AGP Executive Report

Lithium Deal: India’s Lohum shipped its first consignment of lithium ore from Zimbabwe, starting operations after securing 10 lithium blocks in Matabeleland South, with output potential valued at about $7bn. Tourism Surge: Zimbabwe’s tourist arrivals hit 6.4 million in H1 2026, while tourism investment jumped to $132.3m, as President Mnangagwa backed “open sky” travel and barrier removal during Sanganai/Hlanganani in Masvingo. China Trade Push: Zimbabwe’s VP Chiwenga backed services trade opportunities at the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), where China pledged wider market access for digital and knowledge-intensive services. Platinum Outlook: Zimbabwe’s refined platinum hit a quarterly record in Q2 2026, but the global market is still set for a H2 deficit as investment demand cools. Mining Rescue: Redwing Mining filed for voluntary corporate rescue as it moves to revive the Penhalonga gold mine under Namib Minerals. Agribusiness Mechanisation: FARM P3 and CIMMYT/IFAD highlighted scaling mechanisation services for sorghum via investment-ready entrepreneurs and partnerships. MSME Recognition: Zimbabwe’s inaugural MSME sector survey won global recognition at the 2026 Esomar Awards. Governance & Taxes: Economists warn Zimbabwe’s tax push could threaten growth and FDI, while government also moved to cut 291 levies and licences. Transport Regulation: Zimbabwe is advancing a penalty points system and driver professionalisation discussions, including calls for minimum O-Level passes. Local Jobs & Skills: 210 youths graduated from vocational training in Matabeleland North, targeting skills for Vision 2030.

Tourism Push: President Mnangagwa wrapped up his Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Expo tour in Masvingo, praising the province’s turnout and calling for stronger domestic tourism campaigns to keep Zimbabweans travelling locally before going abroad. Skills & Reintegration: MOSAD says 65,000 returnees from South Africa have been registered for a national skills audit, with plans for bridging courses to help those lacking formal certificates re-enter the economy. Vendor Crackdown: Harare deployed about 300 municipal police to clear street vendors after a government ultimatum expired, with authorities citing order and sanitation while critics warn of public-health risks. Fertiliser Failure: A parliamentary report says Zimbabwe spent US$2.1bn importing fertiliser over six years despite far higher installed capacity, blaming idle plants, weak governance, and logistics and liquidity constraints. Copyright Row: ZIMURA rejected claims that In Total has blanket permission to use artists’ works, saying a US$150 receipt covered only a single event and no royalties were remitted for specific artists. Mining & Processing: Zimbabwe moved to prohibit antimony and tungsten exports to force more local processing, echoing earlier lithium export curbs. Labour Pressure: ARTUZ says teachers will work only three days a week amid pay crisis, using the rest for side income. Digital Trade Drive: Zimbabwe invited Chinese firms to partner on smart logistics, green data centres, cross-border e-commerce and digital finance as it positions itself as a gateway into SADC and AfCFTA.

Tourism & Investment: President Mnangagwa officially opens the 19th Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo in Masvingo, with 153 buyers and a push to decentralise tourism benefits and boost foreign-currency earnings. Regional Tourism Unity: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority CEO Dr George Manyaya says Africa should market as one destination, not compete, to lengthen stays and unlock intra-Africa travel. Disaster Response: Cabinet approved a relief package for Lake Kariba ferry disaster victims, including humanitarian aid, psychosocial support, water-safety upgrades, road repairs, a replacement ferry and early-warning systems using drones. Cost of Doing Business: Government implemented 291 licences, permits, levies and fees reforms and approved a five-month moratorium to review e-hailing services, with a new framework expected to improve passenger safety and ease regulation. Industrialisation Push: VP Dr Constantino Chiwenga told China that Zimbabwe’s growth hinges on beneficiation, value addition and manufacturing, positioning China as a key partner for resource-driven industrialisation. Climate Risk: Government warned of a potentially difficult 2026/27 rainy season under a strong El Niño, urging early preparations for drought and humanitarian impacts. Governance & Markets: Zimbabwe’s gold boom signals new domestic capital formation as the country seeks stability to translate into jobs and growth.

