AGP Executive Report

Land & Housing: Stoneridge Park residents in Harare South say they paid fees and built homes after a cooperative linked to war veterans promised land, but demolitions and court wrangles over the “Mudurawall” plot have left many homeless and questioning how money was collected while ownership was still disputed. SME Finance & Markets: ZSE Holdings is pushing the Zimbabwe Entrepreneurship Exchange (ZEEX) to pull informal and shadow SMEs into capital access, pointing to a huge gap between operating businesses and listed companies. Retail & Cost of Living: Zimbabweans are increasingly shunning formal supermarkets for cheaper tuckshops as living costs bite, even as inflation eases—showing affordability is beating convenience. Regional Migration: South Africa says it repatriated 2,745 foreigners in a week amid tougher anti-illegal immigration moves, with Zimbabweans among those leaving after violence and looting fears. Mining & Power: Redwing Mine has reconnected to the national grid, accelerating dewatering and rehabilitation as restart momentum builds. Agriculture & Food Security: The Agriculture Ministry targets 90% national food security by 2030, citing climate-smart and nutrition-sensitive interventions supported by AfDB funding. Governance & Business Climate: Zimbabwe’s push to formalise crypto is expanding under new FIU/central bank registration rules, while VFEX is positioning as a regional capital-raising hub. Education & Inclusion: Government plans to re-enrol nearly 40,000 learners who dropped out in 2025, citing poverty, early marriage, pregnancy and child labour. Child Protection: Senators call for tougher enforcement against child marriage and teenage pregnancy, warning it is stealing girls’ education and futures.

Crypto Regulation: Zimbabwe has moved from an old crypto ban to a licensing regime, gazetting Statutory Instrument 99 of 2026 that forces virtual asset service providers to register with the Reserve Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit, pay a $500 entry fee and $400 annual renewal, and face criminal penalties for operating without registration. AML for Non-Profits: Government also introduced risk-based supervision for private voluntary organisations, classifying them by money-laundering and terrorist-financing risk under a 2026 framework aligned to FATF standards. Food Security: Zimbabwe is targeting a potentially record wheat harvest of about 662,500 tonnes, with planting at 94.5% of the national target as farmers race against the June 15 deadline, aiming to build reserves ahead of El Niño drought risk. Mining Outlook: Authorities say mining is set to cushion the economy amid global shocks, projecting mineral export receipts of US$6.5bn–US$7bn this year. Tourism: Victoria Falls Rainforest visitor arrivals rose to over 64,000 in Q1 2026, up from more than 60,000 in Q1 2025, signalling continued tourism momentum. Governance & Politics: A public dispute around CAB3 has intensified, with claims of “public bribery” and a high-profile vehicle offer to critic Rutendo Matinyarare sparking fresh allegations of patronage. Security & Crime: Police warned retailers against selling replica firearms, saying fake guns are fuelling robberies and violent crime. Business Pulse: CZI is set to launch its 16th Manufacturing Sector Survey, aiming to map competitiveness, productivity, jobs, technology adoption and investment across 388 firms.

Tax & governance tensions: ZIMRA’s midnight raids and vehicle seizures in Harare’s elite circles are reportedly targeting tax evasion linked to the Temporary Import Permit system, while a separate CAB3 storm keeps growing as bribery allegations and counter-claims fuel calls for Parliament to pause and review the process. Trade & forex: Zimbabwe’s export earnings have more than tripled over seven years to nearly US$10bn in 2024, led by mining and agriculture, with gold remaining the top earner. Mining formalisation: Government plans to train and license 600,000 artisanal and small-scale miners, aiming to reduce unsafe operations while boosting gold deliveries. Food security: Winter wheat planting is on track for a bumper harvest, with 118,185ha already planted (94.5% of target) and an expected 662,500 tonnes if targets hold. Energy & industry: Diesel tax suspension cost Treasury about US$81.25m in April, but is credited with cushioning farms, mines and factories from price shocks; ZETDC has connected 80% of Binga town to the grid. Tourism & services: Victoria Falls Rainforest arrivals rose marginally in Q1 2026, while Zimbabwe’s tourism continues to gain from Asian demand, led by China. Health & compliance: Senators raised alarm over dementia and Alzheimer’s support gaps, and Government adopted risk-based classification rules for private voluntary organisations to meet FATF standards.

