AGP Executive Report

Mining & Trade Push: ZimTrade is targeting Namibia’s market, focusing on leather and horticulture after talks with the Namibian ambassador, while Zimbabwean firms also eye regional mining value chains through participation in DRC Mining Week. Gold Sector Governance: Mutapa Gold Resources is calling for faster formalisation of artisanal and small-scale miners, and gold producers warn they’re struggling to secure offshore financing for expansion. Policy Certainty for Investors: Ghana Chamber of Mines says Zimbabwe can become a top mining destination if it keeps regulations predictable and investor-friendly. Constitutional Reform Update: Parliament’s CAB3 debate is moving forward after government dropped controversial clauses on the Gender Commission merger and the political role of traditional leaders. War Veterans Land Titles: Mnangagwa pledged to accelerate land title issuance for war veterans to secure lasting legacy and economic empowerment. Local Government & Safety: Bulawayo councillors want CCTV rollout to curb illegal dumping. Immigration Relief for Returnees: Government introduced an immigrants rebate for Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, including duty-free personal effects and one vehicle under conditions. Economy & Finance: The RBZ cut policy rate to 30% as inflation stays below 5%. Water & Energy: ZINWA is solarising 26 water stations in the Runde Catchment to cut diesel costs and improve rural water security.

Constitutional Court Clears CAB3: Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court dismissed war veterans’ and CCC MP Prince Dubeko Sibanda’s challenges to Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, clearing the way for Parliament to proceed. Monetary Easing & FX Moves: The RBZ cut the policy rate to 30% as inflation stays below 5%, while reporting links ZiG stability to Treasury and RBZ controls. Mining Push for Output & Rules: Zimbabwe licensed a second gold refinery for Bulawayo to handle rising output, targeting 50 tonnes in 2026; meanwhile the Electronic Mining Cadastre System is set for a December launch. Mining Conference in Victoria Falls: The Chamber of Mines conference opened with calls for growth beyond the commodity cycle, tackling energy, infrastructure and regulatory uncertainty. Tourism Access & Food Tourism: Government says it’s removing barriers to tourist movement at borders and checkpoints; ZTA also flags gastronomy and culinary tourism as a key driver of the tourism rebound. Bulawayo Services Under Pressure: Residents in Ward 25 raised sewer bursts and title deed security concerns with Bulawayo City Council. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: As South Africa’s June 30 deportation deadline nears, clashes erupted near a deportation processing site in Durban, with police using stun grenades and rubber bullets. Business & Jobs: Tongaat Hulett’s liquidation was averted in South Africa, protecting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the sugar value chain, with Zimbabwe’s growers also affected.

Agribusiness Finance: Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe says it is backing mechanisation and climate-proofing in farming, with US$800m in annual and revolving facilities and services to 55,000+ farmers through 14 centres and 13 agency booths. Youth & Skills: Government and the World Food Programme launch the Youth Empowerment Leadership Programme in Harare to tackle unemployment through leadership, skills and participation in national development. Digital Assets Regulation: The Financial Intelligence Unit moves to regulate Virtual Asset Service Providers, requiring AML/CFT compliance, customer due diligence, record-keeping and suspicious transaction reporting. Labour Costs: Zimbabwe raises the domestic workers’ minimum wage to US$90 per month, with higher floors for cooks, child minders and carers. Transport & Safety Tech: Harare’s AI camera crackdown has already snared 15,000 traffic offenders, with drivers to be notified on violations. CAB3 Debate: Lobengula-Magwegwe MP Tendai Nyathi challenges CAB3, arguing proposed constitutional changes won’t fix water, infrastructure, jobs and regional marginalisation. Environment & Research: First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa urges artisanal miners to adopt safer, sustainable practices, while Zimbabwe prepares for the 14th International Research Symposium in Harare. Regional Shock (South Africa): Anti-migrant unrest in South Africa intensifies as a June 30 departure deadline looms, with leaders urging citizens not to scapegoat foreigners. Business Rescue: Tongaat Hulett liquidation is withdrawn after a rescue pact involving IDC and Vision, aimed at protecting jobs across the sugar value chain.

