AGP Executive Report

Organised Crime & Aviation Security: South Africa’s major airports and air-cargo hubs have been flagged as strategic organised-crime priority areas after parliamentary queries, with recent cocaine seizures at OR Tambo (84kg in luggage and 250kg in cargo) underscoring the risk. Anti-Corruption & Counterfeits: Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission says a Harare woman was arrested in Southlea Park over a sugar repackaging operation using counterfeit Tongaat Hulett labels, with 3,600kg of sugar seized. Mining Investment Boost: Caledonia Mining announced a maiden Motapa gold resource of 379,000oz (measured/indicated), supporting development plans toward first gold in late 2028. Infrastructure & Border Modernisation: Beitbridge Municipality received three service vehicles worth US$100,725 as part of a US$300m border modernisation push, including water, sewer, housing and new facilities. Climate Resettlement: Government plans to relocate 806 families for the US$28m Lake Gwayi-Shangani project before impounding begins, with “build back better” housing and land allocations. Policy & Compliance: A legal expert warns Zimbabwe’s fragmented ESG rules could raise compliance burdens for companies, while data protection compliance guidance highlights obligations for any entity handling personal information. Banking Leadership: Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe appointed Samuel Chivaura as head of corporate & investment banking, effective 1 September 2026.

World Bank Fragility Exit: Tendai Biti says Zimbabwe’s removal from the World Bank’s fragile states list is based on “phantom data” and doesn’t match poverty and political realities, warning the reclassification is being used to sell an upper-middle-income story. Tax Compliance Push: ZIMRA has asked Borrowdale Brooke Golf Estate for detailed property owner and tenant information, including lease dates and contacts, as it tightens rental-income and property transaction oversight. Road Safety Crisis: A head-on minibus–truck crash near Chivhu killed 27 church members, with authorities again pointing to human error, overcrowding and poor road conditions. Drought Preparedness: Government urges farmers to stock feed reserves for up to two years as El Niño forecasts warn of the worst rainfall deficit since 1950. Music Royalties Probe: Parliament launches nationwide public hearings into ZIMURA and ZICCO, focusing on royalty collection, distribution and transparency. E-Mobility Drive: Zimbabwe’s electric mobility push is gaining traction at the Agricultural Show, with Chinese EVs showcased to build an e-mobility ecosystem. Energy & Investment Signals: African Sun plans to take full control of the Victoria Falls Hotel partnership by September 2026 and fund refurbishments by selling its Holiday Inn portfolio. Green Business Angle: A fresh focus on entrepreneurial green marketing stresses real product and supply changes over “greenwashing.” Community Housing: Craft Properties hands over two fully finished homes in Kadoma for beneficiaries including a person with disability and a person living with albinism.

World Bank Milestone: Zimbabwe has been removed from the World Bank’s Fragile and Conflict-Affected Economies list, with Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube saying the improved risk profile should unlock fresh portfolio and foreign direct investment. Investment & Finance: CBZ’s planned US$600m bond listing on VFEX is framed as a major test of Zimbabwe’s ability to build a deeper local debt market and attract long-term USD funding. Land Reform: Government is moving to overhaul land verification to stop illegal land sales while formalising ownership in established communities, aiming to reduce disputes without mass demolitions. Climate & Agriculture: With El Niño risks rising, authorities are pushing drought-tolerant, short-season crops and solar-powered irrigation options, while UN support in Hwange highlights climate-resilient, community-led water and food projects. Infrastructure: Funding for the Gwayi-Shangani Dam has been increased to US$8m per month as construction hits 82% completion. Business & Trade: Women have taken the helm of Zimbabwe’s biggest private sector bodies—CZI and ZNCC—signalling a push for competitiveness and growth. Governance & Oversight: Hawks are probing an R154m land deal, and an MP has questioned a US$27m cancer equipment procurement bill. Safety & Public Life: A minibus crash near Chivhu killed 27 church members, adding to a grim month of road and other disasters.

