AGP Executive Report

Zimbabwe–China Business Ties: The Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in Zimbabwe marks 20 years since its 2006 formation, growing into a 75-member platform spanning mining, agriculture, telecoms, construction and logistics. Climate Adaptation & Water: Wanezi Dam in Insiza is officially commissioned under the UK-funded CAWEP programme, aiming to boost water security and food production as drought risks intensify. Local Governance & Budgets: Finance rolls out “Your Voice, Your Budget, Your Future” consultations in Masvingo, urging residents and business groups to shape national budget priorities. Constitutional Politics (CAB3): Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment No. 3 continues to spark controversy, with critics warning of rushed drafting errors and wider risks to accountability and rule of law. Mining Reform & Identity: The Mines Ministry unveils a new corporate identity and five-pillar strategic framework as it pushes regulatory and institutional reforms. Health Policy: Government urges private healthcare providers to save lives first, then resolve payment and reimbursement issues. Human Rights Watch: HRMI says Zimbabwe is failing key human rights commitments, flagging weak water, sanitation, housing and subsistence income. South Africa Xenophobia Spillover: MTN chair Mcebisi Jonas condemns xenophobia, arguing foreigners’ departure won’t fix unemployment and corruption. Rural Electrification: Matabeleland South reports 90% electrification of schools and clinics, but warns science lab gaps could hold back rural learners.

Constitutional Politics: Zimbabwe’s Senate has approved CAB3, extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 and shifting direct presidential elections to parliament, with an extraordinary National Assembly sitting called for 30 June to consider Senate amendments. Diaspora & National Heroes: President Mnangagwa praised the diaspora as a “nucleus” of the liberation struggle and handed the Zimbabwe flag to the late national hero Ambassador Victor Matemadanda’s widow at the Heroes’ Acre burial. Regional Sanctions Solidarity: SADC ministers heard Zimbabwe’s Information Minister Dr Zhemu Soda thank the region for backing Harare’s fight against illegal US/EU sanctions. Disability Inclusion: Mnangagwa urged stronger disability inclusion across sectors as Zimbabwe opens its 2026 National Disability Expo in Masvingo. Migration & Xenophobia: MTN Group chairman Mcebisi Jonas condemned anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa, blaming state failure and warning that scapegoating won’t fix inequality or unemployment. Economy Watch: ZiG annual inflation edged up to 4.7% in June, driven by higher energy, housing and water charges. Local Business: Bulawayo set up an MSME-dedicated office to support small businesses and jobs.

Anti-migrant violence warning from SA: The Institute for Economic Justice says South Africa risks repeating dark democratic history unless it acts fast against hate speech and vigilante groups as June 30 protests near, warning migrants face intimidation, forced displacement and attacks. Zimbabwe sanctions row: Information boss Nick Mangwana and anti-sanctions campaigner Rutendo Matinyarare traded blows over who deserves credit for Western sanctions rollback, with Mangwana pointing to coordinated diplomacy and regional pressure. Regional integration push in Bulawayo: SADC ministers meeting on transport, ICT, information and meteorology adopted 75 decisions to speed up integration, while anti-graft chiefs called for stronger regional cooperation and better whistleblower protection. Zimbabwe economy and policy: Zimplats CEO Alexander Mhembere urged government to keep policy stable for investment and industrial growth; RBZ deposit protection expansion targets US$106m to strengthen depositor safety. Mining and trade: Ecobank Zimbabwe plans to expand financing for domestic lithium mining; ZimTrade and South Africa’s LEDA signed an MoU to boost cross-border trade. Food security risk: El Niño odds are rising, with drought fears flagged for Zimbabwe and neighbours in 2026-27. Local business and community: Gwanda North residents intensified an anti-drug march, stressing community leadership in protecting youth.

