AGP Executive Report

Lithium Value Push: Government says the lithium export ban is already paying off, pointing to Prospect Lithium’s first lithium sulphate plant in Zimbabwe as producers move toward local processing. Currency Confidence: RBZ and Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube say ZiG is edging toward sole use for domestic transactions, citing rising foreign reserves and improved stability. Returnee Education: Schools have been told to stop demanding performance reports and transfer letters for children returning from South Africa after xenophobic unrest, as integration efforts reach nearly 100,000 repatriations. Agriculture & Food Security: Kanyemba Irrigation Scheme is being revived with 106 functional parts ready for production, while seed cotton deliveries are down 27% as the season ends. Local Industry & Jobs: Bulawayo is accelerating infrastructure for re-industrialisation, including new retail and Franciscan Centre projects, as farmers also gain agribusiness skills through training programmes. Politics & Rumours: Govt dismisses an AI-generated letter claiming First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa will be inaugurated as President, calling it fabricated. Sports & Culture: Zimbabwe’s Chimurenga legacy and Lemba cultural celebrations get spotlight, alongside talk of major music returns and Zimbabwe Sables’ World Rugby Nations Cup lineup.

Zimbabwe-South Africa Returnees: At Plumtree border post, returnees from South Africa are being processed with “everything under control,” with only a handful registered at the Labour and Social Welfare reception during a recent visit, as Zimbabwe says over 100,000 have returned since May. Human Story at Transit Centre: A South African woman, Charlotte Masemola, says she is stranded in Bulawayo after travelling to reunite with her husband, who allegedly left her family without accommodation. Migration Policy Response: Government rejects xenophobia and says repatriation and enforcement are state responsibilities, warning against harassment and unlawful searches. Gender Reforms Accountability: UN Women says it will push duty bearers to deliver measurable gender equality results, not just policies “on the shelf.” Decentralisation via SEZs: Government says it is accelerating decentralised Special Economic Zones, pointing to projects like blueberry farms and Proton Bakeries in Mashonaland East. SME Formalisation Costs: President Mnangagwa pledges to ease formalisation costs to help informal businesses grow and formalise. Mining Push for Gold: Mutapa Gold Resources says unexplored concession areas could unlock new gold discoveries as exploration ramps up. Road Safety Tragedy: A Buhera kombi crash into Ruti Dam killed nine church congregants, with investigations underway. Sport—ODI World Cup Format Backlash: Associate nations and captains slam the ICC’s revamped 2027 ODI World Cup structure, saying it cuts opportunities for emerging teams. Cricket—Chevrons vs Bangladesh: Zimbabwe and Bangladesh meet again in the 3rd T20I at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, with both sides needing a win after the series is level at 1-1.

Returnees Support: Government says it has repatriated and is reintegrating over 100,000 Zimbabweans from South Africa, with Beitbridge processing about 1,000 returnees daily and a UN-backed joint resource plan to keep support going. Public Health: Health officials report 127 returnees living with HIV have accessed ART through the CARG model at Beitbridge, while MPs also grilled why rural Starlink kits are sitting unused due to subscription costs. Migration & Rights: An inter-ministerial committee rejects xenophobia and vigilantism, warning against unlawful harassment of migrants. Parliament & Politics: ZEC begins transferring key electoral functions after Constitutional Amendment No. 3, moving voter registration/rolls to the Registrar-General and delimitation to a Delimitation Commission. Economy & Industry: Mineral exports jump 84.7% to US$2.53bn in H1 2026, driven by value-added products; Proton Bakery also announces a US$20m expansion and solar power push. Sports & Culture: Andy Flower rules out an England Test coaching return; Bangladesh level T20 series 1-1 after beating Zimbabwe; and Zimbabwe’s Pamtengo Radio’s King Mambo marks a remarkable survival story. Controversy: A purported OPC letter naming Auxillia Mnangagwa as “incoming President” sparks questions, while a ZANU-PF MP calls for expelling 25,000 South Africans—rejected by Justice Minister.

