AGP Executive Report

Power Crisis: Zimbabwe restored power after a nationwide blackout linked to a fault on the Warren–Alaska 330kV transmission line, with engineers still working to fully stabilise the grid. Child Protection: Stakeholders met to map strategies and funding mechanisms to strengthen Zimbabwe’s children’s protection systems, with UNICEF and Sweden backing the push. Mining & Value Addition: Government is building and upgrading mineral testing laboratories to improve assaying of lithium ore and boost transparency in the mining value chain. Horticulture Exports: Zimbabwe shipped its first commercial blueberries consignment to China, opening a major new market for high-value fruit exports. Returnees & GBV: ZACH intensified community-based GBV and HIV prevention efforts in areas receiving people returning from South Africa. Politics & Governance: Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to protect national wealth for future generations as CAB3 remains unsigned amid resistance. Regional Tensions: ZANU PF called for dialogue to ease anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa. Sports: Harare unveiled a Harare Provincial Sport Development interim committee, while Mukuru renewed its Zimbabwe Cricket partnership to 2027.

Zimbabwe–Bangladesh Cricket: Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by 25 runs in the first ODI at Harare, defending 141 after Nahid Rana’s record 6-21 couldn’t spark a chase. India–Zimbabwe T20I Squad: BCCI named a 15-man India squad for the July 23 start, with Sanju Samson left out and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi included; Harsh Dubey, Prabhsimran Singh, Yash Thakur and Ashok Sharma earned maiden call-ups. Repatriation Pressure: President Mnangagwa appealed for more private-sector donations to fund Zimbabwe’s repatriation of citizens stranded in South Africa as xenophobic violence drives returnees. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Nigeria warned the situation is not improving, with reports of deaths and thousands fleeing; Zimbabweans and other Africans continue to gather at border and consulate areas. Business & Industry: Bulawayo business leaders warned rising municipal costs could hurt industrial competitiveness. Education Push: Zimbabwe launched the world’s first Global University of Inclusivity to expand access for marginalised communities. Agribusiness/Innovation: Seed Co is expanding regional seed breeding investments, and the Mutoko Bioeconomy Industrial Park is set for commissioning on 9 July.

Returnees and reintegration: Zimbabwe says nearly 60,000 citizens have returned from South Africa in the past two weeks as anti-illegal immigration pressure grows, with Mnangagwa urging communities to welcome them and government citing programmes for “safe and dignified reintegration.” Church support: In Bulawayo, ZHOCD churches are receiving returnees at UCCSA Njube, offering meals, transport help and documentation support. Border strain in SA: The Musina repatriation process continues amid reports of stranded migrants after closures of temporary centres, with calls for shelter and better coordination. Food security warning: Southern Stars Foundation alleges cartels are sabotaging GMB grain operations through hoarding and “recycling” grain back to the state at inflated prices, urging investigations and prosecutions. Public health: Bulawayo launches the third round of the nOPV2 polio vaccination campaign from 7–10 July for under-fives. Mining leadership: Zimbabwe’s mining ministry links Vision 2030 to leadership, governance and innovation, following a training programme at the Zimbabwe School of Mines. Digital connectivity: Powertel and Paratus switch on the first phase of a cross-border fibre corridor linking Zimbabwe to southern Africa. Sports: Nahid Rana’s 6/21 dismantles Zimbabwe for 141 in the 1st ODI vs Bangladesh; Tendai Zimuto wins the men’s 42.2km Econet Victoria Falls Marathon.

