AGP Executive Report

ZANU-PF Succession: President Emmerson Mnangagwa has warned party members against factionalism as tensions with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga deepen over leadership and proposed party rule changes. Cybersecurity: The government has launched a multi-agency investigation into WhatsApp Business account takeovers, but has not confirmed how many accounts were affected. Mining and Investment: India’s Lohum says its new Zimbabwe lithium mine will help supply a planned 30,000-tonne-a-year lithium refining operation in India, as global competition for critical minerals grows. Drought Preparedness: Zimbabwe is mobilising against El Niño, with plans to build cash and grain reserves as concerns mount over a major grain shortfall and deepening hunger. Skills and Education: Officials say Zimbabwe has a 61.75% critical-skills gap, while teachers’ groups warn the country loses about 6,000 teachers each year amid vacancies and overcrowded classrooms. Regional Finance: South Africa is seeking answers over Zimbabwe’s outstanding R900 million debt to South African Airways, with diplomacy seen as the route to recovering the money.

Drought Preparations: Zimbabwe plans a US$500 million cash and grain reserve for 2027 as El Niño threatens to cut the maize harvest by nearly 30%, leaving projected production below national needs. Political Tensions: Zanu PF’s Chinhoyi conference opens amid succession strains, disputes over proposed party-rule changes and scrutiny of Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s appointment as economic development minister. Mining and Investment: Reported mineral revenues reached nearly US$10 billion in the first nine months, driven by gold, lithium and platinum; the government is pushing for more local processing. Bard Santner also won a licence to launch a diaspora-focused microfinance bank. Regional Trade: South Africa is seeking repayment of more than R900 million owed by Zimbabwe to SAA, while a new dredging project at Mozambique’s Maputo port aims to improve regional cargo links. Culture and Sport: Chinese pottery found at Great Zimbabwe points to historic trade connections with East Asia. Captain Sikandar Raza says hosting the 2027 Cricket World Cup will be a personal blessing as he nears the end of his career.

Land Disputes: About 16,000 Epworth households face relocation from wetlands and unplanned areas; 47 residents have asked the High Court to halt evictions, saying the council had recognised their settlement and accepted fees. Political Tensions: Mnangagwa has approved the recall of Chief Fortune Charumbira and two other chiefs from the Senate. The move comes as succession tensions deepen, with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga absent from a party fundraiser. Investment and Economy: Kudakwashe Tagwirei has been sworn in as investment minister after the Finance Ministry was split. His US and UK sanctions have raised questions about the government’s bid to attract foreign capital. The IMF projects 5% growth in 2026, while El Niño risks a major grain deficit. Health: A study found HIV prevention services at four Zimbabwean and Ugandan organisations fell sharply after US aid was paused, with antiretroviral treatment numbers down 31.5% and prevention services down 62.7%. Innovation: Zimpost has launched drone parcel deliveries, aiming to reach communities that are difficult to serve by road.

Power Struggle: Mnangagwa rebuked Zanu PF officials who skipped a party fundraiser as tensions with Vice-President Chiwenga deepen. The President has also sworn in Kudakwashe Tagwirei, a businessman under US and UK sanctions over alleged corruption, as investment minister—an appointment critics say could complicate efforts to attract global capital. Food Security: Government forecasts a 2026/27 grain shortfall of up to 542,000 tonnes, citing El Niño and rising fuel and fertiliser costs; six mitigation measures are planned. Economic Outlook: The IMF has approved Zimbabwe’s second review and projects 5% growth this year, while the new investment minister faces pressure to turn proposed projects into jobs and tangible gains. Energy Links: A new pipeline pumping model now allows fuel from Beira to flow directly to Harare, strengthening the key regional supply corridor. Digital Services: Zimpost has launched drone parcel deliveries for hard-to-reach areas, while Econet warns customers to secure WhatsApp accounts amid account-takeover and SIM-swap scams.

Politics: Kudakwashe Tagwirei was sworn in as economic development and investment promotion minister, despite US sanctions, as proposed Zanu PF constitutional changes deepen tensions between President Mnangagwa’s allies and Vice-President Chiwenga’s camp. Power Supply: Lake Kariba is receding, with usable storage at 37.21%, renewing fears of electricity shortages in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Jobs and Technology: Econet has revived its Technites platform to connect independent workers with paid jobs, starting with camera installations for EcoCash agents and plans to train technicians in solar and borehole repairs. Postal Services: Zimpost has launched drone parcel deliveries in Bulilima, aiming to improve service to remote communities. Business: WestProp declared a US$1.81 million dividend as it proceeds with an exit offer for minority shareholders.