Migration & repatriation: South Africa says it is still facilitating the safe return of foreign nationals, with 53,449 processed for deportation or repatriation by July 11, and Nigeria reporting it has finished evacuating nearly 1,500 citizens. Zimbabwe–SA politics: A Zimbabwe MP proposed sending about 25,000 South Africans in Zimbabwe home and targeting South African-owned firms, but the government rejected it, saying it will not retaliate or act “barbaric.” Health for returnees: Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health is using the CARG model to keep HIV patients on ART after returnees register at Beitbridge. Maternal health pressure: Parliament heard 6,177 neonatal deaths and 563 maternal deaths in 2025, with Harare carrying the biggest burden. Tobacco crackdown: Agencies are coordinating enforcement against illegal tobacco seed varieties, warning growers risk losing crops. Drugs enforcement: Beitbridge police secured a near-20kg dagga haul leading to a four-year prison sentence. Economy & business: RBZ injected US$2.1bn into the FX market since April 2024 to support ZiG stability; Proton Bakery invested US$20m including a 1MW solar plant; Bata lifted production capacity to 42% amid stronger local demand. Sport: Associate nations hit back at ICC’s revamped 2027 ODI World Cup format; Zimbabwe lead Bangladesh 1-0 in the T20 series heading into the second match in Bulawayo.

South Africa–Zimbabwe migration row: South Africa’s Presidency rejected claims of a “misinformation campaign” over migration protests, insisting immigration enforcement is a state duty and warning against vigilantism. Repatriation pressure at Beitbridge: Zimbabwe says it is screening nearly 100,000 returnees and will repatriate more bodies and survivors, including a Zimbabwean killed in SA; two nationals have died during the process. Local governance & community capacity: Beitbridge Ward Development Committees (WADCOs) are getting training to strengthen ward-level coordination and development. Health progress: Maternal mortality is reported to have fallen from 212 to 137 deaths per 100,000 live births under Second Republic reforms. Culture as an economy: VP Mohadi says Zimbabwe is “maturing” in cultural heritage preservation, while Gwanda’s culture festival is framed as a jobs and income driver. Mining & ZiG support: Mutapa Gold Resources announces a US$212m expansion to boost gold output, while Murowa Diamonds is placed under corporate rescue. Business & investment: Zimbabwe seeks Chinese investment for the Goromonzi Agro-Industrial Park. Politics & justice: A South African court cleared extradition of activist Wellington Masiwa (Nyokayemabhunu), and Zimbabwe opposition-linked Beitbridge activist Bhekimpilo Mbedzi was arrested.

Corruption Watch: Bulawayo councillor Mpumelelo Moyo’s US$20,000 bribe appeal is still stuck nearly a year after conviction, keeping him out of custody while he continues serving. Property & Rights: Bulawayo residents say they were given too little notice to validate title deeds under SI 76 of 2025, warning the July 2027 deadline could disenfranchise pensioners and low-income homeowners. Infrastructure & Jobs: The Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge Highway rehabilitation is in the final stretch, with only 31.9km left after 550.1km opened to traffic. Returnees & Health: Zimbabwe has screened over 99,000 returnees at borders and set up a Beitbridge clinic to provide up to five days of ART for people who left medication behind. Local Governance & Services: Masvingo commissioned a US$1.2m engineering fleet and opened a new 20-bed maternity unit in Runyararo. Business & Food Security: United Refineries is seeking a joint venture to own oilseed farms after struggling to contract farmers and facing soya imports. Culture & Society: Nhimbe Trust wins UNESCO backing for an AI ethics and artistic freedom project, while musician STARTER launches a talent show to fight drug and substance abuse. Politics & Safety: The MRP alleges the abduction of anti-government activist Bhekimpilo Mbedzi by suspected state agents and demands his whereabouts.

Xenophobia Fallout: Zimbabwe is bracing for a surge in returnees from South Africa after xenophobic attacks, with Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe saying up to 1.4 million could come home and nearly 100,000 have already been repatriated since late May, as screening and reintegration support ramp up. Money & Policy: The RBZ and President Mnangagwa unveiled new ZiG banknotes (ZiG100 and ZiG200), while government also moved to review aviation taxes to make Zimbabwe more competitive as an aviation hub. Mining & Jobs: Zimbabwe entered the battery chemicals race with the operationalisation of a US$400m lithium sulphate plant in Goromonzi, aimed at boosting beneficiation and creating over 2,000 jobs. Courts & Rights: ConCourt reserved judgment in a challenge to President Mnangagwa’s reassignment of ZHRC chairperson Fungayi Jessie Majome. Crime & Justice: A soldier and accomplice were arrested for allegedly stealing ZESA cables in Bindura; in Gwanda, a magistrate questioned whether drug laws punish users more than politically connected suppliers. Politics on Edge: CCC MPs in Mutare alleged assault by suspected CIO operatives after a parking dispute. Culture & Youth: Miss Cosmo Zimbabwe Malaika Mushandu launched the Final Cut Pictures Film Lab to mentor emerging filmmakers.