World Bank Milestone: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube welcomed Zimbabwe’s removal from the World Bank’s Fragile and Conflict-Affected Economies list (effective July 1, 2026), saying it boosts investor confidence and supports reforms aimed at stronger growth and jobs. Road Safety Crisis: Police confirmed 27 deaths after a minibus taxi carrying church members collided head-on with a haulage truck near Chivhu on the Harare–Masvingo highway; the minibus burned out and seven others were injured. Mining Finance & Formalisation: Artisanal and small-scale gold miners in Bulawayo met regulators and banks to push for more flexible, responsible finance to help miners adopt mercury-free processing and operate within the rules. Land & Credit for Farmers: Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei urged a whole-of-economy system for land tenure implementation, including digitisation, integrated data, and banks accepting title deeds as collateral to unlock seasonal lending. Broadcasting Expansion: Government plans five new radio/TV transmitters to lift radio coverage to 85% and TV to 42%, alongside ZBC’s OTT platform Z+. Sports Business: Sakunda Holdings pledged to fund VAR for National Sports Stadium and two other venues, targeting completion by late 2026/early 2027. Automotive Trade: Chinese automaker Jetour launched SUVs in Harare, offering a 10-year/1-million-km engine warranty and parts support to grow its local footprint.

World Bank Milestone: Zimbabwe has been removed from the World Bank’s fragile and conflict-affected economies classification effective July 1, 2026, with Government citing reforms and improving macro indicators. Agriculture Push: President Mnangagwa says the 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show shows real progress, while also urging a shift from raw exports to local value addition and agro-processing. Fertiliser Localisation: VP Chiwenga toured ZAS stands and praised growing local fertiliser production, saying it will secure inputs for farmers and strengthen the agricultural value chain. Solar for Women: First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa launched Solar4She and STAR-C at the International Solar Alliance meeting in Victoria Falls, pushing women’s roles across solar engineering, investment and decision-making. Anti-Counterfeit Tech: Zimbabwe is rolling out a QR-code product verification system with Buy Zimbabwe and Owana Lost and Found to curb fake goods and protect jobs and public health. Police Modernisation: ZRP acquired forensic machines to detect counterfeit IDs, passports and forged signatures, boosting CID capabilities against sophisticated fraud. Mining Update: Caledonia Mining announced a maiden Motapa gold resource estimate of 510,000 ounces, strengthening its Zimbabwe growth pipeline. Local Governance: Harare faces uncertainty as officials warn of around 5,000 house demolition orders tied to land tenure and unregulated development concerns.

World Bank Milestone: Zimbabwe has been removed from the World Bank’s Fragile States classification effective July 1, 2026, a move officials say reflects improved stability and should lift investor confidence. Water & Energy Infrastructure: Gwayi-Shangani Dam construction is at 82% completion, with completion targeted by year-end if monthly funding of US$8m continues; the project is set to support Bulawayo via pipelines, pumping stations and power generation. Grain Supply Row: Government has rejected claims that Blue Ribbon Industries and 23 Bulawayo millers shut down over maize shortages, saying the millers have not stopped and that Zimbabwe has produced more maize. Climate Risk & Food Security: Analysts warn a “Super El Niño” could hit Southern Africa hard, with Zimbabwe and neighbours exposed due to limited grain buffers. Mining Formalisation & Growth: Namib Minerals trained and certified 103 small-scale miners in safety and compliance; Caledonia Mining also reported a 22% rise in Blanket gold resources and a maiden Motapa resource. Corruption Watch: Chegutu Municipality town clerk Jacob Chikuruwo was arrested over alleged irregular sale of municipal land linked to Edward Pfugari, while Bulawayo councillors face extortion cases. Finance & Business: Nedbank says it will build new headquarters in Harare’s Highlands, citing confidence in Zimbabwe’s improving environment. Remittances: Zimbabwe’s formal diaspora remittances surged 24% to US$1.62bn, with commentary urging a shift from consumption-only use toward investment.

Mining & Deals: Tharisa secured a five-year concentrate offtake agreement with Valterra for its US$4.2bn Karo Platinum project, giving offtake certainty as construction and first production move closer. Skills & Industry: The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce and the Skills Audit and Development Ministry signed an MoU to align training with industry needs, starting with a manufacturing skills survey. Education & Human Capital: Midlands State University held a record 7,888 graduands ceremony, while its new law school in Kwekwe is easing access to legal training for students from Midlands communities. Corruption & Courts: Bulawayo councillors accused of attempting to extort US$52,000 were remanded in custody, with more councillors expected to face the same allegations. Business & Consumer Climate: Zimbabwe’s formal diaspora remittances rose 24% to US$1.62bn in the first seven months of 2026, led by South Africa and the UK. Policy & Risk: Zimbabwe was removed from the World Bank’s latest fragility classification, a reputational signal that may improve sovereign risk perceptions. Energy & Service Delivery: Residents in parts of Bulawayo complained about a prolonged electricity outage and poor communication from ZETDC. Social & Security: A fraud case involving alleged US$696,652 and ZiG1.3m vehicle import scams went to court, while proposals for tougher, mandatory sentences for drug peddlers were presented in Bulawayo.