Zanu-PF Power Struggle: President Emmerson Mnangagwa cancelled a party meeting on proposed constitutional changes after objections from Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and Speaker Jacob Mudenda, sharpening tensions ahead of the party conference in Chinhoyi. Energy and Mining: Mining electricity demand is projected to jump from about 1,000MW to more than 1,500MW within a year, raising questions about how Zimbabwe will power expanding mineral processing. Business and Taxes: Delta says high taxes, policy shifts and a disputed US$100 million retrospective bill are squeezing its business and agricultural supply chains; lithium producer Prospect Lithium is also seeking tax relief. Food and Climate: Zimbabwe plans to scrap food import duty as El Niño threatens harvests, while churches warn hunger could drive migration to South Africa and intensify xenophobic tensions. Public Services: A looming health funding crisis is raising concern over the impact of reduced US aid, while army orders 600 Gutu residents to leave residential stands on Chatsworth Farm.

Land Dispute: The army has ordered about 600 Gutu RDC stand buyers off Gertnel Farm in Chatsworth, claiming the land belongs to the military. Some residents have built homes; the council says it is negotiating with the army. Skills & Jobs: Mnangagwa is due to open Africa Skills Week in Harare as officials warn that brain drain and mismatches between training and employers are worsening skills shortages. Food Prices: Government plans to suspend food import duties if El Niño-linked shortages push prices up. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says the 2027 growth forecast remains 5%. ZANU-PF Tensions: A cancelled Politburo meeting and Chiwenga’s absence from key events have sharpened scrutiny of party tensions over constitutional changes and Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s new investment ministry. Public Services: Patients from Hwange and Victoria Falls are crossing into Zambia for treatment amid medicine shortages and the lack of a provincial referral hospital. Pension contribution arrears also climbed to US$181.8 million by June. Power Investment: Zimbabwe is preparing a 370MW competitive procurement pilot to replace unsolicited power bids and attract new generation investment.

Power Struggle: Mnangagwa’s appointment of businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as investment minister has intensified scrutiny of ZANU PF’s succession battle. A Politburo meeting was cancelled amid a reported dispute with Vice-President Chiwenga over proposed party-constitution changes. Party Funding: ZANU PF reportedly raised US$9.5 million at a fundraising dinner, but has not disclosed who contributed or how the money will be spent as households face economic strain. Healthcare: Patients in Matabeleland North are travelling to Zambia for treatment as local hospitals struggle with shortages, high costs and stalled upgrades. Rural Connectivity: Zimpost has launched drone parcel deliveries in Bulilima, alongside a new mobile base station, bringing faster service and improved network access to remote communities. Trade: Chinese truck makers drew strong interest at a Harare expo, with buyers asking about maintenance and spare-parts support.

Political Power: President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s appointment of US-sanctioned businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei to lead economic development and investment promotion has drawn accusations of conflicts of interest and intensified succession tensions. A cancelled ZANU-PF Politburo meeting has fuelled reports of a dispute with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga over proposed party changes. Economic Outlook: The IMF completed its review of Zimbabwe’s monitored programme, but the country missed its target for protected social spending. The non-financing deal is a step towards rebuilding creditor confidence, not a source of funds. Digital Economy: Zimbabwe is negotiating to use India’s UPI technology for a shared real-time payments system, while its first rural AI hub has opened in Gokwe North with 20 laptops and 52 students. Public Health: New HIV infections fell 80% between 2010 and 2025, to 15,000, while treatment coverage rose to 95%, according to UN figures.

ZANU-PF Power Struggle: A Politburo meeting was abruptly cancelled amid a reported clash over party constitution changes linked to succession. Officials called it a scheduling issue, but the dispute comes days before the party conference. Investment and Politics: Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s appointment as investment minister is fuelling questions over the role of a US-sanctioned businessman and tensions with Vice-President Chiwenga. Chivayo Fallout: The late businessman’s brother has alleged that US$5 million intended for a Gwanda solar project was squandered; the claims have renewed scrutiny of the deal. Digital Payments: Zimbabwe is negotiating to adopt India’s UPI technology for a shared real-time payments system, potentially cutting transfer costs and supporting remittances. Health Services: Aid cuts are worsening pressure on clinics, with shortages and rising malaria cases reported. Sports: Zimbabwe’s women host Malawi on October 13 in an Olympic qualifier, with CAF allowing up to 10,000 fans at the National Sports Stadium. The men’s team opens the UAE ODI tri-series against Bangladesh on October 17.

Political Tensions: ZANU-PF postponed a key politburo meeting amid reports that Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga opposed proposed party-constitution changes. President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s appointment of US-sanctioned businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as investment minister has also intensified succession and accountability concerns. Chivayo Fallout: Wicknell Chivayo and his wife were buried in Harare. At the funeral, his brother alleged that US$5 million linked to the Gwanda solar project was spent without delivering the plant, renewing scrutiny of the deal. Health Funding: The US CDC is expected to close its Zimbabwe office by year-end as Washington scales back overseas operations, raising concerns about the future of health programmes and outbreak monitoring. Sport: Zimbabwe’s women retained their historic squad for their first bilateral tour of India, starting with T20Is on October 16 and followed by Championship ODIs. The Mighty Warriors lost 2-0 to Malawi in the first leg of their 2028 Olympic qualifier, with the return match in Harare next week. Mining: Caledonia Mining cut its 2026 production forecast for Blanket Mine after third-quarter output fell short of expectations.