Prison Reform & Skills: Bulawayo Prison released 10 inmates after completing an eight-week beauty therapy course with training in manicure, pedicure, massage, nail tech and make-up—aimed at helping them earn honestly after release. Sugar Exports: Zimbabwe’s sugar sales rose 24% to 472,000 tonnes in the year to March 31, 2026, with exports up 114% as domestic demand and overseas volumes both strengthened. Youth, Education & SDGs: VP Kembo Mohadi backed education as a driver of transformation while celebrating a surge in SDGs essay entries to 30,658 learners nationwide. Rural Value Addition: President Mnangagwa will commission the Finealt Bioeconomy Industrial Park in Mutoko, targeting biodiesel, cooking oil and soap production to boost jobs and beneficiation. Tourism Push: Cabinet approved a US$66.9m integrated Tourism Park in Masuwe SEZ, with infrastructure upgrades planned around the Mosi-oa-Tunya Cricket Stadium. National Heroes: Major-Gen (Ret) Evaristo Dzihwema’s burial is set for today at the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare. Returnee Reintegration: Government ordered Civil Registry offices to prioritise identity documents for Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, with Beitbridge officials already processing at the border. Chess for the Juniors: First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa was appointed patron of Zimbabwe Chess Federation juniors as young players head to the African Schools Chess Championship. Regional Spotlight on Corruption Claims: South Africa’s Hawks say Wicknell Chivayo is not under active investigation, after earlier reports linked him to election-related money laundering probes. Zimbabwe’s Monetary Roadmap: A policy think tank proposes a phased shift to a single-currency economy centred on ZiG, aiming for full transition as early as 2028.

National Heroes: Former senior Zimbabwe National Army officer Evaristo Dzihwema has been declared a national hero, with burial at the National Heroes Acre on Monday and President Mnangagwa expected to preside. Housing & Finance: Zimbabwe’s property market remains stuck as a mortgage “drought” and lack of 25-year long-term finance choke growth, with industry warning banks are not providing the patient capital needed for housing and urban development. Crime & Justice: Police arrested Elizaberth Ponji over the alleged murder of her co-wife in Mudzi after a bedroom and shop were set alight, and also launched a manhunt after a fatal stabbing in Chiweshe. Migration Fallout (SA): Zimbabweans are returning in large numbers after anti-illegal immigration pressure in South Africa; government says about 58,768 have returned so far, urging dignified welcome and reintegration support. Governance & Rights: A new coalition, Sungano yeVanhu/Ubumbano lomphakathi, has launched to oppose CAB3, arguing the process undermines the Constitution and democracy. Health Infrastructure: Mpilo Hospital’s radiotherapy upgrades are progressing, with new cancer machines and a CT scanner expected to be ready by late 2026. Business & Corruption: ZACC and ZIMRA have busted a lithium smuggling syndicate, arresting a local businesswoman linked to alleged fraudulent exports to China.

Returnee Reintegration: President Mnangagwa has ordered Zimbabweans coming back from South Africa to be welcomed “with dignity” and supported through reintegration programmes, as government reports 58,768 returnees so far (11,065 repatriated and 47,703 self-repatriated) amid a crackdown on undocumented migrants. Anti-Corruption & Mining: ZACC and ZIMRA have busted a lithium smuggling syndicate, arresting a businesswoman linked to alleged fraudulent exports to China via Forbes Border Post, with other suspects still at large. Health Upgrade: Mpilo Central Hospital’s radiotherapy expansion is on track, with contractors installing two cancer machines and a CT scanner, targeting completion by November–December to start treating patients from the southern region. Migration Pressure in SA: South Africa’s repatriation drive is intensifying, with buses and processing ramped up at Musina as thousands wait, while political parties warn temporary centres must not become permanent. Housing & Construction Finance: Zimbabwe’s property market faces a “mortgage drought” as lenders fail to offer 25-year loans, while contractors warn borrowing costs can hit 50% a year, pricing them out of projects. CAB3 Backlash: Constitutional Amendment Bill (CAB3) continues to draw criticism, including from church leaders who say the process undermines citizens’ voice and constitutional order.

