AGP Executive Report

Debt & Budget Discipline: Government says it will no longer borrow to fund budget support or consumption, with future loans reserved for revenue-generating infrastructure like roads, rail, dams, irrigation, border posts and power. Higher Education Reform: Officials say university expansion must come with higher student intake, not “self-serving” enrolment restrictions by professional bodies, after Midlands State University reported 1,000 law applicants but only 100 enrolled. Mining Crackdown: A task force is set to tackle illegal mining after reports from Bindura linked the activity to damaged infrastructure, pollution and health risks including silicosis and TB. Mining Skills Push: The Zimbabwe School of Mines urged more human capital for a modernising sector, citing needs in digitalisation, lithium conversion and environmental management. Agriculture & Livestock: Government-backed livestock genetics are boosting climate-resilient herds as Zimbabwe targets six million cattle by 2030. Regional Trade: SADC moves to simplify border procedures to cut costs for small-scale traders, including Zimbabwe. Sports & Youth: CBZ backs Team Zimbabwe with US$15,000 for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics; Junior Sables’ Barthes Trophy hopes end after a loss to Kenya.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Government moves to set up a task force after a Bindura report linked illegal mining to damaged roads, polluted water, and health risks including silicosis, TB and STIs. Constitutional Tensions: Citizens and churches push back against CAA3 as authorities detain villagers over TikTok-linked protest claims, while lawyers say one activist remains jailed due to an expired passport. Local Entertainment Push: Brother In House Zimbabwe gears up for its official Harare launch, while Shoko Festival names Nigel Tha Slick Pastor as headliner for a September 24 comedy night. Sports & Youth Development: Flash Sports & Media outlines plans for a Zimbabwe T20 League, and CBZ backs Team Zimbabwe with US$15,000 for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics. Business & Economy: CBZ fuel-tax collections face pressure, Edgars seeks VFEX delisting over low trading, and Dynamos faces fresh questions after rejecting major sponsorship offers. Community & Culture: A new song, “Ubuntu,” speaks against xenophobia amid South Africa’s anti-immigrant tensions.

Health Alert: Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo reports five deaths linked to a nasty flu-like illness, with over 1,000 patients treated since May and rising severe cases among children. Road Safety: Four Zimbabwe National Army soldiers died and three were injured in a crash along the Harare–Mutare Road near Marondera; names released as police investigate. Security Update: Zimbabwe National Army says tank movements in Harare ahead of Defence Forces Day are a planned procession from 9–11 August, urging the public not to panic amid coup rumours. Economy & Governance: Zimbabwe ranks number three in Africa for budget transparency and fiscal openness, with Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube citing improved debt reporting and tighter public finance systems. Business & Informal Sector: Government proposes linking council licence renewals for vendors to tax compliance, pushing ZIMRA and local authorities to share data. Sports & Local Talent: Jonah Fabisch joins South Africa’s Golden Arrows; Bulawayo’s Highlanders centenary debate spotlights the club’s best left-backs. Culture & Community: Heroes’ Day commemorations continue, while Makokoba’s “Santa” marks 40 years of mentoring through drumming and art.

Defence Forces Watch: The ZNA will hold a military equipment procession in Harare from August 9–11 ahead of ZDF Day, starting at Charles Gumbo Barracks and ending at Rufaro Stadium, with officials urging the public not to panic. Education Crisis: Zimsec’s June O’ Level results show a 3% pass rate, sparking outcry from teachers’ unions who blame underfunding, teacher shortages, and weak support for learners. Transport & Everyday Costs: Harare City Council has launched sting-style enforcement against “illegal” rides, with reports of a US$172 fine and vehicle impounding for InDrive operators, while separate coverage highlights confusion around driver’s licence classes and fines. Digital Safety: WhatsApp scams are getting more sophisticated, including account takeovers using the six-digit verification code. Economy & Debt: Zimbabwe says 2027 will be decisive for arrears clearance, aiming to unlock access to international financing. Diaspora Finance: Zimbabwe Diaspora Week 2026 pushes for investment and skills transfer from citizens abroad. Industry Push: DISCO’s steel expansion is also moving into cement production, targeting 400,000 tonnes annually. Sports (Local Interest): Hardrock’s Eswatini midfielder Neliswa “Tiger” Dlamini scored after 20 seconds in a Munhumutapa Challenge Cup match.

