AGP Executive Report

Monetary Policy: The RBZ cut the policy rate to 27.5% from 30%, citing benign inflation but warning it’s a gradual normalisation. Local Governance: A Bulawayo workshop saw Councils challenged by Muguti over licensing “more bottle stores than schools and clinics,” and over growth points being allocated without services. Water & Industry: Zimbabwe and South Africa are in talks over the $500m Thuli-Moswa dam to supply Limpopo’s Musina-Makhado SEZ, with no start date yet. Politics & Parliament: President Mnangagwa is set to deliver the 2026 SONA and open Parliament, as ZANU-PF pushes for the Oct 3 Ward 1 by-election. Economy & Trade: Manufacturing is reported as Zimbabwe’s biggest GDP contributor (16.2% in Q2 2026), while gold receipts rose 61% to $2.6bn in eight months to August. Sports: Zimbabwe’s AFCON qualifiers took a hit as DR Congo beat them 2-1 in Harare; Tunisia and Botswana drew 2-2. Environment & Climate Finance: Bulawayo’s tree-planting push is being positioned for Zimbabwe’s carbon trading rules under ZiCMA.

Defence Ties: Angola and Zimbabwe signed a Defence and Security cooperation accord in Harare to boost training, technical-military exchange and joint exercises. Politics & Governance: Tendai Biti warns Zimbabwe is being pushed away from republican rule toward monarchy as War Veterans and others keep challenging Amendment Act No. 3 in court; ZANU PF also moves to align its constitution with CAA3. Constitutional Power Struggles: Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa posted cryptic “strategic ambiguity” messaging as ZANU PF figures intensify Mnangagwa “life presidency” calls in the Midlands. Local Governance Crackdown: Chitungwiza’s Operation Chenesa demolished a notorious Makoni terror base and informal trading structures, raising fresh concerns for displaced vendors. Economy & Industry: Government is set to launch a Local Content Strategy to incentivise local production and cut the import bill; PPC Zimbabwe declared US$25m dividends as earnings improve. Climate & Food Security: UNDP and the Green Climate Fund say climate investments are benefiting nearly 50,000 farmers in southern Zimbabwe. Regional Water Deal: South Africa and Zimbabwe discuss a proposed $500m Thuli Moswa dam to supply Limpopo’s Musina-Makhado SEZ. Sport (Zimbabwe-focused): Zimbabwe host DR Congo in AFCON qualifiers at 6pm on Monday, with both sides on three points after matchday one.

State of the Nation: President Mnangagwa will deliver the 2026 SONA and open Parliament’s 4th session at Mt Hampden on Tuesday, setting the legislative agenda as Zimbabweans look for clearer economic relief. Economy & energy: Government says it has kept the grid stable with a long run without load shedding, while Invictus Energy moves Cabora Bassa gas toward pilot production and early supplies. Infrastructure policy: Transport officials say major road works will stay reserved for local contractors, with Zinara funds ring-fenced to ease legacy debt. Weather warning: MSD warns of thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy downpours from Tuesday into Thursday, urging safety around lightning and floods. Mining & exports: Gold export receipts jumped 61% to US$2.6bn in eight months to August, driven by higher prices and production. Governance & politics: Zanu PF begins a constitution overhaul to align with Constitution Amendment No. 3, while it also targets US$6m from business for the Chinhoyi conference. Environment & enforcement: The Forest Commission impounded 17 vehicles and seized charcoal and firewood in Matabeleland North crackdowns. Culture & unity: First Lady Mnangagwa pushes Zimbabwe’s cultural “soft power” abroad, and VP Mohadi calls culture the bedrock of unity. Sports: Zimbabwe won the Rugby Africa Sevens title, beating Uganda 26-19.

