AGP Executive Report

UN Diplomacy & AI: President Emmerson Mnangagwa told the UN General Assembly in New York that the AI era demands “global trust” and shared benefits, while keeping online spaces safe. Smart Policing: ZRP is urged to speed up smart policing and build cybercrime skills as criminals increasingly exploit technology. Street Vending Crackdown: Opposition says Zanu PF is “betraying” vendors as Harare and Chitungwiza demolitions and new trading hours hit informal traders during the nationwide “cleanup” drive. Women’s Rights Backlash: Zanu PF Women’s League leader Mabel Chinomona sparked outrage by urging women to stop contraceptives and have more children, with critics pointing to legal and maternity leave limits. Trade & Industry: Zimbabwe opened a safeguard probe into rising pasta imports, with imports now dominating the market and threatening the local producer. Sports: Australia completed a 3-0 ODI sweep over Zimbabwe, winning the 3rd ODI by one wicket after Josh Inglis’ 103 and Nathan Ellis’ late heroics. Public Safety: Police arrested a Bulawayo man after a CBD chase and gunshots following a refusal to stop.

Local Governance & Public Safety: Freelance journalist Judith Nyuke (39) was killed after being struck by a Geo Pomona waste-management truck in Harare, as government pushes the company’s waste-collection takeover in Bulawayo under a tight deadline. Education & Integrity: Zimsec is rolling out enhanced exam security, including traceable question papers and personalised answer sheets, ahead of Grade Seven exams starting 21 September. Economic Diplomacy: Zimbabwe’s incoming COMESA chairmanship is being framed as a chance for Bulawayo to build a permanent industrial, investment and export gateway into the bloc’s 640 million consumers. Arts & Jobs: Government launched a Matabeleland North Arts and Crafts co-operative union in Victoria Falls to formalise and commercialise work by 800+ artisans, linking them to tourism and markets. Sports (Zimbabwe focus): Zimbabwe and Australia set for the 3rd ODI in Harare as Australia eyes a series wrap-up, with attention on young talent Ollie Peake. Crime & Violence: Police report a Harare man arrested for allegedly strangling his wife with a shoelace during a domestic dispute tied to alleged infidelity.

IMF & Economy: IMF staff and Zimbabwe reached a staff-level agreement on the second review under the Staff-Monitored Program, with progress on targets and a focus on protecting social spending, monetary and exchange-rate reforms, and stronger governance. UN Diplomacy: President Mnangagwa left for New York for UNGA81, while ministers urged restoring trust in multilateralism and called for a fairer global order. Urban Life & Poverty: Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume sparked outrage saying people who can’t afford Harare should leave, as the city council also moves to clear streets of vulnerable groups. Vending Crackdown: Government extended a national cleanup campaign restricting CBD vending to 6am–6pm and residential vending to 8pm, drawing claims it targets livelihoods. Politics & Governance: ZANU PF’s Mutsvangwa defended Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 without concrete economic proof, and VP Mohadi linked anti-corruption to development goals. Cricket: Australia beat Zimbabwe by 84 runs to seal a 2-0 ODI series lead, powered by Travis Head’s 112 and Adam Zampa’s 200th ODI wicket milestone. Business & Investment: UNDP and ZIDA highlighted 31 impact investment opportunities worth about US$535m, while Zimbabwe launched an “Italian Agrifood” technology push for pilot projects.

ODI Series Update: Travis Head struck a 75-ball century as Australia beat Zimbabwe by 84 runs in the 2nd ODI at Harare Sports Club, sealing a 2-0 series win; Adam Zampa also reached 200 ODI wickets with 2/62, while Zimbabwe were bowled out for 272 despite contributions from Raza and Brendan Taylor. Crime Crackdown: Zimbabwe Republic Police shot dead two suspected armed robbers linked to the killing of Bulawayo businessman Tadius Rutanhira, arresting four others as part of a wider crackdown on violent robbery gangs. Urban Informal Trade Pressure: Government extended its National Cleanup Campaign with new vending curfews—CBD vending limited to 6am-6pm and residential areas until 8pm—sparking political backlash over alleged harm to livelihoods. Governance & Security: President Mnangagwa swore in commissioners for Chapter 12 independent commissions, while Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe urged smart policing and faster cybercrime response. Anti-Corruption Push: VP Kembo Mohadi said the fight against corruption must be tied to regional development goals, warning graft drains resources meant for services and jobs. Economy & Policy: Zimbabwe and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement to complete the second review under the Staff-Monitored Program, aiming to consolidate stability and support arrears clearance. Business & Trade: Competition and Tariff Commission launched a safeguard probe into pasta imports after National Foods complained of injury from rising, cheaper imports. Climate Preparedness: Caritas Masvingo and CRS Zimbabwe launched an anticipatory action programme in Beitbridge to support vulnerable households ahead of El Niño-linked shocks.