HIV Prevention Supply: Zimbabwe expects 42,000 doses of Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable PrEP, arriving in July to boost HIV prevention coverage. Constitutional Politics: The Senate has approved Constitutional Amendment No. 3 (CAB3), extending presidential terms to seven years and shifting future presidential elections to parliament—sparking fresh court challenges and opposition backlash. National Heroes: President Mnangagwa will preside over the burial of national hero Ambassador Victor Matemadanda at National Heroes Acre today. Mining & Energy: RBZ warns miners to strictly comply with lithium export rules as oversight tightens; government also says it will repossess dormant coal concessions to unlock energy security. Local Governance: ZEC confirms Victoria Falls by-elections for Wards 9, 10 and 11 on August 1 after councillor recall disputes. Regional & Trade: SADC anti-corruption chiefs call for stronger regional co-operation; China pledges deeper trade ties with Zimbabwe, citing record US$4.4bn bilateral trade and zero-tariff opportunities. Business & Finance: ZSE and NVCCZ sign an MoU to help venture-backed SMEs access capital markets via ZEEX. Infrastructure Progress: Gwayi-Shangani Dam works are reported at 77% completion, targeting water delivery to Bulawayo and power generation.

Constitutional Change: Zimbabwe’s Senate has overwhelmingly approved Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term from five to seven years and shifting presidential elections to parliament, paving the way for him to stay in office until 2030. Lithium Policy: Zimbabwe will keep the 2027 deadline for lithium producers to set up beneficiation plants, urging firms to use tolling deals with processors already operating in the country. Budget Transparency: Zimbabwe placed among Africa’s top performers in budget transparency, scoring 62/100 in the 2025 Open Budget Survey and ranking third in Sub-Saharan Africa. Fertiliser Push: Zimbabwe is advancing local fertiliser production with a China-linked equipment project aimed at reducing import dependence and stabilising farm inputs. Regional Integration: At a SADC meeting in Bulawayo, ministers urged faster rollout of the Single African Air Transport Market and stronger regional digital sovereignty and climate-resilient infrastructure. Agriculture & Energy: Government is promoting hybrid cotton seed and cotton-specific pest control for millions of smallholders, while biogas is being pitched as a rural energy option in cattle-rich Matabeleland. SME Financing: ZSE and SMEDCO are partnering to expand capital access for SMEs through the planned ZEEX platform. Conservation & Community: Emirates SkyCargo and Dogs 4 Wildlife are deploying specialist dogs to support anti-poaching at Matusadona National Park, alongside ongoing mental health and rural enterprise support programmes.

Constitutional Amendment CAB3: Zimbabwe’s Senate has overwhelmingly approved the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, with 75 senators voting for and four against, clearing the way for President Mnangagwa’s assent and setting up major changes including extending presidential and parliamentary terms to seven years and shifting presidential selection to Parliament. Procurement Integrity: Vice President Chiwenga urged stronger transparency and disciplined oversight in public procurement at a regional forum in Harare, warning against abuses like direct procurement and conflicts of interest. AI and Critical Minerals: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says Zimbabwe is aligning its growth plan with global trends, betting on AI, lithium beneficiation and data centres to drive the next phase of development. RBZ Mono-Currency Reassurance: The RBZ has told the mining sector that the planned move to a mono-currency will not wipe out the value of foreign-currency contracts and accounts without owners’ consent. Bulawayo Infrastructure and Services: Government funding is set to accelerate rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road, while Bulawayo officials also moved to engage the minister after service-delivery concerns. Consumer Protection: The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe warns of rising online retail fraud, urging extreme caution as scammers take payments and disappear. Social Development: Government and UN partners launched a national framework to prevent and respond to adolescent pregnancies, citing a 23.7% prevalence among girls aged 15–19. Local Health Upgrade: Mpilo Hospital renovations are nearing completion, with Blocks C and D expected to be ready by year-end.

