AGP Executive Report

Street Vending Crackdown: Harare vendors are vowing to defy Local Government minister Daniel Garwe’s September 9 deadline, arguing authorities haven’t provided enough legal, serviced trading spaces; the government says a “zero-tolerance” clean-up will target illegal structures and keep municipal police on the ground. Tourism Regulation: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has closed Bulawayo eatery Sis Bee’s Kitchen under the Tourism Act, with the notice citing failure to meet registration requirements. Broadcasting Oversight: President Mnangagwa appoints a new seven-member BAZ board, but all members are from the same region, sparking questions over representation. Constitutional Court Test: War veterans challenge CAA3, with a Constitutional Court hearing set for September 22. Mobile Growth: Econet introduces a new 079 number range as 077/078 near exhaustion, alongside major network investment. Tax Pressure: ZIMRA’s presumptive rental income tax and rental data demands trigger backlash from landlords. Mining Levies: Small-scale miners in Bubi push for more flexible levy structures in the 2027 budget talks. Tourism Expo Push: Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Expo heads to Masvingo (Sept 9-12) with 140+ international buyers, as the strategy shifts toward high-spending travellers. Health Integrity: Health Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora warns of corruption inside public hospitals, saying the state will no longer tolerate abuse for private profit. Sports: South Africa beat Zimbabwe by 48 runs to win the Tri-Series final in Windhoek.

Mining ESG & permits: Zimbabwe is moving to make ESG compliance a direct requirement for applying for, renewing and extending mining rights, with regulators tightening scrutiny on water, community commitments and environmental controls. Small-scale mining safety: A grim underground mine recovery video has reignited calls for stronger emergency preparedness and safety standards in artisanal operations. Electricity reforms: Zimbabwe has opened power distribution and retail to private players under SI 128 of 2026, with 25-year renewable licences and capped tariffs, plus new rules for developers to fund infrastructure. De-dollarisation warning: The World Bank cautions against rushing to make ZiG the sole currency, warning of capital flight and setbacks if local-currency credibility isn’t firm. Cheaper loans push: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says falling inflation could unlock lower, longer-term borrowing as banks build a 15-year yield curve. Public service delivery: ZBC begins a two-week door-to-door TV and radio licence inspection drive across 28 Harare suburbs. Health & infrastructure: Lupane Provincial Hospital stalls again at 22.7% completion with contractors owed over US$2m. Livestock milestone: Zimbabwe launches the MEVAC LSD vaccine to protect cattle from lumpy skin disease. Tourism & culture: Masvingo’s Sanganai buyers arrive as hospitality and gastronomy events spotlight local vendors and artists. Street vending crackdown: Government renews pressure on Harare vendors to vacate streets by 9 September.

Mining & Trade: Zimbabwe’s export surge hit a record US$7.36bn in the first seven months of 2026, driven by Manhize steel ramp-ups and China’s zero-tariff push, flipping the trade balance into surplus. Provincial Development: Midlands Province says it pulled in US$108m in Q2 2026 investments across cement, fertiliser and energy—aimed at turning mineral wealth into factories, jobs and power. Health & Services: Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo has started complex knee surgeries and total hip replacements after training local orthopaedic surgeons with visiting specialists. Education Reform: The heritage-based curriculum is moving into public exams next month, with Zimsec set to become the sole exam board and foreign curricula only as add-ons. Economy & Jobs: ZCTU warns Government to fix the economy before cracking down on street vendors, arguing unemployment is the real driver of informal work. Governance & Environment: Lawyers are pushing for specialised courts and training to better handle wetland and environmental cases. Tourism: Zimbabwe is set to host the Sanganai/Hlanganani tourism expo in Masvingo, with the President expected to officially open it on September 9. Sports: Warriors coach Ramon Català names a 29-man provisional squad for AFCON qualifiers, starting against Sierra Leone and DR Congo.