ODI Cricket: Travis Head smashed 112 off 84 as Australia posted 356-6 and beat Zimbabwe by 84 runs to seal an unassailable 2-0 series lead in Harare, with Adam Zampa crossing 200 ODI wickets and Josh Hazlewood returning to take key strikes. Mining & FX: Zimplats says it has unlocked about US$46.5m in local-currency funds previously trapped under Zimbabwe’s foreign-currency retention framework, easing cash constraints for operations. Climate Finance: ActionAid Zimbabwe praised Zimbabwe’s shift toward “productive borrowing” for revenue-generating infrastructure during the Global Week of Climate Action, warning debt servicing is squeezing climate spending. Fuel Prices: ZERA approved another fuel hike, with diesel 50 rising to US$2.08/litre and E20 to US$2.06/litre, hitting motorists again amid global oil price pressure. Women’s Sport: Zimbabwe Women set for a six-match white-ball series against West Indies Women in Harare—three ODIs (Sept 24, 27, 30) and three T20Is (Oct 3, 5, 7). Governance & Sport Infrastructure: The Tourism Act establishes a Zimbabwe Tourism Fund to finance tourism and hospitality infrastructure, while Zimbabwe’s NSS stadium remains under conditional homologation ahead of the Sept 28 Zimbabwe vs DRC qualifiers.

Urban Clean-Up & Vending Crackdown: Government has imposed a countrywide vending curfew: no trading in CBDs after 6pm (6am–6pm only), and no vending in residential areas after 8pm, with enforcement rolling out across all 92 local authorities. Built-Environment Enforcement: Dilapidated and unkempt building owners have been issued abatement orders to renovate, repaint and clean, or face fines. Local Governance & Waste Dispute: Bulawayo residents and civic groups are demanding full disclosure over the Geo Pomona waste-to-energy/management deal at Ngozi Mine and want the council to pause a seven-day engagement deadline. Water Security Funding Worry: Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart says the Gwayi-Shangani pipeline could take 217 years at current funding pace, urging faster financing for the 252km project. Mining & Finance: Caledonia Mining is moving toward closing interim financing for its US$600m Bilboes gold project, targeting a facility closure in October. IMF Review Update: Zimbabwe and the IMF have reached a staff-level agreement to complete the second review of the Staff-Monitored Programme, supporting arrears clearance and debt talks. Education & STEM Push: President Mnangagwa capped 2,570 graduates at NUST, with 68% graduating in STEM and female participation rising. Cricket Administration: Zimbabwe Cricket chief Tavengwa Mukuhlani has been appointed ICC Deputy Chair, the first Zimbabwean to hold the post, as Zimbabwe prepares to co-host the 2027 World Cup. Health Research: Long-acting HIV injections every eight weeks are reported more effective than daily tablets for young people.