Constitutional Showdown (CAB3): Zimbabwe’s CAB3 heads to the Senate as Zanu PF faces fresh legal and political pressure, with economists warning the long-running debate could dent investor confidence and distract from development priorities. Governance & Transparency: Zimbabwe scored 62/100 in the 2025 Open Budget Survey, placing it among Africa’s budget transparency elite as reforms push stronger public access and oversight. Economy & Industry: The Chamber of Mines says Zimbabwe needs about US$10bn in new investment over five years, but offshore finance is tightening; RioZim also reports output recovery after mine restarts. Agriculture & Food: Cabinet approved a 2026-2035 Sugarcane Industry Development Plan to boost ethanol and value addition, while tomato prices rise due to low temperatures and reduced supply. Health & Skills: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says AI could modernise health financing by cutting leakages and improving resource allocation; meanwhile teachers are training in robotics and AI through national workshops. Security & Social Issues: Police move against illicit alcohol networks; authorities also prepare for the National Disability Expo in Masvingo. Sports & Culture: Stanbic Bank extended US$227m loans to mining, and Zimbabwe Cricket named Richard Ngarava to captain a one-off Test vs Bangladesh.

CAB3 Crackdown: Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa says CCC will resist a wave of arrests and civic-society targeting, citing jailed CCC legislators Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole and renewed detentions of Artuz leaders. Political Intimidation: Former MP Amos Chibaya reports a death threat to police linked to a planned meeting on CAB3, amid claims of assaults and shrinking democratic space. Constitution Debate: The CAB3 fight keeps heating up as Zanu PF spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa defends the reforms as citizen-driven, while critics warn it could weaken accountability. Mining & Lithium Scrutiny: Zimbabwe faces fresh scrutiny over Chinese-linked lithium mining, with allegations of abuse and smuggling; meanwhile a gold policy review warns strict thresholds could cut future export earnings. Economy & Business: National Foods says new plants are lifting output and capacity, while BancABC and Visa sign a five-year deal to expand digital payments. Climate & Agriculture: Government launches a livestock feed and fodder dashboard to prepare for drought shocks, and youth dialogues push disaster risk resilience. Health & HIV: Health journalists begin training on long-acting HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir. Sports: Zimbabwe names a 15-man squad for the one-off Test against Bangladesh, with Richard Ngarava captaining.

Adolescent Pregnancy Push: Zimbabwe and UN partners launched a National Framework for the Prevention and Response to Adolescent Pregnancies after adolescent pregnancy hit 23.7% among girls aged 15–19, with a focus on youth-led solutions. Power Deal: ZimGreenCo and Dolcin Trading signed a 25-year power purchase agreement for a 50MW solar plant near Chegutu, boosting renewable supply and power security. Constitutional Crisis Watch (CAB3): Rights lawyer Douglas Coltart and former Botswana leader Ian Khama joined growing criticism of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, warning it could set a dangerous precedent for leaders to cling to power. Mining Crackdown: Mines Minister Polite Kambamura vowed tougher action against illicit gold, lithium and diamond exports, saying smuggling drains foreign currency, taxes and jobs. Local Governance Debate: Bulawayo residents warned that a government push for privatisation/PPPs in local services could raise tariffs and weaken accountability. Youth & SRHR Dialogues: Parliament began provincial youth engagement hearings on SRHR and HIV governance under “Nothing For Us Without Us,” putting young voices into policy-making. Access to Justice: Two elderly women sued to force Legal Aid offices to be accessible to people with disabilities after being stranded on non-functional elevators. Zimbabweans in SA: Zimbabwe urged support to repatriate citizens ahead of South Africa’s June 30 deadline, as permit consultations lag and tensions over xenophobia continue.