Vehicle Safety & Consumer Watch: Isuzu has recalled over 2,500 D-Max 2026 bakkies in Zimbabwe due to a possible loose brake pedal pivot pin that could reduce braking performance, with owners urged to visit authorised dealers for free inspection and replacement. Mining & Finance: Zimbabwe’s gold sector is being pushed as a driver of broader economic development, with training for small-scale miners and bank-backed expansion plans at Mutapa Gold Resources’ Shamva mine. Transport Regulation: Government has paused new e-hailing rules for five months (Bolt/InDrive and others), requiring operators to develop safety standards and register with ZIMRA before permanent regulations are drafted. Monetary Policy Risk: The World Bank warns Zimbabwe’s ZiG-only push by 2030 could backfire if confidence is undermined, stressing careful timing and sequencing. Business & Investment Signals: Hilton is set to enter Zimbabwe with a 140-room Hilton Garden Inn in Harare, opening in early 2029 via a South African developer. Local Economy & Services: Stanbic Bank officially opened a Chiredzi branch to deepen support for the Lowveld’s agricultural and entrepreneurial growth. Tourism Push: Deputy Tourism Minister Tongai Mnangagwa urged Air Zimbabwe to keep the Harare–Masvingo route beyond Sanganai/Hlanganani, citing rising buyer arrivals. Tax Compliance: ZIMRA has expanded rental tax checks into housing estates, asking landlords and tenants for details tied to undeclared income investigations. Energy Reliability: Econet says AI analysis shows power disruptions drive nearly 60% of network faults and is rolling out solar and long-duration battery storage to cut outages. Governance & Public Services: Dzivarasekwa residents are lobbying for secondary schools, expanded clinics, road works and better water/sewer services in the 2027 budget. Street Trade Debate: A fresh push to clear “illegal” vending sites is sparking backlash over whether the state is offering real alternative livelihoods for informal traders.

Telecom & Power Resilience: Econet says AI is helping pinpoint ZESA-related blackouts behind nearly 60% of network problems, and it’s rolling out solar plus long-duration batteries—targeting less than 10% power-related faults within a year. Currency Policy: The World Bank warns Zimbabwe not to rush a ZiG-only transition, saying premature dedollarisation could spark capital flight and weaken recent stabilisation. Judiciary Watch: A misconduct storm hits the courts as convicted rapist Munyaradzi Kereke accuses Supreme Court judge George Chiweshe of improper ties with two wives; the JSC has started disciplinary steps. IMF Check-Up: An IMF mission lands in Harare for its second programme review, focusing on growth, fiscal discipline, and social spending delivery. Regional Trade & Diplomacy: Zimbabwe is set to assume COMESA chairmanship in October, with Mnangagwa positioning it as a trade and integration milestone. Mining & Investment: Invictus Energy prepares for Musuma-1 drilling in the Cabora Bassa basin, testing a new play separate from Mukuyu. Tax Enforcement: ZIMRA expands its tax push by demanding landlord and homeowners’ association details, including tenant information, to flush out undeclared income. Business & Trade Links: China’s tariff cuts are already lowering export costs for African firms, with Standard Bank citing early savings for Zimbabwean tobacco and other goods. Sports Funding: Wicknell Chivayo threatens to pull Highlanders FC sponsorship without notice unless governance and accountability meet his demands. Education Restart: Learners troop back for the third term, with Grade 7, Form 4 and Upper Six gearing up for ZIMSEC and Cambridge exams.

Zimbabwe–South Africa trade: SA hosted a South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission Business Forum, focusing on trade, industrialisation and regional value chains, with agriculture highlighted as a key growth lever (SA exported about US$1.2bn of agri goods to Zimbabwe in 2025). SMEs & compliance: SMEs4ED urged vendors to comply with Government directives on using designated trading areas, warning against confrontation and violence. Public safety: Police warned motorists and transport operators to avoid speeding, reckless overtaking and overloading as schools reopen for the third term. Digital connectivity for business: Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zimbabwe launched SME Bundles combining fibre, Microsoft 365, cloud backup and Liquid POS fiscalisation on one subscription. Mining modernisation: Rockwell Automation announced collaboration with Mimosa Mine and Mine Elect on cybersecurity and digital modernisation. Currency policy risk: The World Bank warned Zimbabwe against rushing de-dollarisation to make ZiG sole currency, citing risks of capital flight and parallel market premiums. De-dollarisation debate: Econet is also pushing network resilience with AI and solar/battery power upgrades. Corporate leadership: Kavango Resources appointed Jasper Musadaidzwa as CEO and executive director.