Electricity Reliability Watch: Residents in Njube, Luveve, Gwabalanda, Mzilikazi and Lobengula fumed after a Wednesday–Thursday outage, saying ZETDC’s updates came late and left businesses and households guessing. Economic Reform Momentum: Citigroup says Zimbabwe’s turnaround since 2025 is faster than investors expect, while Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube welcomed the assessment. Land as Bankable Capital: Government says land-tenure reform is shifting from redistribution to secure ownership that can unlock finance and investment, with thousands of plots surveyed and agreements of sale concluded. Remittances Lift FX: Formal diaspora remittances rose 24% to US$1.62bn in seven months to July, with South Africa and the UK leading. Mining & Trade Pressure: South Africa demanded Zimbabwe repay over US$228m owed to platinum producers under the foreign currency retention system. Finance & Accountability: Treasury faced scrutiny over alleged US$27.3m “dodgy” cancer equipment spending. Business & Tech: Econet completed migration to Google Cloud; IMAS finished a turnkey feed mill; and Hilton signed to bring its first Harare Hilton Garden Inn in 2029. Food Supply Risk: Blue Ribbon and other millers suspended operations in Bulawayo over maize shortages, raising fears for meal availability.

Cross-Border Trade & Security: A 45-year-old Zimbabwean truck driver, Shumba Munetsi, was remanded in South Africa after police found 7,294kg of concealed manufactured tobacco worth about R3.8m in a hidden hatch under an LP gas trailer at Groblersbrug Port of Entry. Industrialisation & Skills: Industry and Commerce Minister Ndlovu told Bulawayo Polytechnic students that re-industrialisation must link tertiary institutions, industry and markets, urging graduates to build enterprises in areas like engineering, mineral beneficiation support, food processing and renewable-energy tech. Regional Market Push: Zimbabwean exporters are set to seek a bigger slice of Mozambique’s market at FACIM 2026, with ZimTrade leading a Zimbabwe Pavilion as exports to Mozambique rose to US$266.2m last year. Investment Readiness: ZIDA says Zimbabwe must develop a pipeline of bankable, transparent projects—feasibility, environmental and financial modelling included—to unlock domestic and international capital. Energy for Growth: President Mnangagwa urged Africa to move from solar generation to industrial capacity, as ISA targets at least 200GW of solar expansion in five years, with Zimbabwe hosting the ISA regional meeting in Victoria Falls. Inflation & Currency Confidence: ZiG annual inflation fell to 2.9%, but analysts warn low inflation doesn’t automatically mean households can afford and trust the currency enough to save. Corruption & Local Governance: Bulawayo’s deputy mayor Edwin Ndlovu allegedly locked himself in his office to evade ZACC arrest over an alleged US$52,000 extortion linked to a Hilton hotel lease, while residents demand disciplinary action. Health System Reform: Mnangagwa directed the health ministry to remove bureaucratic barriers in importing and procuring medical equipment and services to speed up modernisation. Food Regulation: Zimbabwe is considering traffic-light nutrition labels for packaged foods to curb high sugar, salt and fat marketing to children. Banking & Crime: Robbers raided ZB Bank in Gutu, blowing up an ATM after entering through the roof; the amount taken wasn’t disclosed. Hospitality Investment: Hilton signed to enter Zimbabwe with a 140-room Hilton Garden Inn in Harare’s Highlands, targeting an early-2029 opening.

