment: Tonganyika Trust graduated 276 Makoni South youths with market-driven vocational skills, aiming to steer young people away from drugs and crime. Public Policy Calendar: The Competitiveness Summit dates were adjusted to avoid clashing with the new Munhumutapa Day public holiday. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Government says sports tourism can drive both domestic and international travel, with more facilities needed nationwide.

Mining & Investment: Invictus Energy awarded SLB a key drilling and well services contract for the Musuma-1 exploration well at Cabora Bassa, keeping a November 2026 spud on track. Minerals Policy: A Chinese investor says Zimbabwe’s beneficiation push won’t scare off capital, pointing to over US$300m already sunk at Bikita Minerals and a further US$500m lithium sulphate plant. Tourism: International buyers at Sanganai/Hlanganani in Masvingo praised Zimbabwe’s hospitality and pledged to market the destination; separately, officials cite a US$500m hotel pipeline signalling investor appetite. Local Government & Health: President Mnangagwa ordered urgent action to end the Ngozi Mine/Richmond Landfill pollution crisis in Bulawayo, directing council and Geo Pomona to agree a Harare-style waste model within a week. Media Governance: Zhemu Soda held an inaugural meeting with the new Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe board, urging strategic direction aligned to NDS2. Justice & Land: Ziyambi Ziyambi told Parliament that failing to validate property documents won’t strip ownership rights, but unvalidated deeds won’t be usable for transactions after the deadline. Finance: RBZ moved to shut down ghost mobile money wallets, continuing its wallet clean-up. Politics: Nelson Chamisa signalled he will help steer a new opposition political formation. Sports: Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt looks ahead to the historic first T20I against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.

RBZ Digital Clean-Up: The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has shut down ghost, fictitious and duplicate mobile money wallets by linking Civil Registry data with mobile subscriber records, tightening identity checks to curb fraud and illicit flows. Harare Vendor Crackdown: Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe ordered Harare City Council to beef up municipal police ahead of a renewed push to clear illegal vendors from pavements and undesignated sites, with 24-hour patrols planned. Tax Relief Window: ZIMRA extended its Voluntary Disclosure Programme to September 30, letting taxpayers correct past omissions with penalties waived (interest still applies). Gwanda Solar Revived: Intratrek Zimbabwe is set to restart the long-delayed US$132m Gwanda 100MW solar project after receiving a Notice to Proceed, with construction targeted within 24 months once an advance mobilisation payment is released. World Bank Jobs Push: The World Bank urged Zimbabwe to turn recent stability into jobs through reforms, better infrastructure, stronger regulation and more private investment. Tourism & Politics: Mnangagwa declared September 15 “Munhumutapa Day” as a public holiday and also said he expects to still be in power in 2035, sparking fresh debate. Lithium Export Starts: Indian firm Lohum shipped its first lithium ore from Zimbabwe, with plans to build processing capacity locally.

Tourism Boom: President Mnangagwa says Zimbabwe’s tourist arrivals hit 6.4 million in H1 2026, up from 5 million last year, with tourism investment rising to US$132.3m as Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Expo opens in Masvingo. Critical Minerals & Jobs: India’s Lohum shipped its first lithium ore consignment from Zimbabwe after securing 10 mining blocks in Matabeleland South, targeting major lithium output and a US$7bn value. Regional Diplomacy: VP Chiwenga met China’s Ding Xuexiang in Beijing, with Zimbabwe pushing for deeper investment links ahead of CIFTIS. COMESA & Heritage: September 15 is declared Munhumutapa Day public holiday, marking the Mutapa Empire and coinciding with Mnangagwa’s birthday. Business & Tax Pressure: Economists warn Zimbabwe’s tax-to-GDP push to 22% by 2030 could slow growth and deter foreign investment. Sports Spotlight: AmaZulu striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya starts the Betway Premiership season in blistering form, with comparisons to Billiat and Musona. Human Tragedy: Missing Roman Catholic priest Father Regis Chikuni was found dead at Parirenyatwa Hospital, with details still unclear. Consulate Crisis: Over 300 Zimbabweans are stranded at the former consulate in Bruma, Johannesburg, after buses for repatriation stopped.

Constitutional Tensions: President Emmerson Mnangagwa told delegates at Sanganai/Hlanganani in Masvingo he expects to still be in power in 2035, reigniting debate after earlier constitutional changes extended terms and pushed elections to 2030. Local Politics: Bulawayo mayor David Coltart says he will leave office in 2028, not 2030, insisting any extension must come through a lawful referendum. Street Vendors & Public Health: Harare deployed about 300 municipal police to clear street vendors after an ultimatum expired, with critics warning the crackdown could repeat the conditions that fuelled the 2008 cholera outbreak. Music Rights Fight: ZIMURA rejected claims that a US$150 licence gives In Total Band unlimited rights, saying it covered only one day and that royalties were not remitted for specific artists. Tourism Push: Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to boost domestic tourism, while the expo in Masvingo highlighted provincial investment and buyer engagement. Skills for Returnees: MOSAD registered 65,000 Zimbabweans returning from South Africa for a skills audit to support reintegration. Conservation Tech: Hwange elephants were fitted with GPS satellite collars, bringing monitored numbers to 30.