Food Security & Climate Risk: Zimbabwe is pushing for a bumper winter wheat harvest as farmers near completion of planting (94.5% of target by Thursday), with El Niño drought risk looming and grain reserves seen as the buffer. Agribusiness & Public Health: World Food Safety Day focus turns to “leftovers” as a silent killer, with concerns that poor storage and hygiene are driving diarrhoea and other foodborne illness in communities. Mining & Governance: Government moves to let river-rehabilitation contractors recover gold without conventional mining licences, raising transparency and abuse fears over who gets access to valuable alluvial deposits. State Investment & Dividends: Mutapa Investment Fund signals a potential dividend windfall as gold output rises and other mining verticals begin to generate stronger cashflows. Digital & Connectivity: Liquid expands Zimbabwe’s fibre and LTE footprint, positioning connectivity and cloud access as a driver for business growth and inclusion. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Beitbridge launches a new CBD with multi-storey stands, shops and services, aiming to modernise the border town and boost local jobs. Transport & Municipal Revenue: Bulawayo warns that only a small share of commuter omnibuses have formal route approval, blaming illegal operators for congestion and revenue losses. Regional Politics & Xenophobia: South Africa’s xenophobia crisis remains in the spotlight after 268 Nigerians were evacuated, while Zimbabweans abroad and local voices question Harare’s response and call for honest, protective diplomacy. Sports & Business Culture: Bulawayo’s community drug-abuse lay counsellors graduate, while football and cricket stories continue to dominate public attention alongside wider economic pressures.

Digital Economy & Cybersecurity: NetOne says it is deploying AI to defend critical telecom infrastructure as cyber threats rise, with security moving from a technical issue to a boardroom priority. City Infrastructure Finance: Harare acting town clerk Warren Chiwawa told investors the capital’s US$4.29bn infrastructure pipeline (2026–2030) is open for private capital and blended finance across six sectors. Crypto Regulation: Zimbabwe moves to regulate cryptocurrency trading with mandatory FIU registration and annual licensing fees, aiming to bring the sector into the formal economy and curb financial crime. Gold & State Investment Returns: Mutapa Gold Resources declared a US$35m dividend and targets about US$500m revenue in 2026 on improved output and recovery. Water & Development Aid: China handed over 300 boreholes to Zimbabwe, delivering clean water to over 75,000 people and supporting farming and resilience. Public Finance Consultations: Treasury invites citizens, businesses and unions to submit proposals for the 2026 Mid-Term Budget review and 2027 Budget Strategy Paper by June 24. Agriculture Trade: China imported about US$12m of Zimbabwe macadamia nuts in 2025, highlighting growing agri-exports to boost foreign currency earnings. Business & Courts: High Court ordered forfeiture of eight vehicles linked to fugitives in a civil forfeiture move aimed at disrupting illicit wealth flows. Health Policy: Government says a National Health Fund Bill will pave the way for free treatment at public hospitals and state health facilities.

Crypto Regulation: Zimbabwe moves to regulate cryptocurrency with mandatory annual registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit and a $500 fee, with operating without approval now an offence. Digital Skills Push: Government targets 100% digital literacy by 2028, training 200,000 people in three months and aiming to produce 1.5 million coders, alongside broadband mapping for underserved areas. Water & Infrastructure: China hands over 300 boreholes under its 300 Boreholes Project, delivering clean water to over 75,000 Zimbabweans and supporting farming and resilience. Labour & Justice: The Labour Court dismisses 37 workers’ bid for condonation to salvage a late appeal against an arbitration award, citing an inadequate explanation for the delay. Agriculture Innovation: The Agricultural Research Council calls for stronger farmer–research–policy linkages at its 2026 Agri-Innovation Field Day. Grain Levy Fight: GMAZ rallies behind chairman Dr Tafadzwa Musarara as its legal battle over imported grain levies intensifies. Mining Expansion: State gold miner Mutapa Gold Resources plans to double output to 220,000 ounces by 2029 after securing $75m for the Shamva Hill project. Women & Youth Enterprise: CEDIS programme closes June 30 after supporting 30,000 women and youth entrepreneurs with skills, financial inclusion and market access. Court Case (Energy): A solar company director appears in court over alleged US$24,360 battery fraud after allegedly paying only part of the purchase price. Local Governance & Procurement: Bulawayo council awarded over US$1.5m in April contracts despite delays and payment backlogs, with concerns over limited youth participation.