Central Bank Moves: RBZ cuts the policy rate from 35% to 30% as inflation stays below 5%, aiming to ease borrowing costs for mortgages, vehicles and business credit. Minimum Wage Boost: Cabinet sets domestic workers’ minimum wage at US$90/month and unclassified workers at US$270/month (payable in local currency), with tiered rates for cooks, carers and Red Cross-certified disability/elderly caregivers. CAB3 Politics: National Assembly suspends other business to prioritise CAB3 debate, while a planned Zanu PF “citizens’ solidarity” rally in support of the Bill is cancelled amid claims of fading backing. Elections Decentralised: ZEC commissions modern district offices in Matobo (Kezi), bringing services closer to communities under devolution. Education Policy: Government says the Heritage-Based Curriculum is mandatory for all learners, including Cambridge programme students, with first exams due in 2028. Health Security: President Mnangagwa pledges US$1m to support Ebola response and urges sustained investment in resilient African health systems. Industry & Exports: Zimbabwe targets at least US$1bn in manufactured exports by 2030 as industrialisation accelerates. Infrastructure & Jobs: Century Auto Assembly Plant nears completion (95%) and plans vehicle production pending certifications. Agriculture Crisis Warning: Industry minister Sekai Nzenza outlines a plan to reactivate the fertiliser value chain, including raising US$70m for phosphate extraction tech for Dorowa. Regional Finance: Victoria Falls IFSC is set to issue its first operating licences within weeks. Crime & Markets: Harare warns informal markets are becoming more entangled with drug and substance abuse.

Rail Safety Crisis: A freight train and bus collided at a railway crossing in Triangle, killing at least nine people (including two children) and injuring 25, with police saying the bus driver failed to stop before crossing. Cost of Living Reality: Zimbabweans are increasingly shunning formal supermarkets for tuckshops, where a basket of staples costs about 12% less, widening the gap between official economic gains and everyday prices. HIV Prevention Focus: NAC is scaling up its Key Populations Programme in Bubi District to curb new HIV infections among female sex workers amid mining-driven mobility and high-risk sexual networks. Youth, Culture and Drugs: Bulawayo’s Nkulumane initiative Idale Labafana uses Ubuntu lessons, mentorship and sport to keep boys aged 12–17 away from substance abuse. Digital & Finance Moves: NetOne says it is driving Zimbabwe’s digital transformation through connectivity and infrastructure; Finsec has completed a blockchain platform for tokenised real-world assets; and the RBZ cut the benchmark policy rate to 30% from 35%. Governance & Crime: Government launched anti-corruption training for officials, while ZRP’s AI traffic enforcement is already catching 15,000 offenders weekly and police report 1,282 armed robberies in the past year. Economy & Trade: Zimbabwe targets US$1bn in manufactured exports by 2030, and foreign currency earnings rose 39.1% to US$8.3bn in the first five months of 2026.

Constitutional Crisis Watch: Zanu PF ministers Lovemore Matuke and Ezra Chadzamira hit back at war veterans resisting CAB3, arguing Mnangagwa’s two-year extension is consistent with liberation values. Parliament & Governance: Debate on Constitution Amendment No 3 (CAB3) is set for a vote this week, with critics warning it could weaken constitutional safeguards and extend terms without a referendum. Political Tensions: Observers say high-profile vehicle and cash donations linked to CAB3 are fuelling allegations of vote-buying and internal factional battles, including a car and US$200,000 reportedly offered to Rutendo Matinyarare. Business & Finance: First Capital Bank signed a 20-year partnership with Royal Harare Golf Club to develop a pavilion at Royal Palampilo Park. Health & Society: National Blood Services of Zimbabwe says stocks are stable at four days’ cover, slightly below the five-day buffer, and expects improvement in the next two weeks. Education & Skills: Harare Polytechnic signed a tripartite agreement with Ningbo Polytechnic University and Huayou Cobalt to boost skills development and industry links. Security & Crime: A family in Gwanda was robbed at gunpoint, with CCTV footage released to help police identify suspects.