Constitutional Crisis (CAB 3): Parliament has passed Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 and it now heads to President Mnangagwa for assent, but opponents have already rushed to court, with a war veteran seeking to stop the Bill over claims the process was “contaminated” by alleged cash and vehicle donations linked to Wicknell Chivayo. Migration Fallout (Beitbridge & Musina): Zimbabwe is seeing a fresh returnee surge after South Africa stepped up immigration enforcement, with thousands arriving at Beitbridge and fears growing that Musina’s temporary repatriation centre could become permanent; ANC Limpopo warns it must not strain Vhembe resources. Housing & Finance: Zimbabwe’s property market is hit by a “mortgage drought” as industry leaders say the lack of 25-year loans blocks long-term development, while contractors warn borrowing costs are up to 50% a year, pricing them out. Pensions Crackdown: Ipec threatens garnishee orders over unpaid pension contributions, with arrears rising to US$148.96m, led by major state-linked employers. Economy Watch: Zimbabwe’s inflation has fallen sharply and the RBZ has started easing rates, but economists stress structural reforms are still needed for lasting growth. Energy Push: Zimbabwe seeks billions to modernise power and cut hydropower reliance after droughts exposed the grid’s weakness, including plans for renewables like floating solar. Sports & Youth: Kaia is recalled to Zimbabwe’s ODI squad after the Bangladesh Test win, while Chinhoyi University of Technology turns 25 with a rural innovation tech summit. Regional Culture Under Pressure: Anti-illegal immigration protests in South Africa are spilling into entertainment, with some promoters dropping South African acts amid xenophobia backlash.

ODI Cricket Recall: Innocent Kaia is back in Zimbabwe’s ODI squad for the three-match series against Bangladesh, with Richard Ngarava set to lead after Sean Williams was ruled out following rehab for drug addiction; Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wellington Masakadza also return. Local Governance Accountability: Mwenezi RDC CEO Albert Chivanga has been summoned to Harare after Auditor General findings that senior council executives ran private businesses but allegedly failed to pay council rates for five years. Mining Value Addition Push: Chinese investment in Zimbabwe has surpassed US$10bn, with the ambassador pointing to a shift toward processing and industrialisation; Zimbabwe also highlights beneficiation as the mining strategy direction. Regional Connectivity: Powertel and Paratus Zimbabwe have switched on a new fibre optic corridor phase linking Plumtree to Bulawayo, aimed at boosting cross-border digital traffic. Climate Trade Pressure: Finance minister Mthuli Ncube says local firms must cut carbon emissions ahead of the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism starting in 2026. South Africa Migration Fallout: Thousands of foreign nationals remain stranded near Musina and Beitbridge as border delays and document hitches continue amid xenophobic unrest. Youth, Women in Mining: ZIMA urges young people and women to take part in FESTAC’s Mining Indaba Dialogue in September. Business at the Border: Beitbridge Business Expo grows, adding 20 new exhibitors and drawing wider community participation.

Digital Infrastructure Push: Powertel has switched on the first phase of the Plumtree–Victoria Falls high-capacity backbone upgrade, boosting bandwidth to 800Gbps, as it ramps a US$10m national network modernisation. Capital Markets & Business Climate: Bulawayo will host the inaugural Capital Markets Masterclass to boost financial literacy and responsible investing, while a separate report flags why access to capital remains Zimbabwe’s biggest business challenge. Constitutional Reform Update: A public opinion survey says the final Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 largely reflects what Zimbabweans supported during consultations, after Parliament removed the most controversial clauses. Migration Shock at Beitbridge: South Africa’s Border Management Authority says more than 35,000 migrants have been processed through Beitbridge, as returnees flee xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant crackdowns. Energy & Rural Resilience: Wanezi is being transformed after Cyclone Dineo through dam rehabilitation, biogas and water access under a UK-funded CAWEP programme. Sports & Culture: The Econet Victoria Falls Marathon is set for a top-distance-runners showdown, and Zambezi Lager’s Mighty Bonfire Nights returns to Victoria Falls. Mining Safety & Research: The Young Miners Foundation reiterates SHEQ as non-negotiable in mining, while experts urge more locally driven research to tackle Zimbabwe’s health challenges.