ICC Cricket Leadership: Zimbabwe Cricket chair Tavengwa Mukuhlani has been appointed ICC Deputy Chairperson until November 2027, becoming the first Zimbabwean in the post as the country gears up to co-host the 2027 ODI World Cup with South Africa and Namibia. Food & Farming: Government says Zimbabwe’s 2026 winter wheat harvest is on track for a record, with planting put at about 128,459 hectares and a target of 662,500 tonnes to bolster the Strategic Grain Reserve. Transport & Industry: National Railways of Zimbabwe is negotiating a US$115m Afreximbank facility to buy locomotives and wagons and repair infrastructure, alongside refurbished rolling stock from a Zimasco partnership. Urban Crackdown: Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe has ordered councils to issue abatement orders against unsafe, dilapidated buildings, while Harare also moves to tighten vending rules and trading hours in the CBD. Water Infrastructure Warning: Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart says the Gwayi-Shangani-Bulawayo pipeline could take 217 years if funding stays at last year’s rate. Politics & Governance: Tendai Biti attacks Joshua Maponga’s CAB4 push for a monarchy, warning it signals the “death of the republic.” Business: Andy Muridzo takes over as CEO of cross-border bus operator Khen Tours, expanding transport links between Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Drought Response: Cabinet has approved a six-pillar plan to cushion Zimbabwe against a super El Niño, including a stronger strategic grain reserve and faster climate-smart production, while government says cereal output for 2026/27 could fall to 1.6m tonnes from 2.68m. Food Security: Zimbabwe will increase food imports, with private firms allowed to import grain for commercial needs and households to import basic items. Local Health Supply: Bulawayo’s NatPharm warns terrible roads are delaying medicine deliveries in Matabeleland districts, especially during the rainy season. Waste Management Funding: Coltart says council finances are too tight to fund a modern Ngozi Mine waste processing plant, leaving the project dependent on partnerships. Monetary Policy: RBZ says any mono-currency move will be market-led and condition-based, not driven by a fixed date. Mining Revenue & Tax: ZIMRA flags leakages and tax challenges in small-scale mining, as it struggles to monitor illegal operations. Media Restructuring: Zimpapers plans to cut 154 jobs as it shifts to a digital-first model. Regional Trade & Policy: Experts call for an overhaul of Zimbabwe’s special economic zones to boost exports, and Parliament backs a proposal for NAC to manage the sugar tax. Diplomacy & Business: Zimbabwe and Mozambique pledge deeper cooperation and legislative alignment; Zimbabwe also warms up to the yuan as some banks offer yuan settlement.

Munhumutapa Day Politics: Zimbabwe marked President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s birthday as a public holiday, but the celebrations in Mvurwi drew backlash after reports of 588 cattle gifts from politically connected figures, reigniting debate over patronage and inequality. Anti-Corruption Push: ZACC chair Michael Reza says corruption must be fought regionally as Zimbabwe hosts the inaugural SADC Anti-Corruption Expo and Games in Victoria Falls. Public Procurement Reform: PRAZ says the National Standard Price List is helping curb overcharging in public tenders, with procurement practitioners meeting in Victoria Falls to push inclusion and integrity. Competitiveness Drive: The NCC’s summit in Bulawayo is pushing regulatory overhaul, digitalisation and ease-of-doing-business reforms, with Bulawayo positioning itself as a test case for faster licensing and better service delivery. Zimbabwe-China Industry Link: VP Constantino Chiwenga urged Chinese battery makers to set up production in Zimbabwe, arguing raw materials are already mined locally and should be processed and manufactured in-country. Media Job Cuts: Zimpapers announced a digital-first restructuring that will lead to retrenchments, including shifting ZTN to an OTT model. Bulawayo Waste Fight: The city convened an emergency meeting over a government directive to engage Geo Pomona for waste management, as residents and civic leaders resist the deal.

Education Costs: A Zimbabwean columnist says parents should not pay ZIMSEC examination fees, arguing exams are a core right and that Government already subsidises some school candidates. Cricket—ZIM vs AUS: Australia beat Zimbabwe by 59 runs in Harare’s first ODI, with Matt Renshaw striking a maiden ODI century and Nathan Ellis taking 5/31; Zimbabwe’s chase ended on 235. Sports—Women’s Cricket: Proteas Women sealed a 3-0 series lead over Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, with Laura Wolvaardt unbeaten on 126 as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 120. Governance & Reform: ACBF urges African governments to put leadership at the centre of public sector reforms, saying good ideas fail without trust, coordination and sustained momentum. Rail PPP: NRZ received a US$2.5m boost from Zimasco under a PPP, refurbishing three locomotives and 100 wagons to revive freight capacity. Monetary Policy: RBZ says the mono-currency transition has no fixed date and will be market-led, tied to macro stability and foreign currency conditions. National Celebrations: Munhumutapa Day drew massive crowds in Mvurwi as President Mnangagwa marked his 84th birthday and urged youth to build wealth through legitimate means.