Constitutional Politics: Debate on the Constitution Amendment No.3 (CAB3) Bill is set to begin in the Senate today, after it cleared the National Assembly with 216 votes for and 42 against—well above the two-thirds threshold—while opposition figures warn it is not a “done deal” without citizens’ consent. National Heroes: President Mnangagwa has declared Ambassador Victor Matemadanda a National Hero, mourning the 66-year-old diplomat as a war veteran and liberation struggle figure. Disaster Management: Zimbabwe is shifting from disaster response to prevention, with a new Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Bill meant to replace the Civil Protection Act and strengthen preparedness, mitigation and resilience. Migration & Education: Government says it is placing children of Zimbabweans who returned from South Africa into local schools to prevent them losing a school year amid ongoing anti-migrant protests. Energy & Mining: Energy reforms are being credited with unlocking fresh mining investment, as Minister July Moyo points to power expansion milestones. Regional Integration: A SADC ministerial meeting in Bulawayo is pushing transport, ICT and climate resilience priorities to deepen regional connectivity. China Ties: Chinese investment in Zimbabwe has surpassed US$4.4bn, with officials stressing transparency and value for ordinary people.

Platinum Payments Pressure: Zimbabwe’s platinum producers are owed $228m in unpaid export earnings under the foreign currency retention system, with delays blamed on revenue constraints and worsened by erratic power supply. Local Governance & Jobs: The National Competitiveness Commission will run a nationwide RUCCI survey from July 3–26 to benchmark and improve competitiveness of all 92 local authorities. Climate Risk for Miners: Mining leaders are urged to embrace climate finance and cleaner tech to protect operations and keep access to global markets. Disaster Management Shift: Government is advancing a Disaster Risk Management Bill to move from disaster response to prevention, preparedness and resilience. Veld Fire Crackdown: EMA steps up awareness ahead of the July 1–Nov 30 veld fire restriction period. Media Freedom in Court: Faith Zaba’s case is postponed again, renewing claims of political pressure. Rural Power Uptake: REF warns rural household electricity connections remain low despite subsidised schemes. Insurance Innovation: ICZ launches an innovation drive to expand insurance access and fight fraud using new technology. ZSE Listing: Axia debuts on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange after unbundling from Innscor. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Zimbabwe accelerates efforts to repatriate citizens after attacks on foreign nationals. War Veteran Loss: Ambassador Victor Matemadanda’s death sparks renewed poisoning questions and mourning across political ranks.

Constitutional Politics: Zimbabwe’s National Assembly has passed Constitutional Amendment Bill 3 (CAB3), extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term from five to seven years and pushing elections from 2028 to 2030, with 216 MPs voting in favour as the bill heads to the Senate. Succession Fallout: Analysts say CAB3 could shatter the Zanu PF power-sharing balance, putting Mnangagwa and VP Constantino Chiwenga on a collision course. Courtroom Win: In a landmark ruling, the High Court quashed charges against Zimbabwe Independent editor Faith Zaba and Alpha Media Holdings, ordering them off remand. Economy & Trade: Zimbabwe’s trade deficit widened to about US$1.2bn, while the RBZ cut its bank policy rate from 35% to 30%, a move framed as realignment amid still-volatile inflation. Energy & Industry: A major US$1.66bn irrigation push is set to anchor dam-based industrialisation, as firms continue to feel power and forex headwinds. Sports & Culture: Highlanders and Dynamos played out a 1-1 stalemate in the Battle of Zimbabwe; meanwhile, Sue Nyathi’s “The Polygamist” has become a Netflix hit, spotlighting Zimbabwean storytelling. Regional Migration: South Africa’s anti-foreigner protests continue to drive thousands of migrants to flee, with Zimbabweans facing uncertainty over return and reintegration.

Constitutional showdown (CAB3): Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 has cleared the National Assembly, extending presidential and parliamentary terms and shifting how the President is chosen, with senators now set to weigh revisions after MPs backed the bill despite public backlash. Free healthcare gaps (Bulawayo): Elderly patients say public hospitals prescribe medicines but force them to buy tablets from private pharmacies, turning facilities into “referral points.” Diplomacy and war-veteran legacy: Ambassador Victor Matemadanda, a Mozambique and Eswatini envoy and prominent liberation-war figure, has died; government confirmed the death but withheld details. Rail recapitalisation: Transport Minister Felix Mhona praised Mutapa Investment Fund and NRZ’s US$400m rail rehabilitation push to boost freight capacity and cut road pressure. Anti-crime focus (FATF): Zimbabwe is preparing for a FATF mutual evaluation, with assessors expected to judge real outcomes in fighting money laundering and terrorism financing. South Africa migration pressure: Pretoria dismissed claims of a June 30 foreigner exit deadline, while Zimbabwe says it can absorb returnees as xenophobia tensions rise. Court cases (EcoCash theft): Three Bulawayo men face theft charges after allegedly using software to steal from EcoCash accounts. Sports (Highlanders vs Dynamos): Highlanders players returned to training after a US$200 “keep-going” allowance, but unpaid salary and bonus disputes could still trigger a sit-in.