Land & Housing Fallout: Stoneridge residents in Harare South say they paid fees and built homes after trusting a cooperative tied to war veterans, only to find themselves homeless as a long-running land ownership dispute drags on. Governance & Politics: Opposition MPs continue to resist CAB3, warning it would weaken democracy and shift power away from citizens, while debate intensifies inside Parliament. Economy & Markets: ZSEH is pushing VFEX as a regional capital-raising hub, betting on the Victoria Falls International Financial Services Centre as investors favour hard-currency listings. SMEs & Finance: ZEEX is set to open capital access for Zimbabwe’s largely informal SME base, aiming to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and traditional financing. Mining & Power: Redwing Mine reconnects to the national grid as restart momentum builds, enabling key rehabilitation work. Food Security: Agriculture targets 90% national food security by 2030, backed by AfDB support for climate-smart programmes. Social Issues: Bulawayo certifies 80 community drug-abuse ambassadors, while senators call for tougher action on child marriage and teenage pregnancy. Regional Migration: South Africa repatriated 2,745 foreigners in a week amid tougher anti-illegal immigration enforcement.

Crypto Regulation: Zimbabwe has gazetted new rules for virtual asset service providers, requiring registration with the RBZ’s Financial Intelligence Unit, with a $500 entry fee and annual renewal, and making unregistered operations a criminal offence. Constitutional Tensions: A Zanu PF source linked to Vice President Chiwenga warns CAB3 has pushed politics “to the brink,” saying Zimbabwe has never been this close to a civil war. Political Patronage Row: Presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara’s offer of a Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series and cash pledges to critic Rutendo Matinyarare has sparked accusations of “public bribery,” with activists and rivals trading blows online. Public Safety Tragedy: In Gweru, a grieving father says overcrowding turned a school kombi into a death trap after seven pupils died in a fire. Food Security: Zimbabwe is targeting a potentially record wheat harvest of about 662,500 tonnes, with planting at 94.5% of the national target ahead of the June 15 deadline. Tourism: Victoria Falls Rainforest visitor arrivals rose to over 64,000 in Q1 2026, up from more than 60,000 in Q1 2025. Mining Outlook: Authorities project mineral export receipts of US$6.5bn–US$7bn this year, banking on gold, PGMs and lithium beneficiation to cushion shocks. Dementia Alarm: Senators call for urgent action on dementia and Alzheimer’s, urging a national strategy as stigma and limited care leave many unsupported.

Constitutional Crisis & CAB3 Fallout: Chivayo has fired back at Temba Mliswa over the CAB3 “gift” controversy, accusing him of hypocrisy after claiming Mliswa accepted a US$107,000 Ford Raptor; meanwhile, Parliament’s CAB3 vote has been delayed amid bribery allegations and mounting political tension. Economy & Trade: Zimbabwe’s export earnings have more than tripled from about US$3bn in 2017 to nearly US$10bn in 2024, led by gold and key agricultural and mineral products. Tax & Enforcement: ZIMRA is reported to be running midnight raids targeting tax evasion, while Duration Gold has disowned a forensic report alleging it owes ZIMRA about US$20m in taxes. Public Health: Senators have raised alarm over a growing dementia and Alzheimer’s burden, calling for urgent national policy and support for families. Food Security: Government says winter wheat planting is on track for a potential bumper harvest, with El Niño drought risk looming. Energy Access: ZETDC says it has connected about 80% of Binga town to the grid, up sharply from 10% last year. Wildlife & Justice: A Hwange security guard was jailed nine years for unlawful possession of raw elephant ivory. Local Life: MSU students in Zvishavane are battling aggressive baboons driven into town by drought.

Constitutional Politics: Zimbabwe’s Parliament speaker Thokozile Didiza rejected calls for her to recuse herself from Ramaphosa impeachment matters, arguing ad hoc rules would make the speaker’s role impossible. CAB3 Fallout: A heated social-media exchange between presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara and activist Rutendo Matinyarare has sparked fresh questions about whether Matinyarare’s CAB3 attacks are being “neutralised” after an offer of a Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series and a proposed roundtable. Security & Military: Reports say 65 soldiers were arrested and allegedly tortured after “THE PEOPLE’S ARMY” leaflets were found across Harare barracks, deepening fears of unrest within the ranks. Food & Health: A World Food Safety Day feature warns that leftovers and poor storage of sadza and spicy foods are linked to illness and deaths, especially among young children. Climate & Farming: Government says winter wheat planting is at 94.5% of target, with hopes for a bumper harvest as El Niño drought risk looms. Transport in Bulawayo: Bulawayo City Council says only a fraction of about 3,000 commuter omnibuses have route approval, blaming illegal operators for congestion and revenue loss. Zimbabwe-Equatorial Guinea Ties: President Mbasogo praised Zimbabwe’s stance on global peace after the two countries signed Bi-National Commission agreements in Harare. Sports (Zimbabwe-linked): Bulawayo transport chaos and Zimbabwe’s cricket “Zimbabwe A” match results also drew attention this week.

