AGP Executive Report

Education & Regulation: Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Frederick Shava orders a mandatory pre-departure clearance for Zimbabweans studying abroad, and pushes TESC to urgently engage Treasury over tertiary funding. Local Governance & Safety: Police arrest four Harare City Council officials after three people drowned in a Budiriro sewer pond linked to incomplete excavation. Health & Social Protection: The Health and Child Care Ministry says a National Health Fund Bill could bring free treatment at state hospitals, with cancer access a key concern. Rural Water & Resilience: China-Aid completes 300 boreholes, delivering clean water to 75,000 people across drought-hit communities. Digital Economy: NetOne rolls out AI to protect telecom infrastructure from rising cyber threats. Constitutional Politics (CAB3): Opposition and civil society renew legal and democratic challenges as debate rages over CAB3 and term extensions. Economy & Food Prices: Grain Millers Association backs its chairman in the grain levy court fight, arguing import levies could raise basic food costs. Sports & Culture: US and Canada embassies launch World Cup 2026 celebrations in Harare; Zimbabwe women rally to beat Zambia 3-2 in a CAVB qualifier dress rehearsal. Crime & Accountability: A kombi fire in Gweru kills seven schoolchildren; driver and conductor face culpable homicide charges.

Water Security Boost: China hands over 300 boreholes to Zimbabwe, bringing clean water to 75,000+ people across four provinces. Local Governance & Safety: Police say four Harare City Council officials were arrested over the Budiriro sewer pond deaths of three people, after incomplete excavation works. Mining & Jobs: State gold miner Mutapa Gold Resources plans to double output to 220,000 ounces by 2029 after securing $75m for the Shamva Hill expansion. Regulation & Economy: Zimbabwe moves to regulate cryptocurrency with mandatory annual registration and $500 fees for crypto businesses, with operating without approval now an offence. Agriculture Innovation: ARC calls for tighter farmer–research–policy links at its 2026 Agri-Innovation Field Day, pushing practical, farmer-centred research. Women & Youth Enterprise: CEDIS programme says it has supported 30,000 women and youth entrepreneurs, funded by Sweden via Mercy Corps. Culture & Community: Khami Prison Culture Day at Bulawayo spotlights inmates’ music and dance as part of rehabilitation. Sports & Pride: Zimbabwe’s Chevrons coach Justin Sammons says yoga will be incorporated into training after an Indian Embassy session. Public Debate: GMAZ rallies behind Musarara as its grain levy court battle intensifies.

CAB3 Politics: Fresh cash-for-votes allegations claim some CCC MPs were paid up to US$10,000 ahead of the Constitution Amendment No. 3 (CAB3) vote, with the bill’s most contentious proposals linked to extending terms and changing how the President is chosen. Harare Safety & Accountability: Budiriro 3 sewage pool tragedy has ended with the mud-filled site finally closed, but residents are still demanding answers over council safety lapses. Water Services: Harare’s water director is set to exit after council negotiations, with recruitment steps for a replacement now underway. Health Workforce: Government says it will expand midwifery training, e-learning and retention to tackle shortages and improve maternal and newborn outcomes. Tax & Housing: Zimbabwe’s new presumptive rental income tax is raising compliance questions for landlords and agents, especially around deductions and how the law applies. Urban Economy: Motorcycle deliveries are booming in Zimbabwe, but licensing and road-safety concerns are lagging behind growth. Poverty Strategy: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle says policy will focus on income growth and empowerment, not just cash distribution, to cut poverty. Regional Shock: Zimbabweans and other Africans face renewed xenophobia fallout in South Africa, with large-scale repatriations continuing.