CAB3 Politics: Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) is still sparking heat in Parliament and beyond, with senators debating term extensions and a new High Court challenge filed to halt processing over alleged corruption and inducements. Returnees & Xenophobia Fallout: Zimbabweans continue to gather at Shallcross for repatriation amid South Africa’s anti-immigrant protests, while Zimbabwe’s government urges returnees to come home but admits jobs are scarce. South Africa Crackdown: Police say more than 900 people were arrested during June 30 anti-illegal immigrant protests, with looting and violence reported in some areas. Energy & Industry: Econet breaks ground on a 100MW solar-plus-battery plant for power stability, and electricity generation in South Africa fell 9% in May—raising regional supply worries. Agriculture & Exports: Zimbabwe commissions a specialised honey testing laboratory to boost export competitiveness, while government ring-fences 150MW for winter wheat irrigation. Business & Governance: RBZ tightens cybersecurity and consumer protection for digital finance, and ZNCC maps seven Bulawayo industrial corridors to revive manufacturing. Sports & Culture: Zimbabwe’s “Brother in House” reality show ramps up entertainment, while the Impact for Christ Ministries Bulawayo Crusade opens at the trade fair centre with a major prayer line.

Beitbridge Border Control: South Africa’s Border Management Authority says biometric profiling at Beitbridge is preventing wrong repatriations and stopping fugitives, with over 35,000 people processed since the repatriation push began and about 2,400 handled in a day. Returnee Reintegration: Zimbabwe is stepping up support for citizens coming back from South Africa, including bus-assisted evacuations and calls for communities to embrace returnees with dignity, documentation help and school placements. Housing & Land Delivery: Bulawayo councillors urged faster delivery of residential stands to ease the housing backlog, warning delays are worsened by returning Zimbabweans after xenophobia-driven displacement. Diplomatic Modernisation: Zimbabwe’s Second Republic highlighted completion of the New Zimbabwe Chancery in Abuja as part of modernising diplomatic and consular services to boost economic diplomacy. Trade & Agriculture Exports: ZimTrade commissioned a state-of-the-art honey testing lab to meet international quality standards and unlock premium export markets. Energy & Environment: WWF warns Zimbabwe is losing over 327,000 hectares of forest annually, urging nature-positive development and cleaner energy transitions. Sports: Zimbabwe’s Sables open the Nations Cup against Tonga in Denver with Ian Prior returning at flyhalf.

Energy & Investment: Zimbabwe is edging toward a $400m (R6.5bn) floating solar deal on Lake Kariba, targeting 500MW to the national grid, with financial close hoped for by October. Local Governance: The Ministry of Local Government has ordered an immediate moratorium on workshops, foreign travel and “look-and-learn” visits by local authorities without central approval. Economy & Finance: The ZSE has partnered with TN Asset Management to build ZEEX, a digital financing ecosystem aimed at funding and preparing SMEs for listing. Health & Inclusion: The Joshua Nkomo Clinic in Gwanda is offering free care to liberation war veterans and people with disabilities. Justice & Business: A Mazarura Bus Company secretary faces fraud charges over alleged director changes that left assets and control in dispute. Sports (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe’s Sables open the Nations Cup campaign against Tonga in Denver, with matches set for July. Regional Flashpoint (South Africa): Anti-immigrant protests around the 30 June “deadline” have triggered unrest, with hundreds arrested and reports of looting and attacks on foreign-owned businesses.

AfCFTA Integration Boost: Zimbabwe’s 2027 AfCFTA trade ministers hosting bid was praised by the AfCFTA Secretariat as a push for deeper continental integration. Aquaculture Push: Fish farmers are set for better yields after FinFish Suppliers introduced specialised feed technology with Aller Aqua to tackle poor feed quality. SME Digital Payments Drive: The RBZ urged SMEs to adopt digital payments to cut costs and expand market access. Food Security via Seed Innovation: Seed Co launched new white wheat varieties aimed at boosting local production and reducing wheat import dependence. Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Work: Gwanda stakeholders trained on disability inclusion in disaster risk reduction, including adapted early warning systems. Energy Independence Move: Econet has started building a solar-and-battery project that will scale to 100MW for more reliable power. CAB3 Constitutional Amendment Fight: CAB3 cleared Parliament and heads for presidential assent, with constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku calling the process “heavily flawed.” South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Zimbabwe is repatriating citizens and has introduced duty relief for returnees as anti-immigrant protests drive mass departures. Business & Finance: Petrotrade reported a major revenue jump and a dividend, while CBZ expects 2026 earnings growth on prudent asset growth and fee income.