Mono-Currency Watch: RBZ governor John Mushayavanhu says Zimbabwe’s move to a single currency won’t happen until eight conditions are met, with a key hurdle being weak foreign-exchange reserves. Road Safety Crackdown: Harare’s AI traffic system has flagged over four million violations, with motorists now facing fines for offences like red-light running, speeding and unsafe passenger loading. Weather Alert: Zimbabwe’s Meteorological Services warns of strong winds, thunderstorms, lightning and light rain this week, urging communities in districts like Chipinge, Chiredzi, Chimanimani, Nyanga and parts of Matabeleland to secure property and crops. Women’s Cricket: Nyasha Gwanzura’s best-ever ODI spell (4-33) powered Zimbabwe Women to a historic four-wicket win over West Indies Women in Harare, levelling the series 1-1. Rugby Sevens: Zimbabwe won the Rugby Africa Sevens title in Kampala, beating Uganda 26-19 and booking a spot in the 2027 World Rugby Sevens Series. Football Return Home: The Warriors finally return to Harare for the DRC clash at the National Sports Stadium after years playing home matches in South Africa. Politics & Governance: ZANU PF targets US$6 million from business for its Chinhoyi conference fundraising as constitutional changes and succession talk keep tensions high.

HIV Funding Crunch: The National AIDS Council urged Parliament to broaden domestic financing for the HIV response as US-funded programmes wind down, warning that the AIDS Levy alone can’t sustain prevention and treatment. Public Health Continuity: NAC says implementing partners are mapping what must be absorbed into the new national response to protect access to antiretroviral drugs. Urban Upgrade for COMESA: Harare City Council is sprucing up the capital ahead of the COMESA summit, launching Operation Chenesa Harare to clean the CBD, organise vendors and modernise buildings. Road Network Overhaul: Government is expanding Harare’s road network, including Simon Mazorodze works with interchanges and a flyover, plus an airport expressway to ease congestion. Transport Safety & Enforcement: An AI traffic system has captured over four million violations in Harare, with authorities moving to verify offences before penalties. Tourism Regulation: The new Tourism Act sets up a Zimbabwe Tourism Fund and brings Airbnb-style short-term stays into the formal economy. Sugar Industry Push: Parliament calls for major sugar reforms within two years, including rail recapitalisation and changes to financing and water/power support. Sports: Zimbabwe’s Warriors face DRC in a top-of-table AFCON qualifier clash at the National Sports Stadium.

ZRP Crackdown: Zimbabwe police have ordered the arrest of retired Assistant Inspector Tongai Fambi over alleged political activity, after earlier disciplinary action and arrests linked to cyberbullying and criticism of President Mnangagwa. UNGA Politics: Presidential spokesperson George Charamba hit back at claims Mnangagwa spoke to an empty hall at UNGA81, arguing the auditorium is often vacant and that the real audience is the global diplomatic media. Media Shake-up: Zimpapers has fired veteran journalists as part of a restructuring and digital-first push, with 154 employees reportedly affected across print, radio, TV and digital. Football Modernisation: ZIFA kicked off a VAR project with FIFA experts, supported by Sakunda Holdings, aiming to improve officiating on goals, penalties, red cards and mistaken identity. Sports—CAN Qualifiers: The Warriors staged a 3-2 comeback win over Sierra Leone after trailing 2-0 at halftime, with Marshall Munetsi scoring twice. ZANU PF Fundraising: ZANU PF is demanding US$6 million from the business community to bankroll its Chinhoyi conference, set for Oct 12–17. Business Deal: Varun Beverages Zimbabwe signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Mondelez South Africa for chocolates, biscuits, candy and gum from Oct 1. Culture: A Harare festival celebrated UNESCO-listed mbira traditions, with organisers pushing wider appreciation of the instrument’s spiritual and historical role.