Inflation Watch: Zimbabwe’s inflation stayed steady in August, with ZimStats reporting ZWG month-on-month at 0.1% and ZiG annual inflation at 2.9%—a single-digit run since January that the RBZ says supports monetary reform momentum. Food Policy: Government is considering colour-coded nutrition labels for packaged foods, using traffic-light style warnings for high sugar, salt and fat to curb unhealthy marketing to children. Agribusiness & Trade: South Africa’s record 2025-26 grain harvest (21.6m tonnes) signals continued regional maize supply strength, with implications for Zimbabwe’s import-dependent food markets and cross-border trade. Local Governance & Corruption: Bulawayo residents are demanding action after ZACC arrested four serving councillors and a former councillor over alleged US$52,000 bribe/extortion linked to a commercial lease. Labour & Media: Zimbabwe’s military-linked NRTV faces an employee salary recovery push as its property is set for auction after unpaid wages. Energy & Industry: Government and the International Solar Alliance are pushing faster solar scale-up toward gigawatts, while Industry Minister Ndlovu urged students to drive sustainable industrialisation. Mining & Communities: Mutapa Energy Resources is relocating 104 families at Sandawana Mine for a US$300m lithium concentrator, with housing targets set for late September. Regional Diplomacy: Tanzania and Zimbabwe discussed cooperation on SMEs, clean energy and GBV, reinforcing shared development ties.

Inflation Watch: ZimStat says Zimbabwe’s annual inflation eased to 2.9% in August (from 3.2% in July), with month-on-month inflation steady at 0.1%, as exchange rates stayed stable. Monetary Outlook: Citi says Zimbabwe is breaking with its triple-digit inflation past, pointing to tighter policy, improved fiscal management and stronger commodity exports. Mining Safety: Three artisanal miners died after a 20-metre shaft collapse in Mutare, renewing pressure for safer, formalised small-scale mining. Gold Investment: Ariana Resources is advancing its 1.6Moz Dokwe gold project after an optimised study lifted resources and reserves, as fresh capital flows into Zim’s minerals. Health Procurement: President Mnangagwa ordered the removal of bureaucratic barriers to import and procure medical equipment and services to speed up health service delivery. Drug Crisis: Bulawayo’s Minister Judith Ncube warned drug and substance abuse is now a socio-economic and security threat, calling for coordinated action. Agribusiness & Markets: ZNCC urged Zimbabwe to bridge agriculture, finance, technology and markets to unlock export value, especially into China. Business & Courts: Bulawayo’s deputy mayor and councillors face extortion proceedings, while ZACC-related arrest attempts and bail moves continue to play out in court.

Inflation Watch: Zimbabwe’s annual ZiG inflation fell to 2.9% in August (from 3.2% in July), with month-on-month steady at 0.1%, giving firms a clearer base for pricing and budgeting. Banking & Credit: The RBZ is urging commercial banks to pass recent rate cuts to borrowers, arguing high lending rates are still choking investment in productive sectors. Mining & Exports: Sinomine secured an additional 300,000 tonnes lithium concentrate export quota as Zimbabwe moves toward a January 2027 ban on concentrate exports, pushing more processing locally. Corporate Deals: Dinson Iron and Steel says it wants to lift steel output at Manhize to about 1.8 million tonnes and is linking expansion to rail upgrades and possible joint ventures. Governance & Risk: A Bulawayo deputy mayor allegedly barricaded himself to evade ZACC arrest over a US$52,000 extortion case tied to a proposed hotel lease. Public Safety & Social Impact: Teen Fest ZW launched in Harare as a daytime, alcohol- and drug-free youth entertainment model. Health & Funding: WHO says Africa is making health gains despite deep cuts to global financing, including progress on HIV and TB targets.

Mining & Investment: President Mnangagwa witnessed the signing of a 25-year Special Mining Lease for the US$240m Karo Platinum Project, giving Karo Platinum tenure over 23,903 hectares and setting up long-term jobs and infrastructure rollout. Lithium Policy: Government says lithium producers must build lithium sulphate plants by January 2027, with the concentrate export ban taking effect from 1 January 2027—tightening the push for local value addition. Small-Scale Mining: The Zimbabwe Artisanal Miners Association is urging Mines Minister Polite Kambamura to extend the mining formalisation deadline, warning the current timeline could sideline miners in remote areas. Consumer & Trade Rules: Zimbabwe is rolling out a Consumer Protection Policy (2026–2030) to tighten standards, curb counterfeit and unsafe goods, and strengthen enforcement as digital commerce grows. Governance & Courts: In a high-profile case, Mnangagwa’s daughter-in-law Kelsea Tafirenyika says the US$9.3m assets are gifts from her husband, while the State argues police have documentary and witness links to alleged drug proceeds. Local Business Climate: CBZ Holdings plans to raise and list a US$600m infrastructure bond on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, starting with an initial tranche already partly funded. Transport Security: Bus operators in Chipinge face rising violence after an explosives attack damaged a Big Game Motors bus, prompting attempted murder investigations. Regional Energy: Zimbabwe hosts the International Solar Alliance Africa meeting in Victoria Falls, with plans to deepen solar deployment and climate-finance mobilisation. Tax & Border Control: Zimra intercepted 4.3 tonnes of smuggled meat at Beitbridge, citing missing permits and biosafety requirements.