Constitutional Court Pause on Diamond Debt: Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) has won a temporary stay stopping execution of a nearly US$18 million judgment in its dispute with Adlecraft Investments, with the court ordering no asset attachment or sales until its constitutional challenge is decided. Capital Markets Push: Victoria Falls Stock Exchange plans to grow its market value to US$5bn and launch a venture board to help junior mining and exploration firms raise capital, highlighting Old Mutual’s VFEX listing as investor confidence returns. Mining Law Progress: Government says the Mines and Minerals Bill is set for gazetting before year-end after constitutional concerns raised in parliament were resolved, aiming to modernise regulation and boost investment certainty. Road Safety Drive: Transport Minister Felix Mhona says road crashes cost about US$400m annually as a Heroes and Defence Forces holiday campaign kicks off. Child Resilience Funding: Zimbabwe and UNICEF launched a two-year Chinese-funded programme to support child protection and recovery from El Niño drought impacts, including nutrition and WASH. Local Governance & Transport: CPC warns kombi tout harassment breaches consumer law, while Bulawayo council flags a condom shortage affecting HIV prevention efforts. Education & Security Training: President Mnangagwa capped 216 graduates at ZNDU and met a UAE Fujairah delegation on digitising aviation and border management. Agriculture Innovation: Sirdc will launch five new climate-smart maize seed varieties to tackle drought and disease pressures.

Road Safety & Tech: Transport Minister Felix Mhona says Zimbabwe is expanding AI traffic cameras at signalised intersections to cut road crashes that cost the economy about US$400m a year. Community Infrastructure: In Matabeleland North, the Bulawayo–Tsholotsho Road Rehabilitation Initiative is launched as a community-led effort, with Zinara donating 5,000 litres of diesel and residents raising 36,000 litres to power equipment. Food Security Oversight: Parliament urges more funding for ARDA after strong wheat performance at Antelope Estate, arguing state farms must operate at full capacity to support the Strategic Grain Reserve. Health Policy Reform: Government moves to overhaul medicines regulation, family planning rules and health-service advertising to modernise and strengthen the sector. Humanitarian Support: The EU pledges US$345,000 to Zimbabwe Red Cross to aid cholera response and thousands of returnees from South Africa, after nearly 110,000 crossed back into Zimbabwe since April. Capital Markets: Old Mutual has resumed trading after listing on VFEX, a step meant to restore liquidity for shareholders. Governance Tension: Pressure is mounting over CAA3 and renewed talk of extending Mnangagwa’s rule, with protests and a crackdown reported after the law took effect.

Mining & Courts: Korzim Strategic Minerals has been found guilty of contempt of court by Zimbabwe’s High Court for filing false reports against Canterbury Mining, with a US$4,000 fine and an order to pay Canterbury’s legal costs after a December 2025 ruling declared Canterbury the lawful owner of Shamva mining claims. Business & Markets: Edgars Stores has moved to voluntarily delist from the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, pairing the plan with a cash buyout offer from its biggest shareholder at US$0.0248 per share ahead of an August 27 extraordinary general meeting. Politics & Society: Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) president Amon Madawo publicly declared allegiance to ZANU PF, backing President Mnangagwa’s extended rule and raising new questions about church neutrality. Rights & Law Reform: Government has started reviewing Zimbabwe’s legal framework on intersex rights after a landmark court challenge, with ministers meeting experts and civil society to guide possible reforms. Infrastructure: Fresh funding has been secured to restart and accelerate the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road, with 73.4 km already completed and 367 km still to be rehabilitated. Education: Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Frederick Shava announced Mathematics will no longer be compulsory for entry into Indigenous Minority Languages teacher specialisation. Sports: Zimbabwe’s Chipu U20 rugby team begin their Barthes Trophy campaign against Kenya in Kampala.

Business & Finance: CBZ Holdings has expanded its trade finance facility with Afreximbank by an extra US$40m to US$190m, boosting access to letters of credit for Zimbabwean exporters and importers. Economy & Planning: ZIMSTAT will start a nationwide listing exercise for the 2026/27 Household Budget Survey from August 7–17, a key step for poverty, welfare and CPI planning. Transport & Governance: ZUPCO was flagged by the Auditor-General for missing bus registration books and wider record-keeping failures, raising concerns over asset control and governance. Regional Politics: South Africa has taken the SADC Standing Committee chair role, with Durban set to host the 46th summit as leaders tackle security, economic pressures and implementation gaps. Labour & Jobs: The Zimbabwe Labour and Employment Summit in Bulawayo is pushing practical steps toward decent work, youth employment and Vision 2030 goals. Education & Work: A ZIMSTAT report says secondary education dominates Zimbabwe’s workforce, while higher qualifications improve participation and earnings. Aviation: Air Zimbabwe says normal Harare–London operations are back after disruptions, though fares have risen sharply. Sports: Dynamos have been expelled from the CAF Confederation Cup over unpaid salary arrears, while Scottland FC will represent Zimbabwe in the Champions League.