UN Diplomacy & Sanctions: President Mnangagwa returned from UNGA81 saying Zimbabwe’s independent foreign policy is earning growing respect, while again pushing for sanctions removal and pitching an AI and mineral beneficiation agenda. Parliament Opening: Mnangagwa is set to open the Fourth Session of the 10th Parliament next Tuesday, with the State of the Nation Address and legislative agenda scheduled for 29 September. Water & Industry: Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park water treatment works is moving ahead to feed homes, as electricity stability over 200 days boosts industrial confidence and output. Corruption Watch: ZACC says it recorded 517 corruption reports with 90 convictions, but critics argue big illicit losses still go unpunished. Sports (Warriors): Zimbabwe’s Warriors arrived home after a historic 3-2 comeback win over Sierra Leone, with fans celebrating the Afcon qualifying momentum. Local Governance: Bulawayo Ward 26 councillor Mpumelelo Moyo’s bribery appeal was dismissed after a US$20,000 case tied to a cement plant approval. Agriculture Funding: Ten African countries, including Zimbabwe, pledged nearly US$9m to IFAD for rural transformation.

Anti-Corruption Debate: Zimbabwe’s Anti-Corruption Commission says it has notched 195 arrests, 90 convictions and seized 14 vehicles, but critics argue the focus is too narrow while billions lost to gold smuggling and illicit financial flows remain largely untouched. Energy & Industry: After more than 200 days of improved electricity stability, industry says costs have dropped and production planning has improved, though government warns energy affordability still needs urgent action. Health Funding Shock: The US will end funding for Zimbabwe health programmes at month-end after talks collapsed over a US demand for sensitive health data sharing, raising fears for HIV and other disease services. Local Governance & Water: A Bulawayo councillor proposes a municipal bank to help councils finance water infrastructure, citing huge funding gaps and major treated-water losses through leakages. Tourism & Tech: Heritage Village in Harare will host World Tourism Day under a theme linking digital tech and artificial intelligence to tourism growth. Sports—Warriors: Zimbabwe’s 2027 AFCON qualifier vs Sierra Leone turned on a dramatic second-half comeback led by Marshall Munetsi, after a 2-0 halftime deficit. Politics & Media: Nelson Chamisa faces fresh scrutiny over cryptic “Vanguard” messaging, with supporters and critics demanding clarity on what it means for his political direction.

UN Diplomacy: President Mnangagwa used his UNGA81 speech to push for a just, equitable world order, sanctions relief and UN Security Council reform giving Africa two permanent seats, while social media resurfaced “empty hall” images. Party Politics: ZANU-PF spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa dismissed “monarchy” claims tied to Munhumutapa Day as “absolute nonsense,” insisting Zimbabwe remains a republic. Justice & Corruption: Human rights lawyer Doug Coltart warned that recipients of certain luxury vehicles linked to Wicknell Chivayo could face up to 25 years in jail and US$500,000 fines under money-laundering laws. Security Concerns: Nelson Chamisa floated reviving the Vanguard militia, triggering fierce debate over political violence and security. Crime & Safety: Police are investigating a suspected murder-suicide in Harare’s Glen View, adding to worries after similar incidents. Food Security: Government warned officials against corruption and unfair targeting in upcoming food aid distribution as lean-season risks grow. Information Rights: Minister Zhemu Soda marked International Day for Universal Access to Information, stressing access to information as a constitutional right. Economy & Investment: BII approved a US$20m financing facility for Zimbabwe’s agriculture gap, and FS Mining outlined a US$500m mining-and-energy push in Mberengwa. Sports (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe’s Warriors staged a dramatic 3-2 comeback over Sierra Leone in AFCON 2027 qualifying; meanwhile, West Indies Women’s Hayley Matthews hit 182 as Zimbabwe Women lost their ODI opener. Environment: Zimbabwe’s ratification helped reach 100 parties for the High Seas Treaty, a major step for protecting biodiversity beyond national waters.