Constitutional Court: Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court has set 22 September 2026 for a hearing on a bid to challenge the CAA3 presidential voting system, which shifts the final presidential choice to MPs and senators instead of direct voter election. Sports & National Team: Warriors coach Ramon Catala has snubbed top scorer Washington Navaya for the AFCON Qualifiers squad, naming a new goalkeeper addition while keeping a strong core from local clubs. Mining & Investment: At Africa Down Under in Perth, Zimbabwe says investor interest is rising in PGMs, lithium and chrome—especially for beneficiation, processing and value addition—while ZMF pushes ASM mechanisation and formalisation. Economy Watch: Zimbabwe’s inflation is reported to have fallen to decades-low levels as stability efforts begin to show results. Water & Health: Harare residents face worsening water woes, with boreholes and shallow wells increasingly relied on amid contamination concerns; meanwhile UBH’s lab is set to offer Ebola testing once equipment installation is completed. Tourism & Connectivity: Air Zimbabwe has started daily Harare–Masvingo flights, boosting access ahead of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo. Local Business: Karoi’s Twin Gate Shopping Complex—an estimated US$1.8m private investment—has opened with about 75% occupancy and new jobs. Governance & Services: World Bank warns Zimbabwe not to rush to make ZiG the sole currency, citing risks of premature de-dollarisation and capital flight.

Water Crisis in Harare: A Harare Residents Trust report says municipal supply remains erratic across 17 wards, pushing residents to unsafe boreholes and shallow wells; some areas go weeks without council water, and testing found many boreholes with no detectable chlorine. Child Protection Push: VP Kembo Mohadi toured Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home in Chiredzi, reaffirming government commitment to protecting vulnerable children and praising the First Lady’s welfare work. Liberation Hero Support: President Mnangagwa donated US$5,000 toward medical needs of veteran freedom fighter Cde Sadat Kufamazuva in Mt Darwin. Campus Innovation for Roads: Chinhoyi University of Technology students built an intelligent traffic light system to reduce gridlock, with prototypes already running in Kadoma and Rusape. Skills to Industry: Mnangagwa urged 734 HIT graduates to industrialise and modernise Zimbabwe, tying training to national development. Mining Investment Outlook: Deputy Mines Minister Dr Celeb Makwiranzou told ADU 2026 that Zimbabwe is improving infrastructure, regional integration and licensing to attract mining investors. World Bank Warning on ZiG: The World Bank cautioned against rushing to make ZiG the only currency, warning of capital flight risks. Road Safety Reform: Transport Minister Felix Mhona says a demerit points system is being developed that could cancel driving licences for habitual offenders. Ebola Testing Capacity: UBH in Bulawayo is set to become a one-stop lab for Ebola testing once equipment installation is finished.

EU Diplomacy: EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe Katrin Hagemann has died suddenly in Harare at 53, with the EU delegation opening a public book of condolences. Road Safety Law: Transport Minister Felix Mhona says Zimbabwe is working on a demerit points system that could cancel licences for repeat traffic offenders. Currency Watch: The World Bank warns Zimbabwe against rushing to make ZiG the only currency, warning of capital flight and loss of stabilisation gains. Mining Payments: Zimplats reports “significant” progress on delayed government payments after a tripartite offset deal, easing working capital pressure. Public Health: UBH’s new lab in Bulawayo is set to offer Ebola testing and screening once equipment installation is completed. Business & Trade: London-listed Kavango Resources plans to issue nearly 2 million shares to Zimbabwe pension funds, while Varun Beverages Zimbabwe prepares to launch Carlsberg distribution. Culture & Community: Zimbabwe Toastmasters Week rolls out leadership and communication events across Bulawayo, Gweru and Harare. Local Politics: Three candidates file for the Bulawayo Ward 1 by-election after the removal of former councillor Josiah Mutangi.