Cricket — ZIM vs AUS 1st ODI: Australia took a 1-0 series lead with a 59-run win in Harare, powered by Matt Renshaw’s maiden ODI century (109) and Nathan Ellis’s career-best 5-31; Zimbabwe were bowled out for 235, with Craig Ervine top-scoring on 59. Local Governance — Bulawayo waste row: Bulawayo’s Town Clerk says council should comply with Minister Daniel Garwe’s directive to engage Harare-based Geo Pomona Waste Management to tackle the city’s waste crisis, despite residents pushing back. Politics & Policy — Munhumutapa Day: Zimbabwe marked President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s birthday as a national public holiday, with debate flaring over the “Munhumutapa” narrative and what it means for the country’s political direction. Economy & Business — Fertiliser bill: A parliamentary inquiry says Zimbabwe spent about US$2.11bn on fertiliser imports from 2018 to 2024 despite having capacity to supply far more than demand. Aviation Safety: Zimbabwe’s aviation safety milestone was praised at a SADC VSAT meeting in Victoria Falls, highlighting progress on regional communication and flight coordination. Sports (Women) — Proteas vs Zimbabwe: Laura Wolvaardt hit a record T20I century as South Africa beat Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, with Karabo Meso adding a maiden half-century. Culture — Bulawayo arts: A stone sculpture exhibition, “Birds of Zimbabwe,” opens in Bulawayo on 18 September, showcasing emerging sculptors and local birdlife.

Munhumutapa Day, Youth Housing: Zimbabwe marks Munhumutapa Day today in Mvurwi with expectations of over 100,000 people and President Mnangagwa launching a 259-hectare youth housing scheme, including stands for 2,000 youths in Mashonaland Central. Regional Trade Push: Government says it will leverage the 25th COMESA Summit in Harare (Oct 22) to deepen trade and attract investment, with a Host Agreement signed ahead of Zimbabwe’s expected COMESA chairmanship. Bulawayo Waste Crisis: Bulawayo residents and civic groups reject a directive forcing the city to sign a waste management MOU with Geo Pomona within a week, arguing it breaches procurement rules and demands public scrutiny. Industrial Revival & Counterfeits: Officials in Bulawayo promise tougher action against counterfeit goods and smuggling, alongside incentives to restore the city’s industrial status. Healthcare Education Milestone: First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa officially opens Zimbabwe’s first private nurses’ training school in Kadoma, aimed at strengthening the nursing workforce. Sports (Warriors): Warriors coach Ramon Catala names the AFCON 2027 qualifier squad, but Jordan Zemura is ruled out with injury.

Munhumutapa Day & power politics: Opposition and critics are pushing back hard against President Mnangagwa’s new public holiday, with claims it’s self-serving and not “coincidental,” as the state prepares a youth housing launch in Mvurwi. Housing for youth: Mnangagwa will unveil a 259-hectare scheme, with over 100,000 expected at Munhumutapa Day events and 2,000 youths set to receive stands. Economy watch: Zimstat says Q2 2026 GDP grew 3.1% year-on-year and 5.8% quarter-on-quarter, led by mining and quarrying. Bulawayo industrial push: Government approved Integrated Provincial SEZs, earmarking Bulawayo for major industrial incentives to revive manufacturing and attract investment. Local governance row: Bulawayo residents reject a ministerial directive to fast-track an agreement with Geo Pomona over the Richmond Landfill, arguing due process and procurement rules are being bypassed. RBZ and mobile money: The central bank moves to link mobile money accounts to civil registry data and shuts down ghost wallets to curb illicit flows and fraud. Mining & energy: Zimbabwe is betting on green mining and domestic gas ambitions after a US$259m fuel import bill highlighted pressure on energy costs. Business/competition: Zimbabwe’s competition watchdog is investigating Varun Beverages’ proposed stake acquisition in Dairibord. Sports: Warriors defender Jordan Zemura faces an injury setback ahead of AFCON qualifiers; Zimbabwe also eyes an ODI series vs Australia starting Sept 15 in Harare.