UNGA81 Diplomacy: President Mnangagwa used UN General Assembly day three to call for a just, equitable world order, stronger African representation at the UN Security Council, and predictable funding for AU peace operations. Anti-Corruption Push: ZACC says it received 517 corruption reports between January and August, made 195 arrests, and secured 90 convictions, with asset recovery efforts ongoing. Urban Governance & Traders: Bulawayo vendors face a new 6pm CBD trading deadline, while contractors and community groups risk losing 30% of payments to withholding tax without ZIMRA clearance certificates. Water & WASH: Bulawayo hosts the Zimbabwe Water Indaba and WASH Joint Sector Review, with officials warning that illegal settlements drive up the cost and complexity of delivering water and sanitation. Business & Innovation: LSU students won US$10,000 for a nano-enabled FreshGuard coating to cut post-harvest losses; Tango Fuel App also expanded into Zimbabwe and four other African countries. Sports: West Indies beat Zimbabwe women by 99 runs in Harare; South Africa beat Australia by 67 runs in the men’s ODI opener in Durban. Criminal Justice Warning: Human rights lawyer Doug Coltart warns recipients of Wicknell Chivayo vehicles could face up to 25 years under money-laundering laws if gifts are linked to proceeds of crime.

UN Development & Minerals Jobs: UN chief Antonio Guterres launched a Country Support Mechanism on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, with Guinea, Indonesia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe among the first beneficiaries, aiming to turn mineral demand into local jobs and industrial growth. Food Security & El Niño: Government has started a six-pillar drought mitigation response for the 2026-27 season, including strengthening grain reserves, climate-smart farming, livestock protection and financing for summer production. Trade & Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira met US Assistant Secretary Frank Garcia in New York to deepen commercial ties and create more predictable trade channels. Economic Rights Push: President Mnangagwa told the UN that development is a basic human right and criticised inequality, unfair trade and inadequate financing, while urging renewed action. Skills for Investment: Bulawayo’s Fairgrounds Retail Centre at ZITF is creating jobs, but contractors warn of a shortage of skilled artisans like electricians, plumbers and bricklayers. War Warning at UN: Zelenskyy urged India and 46 other countries to stop citizens being recruited into Russia’s war through “deception and tricks,” naming Zimbabwe among affected states. Crime Probe: South African police say Mexican “tourists” linked to the Sinaloa cartel were behind an industrial meth lab on a game farm near Swartruggens, with investigations into links to Australia.

Customs & Regulation: Clearing agents challenge Zimra’s PAAB certificate requirement for customs clearing licences, arguing it’s unrelated to their border facilitation role and could exclude existing operators. Currency & Banking: RBZ says ZiG is now used in about 43% of transactions, but also admits banks still can’t lend effectively, leaving the push for deeper economic benefits uncertain. Constitutional Court: ConCourt has reserved judgment on war veterans’ bid to directly challenge Constitutional Amendment No. 3, which changed how the president is elected. Digital Economy & Road Safety: Government launched a National Speed Monitoring System using AI tools like ANPR and red-light detection to cut accidents and boost investor confidence. Education & Borders: Beitbridge will host national World Literacy Day commemorations, with NASSAF also running in the town. Industry & Jobs (Bulawayo): Government assesses major projects including the Fairgrounds Retail Centre, a Bulawayo Textile Manufacturing Centre and Delta’s US$35m brewhouse to revive manufacturing and employment. Mining & Investment: ILO says mineral beneficiation must create decent jobs and higher-value exports, not just processing. Health & Climate: WHO classifies El Niño’s health impact in Africa as a Grade Three emergency, warning of flooding, drought, disease outbreaks and food insecurity affecting countries including Zimbabwe. Sports (Zimbabwe): Warriors’ AFCON qualifiers hit a setback as Liverpool youngster Isaac Mabaya is ruled out with injury.

Border Upgrade Boost: Zimbabwe has secured funding for a $65m-plus Chirundu border post modernisation with Zambia, with construction expected to start in October under a PPP to cut freight delays on the vital Copperbelt trade route. Courtroom Clash: The High Court fined National Building Society (NBS) US$10,000 for contempt after it refused to surrender a US$5m Treasury Bill despite a court order. Health Funding Shock: The US says it will stop funding all health programmes in Zimbabwe at month-end, after Zimbabwe declined a new health MoU model—raising concerns for HIV and prevention support. Currency Watch: RBZ deputy governor Innocent Matshe says ZiG is now used in about 43% of transactions, but banks still need time to convert that into longer-term lending and capital formation. Rural Services Push: Government is expanding access to diagnostics in rural areas by improving specimen transport and digitising lab systems to speed results. Integrity Spotlight: Advocate Lewis Uriri’s public rejection of Chivayo gifts sparked debate on ethics and professional independence in Zimbabwe. UN Diplomacy: President Mnangagwa told UNGA81 Africa must be heard and treated as equal, while Zimbabwe’s UN Security Council term is in focus.