Lithium Value-Add Payoff: Zimbabwe says its raw mineral export ban is already boosting earnings, with lithium concentrate sales up 23% in volume but 413% in value to about US$1.247bn, as beneficiation tightens. Regional Fuel Security: Zimbabwe and Mozambique are expanding the Beira-Feruka pipeline, lifting pumping capacity from 3m to 5m cubic metres by end-2027 to create a fuel buffer for SADC. Education Upgrade: Midlands State University’s new Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School in Kwekwe is rolling out modern legal training, including moot courts, legal aid clinics and new courses like Space and Cyber Law. Diaspora Investment Push: AUUDA Africa is courting diaspora investors for Bulawayo opportunities in tourism, manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture and renewables. Care-Worker Visa Relief (UK): New UK rules let some modern-slavery victims switch employers without immediately risking status—an important lifeline for Zimbabweans in care work. Local Governance Crackdown: Harare City Council begins demolitions in low-density suburbs, targeting illegal businesses and structures. Sports Spotlight: Cossasa Games end with Zimbabwe’s dominant U17 boys’ football win over Lesotho, while Proteas aim to bounce back against Namibia in the tri-series.

Local Government & Health: Government commissioned a council clinic in Binga along with road equipment and service vehicles, with Minister Daniel Garwe saying the aim is to end isolation and underinvestment in remote districts. Mining Modernisation & Cybersecurity: Rockwell Automation announced a collaboration with Mimosa Mine and Mine Elect to upgrade Mimosa’s operational technology network, focusing on secure connectivity, cybersecurity risk management and resilience. Mobile Connectivity: Econet introduced a new 079 mobile number range as its subscriber demand grows alongside its network expansion drive. Harare Courts & Estates: Zimbabwe’s High Court ruled that registering a Zambian judgment doesn’t automatically give Zimbabwean courts jurisdiction over a foreign person in a long-running estate dispute. Museums & National Identity: A senior Zimbabwean official urged museums to tell Zimbabwean stories and centre local heroes, criticising an over-focus on colonial-era figures. Music Rights Tensions: ZIMURA blamed reduced royalty collections on retail outlet closures and lower licensing fees, as musicians renew calls for government intervention. Skills & Jobs: Gweru Polytechnic plans a honey-processing and apiculture centre in Mvuma and a business incubator, pushing graduates toward community enterprise. Fire Safety: Bulawayo recorded 154 fires in the first half of 2026, up 60% year-on-year, with faulty wiring and poor workmanship flagged.

Constitutional Shake-Up: Mnangagwa’s constitutional changes have taken effect, with 10 newly appointed senators sworn in, including Zanu-PF heavyweight Kudakwashe Tagwirei, as debate intensifies over whether the reforms strengthen institutions or expand executive influence. Tax Pressure on Landlords: Government says rental income is treated as business income and ZIMRA is now actively identifying property owners for compliance, with enforcement focused on affluent areas. Clean-Up Crackdown: Harare illegal vendors have until September 9 to vacate undesignated sites ahead of a nationwide zero-tolerance clean-up, with officials citing public health, safety and congestion. Energy & Infrastructure: Zimbabwe and Mozambique kick off Phase II of the Beira-Feruka pipeline expansion to boost fuel volumes and support regional energy self-sufficiency. Investment Signals: The World Bank’s removal of Zimbabwe from its fragile-economy list is being read as a reputational and financing reset that could lower risk premiums and unlock more project finance. Mining & Jobs: Zimbabwe’s mining cadastre and investment-ready projects drew investor interest at Africa Down Under, while Mpilo expands joint replacement services to cut costs and build local surgical capacity. Culture & Youth: Mzilikazi commemorations add a youth and culture programme for thousands of schoolchildren, blending heritage with wellbeing. Sports: Proteas’ Bjorn Fortuin wants tighter fielding as they chase T20 tri-series glory after beating Zimbabwe again.

