AGP Executive Report

ZANU-PF Succession: The Chinhoyi conference exposed deepening tensions, with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga urging the party to confront past mistakes as proposals to keep Emmerson Mnangagwa at the helm until 2030 drew scrutiny. Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s rapid rise in government and party ranks has added to the dispute; reports also allege he made US$3 million in provincial payments, claims that surfaced amid a reported clash between Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi. Weather Alert: The Meteorological Services Department expects very hot conditions nationwide from Sunday through Tuesday, warning of dehydration and heat stress for people, crops and livestock. Maternal Health: An AI chatbot on WhatsApp is offering Zimbabwean mothers pregnancy information and connections to licensed health workers, potentially easing gaps caused by long clinic queues. Business: Unifreight plans to leave the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange for the US dollar-denominated VFEX, while Zimbabwe has scrapped import duty on heavy electric trucks. Returning Residents: Zimbabweans with foreign-registered vehicles say a new ZIMRA duty requirement gives them little time to pay or take their cars back across the border. Public Services: Police say the Smart Traffic Management System is operating, with camera-detected violations sent to registered vehicle owners by phone.

Zanu-PF Succession: At the party’s conference in Chinhoyi, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga questioned whether Zimbabwe was repeating past mistakes and urged leaders to put people before individuals. His remarks sharpened tensions with President Emmerson Mnangagwa as Kudakwashe Tagwirei rose to the party’s Politburo and Obert Mpofu was removed. Vice-President Kembo Mohadi was flown to Harare after falling ill; reports of his retirement or a clash with Chiwenga remain unconfirmed. Cost of Returning Home: Zimbabweans returning from South Africa say a new ZIMRA requirement to pay vehicle import duty when renewing temporary permits has left some with only days to pay or take their cars back across the border. Food Security: The government is boosting grain reserves and has announced a US$500 million drought-protection fund as Zimbabwe prepares for food-security risks. Rights and Sport: The Constitutional Court overturned a High Court ruling on abortion law, saying the constitutional issues had not been properly assessed; it did not settle whether current restrictions are constitutional. Zimbabwe’s ODI tri-series with Bangladesh and Afghanistan opened in the UAE, with the top two teams set to reach the final.

ZANU-PF Succession: Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga challenged the party to avoid repeating the mistakes that led to Robert Mugabe’s 2017 ouster, amid Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s rapid rise into the Politburo. Separately, Vice-President Kembo Mohadi was flown to Harare after falling ill at the party conference; his condition was reported as stable, with no diagnosis disclosed. Business and Transport: Zimbabwe has scrapped import duty on fully electric trucks weighing more than five tonnes, with the change applying retrospectively from March 2. Economic Outlook: Afreximbank forecasts 5% growth and inflation easing to 3.9% in 2026, citing stronger agriculture, gold exports and currency stabilisation. Community Support: The Zimbabwe Pensioner Support Fund provides food and medical aids to more than 1,050 older people, delivering supplies through 24 homes and organisations. Culture: Wuju Opera performers brought Zhejiang’s traditional music, acrobatics and storytelling to Harare as part of a series of cultural events in Zimbabwe.

ZANU-PF Succession: Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga warned the party against repeating the failures that led to Robert Mugabe’s 2017 removal, as President Emmerson Mnangagwa elevated businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei to the Politburo. Business: Zimbabwe has scrapped import duty on fully electric trucks weighing over five tonnes, with the change applying retrospectively from March 2. Press Freedom: Journalist Darlington Matola says threats against him escalated with a reported raid on his home by suspected security agents. Currency: Many Zimbabweans remain wary of holding ZiG after past currency collapses eroded savings and trust. Conservation: Nyaradzo Hoto’s journey from struggling to afford further education to becoming a pioneering woman ranger highlights new opportunities for rural women in wildlife protection.

Zanu PF Succession: Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s rapid rise into the party’s top decision-making body, days after becoming investment minister, is intensifying scrutiny of succession tensions between President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s camp and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga’s allies. Currency Confidence: The government wants the ZiG to replace the US dollar, but years of currency losses leave many Zimbabweans wary; one teacher says he exchanges his ZiG pay quickly rather than risk holding it. Youth Summit Bid: Zimbabwe and Zambia are the final contenders to host the 2027 Youth Connect Africa Summit, with a Rwandan delegation assessing Harare’s facilities and readiness. Energy Costs: The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce is urging a review of fuel taxes and levies, saying high energy costs weigh on businesses. Meanwhile, NOIC is moving ahead with a second phase of pipeline expansion to meet rising regional fuel demand.

Zanu PF Politics: Kudakwashe Tagwirei has won a seat in the party’s powerful politburo days after becoming investment minister, intensifying scrutiny of his growing influence as succession tensions deepen. Water Services: An activist warns that privatising water could raise tariffs and weaken councils; African campaigners are urging governments to fund public utilities and protect affordable access. Voting Rights: ERC Africa says transferring voter registration to the Registrar-General must make it easier for eligible citizens to register, with clear safeguards and transparent access to the roll. Food Security: Zimbabwe is building a US$500 million drought buffer, split between cash and grain, as forecasts warn of dry conditions; strategic maize reserves already exceed 200,000 tonnes. Digital Safety: WhatsApp account takeovers are under investigation, while Econet says it is working with Meta to restore affected accounts and has set up support through short code 658. Cricket: Zimbabwe’s women begin their first bilateral series against India on Friday, a landmark test against one of the sport’s top-ranked sides.