World Cricket Shake-Up: The ICC unveiled a new “Super Series” and “Super 7” structure for the 2027 ODI World Cup (co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia), with 14 teams and a revised path to the semis, plus a revamped 2028 T20 World Cup format. Repatriation Pressure: Zimbabwe says it is preparing for up to 1.4 million citizens returning from South Africa as repatriation gathers pace; 99,418 have already been brought back since 28 May, with women and children making up over 70%. Mutare Political Tensions: CCC MPs allege they were assaulted by suspected CIO operatives after a parking dispute at a government complex in Mutare. Infrastructure & Industry: Shuntai Cement’s US$200m plant in Chegutu is set to start commercial operations in September 2026, while 550.1km of the Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge highway has been opened to traffic. Digital Planning: Zimbabwe launched the 2025 ICT Access report on household and individual use of digital tech. Regional Trade: Cabinet approved Zimbabwe hosting the 25th COMESA Summit in October, with Harare to assume the bloc’s chairmanship. Local Business Hit: OK Mart Bulawayo Complex has closed, displacing about 60 SMEs after a rental dispute. Aviation Policy: Government says it will adjust aviation taxes to attract more airlines and boost connectivity. Agriculture Watch: Tobacco performed well, but farmers are still pushing for better payment terms amid currency volatility.

Repatriation Drive: Zimbabwe says it has helped 99,418 citizens return from South Africa between May 28 and July 10, with women and children making up over 70%, as authorities step up border management, healthcare and reintegration support. Housing & Land Administration: Parliament MPs visited Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park Hlalani Kuhle/Garikai scheme under the Kwangu/Ngakwami Title Deeds push, while Byo MPs also move to cut fees and extend deadlines for old title deeds validation. Local Services & Urban Living: The First Lady toured Matapi Flats in Mbare as renovations restore sewer, water, ablution and electricity, and Ward 12 councillors in Harare appealed for lease agreements to curb demolitions tied to unapproved plans. Environment & Waste: President Mnangagwa appointed Geo Pomona Waste Management CEO Dr Dilesh Nguwaya as Special Advisor on waste management and environmental sustainability. Regional Diplomacy: Zimbabwe will host COMESA’s 25th Heads of State summit on October 22, and President Mnangagwa met South African traditional leaders, including King Misuzulu, urging unity amid xenophobia tensions. Education Policy: Schools have been ordered to fully adopt the Heritage-Based Curriculum from next year or face deregistration/closure. Business & Infrastructure: ZINWA begins rolling out prepaid water meters to growth points and towns, and hospitality operators warn of a US$30m refurbishment funding gap ahead of IATF 2029. Politics & Governance: Cabinet also approved Zimbabwe’s African Peer Review Mechanism launch in Harare tomorrow. Sports & Culture: VP Mohadi praised Zimbabwe’s Venice Biennale participation, while cricket captain Sikandar Raza says Zimbabwe’s confidence is high ahead of the Bangladesh T20 series. Crime & Justice: A Zimbabwean-born UK fugitive accused in a triple murder case has been arrested in South Africa, and a Harare court case alleges a US$3.65m lithium mine fraud.