Court Update: Harare magistrate Francis Mapfumo rejected Auxillia Mnangagwa’s daughter-in-law Kelsea Tafirenyika’s bail, sending her back behind bars in a US$9.3m money-laundering case, after prosecutors argued she could flee. Anti-Corruption & Regional Cooperation: Zimbabwe will host SADC’s Anti-Corruption Expo and Games in Victoria Falls (Sept 17–19), with ZACC leading a three-day programme of integrity-focused sessions and sport. Climate & Food Security: UNICEF warns over 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa are at risk from intensifying El Niño impacts, including drought, heat, flooding and disrupted learning—Zimbabwe is named among the most affected. Business & Health: WHO says tobacco leaf production is rising in Africa while countries spend more on imported cigarettes, with Zimbabwe among key producers. Sports: Lhuan-dre Pretorius struck a career-best 94 off 51 as South Africa beat Zimbabwe in the T20 tri-series in Windhoek; he credited advice from Heinrich Klaasen. Culture & Diaspora: Zimbabwean gospel artist Minstrel Taffie’s “Thilo Lilo” hit 2 million YouTube views, boosting her international profile ahead of an EP.

Education Funding Crisis: Government arrears to schools under BEAM have ballooned past US$292 million, with MPs warning some institutions are turning away learners despite the programme’s promise to keep children in class. Regional Diplomacy & Trade: Zimbabwe is gearing up to host the COMESA Summit next month, with a dedicated committee already coordinating upgrades to hotels, venues and access roads for 1,000+ delegates. State Enterprise Oversight: A new National SEPs Policy aims to tighten governance and clarify ownership and performance management for State-owned enterprises under the Mutapa Investment Fund. Energy & Industry: President Mnangagwa says Africa must drive its own modernisation, while Zimbabwe pushes energy investment as the backbone for mining and industrial growth. Fuel Infrastructure: Mnangagwa is set to join Mozambique for the launch of the second phase of the CPMZ pipeline expansion, boosting pumping capacity to meet rising regional fuel demand. Disaster Response: After the Chivhu crash that killed 27, Government pledges to cover medical and burial costs following a state of disaster declaration. Sports & Media: ZIFA says audited accounts show US$4.6m revenue growth and pledges transparency, while Starlink nears 86,488 fibre subscriptions, signalling fast broadband shifts.

Regional Diplomacy: Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has arrived in Zambia for President Hakainde Hichilema’s second-term inauguration, joining other heads of state after a disputed election and opposition detentions. Education & Skills: Bulawayo’s Scholastica 2026 Expo is set to draw over 5,000 learners from Sept 16–18, aiming to link schools and tertiary institutions with industry through career and procurement programmes. Mining & Inclusion: Women miners in SADC are pushing for all-gender inclusivity in artisanal and small-scale mining, calling for easier formalisation, safer work and targeted funding. Finance & Football: ZIFA says revenue rose in 2025 even as spending climbed, while CABS reports its loan book crossing ZWG9bn as credit flows to productive sectors. Road Safety Tragedy: Police say the Chivhu kombi crash death toll has risen to 28, with names released of victims from the Aug 28 collision. Culture & Media: Bulawayo’s One Giant Picnic debuts, and Zimbabwe’s “The Polygamist” lands on Netflix with major international traction. Sports: South Africa beat Zimbabwe in the 4th T20I of the tri-series, setting up the next round of matches.

Scholarships & Education Ties: China’s Ambassador Zhou Ding hosted the 2026 Chinese Government Scholarship and China-Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship awards, with Zimbabwe’s Higher Education Minister Dr Frederick Shava attending and urging recipients to excel and help national development. Women & Enterprise Push: President Mnangagwa told thousands of women at the Young Women for Economic Development convention to seize business opportunities and lead industrial growth, promising more support through the Empowerment Fund and skills programmes. Road Safety Tragedy: Grieving families in Harare began burying 27 African Apostolic Church members killed in a Harare-Masvingo highway crash, as investigations and identification of victims continue. Tax Compliance Crackdown: ZIMRA demanded detailed Borrowdale Brooke property and tenant records, raising questions about ownership and tax positions of senior officials linked to the estate. Police Drug Abuse Warning: ZRP Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba warned officers using mbanje/mutoriro could face dismissal, saying addiction has entered the force. Digital Inclusion: A disability-focused project launched to make civic participation accessible for blind communities, pushing Zimbabwe’s digital access beyond mere connectivity. Economy & Loans: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said falling inflation to 2.9% is paving the way for cheaper, longer-term loans via a planned 15-year yield curve. Energy & Industry: Eskom says surplus power could return to industrial users like Mozal within a year, if agreements are finalised, as it targets more electricity exports.