Aviation & Connectivity: Emirates and South African Airways expanded their codeshare, adding Harare and Victoria Falls plus nine new routes, giving Zimbabwe travellers easier access to Dubai and wider SAA networks. Industrialisation Push: President Mnangagwa commissioned agrimilling, stockfeed and snack plants at Sunway City Special Economic Zone, calling SEZs the “fast lane” for value addition and export growth. Investment Drive: Zida approved about US$1.59bn in Q2 projects, led by mining (US$768.5m) and manufacturing (US$496.7m), with a shift toward implementation. Education Support: ED-UNZA Scholarship Trust delivered another cohort to universities, with students set for medicine, engineering and sciences. Local Governance Tensions: Harare Residents Trust warned against granting arrest powers to municipal police, citing abuse and corruption concerns. Public Health & Rights: Calls to end gender-based violence intensified after the repatriation and burial of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her two daughters in Bulawayo. Digital Skills: Government says over 100,000 citizens have been trained in foundational AI skills under the National AI Strategy.

Tourism & Infrastructure: Government signed a US$66.9m commercial joint venture to build bulk infrastructure in Victoria Falls, including water and sewer reticulation, electricity distribution and telecoms, with knock-on investment in hotels, a Tourism Academy and the under-construction multi-purpose cricket stadium. Industrialisation: President Mnangagwa opened Davipel HQ and commissioned Sunway City Industrial Park in Harare, urging faster stockfeed distribution depots nationwide. Labour & Jobs: Bulawayo hosts Zimbabwe’s inaugural Labour and Employment Summit at ZITF, focused on decent work, green jobs and skills under NDS2. Local Governance: Norton Town Council is finalising procurement of service delivery equipment, including new trucks, while Chitungwiza Junior Council plans a Digital Awareness Campaign for safer internet use. Food Security: Parliament says Zimbabwe is on course for sustainable food security, citing ARDA’s joint venture model and strengthened grain production. Health & Safety: Government urges Zimbabweans returning from South Africa after xenophobic violence to seek medical check-ups promptly. GBV Condemnation: Bulawayo laid to rest Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her two daughters; the Women’s Ministry condemned GBV and called for stronger action. Justice & Accountability: Ayikhale Movement says it will pursue an ICC case against Mnangagwa’s government over alleged human rights abuses.

Ease of Doing Business: Cabinet has reviewed and scrapped licences, permits, levies and fees across agriculture, education, transport, sport and natural stone exports to cut costs and red tape. Football Finance: Government also approved major reductions in PSL and ZIFA match-day levies, halving the SRC and cutting the PSL levy from 10% to 4% to ease pressure on clubs. Tourism Investment: Zimbabwe sealed a US$66.9m Victoria Falls PPP to build bulk infrastructure at Jafuta Estate, including water, sewer, power and telecoms. Road Works: Funding has been secured to restart and widen the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road, with 73.4km already surfaced by July 30. Mining Compliance: The Mines Ministry urged women miners to regularise obligations by August 30 to avoid forfeiture of rights. Legal Education: Midlands State University opened the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School in Kwekwe, expanding Zimbabwe’s legal training capacity. Returnees Support: Devolution officials praised church-led support for Zimbabwean returnees at a transit centre in Njube. Sports: Airlink will launch Lanseria–Harare flights from 15 November.

Education & Community Support: ZDF and Mutapa Gold handed over a new classroom block to Mubvundudzi Secondary School in Rushinga, with MGR funding materials and equipping the block with desks, computers and textbooks. Telecom Leadership Shake-up: NetOne terminated CEO Raphael Mushanawani’s contract, ending a five-year tenure after corruption allegations and internal turmoil; Chris Muchechemera takes over as acting CEO. Agriculture & Farmer Pain: Zimbabwe tobacco sales hit a record 357.12 million kg by July 31, but growers complain low prices, high costs, rejections and delayed payments are squeezing profits. Ease of Doing Business for Sports: Cabinet cut match-day levies—SRC gate takings, ZIFA and PSL charges—aiming to leave clubs with more revenue. Business & Markets: Old Mutual’s share listing migration from the ZSE to VFEX is approved, with trading on VFEX set to start Aug 12. Regional Trade Diplomacy: Serbia’s minister met Zimbabwe’s Murwira in Belgrade as ZimTrade and Serbia Export signed a cooperation memo to boost bilateral trade. Aviation: Airlink announced scheduled Lanseria–Harare flights from Nov 15, starting with three return trips weekly. Health Advocacy: Experts marked World Breastfeeding Week, urging stronger family, workplace and community support for mothers. Politics & Justice: Police prepared a four-count docket against Apostle Batsirai Java, including treason-related allegations tied to a viral audio.