RBZ & IMF Update: The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe says it kept reserve money growth within IMF Staff-Monitored Programme targets in the first half of 2026, supporting efforts to keep inflation pressure in check. Border & Food Safety Crackdown: Zimra intercepted 4.3 tonnes of smuggled meat at Beitbridge (sausages, chicken cuts and polony), citing missing biosafety, veterinary and Control of Goods permits, and urged buyers to stick to licensed retailers. Mining & Investment: Karo Platinum secured a 25-year special mining lease, paving the way for first production and long-term tenure on the Great Dyke. Telecom & Connectivity: TelOne plans to connect at least 114,000 homes via fibre-to-the-home, pitching a US$50m expansion as it moves into a tougher broadband race. Energy & Transport Links: Air Zimbabwe restored London–Harare flights after 14 years, launching a three-times-weekly Gatwick service. Land Restoration Funding: UNCCD COP17 Finance Day confirmed $1.3bn+ for land restoration and drought resilience, with Zimbabwe pushing community-led restoration models. Governance & Courts: Bulawayo’s deputy mayor and two councillors were remanded over US$52,000 extortion allegations. Property Market Talk: A new analysis weighs property flipping versus buy-and-hold for Zimbabwe’s investors.

Blueberry exports: Zimbabwe’s blueberry export earnings jumped 76% year-on-year to US$3.8m in the first half of 2026, with volumes rising to 1.9m kg as China’s market access opens up after export protocol clearance. Energy investment: Zimbabwe has cleared the regulatory path for new power investors by designating a wider range of energy sources under SI 129 of 2026, supporting plans to more than double generation capacity to 6,000MW by 2030. El Niño response: President Mnangagwa says farmers must adopt Pfumvudza/Intwasa and other resilient projects as forecasts warn of subdued rainfall, with food security and sovereignty the goal. COMESA focus on SMEs: Zimbabwe’s COMESA chairmanship is framed as a chance to boost regional trade and investment, but only if SMEs are deliberately linked to markets, financiers and supply chains. Bulawayo corruption case: Bulawayo deputy mayor Edwin Ndlovu was arrested again over alleged extortion of US$52,000 tied to a hotel lease, with court appearance expected. Kariba ferry tragedy: The Lake Kariba ferry disaster is prompting calls for accountability over safety warnings, passenger capacity and operating procedures. Zimbabwe–Belarus ties: Harare and Belarus are modernising grain facilities and discussing a longer-term vaccine manufacturing plant, alongside agricultural and healthcare cooperation.

Zimbabwe–South Africa trade push: Presidents Mnangagwa and Ramaphosa signed multiple MoUs at the Fourth South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission in Pretoria, covering agriculture, trade, investment, gender, correctional services and culture—aimed at turning ties into practical business opportunities. Anti-corruption: Bulawayo’s deputy mayor and two others were arrested by ZACC over alleged US$52,000 extortion tied to a 50-year hotel lease. Food security pressure: Maize millers in Bulawayo and surrounding areas shut down as local maize availability falls, contradicting claims of a national surplus, with El Niño risks looming. Banking & rates: RBZ warns banks are not passing on rate cuts fast enough, widening the gap between policy and lending rates and pricing productive sectors out of credit. Digital infrastructure: TelOne seeks US$343.17m for fibre-to-the-home, wireless broadband and data-centre projects, citing arrears constraints. Transport safety & accountability: A UN report warns Lake Kariba operations lack an organised search-and-rescue system; the Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster is driving calls for system-level fixes. Governance & housing: Harare City Council’s St Martins demolitions are set to widen, with residents facing further clearances amid internal council divisions. Business climate: Bulawayo will host the NCC Competitiveness Summit (Sept 15–16) on regulatory reforms and ease of doing business.