South Africa Xenophobia Crisis: Anti-immigrant marches across major South African cities hit with isolated looting and clashes as police and private security moved in to keep order after a June 30 deadline; thousands of Zimbabweans and other migrants fled or sought refuge, while authorities reported repatriations and warned against violence. Zimbabwe Repatriation Update: Zimbabwe says returnees are being processed in Cape Town and Johannesburg before travel via Beitbridge, with security screening slowing some departures and about 3,624 Zimbabweans repatriated by June 29. Constitutional Amendment CAB3: Parliament approved Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 again after Senate changes, paving the way for Mnangagwa’s assent; the bill extends parliamentary and local authority terms and reshapes presidential succession by shifting vacancy handling to Parliament. Mining & Tax: Government says the mining rights repository now tops 60,000 licences as a cadastre system rolls out; Zimra’s net revenue rose to US$4.34bn in five months, though analysts warn the gains may mask pressure on compliant firms. Lithium & Water: Kamativi invested over US$200m in a lithium sulphate project targeting 75,000 tonnes annually; Wanezi Dam commissioning was framed as a rural economic transformation push. Business & Culture: Netherlands launches a Zimbabwe business network to boost trade and investment; Econet dropped Mafikizolo from Buddie Beatz amid public calls for solidarity during the SA crisis. Sports: Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh in the one-off Test by an innings and 85 runs, their biggest in the format.

Insurance Recovery Watch: Zimbabwe’s funeral assurance sector bounced back in Q1 2026, with underwriting profitability up 359% despite lower revenue, while the regulator warns liquidity and capital gaps still threaten stability. Insurance Pressure Points: Short-term insurers also improved underwriting performance, but delayed claims are driving complaints, with many firms reporting weak working capital. Community Policing: ZRP re-launched its Client Service Charter in Matabeleland North, stressing professional, transparent, community-centred policing. Mining & Value Addition: Deputy Minister Raj Modi says mining remains central to jobs and foreign currency, as Zimbabwe sticks to its 2027 lithium beneficiation deadline while industry asks for more time. South Africa Migration Fallout: As xenophobic anti-migrant protests and a June 30 “deadline” loom, South Africa tightens security, repatriations accelerate, and Zimbabwe reports 3,624 nationals returned so far—while online misinformation is being debunked. Local Economy Signals: Investor Hosting Centre urges Zimbabwe to mobilise domestic institutional capital for bankable projects, not just foreign funding. Agriculture & Food Security: African catfish output more than doubled in 2024/25, boosting aquaculture growth.

Xenophobia Fallout: South Africa braced for June 30 anti-immigrant protests as President Cyril Ramaphosa urged peaceful demonstrations and warned against vigilantism, while its intelligence agency said over 25,000 foreign nationals have already been repatriated and more departures are ongoing. Zimbabwe Repatriation Support: President Mnangagwa directed the safe return of every Zimbabwean who wants to come home from South Africa, with screening and profiling now set to be done at Beitbridge Border Post; 3,624 had been repatriated as of June 26. Industry & Trade: Zimbabwe pushed captains of industry to seize China’s new zero-tariff access to boost competitiveness, and Zimbabwe and Zambia backed community entrepreneurship linked to Victoria Falls heritage. Mining & Energy: Kamativi commissioned a US$200m lithium sulfate project, targeting 75,000 tons annually, while SADC officials met in Harare to deepen financial and health cooperation. Education & Culture: Beitbridge pupils got 25 new computers for digital learning, and a researcher published a book to preserve the Matepe oral music tradition. Crime Watch: CID warned of online fraud scams, including fake vehicle imports and property deals. Sports: Innocent Kaia’s maiden Test century powered Zimbabwe to a big first-innings lead over Bangladesh.