Street Vendors Crackdown: Harare vendors have vowed to defy the September 9 deadline after Local Government minister Daniel Garwe issued a “zero-tolerance” eviction order, arguing authorities have not provided enough lawful, serviced trading spaces. Property Compliance Pressure: Chinhoyi has given owners just two weeks to repair and repaint dilapidated buildings, with accusations it’s being rushed ahead of a Zanu-PF conference. Tax Enforcement on Landlords: Zimra is rolling out a presumptive rental income tax (15% of gross rental income) for business premises, with penalties up to 100% for non-payment—part of a wider crackdown. Mobile Connectivity Boost: Econet introduced a new 079 number range as its 077/078 prefixes near exhaustion, alongside heavy network investment. Bulawayo Zimra Auction: Zimra will auction seized goods in Bulawayo, with lots payable in USD or ZiG. Tourism Push for High Spenders: Zimbabwe’s Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Expo opens in Masvingo (Sept 9-12) as the country shifts strategy toward high-spending markets like Australia. Mining Policy Watch: Small-scale miners in Bubi are challenging proposed levy increases, calling for charges that match operational capacity. Business & Investment: Hilton has signed to bring a 140-room Hilton Garden Inn to Harare, targeting an early-2029 opening.

Cricket & Sports Business: South Africa crushed Zimbabwe by 48 runs to clinch the tri-series title in Windhoek, with Jordan Hermann blasting a rapid half-century and Bjorn Fortuin starring with 3/24 as Zimbabwe fell short. Mining ESG & Investment Climate: Zimbabwe is moving to make ESG compliance a direct condition for mining rights access and renewal, shifting the focus from reports to permit-ready environmental and social proof. Energy Market Reform: Zimbabwe opened electricity distribution and retail to private players under SI 128 of 2026, with 25-year renewable licences, tariff caps linked to ZETDC rates, and new developer obligations to fund and build infrastructure. Finance & Rates: With inflation down to 2.9%, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says banks could cut lending rates and extend loan tenors as Government pushes a 15-year yield curve. Public Revenue & Services: ZBC begins a two-week door-to-door TV and radio licence inspection drive across 28 Harare suburbs, aiming to tighten fee collection. Health & Risk: Old Mutual warns weak insurance penetration could worsen the economic hit from expected El Niño drought impacts. Housing & Infrastructure: NRZ pension fund opens tender for engineering design and oversight for 5,300 Bulawayo housing stands. Water Costs: Harare Ward 41 residents demand rebates over dirty water quality, arguing they should not pay full tariffs for unusable supply. Tourism & Local Economy: Masvingo tourism push continues as hospitality buyers arrive for Sanganai, while Tourism Minister Rwodzi urges Zimbabweans to pay creatives and vendors—applause alone won’t sustain the sector.

Midlands Investment Push: Midlands Province says it attracted US$108 million in Q2 2026 investments in cement, fertiliser and energy, as industrialisation and value addition are prioritised. Steel Exports Surge: Zimbabwe’s merchandise exports hit a record US$7.36bn in the first seven months of 2026, up 55.1%, driven by Manhize steel output and China’s zero-tariff access. Lithium Outlook: Zimbabwe’s lithium value reportedly rose 413% in 2026, with officials highlighting growing China-linked demand and sector importance. Livestock Feed Innovation: A new focus on non-timber forest feed resources is being promoted as a drought-resilient lifeline for livestock farmers. Tourism Deal: Hilton has signed to enter Zimbabwe with a Hilton Garden Inn Harare Highlands project, its first Hilton hotel in the country. Retail Credit Relief: OK Zimbabwe begins restocking after securing US$15m in bank guarantees, with dozens of branches reopening as suppliers resume deliveries. Street Vending Crackdown Backlash: ZCTU warns Government to fix the economy first, after a nationwide ultimatum to illegal vendors. Education Reform: Heritage-Based Curriculum exams begin next month as Zimsec adoption accelerates. Regional Trade Agenda: Zimbabwe’s COMESA chairmanship is framed as a chance to strengthen seed security and intra-regional agricultural trade. El Niño Warning: Southern Africa faces worsening drought and food insecurity risks as El Niño forecasts intensify.