Lithium Investment: India’s Lohum, which recently opened a lithium mine in Zimbabwe, plans to build refining capacity to supply its domestic electric-vehicle market, adding momentum to Zimbabwe’s critical-minerals sector. Food Security: The government is buying grain from local farmers and plans a US$500 million cash-and-grain reserve as El Niño threatens a weaker 2027 harvest. Mining Oversight: The Minerals Marketing Corporation is linking its tracking system with government agencies to improve export checks and curb smuggling. Digital Safety: A multi-agency investigation is probing reported WhatsApp Business account takeovers, with authorities examining how accounts were accessed and whether information was exposed. Jobs and Education: Teachers’ unions say Zimbabwe loses about 6,000 teachers a year, while officials report deep skills gaps in engineering and science. Heritage: New finds of Chinese pottery at Great Zimbabwe point to long-distance trade links more than a thousand years ago. Sport: Sikandar Raza says co-hosting the 2027 Cricket World Cup will give Zimbabwe a chance to showcase its hospitality and cricket culture.

Food Security: Zimbabwe plans a US$500 million cash and grain reserve for 2027 as El Niño threatens a maize harvest nearly 30% below this year’s. The country needs about 2.2 million tonnes annually. Politics: ZANU PF’s Chinhoyi conference is unfolding amid heightened succession tensions. Mnangagwa rebuked Politburo members who skipped a fundraising dinner, including Vice-President Chiwenga, while proposed party-rule changes have drawn scrutiny. Mining: Zimbabwe reportedly earned nearly US$9.93 billion from mineral sales in the first nine months of 2026, driven by gold, lithium and platinum; officials are pushing for more local processing. Business: The Reserve Bank has licensed Harare-based Bard Santner to take deposits, with the firm targeting Zimbabweans abroad and their remittances. Sport: Sikandar Raza hopes to play in the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host, and says it can showcase the country to the world. Heritage: Chinese pottery found at Great Zimbabwe points to long-distance trade links with East Asia more than 1,000 years ago.

Epworth Evictions: About 16,000 households could be relocated from wetlands and unplanned areas. Forty-seven Hospital Site residents have asked the High Court to halt demolitions, saying the council accepted their fees and issued occupier cards. Zanu PF Tensions: Mnangagwa rebuked senior party officials who skipped a US$9.4 million fundraising dinner, including Vice-President Chiwenga, as disputes over party reforms deepen. Chiefs Recalled: Mnangagwa approved the Senate recall of Chief Fortune Charumbira and two other Masvingo chiefs after a provincial vote. Investment Policy: Sanctioned tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei has taken charge of investment promotion. Critics say his appointment could undermine efforts to attract international capital. HIV Services: A study found sharp drops in HIV prevention and treatment at funded organisations in Zimbabwe and Uganda after US aid was paused. Online Scams: Econet warns Zimbabweans to secure WhatsApp accounts amid SIM-swap fraud and account takeovers. Postal Delivery: Zimpost has launched drone parcel deliveries, aiming to reach remote communities.

Investment & Politics: Kudakwashe Tagwirei has been sworn in as investment minister after the Finance Ministry was split. His US and UK sanctions over alleged corruption have raised concerns about Zimbabwe’s appeal to investors. Succession Tensions: Mnangagwa rebuked Politburo members who skipped a party fundraising dinner, widely seen as a swipe at Vice-President Chiwenga as divisions deepen. Traditional Leadership: Mnangagwa approved the recall of Chief Fortune Charumbira and two other chiefs from the Senate after a vote by Masvingo chiefs. Food Security: Zimbabwe faces a projected grain shortfall of up to 542,000 tonnes in 2026/27, with El Niño and rising input costs threatening harvests. Harare: The City Council has warned vendors against paying people falsely demanding “protection” money. Digital Safety: Econet urged customers to secure WhatsApp accounts amid SIM-swap scams targeting phone numbers, mobile wallets and bank accounts. Kariba Disaster: A government inquiry has begun into the ferry disaster that killed 97 people, examining loading, safety rules and regulatory oversight. Postal Services: Zimpost has launched drone parcel deliveries, aiming to reach communities that are difficult to serve.

By-elections: ZEC has scheduled votes for four rural council wards on November 28, if contested; candidate nominations are due October 28. Cabinet: Kudakwashe Tagwirei was sworn in as economic development and investment promotion minister. His appointment has drawn scrutiny because he is under US sanctions. Power Supply: Kariba’s usable water storage has fallen to 37.21%, renewing concerns about electricity generation in Zimbabwe and Zambia as the seasonal decline continues. Harare Services: Residents’ groups are urging the government and city council to prioritise water, roads, waste collection, sewerage and flood preparation ahead of the rainy season. Digital Delivery: Zimpost has launched a drone parcel service in Bulilima with private partner Drone Solutions, aiming to reach remote communities. Jobs: Econet has revived its Technites platform to connect independent tradespeople with paid work, starting with the installation of 20,000 cameras at EcoCash agent locations.