Road Safety Crisis: Zimbabwe declared a state of disaster after a Chivhu church minibus crash killed at least 27 people, with reports of an overloaded 15-seater carrying up to 33 passengers; government says it will cover medical bills and burial costs. Infrastructure & Housing: Lake Gwayi-Shangani relocation plans move ahead as 806 families must be resettled before impoundment, with the project cost put at about US$28m and monthly funding reportedly rising to US$8m. Crime & Public Order: ZIMSTAT reports 428,634 criminal offences in Q1 2026, up 0.4% quarter-on-quarter, while the national crime rate fell to 2,649.8 per 100,000; Harare leads policing provinces. Energy & Industry: Energy Minister July Moyo says Zimbabwe’s mineral beneficiation is key to scaling domestic renewables and green investment, including using platinum areas for power generation. Sports & Youth: Cossasa Games opened in Bulawayo with a push for the Heritage-Based Curriculum, while Zimbabwe also notched a thriller win over Namibia in the tri-series opener. Culture & Debate: Winky D’s horned stage costume continues to spark controversy and symbolism debates, with local creatives defending artistic expression. Prisons & Reintegration: ZPCS and Tonganyika Trust train 21 inmates in welding, beauty therapy, mortuary science, horticulture and IT to cut recidivism.

Road Safety & Accountability: Zimbabwe Republic Police opened an investigation after a viral video showed an officer allegedly demanding an iPhone from a tourist instead of accepting a US$30 traffic fine at a roadblock. Data Protection & Compliance: Legal expert Vengai Madzima says Zimbabwe’s Cyber and Data Protection Act and licensing rules require any entity handling personal data (government, businesses, universities, financial institutions) to comply and appoint data protection officers. ESG Pressure on Firms: Madzima warns Zimbabwe’s ESG rules are fragmented across laws and contracts, creating a compliance burden for companies. Border Modernisation: Beitbridge Municipality received three new service vehicles worth US$100,725 to boost response times under the US$300m border upgrade. Drought & Resettlement: Government activated plans to relocate 806 families for the US$28m Lake Gwayi-Shangani project ahead of impounding. Culture & Society: Bulawayo’s Amatshitshi Cultural Festival drew hundreds, with leaders urging young girls to preserve cultural values and protect traditions. Media & Entertainment: 3Ktv launches Season 19 today with “Shades of Summer,” mixing local dramas and new reality programming. Politics & Party Affairs: Zanu PF Harare province backed Mnangagwa as preferred candidate for party leadership at the 2030 congress.

AU Peace Push: African leaders meet in Luanda, Angola, to strengthen AU conflict prevention and resolution, with Zimbabwe’s VP Constantino Chiwenga among the delegates. Road Safety Crisis: A head-on minibus–truck crash near Chivhu has killed 27 churchgoers and injured seven, renewing calls to tackle dangerous driving and overcrowded transport. Disaster Response: Government declares a State of Disaster after the Chivhu tragedy and says it will cover medical bills and burial costs. Climate Shock Looms: Zimbabwe braces for an El Niño that could reach “very strong” intensity, with warnings of major rainfall deficits and advice for farmers to stock feed for up to two years. Devolution Stalls: Ghost councils and delays in setting up provincial and metropolitan councils keep devolution stuck despite constitutional promises. Education for Wellbeing: Zimbabwe’s Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programme is set for nationwide rollout after a pilot in 18 districts. Local Policing Service: ZRP relaunches its client service charter in Plumtree under “Your Safety, Our Priority.” Culture & Identity: A new Bantu documentary series aims to correct Zimbabwe’s cultural story by centring local heritage. Tourism Business Move: African Sun plans to take full control of the Victoria Falls Hotel partnership, funding a major refurbishment by selling its Holiday Inn portfolio.