E-hailing Reforms: Government says 291 licences, permits, levies and fees have been fully implemented and Cabinet has approved a five-month moratorium to review e-hailing transport rules, with a new framework and ZIMRA registration requirements aimed at cutting regulatory bottlenecks. Climate Watch: Zimbabwe is bracing for a potentially difficult 2026/27 rainy season as a very strong El Niño is expected to bring below-normal rainfall and dry spells, prompting early mitigation calls. Education Crisis: Teachers under ARTUZ have declared themselves “incapacitated”, reporting only three days a week as schools reopen for term 3, citing an unresolved salary crisis and demanding a minimum basic salary of US$1,260. Tourism Push: President Mnangagwa is set to officially open the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo in Masvingo, with 153 buyers in attendance and a focus on unlocking new markets and investment. Local Governance & Vending: PVED has petitioned Minister Daniel Garwe over shortages of designated vending spaces, warning that enforcement without serviced alternatives will keep clashes and livelihood losses going. Sports Spotlight: Zimbabwe international Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya has been named Betway Premiership Player of the Month for August after a strong start with AmaZulu.

Vehicle Safety Recall: Isuzu has recalled over 2,500 D-Max 2026 bakkies in Zimbabwe after a brake pedal pivot pin issue could reduce braking performance; owners are urged to visit authorised dealers for free inspection and replacement. Judicial Appointments: Zimbabwe’s Judicial Service Commission has promoted three High Court judges to the Supreme Court and appointed Justice Charles Hungwe president of the Court of Appeal, amid long-running concerns about judicial independence. Gold & Finance: A gold-sector push is gaining momentum, with training for small-scale miners and bank-backed expansion plans at Shamva, as Zimbabwe looks to turn mineral wealth into wider economic development. Currency Watch: The World Bank warns Zimbabwe against rushing the ZiG-only plan by 2030, saying premature de-dollarisation could threaten recent stability. Transport & Access: Government has paused new e-hailing rules for five months while companies and drivers set up safety measures and register for taxes with ZIMRA. Tourism & Business: Stanbic Bank officially opened a new Chiredzi branch to boost the Lowveld economy, while Air Zimbabwe’s Harare–Masvingo route is being urged to continue beyond the tourism expo. Sports: Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya was named Betway Premiership Player of the Month for August after a hot start with AmaZulu.

World Economy & Policy: The World Bank has warned Zimbabwe not to rush a ZiG-only currency transition, saying premature dedollarisation could spark capital flight and weaken fragile confidence. IMF Watch: An IMF mission is in Harare for its second programme assessment, focusing on growth, fiscal discipline and reforms, including social protection delivery and outstanding audits. Regional Diplomacy: Zimbabwe is set to assume COMESA chairmanship in October, with President Mnangagwa saying the country is ready to host heads of state and push integration and trade. Judiciary Reform: Justice Charles Hungwe has been appointed Court of Appeal president, with three High Court judges elevated to the Supreme Court in a major reshuffle. Local Governance & Compliance: ZIMRA is widening tax enforcement by demanding landlord and homeowners’ association details, including tenant information, in Harare estates. Education: Learners troop back for the third term as Grade 7, Form 4 and Upper Six candidates prepare for ZIMSEC and Cambridge exams. Security & Crime: Police in Mutare have deployed drones under “smart policing” to monitor illegal activities, alongside back-to-school road safety crackdowns. Sports (Zimbabwe-linked): Highlanders’ financier Wicknell Chivayo threatens to pull funding without notice unless governance and accountability meet his demands.

Zimbabwe–SA Trade: Zimbabwe is a key destination for South Africa’s agriculture, with 2025 exports to Zim hitting US$1.2bn—about 8% of SA’s total agricultural exports—highlighting how regional value chains can deepen trade and local value addition. Road Safety: Police have warned motorists and transport operators to drive carefully as schools reopen for the third term, urging safe transport, no speeding or reckless overtaking, and strict avoidance of overloading. Public Sector Reform: ACBF says Africa’s public financial management reforms need more than technical skills—leadership, trust-building, and sustained coordination are the real bottlenecks. Church & Politics: President Mnangagwa pledged US$2m for a new 10,000-seater UFIC building in Harare, renewing attention on close ties between the state and Prophet Makandiwa. Mining Leadership: Kavango Resources appointed Jasper Musadaidzwa as CEO and executive director, tasking him with building long-term value across southern Africa. Sports (Zimbabwe-linked): Zimbabwe international Jonah Fabisch says he’s still in rehab and expects a return after the international break.