Diaspora & Investment: Zimbabwe could see US$3.5bn+ in remittances this year, but the push is to turn more of it into productive investment, not just household spending. Mobile Money Crackdown: The RBZ has integrated Civil Registry data with mobile money records to tighten identity checks and curb fraud and illicit flows. Mining & Roads: Zimbabwe’s Senate says mining companies must pay for roads they damage, with calls to link licence renewals to repairs. Heritage-Based Curriculum Exams: Government has ordered schools to prepare for the third-term national exams, the first big test of the Heritage-Based Curriculum. Munhumutapa Day: September 15 is now a public holiday, with major celebrations expected in Mvurwi. Traditional Medicine: The First Lady launched a nationwide Traditional Medicinal Herbs programme in Dande Valley to bridge indigenous knowledge and modern healthcare. Zimbabwe–China Minerals: VP Chiwenga says Zimbabwe should use Chinese tech to build value chains from strategic minerals into high-value products. Bulawayo Industrial Push: DISCO plans a steel corridor to drive downstream manufacturing and SADC exports, positioning Bulawayo as a key hub. Sports (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe U20 men’s handball team returned home winless after finishing 16th at the African Junior Nations Championship. Cricket (Zimbabwe-linked): Zimbabwe’s ODI squad for Australia is led by Sikandar Raza with Richard Ngarava out injured.

ODI Cricket: Zimbabwe name a 15-man squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia at Harare Sports Club, with Sikandar Raza captaining as Richard Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga sit out injuries; Brendan Taylor and Graeme Cremer return, while Blessing Muzarabani leads the pace group. Agriculture & Governance: A new column questions the “ultimate farmer” narrative around President Mnangagwa’s Precabe Farm, arguing it exposes deeper structural problems in Zimbabwe’s agricultural system. Public Health & Safety: World First Aid Day in Bulawayo pushes for wider first-aid training across schools, workplaces, mines, farms and communities, saying it can save lives in the first minutes during disasters and migration-related emergencies. Family & Social Issues: Zimbabwe faces renewed debate over paternity fraud after a TV show highlights DNA results and calls for criminalising the practice. Politics & State Power: Zanu PF tensions grow after CAB3/CAA3 dissent, with reports of looming cabinet reshuffles and disciplinary action for MPs accused of disloyalty. Mining Accountability: Youth groups warn that irresponsible mining is deepening inequality, urging value addition and real community benefits beyond extraction.

Mining & Investment Push: Zimbabwe is courting investors to set up mineral beneficiation and value-add capacity, with Deputy Mines Minister Dr Caleb Makwiranzou urging processing deals across lithium and PGMs to boost mineral revenue and cut reliance on raw exports. Regional Trade & COMESA: Zimbabwe exported US$222m to COMESA last year, up 10.4% from 2024, as the country prepares to host the COMESA Heads of State summit in Harare on Oct 22 and a business forum to deepen market access. Zimbabwe–China Cooperation: VP Dr Constantino Chiwenga says Zimbabwe and Chinese firms are ready to deepen cooperation through technology transfer and investment, while a China–Zimbabwe seminar for senior officials ended with calls to turn lessons into measurable action. Energy & Agriculture: Government and the International Solar Alliance are working on a solar-powered irrigation push, including pilots for pumps and cold rooms to make farming more climate-resilient. Youth Housing for Mvurwi: Ahead of Munhumutapa Day, Mnangagwa will launch a 259-hectare housing scheme in Mvurwi, with 2,000 youths set to get stands and more festivities drawing over 100,000 people. Fuel Update: Blended petrol rises by 3 cents to US$1.99/litre, while diesel stays at US$1.95/litre. Governance & Appointments: New commissioners for the Gender, Media and Land commissions are set for swearing-in at State House, strengthening constitutional bodies. Sports: Highlanders’ Willard Khumalo is hailed as the club’s best ever anchorman, and Zimbabwe’s Nthabiseng Nini makes history in Proteas debut.