Zanu PF Tensions: President Emmerson Mnangagwa cancelled a party meeting on proposed constitutional changes amid reported objections from Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and Speaker Jacob Mudenda. The party’s annual conference is now under way in Chinhoyi, with succession tensions in the background. Investment and Mining: Zimbabwe’s new investment minister, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, faces scrutiny over his international sanctions. Meanwhile, mining electricity demand is forecast to rise 50% to 1,500MW, and a Chinese investor plans a lithium sulphate plant in the Midlands. Business Pressures: Delta says taxes and currency-policy changes are squeezing its beer and farming businesses, including a disputed US$100 million tax bill. Health and Climate: A funding shortfall is contributing to medicine shortages and staffing gaps, while El Niño forecasts heighten concern over food insecurity. Government plans to scrap food import duty. Chess: Zimbabwe has received one of eight global FIDE Kick Starter awards for promoting chess in schools. Chivayo Fallout: Car dealers are uncertain about payment for vehicles supplied to the late businessman’s giveaway operation.

Land Dispute: The army has ordered 600 Gutu RDC stand buyers off Chatsworth Farm, claiming it is military property. Council is negotiating as residents face losing homes and investments. Gender-Based Violence: The Zimbabwe Council of Churches backs a 90-day campaign against intimate partner violence, urging faith leaders not to excuse abuse. Skills: Mnangagwa is due to open Africa Skills Week in Harare amid concerns over skills shortages and professionals leaving the continent. Cost of Living: Government plans to suspend food import duties to cushion households if El Niño-related crop shortfalls push prices up. Power: Zimbabwe is preparing a 370MW pilot tender for new generation projects, replacing a system criticised for licensing speculative proposals. ZANU PF: Tensions between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga have sharpened over party rules and succession, following the appointment of sanctioned businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as investment minister. Healthcare: Matabeleland North patients are crossing into Zambia for treatment as local hospitals struggle with drug shortages, high fees and inadequate referral services.

ZANU-PF Succession: A Politburo meeting was abruptly cancelled amid tensions over aligning the party constitution with Amendment No. 3. Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s appointment as investment minister and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga’s absence from party events have fuelled questions about who will wield power after President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Party Funding: ZANU-PF says it raised US$9.5 million at a Harare dinner for its conference, scheduled for October 12–17. Public Health: Matabeleland North patients 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 to improve service in remote communities. Public Safety: An explosion at an explosives store in Redcliff damaged homes; authorities suspect an attempted theft but are still investigating. Trafficking Alert: Government has warned of fake overseas job offers that can lead Zimbabweans into conflict zones. Six Zimbabweans have pleaded guilty in South Africa to offences linked to plans to travel to Russia to fight in Ukraine.

Politics: President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s appointment of US-sanctioned businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as investment minister has drawn sharp criticism from Tendai Biti, who says it risks blurring public power and private interests. ZANU-PF Succession: A party politburo meeting was abruptly cancelled amid reported divisions over constitutional changes that could extend Mnangagwa’s time in office, bringing the rift with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga into sharper view. Health: Zimbabwe has cut new HIV infections by 80% since 2010, to 15,000 in 2025, and now has 95% treatment coverage; a WHO-backed initiative also plans routine mental health screening at primary care centres. Local Services: Harare residents are urging government to fund water, sanitation and road repairs, while residents’ groups warn of flood risks ahead of the rainy season. In Chiredzi, a rights group says hundreds of families could face displacement without proper consultation. Digital Inclusion: Gokwe North has opened Zimbabwe’s first rural AI hub, with 20 laptops and 52 students enrolled. Regional Safety: Anti-migrant violence in South Africa has heightened fears for Zimbabweans there, as authorities report arrests and attacks on shops and vehicles.

ZANU PF Succession: A clash between Emmerson Mnangagwa and Constantino Chiwenga over proposed party rule changes reportedly forced the cancellation of a Politburo meeting, deepening tensions ahead of next week’s conference. Investment Policy: Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s appointment as economic development and investment minister is drawing criticism and adding to succession concerns. Migrant Safety: Fresh anti-immigrant violence in South Africa has renewed fears for Zimbabweans there; the SA Human Rights Commission condemned attacks and intimidation. Digital Payments: Zimbabwe is negotiating with India’s NPCI International to license UPI technology for a shared real-time payment system, with cross-border links potentially to follow. Health: Aid withdrawals are worsening pressure on Zimbabwe’s health services, with reports of malaria medicine shortages and rising cases. Football: CAF has conditionally allowed up to 10,000 fans into the National Sports Stadium for two upcoming fixtures, subject to safety requirements. Culture: A UN expert praised Zimbabwe’s creative energy but warned that fear, red tape and suspicion are restricting cultural expression.