UK-Extradition Update: UK authorities say Ndodana Tshuma’s wife and two daughters died from blunt force trauma; Tshuma was arrested in Johannesburg and must face South African firearm charges before extradition resumes. Xenophobia Fallout & Returnees: Zimbabweans fleeing South Africa describe threats and job loss as government teams process returnees at Beitbridge, with skills profiling and reintegration support at the reception centre. Border Governance & AfCFTA: Zimbabwe and Zambia are demarcating their Lake Kariba boundary with buoys to reduce confusion and boost cross-border trade under AfCFTA. Mining & Rail Jobs: Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway commissions a US$1.5m West Nicholson siding for Zimbabwe’s first lithium concentrate export shipment via Maputo port. Constitutional Court Challenge: Prince Dubeko Sibanda files in ConCourt to strike down parts of Constitution Amendment No. 3, arguing term extensions breach constitutional limits. Child Protection Push: Government launches National Action Plan for Children IV (2026–2030) and a National Child Online Protection Policy, stressing enforcement beyond policy documents. Culture & Youth: Sofar Sounds Zimbabwe connects local musicians to a global network, while Education Africa’s marimba and steelpan festival brings 2,300 young players to Johannesburg.

Policy & Economy: Analysts say Zimbabwe’s post-election policies are “incoherent and confusing,” with mixed signals on using USD versus the ZWL and failed attempts like USD Treasury bill sales. Constitutional Court Challenge: Former CCC MP Prince Dubeko Sibanda has filed in ConCourt to strike down key parts of Constitution Amendment No. 3, arguing the term extension is unconstitutional. Local Governance & Justice: Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza warns magistrates against corruption and delays as the judiciary pushes digital transformation. Returnees & Health: Government dismisses claims of overcrowding and food shortages at Bulawayo’s transit centre, while health experts warn that deportation and repatriation could disrupt HIV treatment for returnees. Migration Pressure in the Region: South Africa reports processing over 53,000 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation amid xenophobic unrest, with traditional leaders condemning the violence. Transport & Trade: Air Zimbabwe is set to resume Harare–London Gatwick services after 14 years, and a new Kasambabezi Border Post opens trade and tourism opportunities for Binga. Mining & Skills: Zanu-PF and the Zimbabwe School of Mines launch a nationwide training drive for small-scale miners. Agriculture & Climate: Government highlights livestock protection as a key defence against a “Super” El Niño, and FARM P3 mechanisation efforts are driving new farmer investments. Business & Crime: ZRP warns of a Honda Fit theft/robbery syndicate, while officials say taxes and levies will be reviewed to improve the ease of doing business. Sports & Culture: England’s Test coach Brendon McCullum is sacked as “Bazball” ends, and Thomas Mapfumo accepts a US$1 million deal for two Zimbabwe concerts.

AI & Jobs: Econet AI has launched a major recruitment drive for 100+ engineers, with onboarding already underway for 70 roles, as it pushes AI adoption across product development, customer support and enterprise solutions. Returnees Crisis: Zimbabwe’s churches and government have activated emergency support for thousands of citizens returning from South Africa, including reception centres for civil registration, healthcare and psychosocial help at Beitbridge. Border Hardening: Returnees report South Africa is issuing five-year re-entry bans after biometric processing, as enforcement ramps up. Food Security: ZESA has reserved 150MW for winter wheat irrigation, with government saying seed and fertiliser supplies are secured. Justice & Rights: Zimbabwe’s UN envoy urged stronger international action against conflict-related sexual violence, including funding for protection advisers and survivor-led groups. Business & Tourism: Stanbic Bank pledged US$30,000 to help keep Victoria Falls clean, while Hyatt confirmed Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom will open in late 2027. Court Update (UK/SA): Zimbabwean-born UK murder suspect Ndodana Tshuma appeared in Johannesburg over an illegal firearm charge as extradition to the UK proceeds.

Cricket Shockwave: Brendon McCullum has been sacked as England’s Test coach, ending the Bazball era after seven defeats in nine Tests, but he stays on as white-ball coach while England start hunting for a new red-ball boss. Arts & Culture: Zimbabwe’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale is drawing thousands of visitors weekly, spotlighting resilience and identity through participating artists. Anti-Graft Push: ZACC and Local Government have formed a joint task force to investigate suspected corruption in councils, including land allocations and procurement irregularities. Climate & Farming: Government is stepping up El Niño preparations for the 2026/27 season, urging early action while monitoring forecasts. Tax & Business Climate: Ziyambi says taxes and levies will keep being reviewed to ease the cost of doing business. Rural Livelihoods: First Lady Mnangagwa backs agrotourism as a route to rural transformation and women’s empowerment. Returnees & Security: Police have intensified border and route security as Zimbabweans return from South Africa, aiming to protect people and stop syndicates. Mining & Jobs: Govt endorses the Redwing Mine restart as a gold revival plan, focusing on dewatering, pumping and refurbishment. Regional Migration Crisis: South Africa says it has processed over 53,000 foreigners for deportation or repatriation, with Zimbabwe among the main nationalities affected. Trade Win: Zimbabwe exports its first blueberry consignment to China under a zero-tariff deal. National Heroes: Prof Chinyanga is named a national hero and Maj-Gen (Rtd) Richard Ruwodo is buried at National Heroes Acre today.