Crypto Regulation: Zimbabwe moves to regulate cryptocurrency trading with mandatory FIU registration and annual licensing fees, aiming to bring digital assets into the formal economy and curb financial crime. CAB3 Constitutional Debate: Constitutional expert Tendai Mwonzora says CAB3 can still be challenged in court after Parliament, arguing a referendum is unavoidable because the bill affects voting rights and term limits. Public Health: Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora says a proposed National Health Fund Bill could make free treatment available at government hospitals, with cancer equipment access a key concern raised in the Senate. Local Economy & Jobs: Harare’s acting town clerk Warren Chiwawa says the city is opening a US$4.29bn 2026–2030 infrastructure pipeline to attract private capital through bankable projects. Mining & Finance: Mutapa Gold Resources targets about US$500m revenue in 2026 after declaring a US$35m dividend, projecting higher output and improved recovery. Sports (Women’s Volleyball): Zimbabwe women staged a 2-0 comeback to beat Zambia 3-2 in a CAVB Zone VI qualifier dress rehearsal, setting up today’s final. Digital Security: NetOne says it is deploying AI to protect critical telecom infrastructure as cyber threats rise.

Crypto Regulation: Zimbabwe moves to regulate cryptocurrency with mandatory registration and $500 annual fees for businesses, with operating without approval now an offence under FIU rules. Labour Justice: The Labour Court dismissed 37 workers’ bid for condonation to salvage a late appeal against an arbitration award tied to Shengxiang Investments, saying the delay was inadequately explained. Water & Development: China hands over 300 boreholes to Zimbabwe, delivering clean water to over 75,000 residents across four provinces and supporting farming and resilience. Agriculture Innovation: The Agricultural Research Council calls for tighter farmer–research–policy linkages at its 2026 Agri-Innovation Field Day as Zimbabwe pushes food security amid climate shocks. Women & Youth Enterprise: The CEDIS programme says it has supported more than 30,000 women and youth entrepreneurs nationwide, funded by Sweden and implemented by Mercy Corps, as it closes on June 30. Mining Output Push: State gold miner Mutapa Gold Resources plans to double output to 220,000 ounces by 2029 after securing $75m for the Shamva Hill expansion. Disaster Recovery Framework: Government gazettes river rehabilitation regulations allowing contractors to recover gold while restoring damaged ecosystems, with royalties and reporting requirements. Tourism Boost: First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa receives KAZA TFCA recognition for enabling 10,000 women to visit Victoria Falls. Sports & Culture: Zimbabwe’s cricket coach Justin Sammons says yoga will become part of Chevrons training after a World International Yoga Day session in Harare.

CAB3 Politics: Parliament debate on the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) turned heated after CCC MP Innocent Zvaipa warned the wording could weaken the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ constitutional role, with Zanu-PF lawmakers pushing back and Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi intervening. Anti-Corruption Push: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says government will punish senior civil servants who sign off bad deals after reports of “extortionist” pricing by suppliers. Poverty Strategy: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle says the state is prioritising income growth through agriculture modernisation, digital economy and startups, not just cash handouts. Debt Relief Talks: Zimbabwe is seeking a US$150m AfDB loan to help clear debt arrears and re-engage creditors. Business & Jobs: RioZim workers back a corporate rescue bid to protect jobs as the company faces severe financial distress. Health: Hypertension is rising but under-detected, with experts urging routine screening. Tax & Housing: A new presumptive rental income tax is raising compliance questions for landlords and agents. Crime & Safety: Harare’s robbery situation remains worse than the national picture, despite overall declines. Water Access: Zinwa begins prepaid water meters in Gokwe to curb debt and consumption. Sports: Zimbabwe-born NCAA long-jumper Tah Chikomba wins the men’s national title.