Poverty Strategy Shift: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle says government will focus on boosting incomes through agricultural modernisation, insurance and digital economy/startup support, arguing cash handouts alone don’t cut poverty. Capital Markets Push: ZSE and INVESCI have partnered to back ZEEX, a regulated digital platform meant to widen SME access to funding and deepen Zimbabwe’s capital markets. Mining Finance: Premier African Minerals raised about US$1.02m via a share subscription to fund optimisation at its Zulu lithium/tantalum project after first spodumene concentrate production. Debt Relief Drive: Zimbabwe is seeking a US$150m AfDB loan to help clear debt arrears and unlock development financing. Banking Leadership: First Capital Bank CEO Tapera Mushoriwa re-elected IOBZ chair, with CBZ Bank’s Valeta Mthimkhulu as vice chair, as the sector leans further into risk and tech. Tax Compliance Watch: A new presumptive rental income tax on commercial property rentals (15% on gross) raises fresh compliance questions for landlords and agents. Urban Security & Transport: Harare’s robbery burden remains heavy despite national declines, while motorcycle delivery growth outpaces licensing and safety readiness. Health Concern: Hypertension is flagged as a fast-rising, under-detected threat, with screening gaps compared to Zimbabwe’s stronger HIV testing model. Regional Shock: Zimbabwe is repatriating citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic violence, with registration teams deployed across the country. Trade & Exports: Avocado exports open strongly, with April fresh avocado earnings at the highest in six years, pointing to a potentially better season ahead.

Aviation & Wealth: Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo says he has bought a Gulfstream G550 private jet reportedly worth about US$34m, with claims it can fly nonstop from Harare to London, Paris, Milan and Singapore. Diplomacy: Zimbabwe won a non-permanent UN Security Council seat with 182 votes, boosting its voice in global peace and security. Public Procurement: PRAZ says Zimbabwe’s National Standard Price List is not a price control tool, but a guide meant to improve transparency and value for money in public buying. Mining & FX: Zimbabwe’s gold revenue more than doubled to about US$1.2bn in the first four months of 2026, driven by higher prices and production. Capital Markets: The ZSE unveiled major reforms to revive listings, including lower listing thresholds and relaxed free-float rules to help SMEs access the market. Health & Industry: Government received more advanced cancer treatment machines (LINAC radiotherapy units) as it pushes to modernise oncology services. Trade & Regional Growth: ZimTrade led a mission of 25 Zimbabwean firms into Zambia to chase new partnerships, especially in agriculture and construction services. Food Security: Zimbabwe is targeting strategic grain reserves of roughly 551,000 to 965,000 tonnes after reporting a strong 2025/26 season. Local Governance & Water: Bulawayo councillors renewed calls for immediate implementation of the Glassblock Dam to address chronic water shortages. Social Risk: A Gweru school kombi fire killed seven pupils, reigniting pressure on transport safety and enforcement.

Road Safety Crisis: A minibus packed with schoolchildren caught fire in Gweru, killing seven learners; police say a jerry can of petrol may have fuelled the blaze, renewing concerns over overcrowded, unregulated school transport. Reserved Sectors Update: Government says 432 foreign-owned firms applied to keep operating in 21 indigenisation-reserved sectors, with over 280 already approved, as compliance work shifts to artisanal and small-scale mining. Mining & Investment Signals: Premier African Minerals reports spodumene in concentrate at its Zulu lithium project after flotation plant commissioning, while Caledonia Mining’s Motapa drilling confirms high-grade gold mineralisation that could extend Bilboes mine life. Trade & Industry Performance: ZimTrade says value-added exports surged, helping narrow the trade deficit as Zimbabwe shifts toward higher-value manufactured goods. Local Business & Capital Markets: ZSE and INVESCI sign an MoU to grow SME fundraising via ZEEX, aiming to deepen Zimbabwe’s capital market ecosystem. Tourism Push: ZIMVRA calls for tighter coordination with mobility operators to unlock tourism growth, as China drives a rise in arrivals. Public Procurement Inclusion: PRAZ symposium highlights calls for procurement quotas and targeted measures to boost women’s participation in tenders. Infrastructure & Services: Beitbridge starts a CBD extension project, and Government plans to decentralise nurse registration to cut travel burdens. Fraud Alert: A Harare woman accused of posing as a vehicle import agent and defrauding clients of over US$15,000 appears in court.