Debt & IMF Talks: Zimbabwe has entered the decisive phase of its arrears clearance push, with a 10-month IMF Staff-Monitored Programme effective March 1, 2026, aimed at unlocking financing and paving the way for broader restructuring. Energy Security: Zim is targeting about 4,000MW of new generation capacity by 2030 as demand rises, with plans that could lift installed capacity from roughly 3,000MW to around 7,000MW. Border & Security: Mukumbura Border Post with Mozambique has been flagged as a frontline in the anti-drug war, with government calling for tighter surveillance and better information sharing among security agencies. Local Industry & Trade: Zimbabwean firms at Zambia’s Agricultural and Commercial Show generated strong, commercially focused deal leads, while a local equipment company says foreign firms should face the same tax and regulatory rules if they stay in the market. Agriculture: ARDA is scaling up cereal production under a mandate to deliver at least 850,000 tonnes annually to strengthen the Strategic Grain Reserve. Diplomacy: Zimbabwe and Serbia signed MoUs in Belgrade and Zimbabwe said it will reopen a diplomatic office there. Commemoration: President Mnangagwa paid tribute to late VP Joseph Msika on the 17th anniversary of his death, as Heroes Day activities gather momentum.

US Visa Shock for Zimbabweans: The US has made its visa bond policy permanent, with consular officers able to demand refundable deposits up to US$20,000 for selected B1/B2 applicants from affected countries including Zimbabwe—and the policy took effect August 3. Debt Talks Boost: France and the UK will co-chair a new Zimbabwe Debt Consultative Group, aimed at speeding up arrears clearance and creditor engagement alongside the IMF Staff-Monitored Programme. Breastfeeding Push: Nutrition Action Zimbabwe (NAZ) calls for stronger support for breastfeeding during World Breastfeeding Week, expanding community care groups across several districts. Mining Rights and People: Midlands officials back a people-centred approach to mining-induced displacement, validating a best-practice handbook. Business and Markets: Zimbabwe’s foreign currency receipts rose to US$10.72bn in the first half of 2026, driven by exports and improved FDI. Capital Markets Move: Edgars resolves to voluntarily delist from the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange. Diplomacy: Serbia and Zimbabwe sign MoUs in Belgrade, with Zimbabwe set to reopen its diplomatic office there.

Pan-African Parliament Leadership: Speaker Jacob Mudenda has been elected President of the Pan-African Bureau at the PAP 2026 Annual Conference of Speakers in Midrand, with calls for African legislatures to move from debate to action. Constitutional Court Ruling: Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court dismissed a bid to challenge a Zanu-PF conference resolution tied to the constitutional amendment process, keeping the amendment in force. Gukurahundi Outreach: Government says the Gukurahundi Community Engagement Outreach Programme is in its final phase, with thousands participating in a traditional-leaders-led healing and reconciliation process ahead of Heroes Day. Infrastructure Push: Treasury says an Infrastructure Development Fund will unlock US$400m for road projects, aiming to speed up modernisation while easing pressure on the fiscus. Mid-Term Budget Focus: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube defended OPC spending after claims it hit 143% utilisation by end-June, saying it reflects centrally managed programmes later reallocated to ministries. Power Stability: ZETDC reports winter load-shedding has been avoided for the first time in nearly two decades, citing improved Hwange and Kariba performance. US Visa Bond Shock: Zimbabwe-linked readers are watching as the US makes a permanent up-to-$20,000 visa bond requirement effective today, with experts urging reciprocal measures. Business Confidence: Zimbabwe’s corporate sector is shifting from survival to expansion, with trading updates pointing to stronger growth signals. Mining/Gold Deal: Ariana Resources sold its remaining 9.9% Kiziltepe stake for US$3.7m as it streamlines toward its Dokwe gold project in Zimbabwe. Beauty Queens Rewarded: Miss Universe Zimbabwe board handed titleholders brand-new vehicles and US$2,000 cash each for international competition preparations.

Aviation & Tourism: Fastjet Zimbabwe’s new Airbus A320-200 has made its maiden landing at Victoria Falls, boosting capacity on Harare–Johannesburg and Victoria Falls–Johannesburg routes and strengthening regional connectivity. Sports: Zimbabwe’s new Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls is now 90% complete and still targets an October opening, with domestic cricket expected first ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Local Governance & Accountability: Zimbabwe’s land “barons” face renewed calls for justice after government vowed to end lawlessness, while Harare City Council’s commission findings are urged not to gather dust. Anti-Corruption: ZACC has arrested Chiredzi Town Council’s acting town secretary over alleged irregular creation of managerial posts and promotions. Education Scandal: Parents at Tamuka Primary School in Chitungwiza are demanding answers over an Isuzu vehicle bought with school funds but allegedly not registered in the school’s name. Human Rights: Amnesty International is calling for the unconditional release of human rights defender Bhekimpilo Mbedzi, jailed over alleged incitement linked to protests against CAA3. Agriculture & Innovation: Female farmers are adopting UNDP-backed agritech to cut labour and improve resilience, while Zimbabwe’s agribusiness push continues with stories from blueberries to greener enterprises.