Constitutional Reform: Zimbabwe’s Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill has cleared the National Assembly and heads to the Senate after passing third reading with 216 votes to 42, setting up another two-thirds vote in the upper House. Minimum Wage Update: Government has raised the minimum monthly wage for domestic workers to US$90 (and US$270 for unclassified operations), effective immediately, as living costs keep biting. Education & Power: Energy Minister July Moyo says all rural schools in Umguza District will be electrified by year-end, with dozens of primary schools already connected under the rural electrification push. Tragedy in Gweru: A witness recounts the Senga kombi inferno that killed seven pupils after a commuter omnibus burst into flames near Matongo Primary School. Markets: Zimbabwe’s stock exchanges rebounded in May as investor sentiment improved, inflation eased and demand for equities picked up. Tourism Push: ZTA says domestic travel is key to recovery, with receipts projected to rise and more trips expected from Zimbabweans. Sports: Highlanders’ players returned to training after salary and bonus wrangles ahead of the Dynamos clash, while South Africa’s Springboks named a 46-man squad for the Nations Championship.

Fuel Watch: Zimbabwe cut petrol to US$1.98 and diesel to US$1.99 per litre, easing costs after Middle East supply fears eased, though prices still sit higher than neighbours. Mining & Power: Gold output is under threat as electricity shortages and unplanned outages keep disrupting production, while the mining sector warns forex shortages could stall expansion. Economy Update: ZimStat says the economy grew 8.29% in 2025 on improved agriculture, stronger mining and better macro stability. CAB3 Politics: Zanu PF critics accuse the ruling party of using financial inducements to weaken opposition and push CAB3, while Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi defends the bill’s constitutional path. Civic Space: A new Nango and ZimRights report says CSOs face tighter rules, funding cuts and more scrutiny under laws like the PVO Amendment Act and Patriot Act. Regional Migration: South Africa’s crackdown is driving deportations, with hundreds of undocumented Malawians processed at Beitbridge as Zimbabweans in SA are urged to stay lawful. Culture & Media: Zimbabwe author Sukoluhle Nyathi’s “The Polygamist” has become a Netflix hit across Africa and beyond.

Constitutional Crisis (CAB3): Zimbabwe’s National Assembly passed the Constitutional Amendment Bill (No. 3), with 216 MPs voting in favour and 42 against, setting up further debate in the Senate and intensifying fears that the changes favour political elites and weaken citizens’ control over leadership. Opposition Pushback: The UANC is calling for broad public consultations before CAB3 proceeds, warning reforms must not erode democratic freedoms. Legal Stakes: Constitutional Court action is now expected to be the next major battleground, with critics urging the Court to insist on stronger democratic safeguards. Succession Row: ZANU-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa attacked Vice President Chiwenga over the use of “zvigananda” in succession politics, escalating factional tensions. Economy & Finance: The Deposit Protection Corporation raised deposit insurance cover for banks to US$3,000 and microfinance clients to US$2,000 from July 1, aiming to boost confidence. Mining Pressure: Platinum producers warned government delays in paying surrendered export proceeds are choking cash flow and delaying investment. Local Governance: Bulawayo City Council flagged rising numbers of unlicensed businesses, citing lost revenue and public health risks. Trade & Energy: Zimbabwe is pursuing AIIB membership talks in Beijing for long-term infrastructure funding, while fuel import reduction hopes grow as Cabora Bassa Basin exploration advances.