Youth & Devolution: Umguza Rural District Council inducted 25 newly elected junior councillors, training them on governance, ethics, public finance and youth participation to shape ward development. Pensions & Growth Finance: A Zimbabwe Institutional Investors Forum is set for June 24–25 in Harare, aiming to mobilise long-term pension and institutional capital for infrastructure and sustainable investment. Regulatory Reform for Business: Government is consulting to review liquor licensing laws, targeting lower licence fees and faster, less bureaucratic application processes. Tourism Demand: Zimbabwe recorded 11% growth in international arrivals in Q1 2026, with China and Hong Kong driving a 24% jump in visitors. Procurement for Inclusion: PRAZ held a Bulawayo symposium on public procurement as a catalyst for inclusive growth, transparency and wider SME participation, with MAPS assessment findings expected to guide reforms. Corporate Cash Returns: PPC Zim paid a record US$36m dividend to its parent after strong volumes and improved profitability. Tax Administration Upgrade: AfDB’s US$7.6m tax reform project reported major gains, boosted by a new digital tax platform. Fiscal Risks: Analysts warn a claimed cash surplus may be short-lived due to debt-servicing pressures and reliance on domestic borrowing. Rabbit Industry Push: Zimbabwe is training officials in rabbit artificial insemination to accelerate genetic improvement and boost productivity, with exports now being backed diplomatically. Local Infrastructure Financing: Bulawayo City Council seeks over US$13m in borrowing to rehabilitate water, roads, ICT and renewable energy systems. Cement Jobs Boost: A new cement plant in Chegutu is 90% complete, expected to create about 450 jobs and produce nearly 800,000 tonnes annually from August.

Beitbridge Border Growth: The government has broken ground for a new Central Business District extension in Beitbridge, with tarred roads, sewer, water reticulation and drainage planned over 6–9 months, creating about 80 jobs, while commercial stands are set for early 2027. Zim-Zambia Trade Push: Zimbabwean firms are being urged to cash in on elevated Zimbabwe–Zambia ties as a Bi-National Commission framework is used to open service and export opportunities in Zambia. Public Health at the Border: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme is working with mobile communities in Beitbridge to improve HIV testing, sexual health and child protection amid high cross-border movement. Energy Costs: ZERA set June 2026 LPG prices at US$1.96/kg (ZWG52.60/kg), with operators allowed to charge less than the maximum. Transport Upgrade: ZPTO says 200 public service buses are on the way to Zimbabwe, with 500 more under production to ease urban shortages and curb illegal touting. Mining Safety Call: CNRG demands investigations and a suspension at Bikita Minerals after two worker deaths, citing concerns over workplace safety. Air Zimbabwe London Return: Air Zimbabwe plans to resume Harare–London Gatwick flights from July 1 via a 13-month wet-lease ACMI deal with Plus Ultra. Regional Trade Facilitation: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique launched a drive to cut bottlenecks on transport corridors by tackling border delays, fragmented procedures and infrastructure gaps.

Responsible Mining & ASGM: Zimbabwe’s Mines Ministry, EMA and planetGOLD are assessing small-scale gold mines in Filabusi to improve processing efficiency and cut mercury and environmental/health risks. Tourism Growth: ZTA reports Q1 2026 international arrivals up 11% to 384,515 and receipts up 14% to US$251m, with domestic trips also rising 35% to 2.62m. Lithium Project Update: Premier African Minerals says ore from the Run-of-Mine pad is now going through its new flotation plant at the Fort Rixon Zulu project, with optimisation still early. Pharma Export Push: Varichem Pharmaceuticals is running above 70% capacity after US$3m upgrades, boosting local supply and exports to Botswana, South Africa and Zambia. Macroeconomic Reforms: ZNCC and the IMF met on SMP progress, debt/arrears clearance, FX reforms, fiscal sustainability, public debt management and confidence-building around ZiG. Tax Pressure on Firms: Business leaders warn ZIMRA’s “pay now, argue later” and backdated VAT assessments are costing companies millions and disrupting planning. Agribusiness & Food Security: Gweru expands wheat at Go Beer Farm to 43 hectares (from 40), targeting higher yields after 120 tonnes last season. Transport & Urban Costs: Government-backed plan to bring 200 buses (first batch en route) plus 500 more to curb illegal touting and pirate taxes. Health Funding: Treasury continues sugar-tax cancer funding, with modern radiotherapy equipment procurement underway for Parirenyatwa and Mpilo hospitals. Water & Environment: CNRG backs river rehabilitation but warns the disaster declaration could be exploited by miners; First Lady also calls for stronger African water cooperation. Markets: ZMX says grain prices stayed firm; white maize dipped 0.20% to US$348/tonne while soya rose to US$551/tonne.