Aviation & Business Flash: Controversial Harare businessman Wicknell Chivayo says he has bought a US$34m Gulfstream G550 private jet, reportedly landing at RG Mugabe International Airport. Rural Economy & Jobs: Chief Dakamela urged firms to invest in rural areas, arguing land is available and title can unlock capital for formal finance. Water Security: Bulawayo councillors renewed calls for immediate implementation of the Glassblock Dam after recurring shortages. Public Procurement Clarity: PRAZ says Zimbabwe’s National Standard Price List is not price control, but a guide to improve transparency and value for money. Health Upgrade: Government received more cancer treatment equipment, including LINAC radiotherapy machines, as it moves from upgrading treatment to expanding diagnostics. Gold & Finance: Reserve Bank data shows gold revenue more than doubled to about US$1.2bn in Jan–Apr 2026, boosting foreign currency inflows. Regional Trade: ZimTrade sent 25 Zimbabwean firms to Zambia to chase partnerships in agriculture and construction services. Governance & Security: ZDF says it was unaware of anonymous pamphlets allegedly circulated at barracks about welfare and constitutional amendments. Education Innovation: AU education commissioner visits Zimbabwe to study the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model. Sports Media: Zimbabwe Cricket partners with FanCode and Zee to broadcast India’s July 2026 tour in Harare.

Tragedy on the road: A kombi/minibus packed with schoolchildren caught fire in Gweru (Senga, Chirandu Business Centre), killing seven pupils; police say preliminary findings point to a jerry can of petrol possibly fueling the blaze, with investigations ongoing and injured children rushed to hospital. Constitutional politics (CAB3): Opposition and ruling-aligned MPs traded barbs as debate on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 intensifies, with CCC figures including Nelson Chamisa ruling out backing another military intervention and Agency Gumbo and Johnson Matambo warning the bill could undermine Zimbabwe’s democratic framework. Reserved sectors push: Government says 432 applications have been received from foreign-owned firms seeking to continue operating in 21 reserved sectors for indigenous Zimbabweans, with more than 280 already approved. Economy & trade: ZimTrade reports export earnings up 48% to US$3.57bn (Jan–Apr 2026) and a narrower trade deficit, driven by value-added products. Health upgrade: The Health ministry took delivery of advanced cancer treatment equipment (LINAC radiotherapy machines) as it moves from phase one into phase two for diagnostics. Business & tourism: ZSE signed an MoU with INVESCI to grow the SME capital market ecosystem via ZEEX, while tourism authorities say hotels in Masvingo are already heavily booked ahead of Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbabwe World Tourism Expo.

Local Governance & Youth: Umguza Rural District Council inducted 25 newly elected junior councillors, training them on governance, ethics, public finance and youth participation, with the chair urging them to act as “leaders of today.” Investment & Pensions: A Zimbabwe Institutional Investors Forum in Harare (June 24-25) will focus on mobilising pension and other long-term capital for sustainable growth and infrastructure. Regulation & Business Climate: Government is consulting to cut liquor licence fees, streamline applications and reduce delays for operators. Public Procurement Reform: PRAZ’s symposium in Bulawayo spotlights procurement as a driver of inclusive economic transformation, with MAPS reviews and e-procurement expansion on the agenda. Economy & Fiscal Risks: A new Zimbabwe Economic Pulse report warns that a reported cash surplus hides rising debt-servicing costs, domestic borrowing reliance and wage-bill pressure. Agriculture & Jobs: Zimbabwe is training a delegation in rabbit artificial insemination to speed genetic gains; the industry already involves 5,000+ farmers. Infrastructure Finance: Bulawayo City Council seeks over US$13m borrowing for water, sewage, roads, ICT and renewable energy upgrades. Industry Update: PPC Zim paid a record US$36m dividend after strong volumes and profitability gains. Governance Debate (CAB3): CCC MP Susan Matsunga backed CAB3 proposals on extending the presidential term and having Parliament elect the President. Public Safety & Health: FIU challenged university students to build solutions against financial crime, fraud and money laundering.