RioZim Corporate Rescue: Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court struck off a bid by the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union to place RioZim under corporate rescue, citing procedural failures over condonation and locus standi. Food Security Response: Government and development partners met in Kadoma to review the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy and Lean Season Assistance, with warnings against corruption and unfair relief distribution as El Niño threatens drought. Wildlife Justice Push: The NPA and Tikki Hywood Foundation launched a review of wildlife criminal law and court judgments (2021–2024) to strengthen prosecution of environmental crimes. RBZ Credit Drive: The Reserve Bank urged the financial sector to turn savings into credit for SMEs and productive sectors, highlighting the ZiG Term Deposit Facility. Social Protection for Informal Workers: NSSA says it is near-piloting a social security scheme for informal workers, with incentives and support designed with the ILO. Sports & VAR: ZIFA begins groundwork for VAR in domestic football, targeting first use at the Chibuku Super Cup final on Nov 16. Public Safety Scam Alert: ZRP warned of a fraudulent “Smart Traffic” website, urging people not to register, pay, or share sensitive data. Politics & Governance: Former minister Jonathan Moyo says Zimbabwe’s opposition is trapped by a failure to build disciplined political organisation at grassroots level.

Press Freedom Under Strain: Harare Magistrates Court could not locate Bulawayo24 journalist Gideon Madzikatidze’s docket, derailing his bid against further remand and prolonging a case critics say highlights shrinking media space. Road Safety Push: TSCZ launched an online Defensive Driving Course in Harare, moving training to digital access to help motorists anticipate hazards and cut crashes. Football Funding Debate: ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi warned Zimbabwean football risks getting stuck in “survival” mode unless grassroots and long-term player development are sustainably funded. Sports Leadership Under Fire: Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza backed Wessly Madhevere after the final-over gamble in the Australia ODI, saying he’ll “back him again and again” as the team reflects on missed chances. Water Security Drive: Government says Gwayi-Shangani Dam is 82% complete and Kunzvi Dam 74%, with completion targets aimed at boosting irrigation and addressing water shortages. Monetary Shift: RBZ reports ZIG usage at about 43%, saying growth should support long-term capital for lending and economic activity. Healthcare Logistics: Zimbabwe cleared Drone Solutions for BVLOS medical deliveries using Kite Aero drones, moving from trials to regular vaccine, blood and medicine runs. Legal Ethics in the Spotlight: Senior lawyer Lewis Uriri rejected Wicknell Chivayo’s US$250,000 Range Rover and cash gifts, citing professional independence and avoiding any perception of obligation. Regional Trade Boost: Afreximbank and ATDC signed a US$500m facility to finance trade, logistics and distribution across Africa, including operations in Zimbabwe.

RBZ & SME Credit: The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has challenged banks to pass on cheaper Targeted Finance Facility funding to small businesses, stressing that the 25% cap should not automatically become the rate charged. Local Economy & Procurement: Government is moving to tighten local content compliance with a new digital rating system to track how firms buy locally and create jobs, while public procurement is being opened to MSMEs and cooperatives. Zimbabwe–China Media Scrutiny: A journalist was suspended for one year over alleged unethical reporting on Chinese investments, with other reporters warned; authorities also raised concerns about possible external influence on coverage. Legal Ethics Spotlight: Senior lawyer Lewis Uriri rejected Wicknell Chivayo’s US$250,000 Range Rover and cash gifts, saying accepting them could compromise independence ahead of constitutional court battles. Sports & Business: FC Platinum’s new South African coaching duo has delivered a defensive turnaround, and in cricket Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza backed Wessly Madhevere after a costly final-over lapse in the ODI loss to Australia.