Lithium rebound: After a three-year slump, lithium prices are surging again as China’s CATL suspends a key mine licence, lifting CME lithium hydroxide contracts sharply and reviving hopes for a battery-metal boom—though EV demand worries could cap the upside. Fertiliser push: Zimbabwe is accelerating fertiliser self-sufficiency, citing global supply shocks and higher input costs, while also pushing for a coordinated Southern Africa procurement approach to protect farmers. CAB3 politics: Parliament’s Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) remains the centre of debate, with the diaspora vote initiative accusing the Justice committee of excluding key facts, while opposition figures call for a transitional government and the bill’s withdrawal. Labour rights: Zimbabwe has been placed on the ITUC workers’ rights watch list after reported increases in violations against trade unionists, including arrests and harassment. Grain levy court setback: The High Court dismissed GMAZ’s urgent bid to stop the grain import levy framework, keeping the levy in force. Liquidity management: RBZ introduced new ZiG-denominated term deposit facility bills to absorb excess liquidity and stabilise the exchange rate. Food & jobs: Zimbabwe’s food processing sector led manufacturing employment growth in 2025, while Cairns Foods refreshed its Spuds brand as local industry expands. Mining safety: Unions marked the Kamandama disaster anniversary, calling for tougher mine safety standards and stronger worker protections. South Africa migration spillover: Anti-migrant protests continue to spread in South Africa despite Ramaphosa’s warnings against xenophobia and vigilantism, raising regional business and labour concerns.

Monetary Policy: The RBZ is considering restructuring non-negotiable certificates of deposits (NNCDs) and adding new instruments to mop up excess liquidity, with deputy governor Innocent Matshe saying the goal is to give market players more options beyond existing treasury NNCDs. Capital Markets: The ZSE unveiled sweeping listing reforms—cutting minimum market cap to US$1m, lowering free-float to 10%, and waiving some interim audit reviews for three years—as it battles VFEX for listings and liquidity. Legal & Trade: The High Court threw out the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe’s urgent bid to halt Government’s grain import levy framework, clearing the way for continued implementation under Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025. Politics & Governance: Talks over CAB 3 remain deadlocked after CCC’s Sengezo Tshabangu issued an ultimatum, while Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi defended the Bill’s purpose as “lawfully reasoned and progressive adaptation.” Regional Migration: South Africa’s Ramaphosa vowed action against illegal migration and warned against xenophobic violence, as protests and vigilante pressure continue to spill into the region. Business & Innovation: Ndarama says it is moving into tokenised real-asset lending and a secondary trading market after its first month, while Zimgold is expanding capacity with a Bulawayo plant aimed at exports.

Starlink rollout: Zimbabwe’s ICT minister Tatenda Mavetera says government hopes to finalise Starlink’s regulated entry into the market by end-July, with the satellite service expected to complement mobile operators rather than directly replace them. Macroeconomic stability: Experts urge Zimbabwe to keep strict fiscal and monetary discipline and deepen structural reforms as inflation drops to single digits and ZiG stabilisation continues, even as most transactions still run on the US dollar. ZSE pressure: The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange has lost about US$1.16bn in market value since the start of the year, with delistings deepening the shrinkage of listed counters; the ZSE is now easing listing rules to attract firms. Constitutional heat (CAB3): Parliament’s CAB3 debate is intensifying, with opposition alleging intimidation and procedural bias as Zanu-PF MPs push coordinated arguments that could extend terms and reshape elections. South Africa migration shock: Ramaphosa announced tougher measures on illegal immigration and warned against vigilantism, while Zimbabweans report xenophobia-linked fears; Zimbabwe repatriated 74 citizens from Mossel Bay after attacks. Public health & enforcement: Bulawayo stepped up food safety crackdowns, inspecting 1,715 premises and destroying unsafe meat and other contaminated products. Illicit trade: Police in Harare arrested a suspect after recovering 2,760 bottles of smuggled alcohol.

Air Zimbabwe London Route: Zimbabwe’s national carrier says it will miss the June deadline for Harare–London flights, now targeting July 1 for a relaunch to Gatwick under a wet-lease arrangement with Spanish Plus Ultra. Healthcare & Tax-Funded Cancer Care: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says Mpilo and Parirenyatwa will get the full range of cancer diagnosis and treatment machines, funded through the sugar content tax, with more installations underway. Parliament Oversight & CAB3: Parliament is moving to results-based oversight with performance contracts for senior staff, while MPs are expected to vote on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill (No. 3) this week. Inflation Shock: Zimbabwe’s inflation has returned to three digits, with May year-on-year inflation rising to 131.7%, underlining currency and cost-of-living pressures. Youth Jobs Push: A US$1m Youth Economic Fund has started disbursements to support vulnerable and unemployed youth. UN Diplomacy: Zimbabwe won a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2027–28 with 182 votes, a major diplomatic win. Regional Migration Tensions (SA): South Africa’s government insists there will be no national shutdown on June 30 as anti-illegal immigration protests intensify, with Ramaphosa set to address the nation.