Mining & Investment (ADU 2026): Zimbabwe’s delegation at Africa Down Under in Perth says investor interest is turning into follow-ups, with the Chamber of Mines reporting enquiries around beneficiation and value addition in PGMs, lithium and chrome, while the Mutapa Investment Fund and ZMF push mechanisation, processing and formalisation for artisanal gold. Macroeconomy: The World Bank warns Zimbabwe not to rush to make ZiG the sole currency, saying premature de-dollarisation could trigger capital flight and reverse stabilisation gains. Currency/Prices: Zimbabwe’s inflation is reported to have fallen to decades-low levels, supporting the case for improving business confidence. Transport & Tourism: Air Zimbabwe has started daily Harare–Masvingo flights, a boost for tourism and business connectivity ahead of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Expo. Land Reform: Title deed issuance is opening new opportunities for retirees to turn land into bankable, income-generating assets. Health & Policy: The US begins phasing out Namibia’s HIV funding after a data-sharing dispute, a reminder of how donor terms can reshape regional health financing. Local Business Spotlight: Karoi’s Twin Gate Shopping Complex (US$1.8m) is already attracting tenants and creating jobs, showing diaspora capital can still build real local commerce.

Tourism & Regional Trade: South Africa’s tourism keeps rebounding, with 5.6 million arrivals in the first half of 2026, driven mainly by SADC visitors including Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Lesotho. Skills for Industrialisation: President Mnangagwa urged HIT graduates to use their skills to industrialise and modernise Zimbabwe after capping 734 graduates at the 17th graduation ceremony. Child Protection: VP Kembo Mohadi reaffirmed Government’s commitment to child welfare after touring Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home in Chiredzi. Mining & Investment Climate: Deputy Mines Minister Dr Celeb Makwiranzou told investors at Africa Down Under that Zimbabwe is improving infrastructure, regional integration and regulatory openness, including options for miners to generate their own power. Currency & Policy Risk: The World Bank warned Zimbabwe against rushing to end dollar use ahead of a ZiG mono-currency push, saying premature de-dollarisation could trigger capital flight. Platinum Payments: Zimplats says it has made “significant” progress clearing delayed government payments via offsets, improving working capital for local creditors. Health Systems Upgrade: UBH’s new lab is set to offer Ebola testing and screening once equipment installation is completed, strengthening regional outbreak response. Business & Trade Deals: Varun Beverages Zimbabwe plans to launch Carlsberg beer distribution from September 20, with local production targeted next year. Energy & Jobs Focus: A World Bank report says macro stabilisation is improving, but most Zimbabweans still work informally with low earnings, so growth must translate into better jobs through power, transport and irrigation fixes.

EU–Zimbabwe Diplomacy: EU ambassador Katrin Hagemann (53) died suddenly at her Harare home on Sept 3; the EU delegation says the death was “sudden and unexpected” and has not disclosed a cause. Mining & Finance: London-listed Kavango Resources will issue ~1.98m shares to Zimbabwe pension funds under a tranche deal, with secondary listing planned on VFEX. Currency & Policy: The World Bank warns Zimbabwe against rushing to make ZiG the sole currency, saying premature de-dollarisation could trigger capital flight and widen parallel market premiums. Platinum Sector: Zimplats says it has made “significant” progress on delayed government payments via an offset/tax settlement arrangement, easing working-capital pressure. Health Systems: UBH’s new lab is nearing completion to offer Ebola testing and screening for Zimbabwe and potentially samples from Sadc. Agribusiness & Trade: OZblu blueberries have shipped to China for the first time, expanding Zimbabwe’s export window; Varun Beverages Zimbabwe plans to launch Carlsberg beer distribution from Sept 20. Energy & Industry: Premier African Minerals seeks shareholder approval for massive new share issues to fund its Zulu lithium and tantalum project. Public Order: Government vendor crackdown is set to spread, with Harare vendors vowing to defy orders and a Sept 9 deadline looming.

Lithium Value Addition: Zimbabwe says lithium concentrate earnings jumped sharply after the raw mineral export ban, with 2026 sales reaching 816,774.35 tonnes worth about US$1.247 billion—up 413% in value year-on-year—signalling “pit-to-product” gains from beneficiation. Regional Energy Security: Zimbabwe and Mozambique are expanding the Beira-Feruka fuel pipeline, lifting pumping capacity from 3 million to 5 million cubic metres per year by end-2027 to create a regional fuel buffer against supply shocks. Mining Investment in Matabeleland South: Gwanda Lithium Mine unveiled a US$5 million tantalum and niobium beneficiation plant, aiming to extract three minerals from the same ore concentrate and deepen local processing. Tax & Telecom Growth: Econet Wireless Zimbabwe won ZIMRA awards for top domestic tax contributions and compliance, and introduced a new 079 mobile number range as subscriber demand rises. Inflation Milestone: Zimbabwe’s inflation reportedly fell to 2.9% in August 2026, down from 736% in 2024, as monetary tightening and exchange-rate stability support price stability. Local Governance & Compliance: Harare City Council has started demolitions in low-density suburbs, targeting illegal businesses and structures, including panel-beating and spray-painting operations.