Child Protection Push: VP Kembo Mohadi says Zimbabwe has “zero tolerance” on child labour, launching the National Action Plan for Children IV (2026-2030) and a National Child Online Protection Policy at a Bulawayo conference. Local Government Accountability: ZACC and the Ministry of Local Government form a Special Taskforce to investigate alleged corruption at Victoria Falls City Council and other councils after residents’ outcry over land deals and procurement irregularities. Returnees and Xenophobia Fallout: South Africa has processed 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation and repatriation, with Zimbabweans among those returning amid anti-immigrant tensions; Bulawayo warns services could be stretched as more returnees arrive. Victoria Falls Heritage and Livelihoods: Traditional leaders from Zimbabwe and Zambia urge that tourism benefits from the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site be felt locally, with development that respects heritage. Markets and Housing for Traders: Bulawayo City Council seeks IDBZ support to upgrade infrastructure for informal vendors at the Bhaktas site, as street vending grows. Transport Link Boost: Air Zimbabwe’s Harare–London Gatwick route is set to resume later this month after 14 years, with Chapman Freeborn supporting the restart. Business and Investment: Old Mutual plans to migrate its secondary listing from the ZSE to VFEX to restore trading access for shareholders. Sports Tragedy: Zimbabwe soccer mourns Adam Ndlovu after a fatal crash in Victoria Falls; his brother Peter is reported in critical condition.

Constitutional Tension: Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment No. 3 is drawing fresh backlash, with retired generals and senior civil servants condemning the move and urging lawful resistance, while Mnangagwa’s defenders frame it as “best for the country.” Border & Migration Fallout: Botswana and Zimbabwe are stepping up border patrols using traditional regiments to curb cross-border crime, as xenophobic violence in South Africa continues to drive Zimbabweans home—now with reports of thousands of children facing disrupted schooling and a ZEP emergency online education push. International Crime Update: A Zimbabwean-origin British man wanted over the murder of his wife and two daughters has been arrested in Johannesburg after an Interpol-linked manhunt, with extradition steps expected. Sports & Culture: Kaitano Tembo says he’s only eyeing the Warriors job amid FIFA suspension risks, while Bulawayo musician Charles Mahlaba prepares to launch his album “Life (Impilo)” and a mental health in sport workshop targets Zimbabwe’s athletes and coaches. Regional Business & Aviation: Zimbabwe is pushing SAATM air liberalisation at a Harare airshow, and COMESA Business Council board member Tinashe Manzungu has stepped down after six years.

Constitutional Crisis: Retired Zimbabwean generals have branded Constitutional Amendment No. 3 “vulgar” and a return to UDI-style power grabs, urging Zimbabweans to mobilise to overturn President Mnangagwa’s term-extension changes. Legal Challenge: The MDC has filed an urgent application at the Constitutional Court, arguing the amendment should have gone to referendum before being signed. SA Migration Fallout: Zimbabweans are returning home after xenophobic violence in South Africa, with thousands repatriated and many describing beatings, robbery and threats. Border Security: South Africa’s minister raised concerns about security gaps along the Zimbabwe border as undocumented crossings continue. Aviation Policy: Zimbabwe used the Harare Airshow to push SAATM rollout, saying it is reassessing air service agreements to meet Yamoussoukro rules and boost intra-African connectivity. Economy & Youth: The RBZ launched the Schools Monetary Policy Challenge to build financial literacy and spark youth participation in economic debates. Sports: Zimbabwe and Bangladesh clash in the 3rd ODI at Harare Sports Club, with Ngarava rested and Sikandar Raza leading.