Cabinet Shake-up: President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as economic development and investment promotion minister, splitting the portfolio from Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s. Critics cite conflict-of-interest and accountability concerns; US sanctions against Tagwirei are based on allegations by US authorities. Chivayo Fallout: Wicknell Chivayo and his wife were buried after a helicopter crash. A retired general criticised the military salute at the funeral and Chivayo’s provincial hero status, while claims about a US$5 million Gwanda solar project have renewed scrutiny. Trade & Business: Zimbabwe and Namibia are seeking closer agricultural and trade ties. CBZ has also joined the pan-African payments system, opening a channel for cross-border transactions. Mining: Caledonia Mining lowered its 2026 gold-output forecast after weaker-than-expected production at Blanket Mine. Youth Health: Zimbabwean teens are turning to mobile clinics for contraception as stigma and aid cuts threaten access to services.

Cabinet Shake-up: President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed US- and UK-sanctioned businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as economic development and investment minister, splitting the portfolio from Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube. The move has intensified speculation over ZANU-PF’s succession struggle, with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga seen as a rival to Tagwirei’s growing influence. Gwanda Solar Project: At Wicknell Chivayo’s funeral, his brother said Chivayo spent part of a US$5 million project advance on luxury shopping after the stalled solar deal. The claims renew scrutiny of a project that never got off the ground; the helicopter crash that killed Chivayo and his wife remains under investigation. Economic Outlook: The IMF approved the second review of Zimbabwe’s Staff-Monitored Programme, citing progress on economic targets. Trade: ZimTrade urged businesses to pursue regional markets ahead of the COMESA summit in Harare later this month. Literature: Harare writer Simbarashe Kundizeza won the 2026 Caine Prize for African Writing.

Dinosaur Discovery: A newly identified Zimbabwean dinosaur, Musango matusadonaensis, is offering clues about how early dinosaurs evolved—and how Zimbabwe’s fossils differ from South Africa’s. Chivayo Fallout: At the tycoon’s funeral, his brother’s account of a disputed US$5 million solar deal revived scrutiny of the Gwanda project, which failed to deliver its promised 100 megawatts. Currency Policy: The Reserve Bank is seeking public views on moving Zimbabwe towards a ZiG-only currency system, a major shift for households and businesses that rely on US dollars. Disaster Response: President Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster after deadly hailstorms damaged thousands of homes in Masvingo. Health: A trial involving Zimbabwean adolescents found HIV injections every eight weeks kept the virus suppressed more effectively than daily pills. Mining: Zimbabwe has secured US$100 million for a major platinum project, as the government seeks to attract investment and expand the sector.

National Mourning: Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, are to be buried in Harare today, with no public viewing because of the condition of their remains. Chivayo’s Provincial Hero status has also renewed debate over his political ties and public legacy. Economy: Experts expect macroeconomic stability to hold through year-end, while the ILO says Zimbabwe needs better conditions to bring informal businesses and workers into the formal economy. The Reserve Bank is seeking public views on a proposed shift to a ZiG-only currency. Mining and Payments: Zimbabwe’s state miner has secured US$100 million for a platinum project, while the country is also in talks with India to adopt its UPI payment system. Flood Emergency: President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a state of disaster after flash floods reportedly destroyed 8,500 homes. Arts: Harare-based writer Simbarashe Steyn Kundizeza has won the 2026 Caine Prize for African Writing.

Chivayo Funeral: Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke were honoured at a packed Harare funeral, with his coffin draped in the national flag after he was named a provincial hero. Foreign aviation experts are investigating the crash that killed them and three others; the cause remains unknown. The honour has renewed debate over wealth, political influence and public recognition. Extreme Weather: The government declared a State of Disaster after flash floods destroyed thousands of homes, while hailstorms also caused damage in Masvingo. Currency and Payments: The Reserve Bank is inviting public views on a proposed move to make the ZiG the sole currency. Zimbabwe is also in talks with India to adopt its UPI payment system, aiming to speed up digital transactions and lower transfer costs. Mining and Innovation: State miner Mutapa secured US$100 million to begin work on a platinum project with an estimated 44 million ounces of reserves. ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera urged innovators to turn prototypes into market-ready solutions that create jobs and tackle real needs. US Relations: A planned US delegation visit and renewed interest in Zimbabwe’s critical minerals could open a path to closer trade ties, as Harare seeks investment from both Washington and Beijing.