Mining Modernisation: Rockwell Automation has teamed up with Mimosa Mine and Mine Elect to upgrade Mimosa’s operational technology network, focusing on secure connectivity, cybersecurity risk management and long-term digital resilience. Telecom Expansion: Econet introduced a new 079 mobile number range as its subscriber base grows, with new SIMs already available nationwide to support its network expansion drive. Trade Data: ZimStat reports Zimbabwe’s goods trade surplus widened in July to US$320.6m from US$239.1m in June, as exports rose and imports fell. Retail & Banking Risk: OK Zimbabwe’s restocking push is backstopped by bank guarantees, raising questions about whether supplier confidence has truly returned or risk has shifted to banks. Regional Energy Infrastructure: Mozambique and Zimbabwe launched an expansion of the Beira–Harare fuel corridor, boosting capacity by 67% to 5 million cubic metres by end-2027. Skills for Growth: Gweru Polytechnic plans a honey-processing and apiculture centre in Mvuma plus a business incubator, alongside new engineering and food science programmes. Policy & Compliance: Mangwe RDC warned it will repossess undeveloped stands and pursue legal action against lease defaulters and stalled developments. Climate Risk: The UN’s WMO warns El Niño could be the strongest in decades, with major drought and extreme weather risks for southern Africa.

World Bank Delisting: Zimbabwe’s removal from the World Bank’s fragile and conflict-affected economies list is being read as a reputational reset that could lower sovereign risk and unlock cheaper project finance and more FDI. Tax Enforcement: Government says it is stepping up ZIMRA action against landlords collecting rental income without tax, warning that income-generating houses are treated like businesses. Energy & Regional Trade: Zimbabwe and Mozambique broke ground on Phase II of the CPMZ Beira–Feruka pipeline expansion, lifting capacity and boosting fuel supply security for the region. Mining Investment Push: Zimbabwe’s mining cadastre and investment-ready projects drew investor interest at Africa Down Under in Perth, with focus on title security and transparent licensing. Urban Crackdown: Harare illegal vendors have until September 9 to vacate undesignated sites ahead of a nationwide clean-up, with officials citing congestion, sanitation and safety risks. Governance & Politics: Mnangagwa’s constitutional changes took effect in Parliament with new senators sworn in, deepening debate over institutional independence. Business & Skills: First Lady Mnangagwa urged employers to open doors for rehabilitated, skills-trained youths to turn training into jobs and livelihoods. Sports (Local Interest): Dynamos face fresh resignations amid a financial and governance review, while Proteas’ T20 tri-series push continues after beating Zimbabwe.

US-Zimbabwe Travel Rules: The US Visa Bond Program for covered Zimbabwean B-1/B-2 visitors becomes permanent from Aug 3, adding a bond on top of standard visa steps. Court & Compliance: Bulawayo’s High Court overturned a doctor’s maintenance acquittal, stressing court orders can’t be privately altered. First Family Case: Harare denied bail to President Mnangagwa’s daughter-in-law in a US$9.3m money-laundering matter, citing risk she could abscond. Business & Trade: WHO says tobacco leaf output is rising in Africa while cigarette imports more than double, with Zimbabwe among key producers. Finance & Justice: An Ecobank US$4.4m cash-in-transit robbery suspect was released from remand after 10 months without a trial date. Investment & Hospitality: Hilton signed Hilton Garden Inn Harare Highlands, targeting an early-2029 opening. Security: Police ordered nationwide crackdowns on plateless cars and illegal blue lights/sirens; separate Roodepoort arrests recovered blasting accessories linked to ATM/CIT bombings. Climate & Food: UNICEF warns 162m children in eastern and southern Africa face El Niño risks, including Zimbabwe. Agribusiness: Fish farmers in Matabeleland urged to cut stocking densities ahead of El Niño dry-season pressure.