Private Wealth & Aviation: Wicknell Chivayo says he has bought a $34m Gulfstream G550, touting nonstop Harare–London/Paris/Milan/Singapore range. Xenophobia & Migration: As South Africa’s anti-migrant pressure grows, Nigeria evacuates 262 citizens to Lagos, while thousands of Malawians remain stranded in Durban after fleeing attacks. Zimbabwe–Africa Diplomacy: Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo arrives in Harare for a two-day state visit, with deals expected in trade, education, agriculture and mining. Public Procurement: PRAZ insists Zimbabwe’s National Standard Price List is a guide for transparency, not a price control mechanism. Health & Industry: Zimbabwe receives more cancer treatment machines, including LINAC radiotherapy units, as gold revenue for Jan–Apr 2026 tops $1.2bn. Local Governance & Water: Harare pushes performance contracts for middle managers, while Bulawayo councillors demand immediate implementation of the Glassblock Dam. Women in Tech & Culture: IFIP Women in ICT Africa launches in Harare, and Victoria Falls gears up for the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival.

Tragedy on the roads: A minibus packed with schoolchildren in Gweru (Senga suburb) caught fire, killing seven pupils; police say a jerry can of petrol may have fuelled the blaze and investigations are ongoing, with the driver and conductor injured. Constitutional politics (CAB3): CCC MP Agency Gumbo delivered a full National Assembly speech opposing Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, arguing it risks stripping away democratic gains, while Nelson Chamisa said he will not back another military intervention. Local business protection: Government says 432 foreign-owned firms applied to keep operating in Zimbabwe’s reserved sectors after new rules; over 280 have been approved so far. Border town push: VP Kembo Mohadi urged Beitbridge to shift from a transit stop to an investment and production hub, as the Beitbridge Business Expo Awards spotlighted local enterprise. Public services: Health ministry plans to decentralise nurses’ registration to cut burdens on practitioners travelling to Harare, and warns of a WhatsApp-based dental therapist job scam. Economy & trade: ZimTrade reports a 48% jump in export earnings (Jan–Apr 2026) and narrowing of the trade deficit, driven by more value-added products. Tourism build-up: Masvingo hotels are already 80–100% booked ahead of Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbabwe World Tourism Expo, with ZTA registering private homes to meet demand.

Youth & Local Governance: Umguza Rural District Council inducted 25 newly elected junior councillors, training them on ethics, council procedures, public finance and how to channel youth priorities into district planning. Public Health & Community Services: Bulawayo City Council recorded 405 burials in seven cemeteries in May, with Luveve Extension Cemetery accounting for most, and also reported tombstone installation revenue. Business Climate: Government is consulting on liquor licensing reforms aimed at cutting licence fees and streamlining procedures to reduce delays for operators. Procurement & Inclusion: PRAZ held its fifth Public Procurement Symposium in Bulawayo, pushing procurement reforms to boost transparency and expand opportunities for women, youths and SMEs, including through eGP and MAPS reviews. Economy & Fiscal Risk: A Zimbabwe Economic Pulse report warns that a reported cash surplus may be short-lived due to debt-servicing pressure and reliance on domestic borrowing. Agriculture & Livestock Innovation: Zimbabwe dispatched a delegation to Rwanda for specialised rabbit artificial insemination training to accelerate genetic improvement and productivity. Sports & Development: Zimbabwe FootGolf is rolling out coach training (Level 2 set for June 20-21 in Gweru) to strengthen technical capacity nationwide. Environment & Land Use: Harare’s Monavale Wetland dispute escalated as MPs were ordered to vacate after activists argued the area is protected under the Ramsar Convention. Fuel Costs Oversight: Parliament’s energy committee launched an inquiry into fuel pricing and also into the proliferation of service stations near residential areas. Conservation: Black rhinos have been reintroduced into Zimbabwe’s Matusadona National Park, 30 years after poaching drove evacuations.

Violence & Justice: A survivor, Naomi Sibanda, recounts how alleged serial rapist and murderer Bright Zhantali robbed and raped her but spared her life, as he faces 23 murder charges. Border & Migration: Zimbabwe says 139 citizens have been evacuated from South Africa after xenophobic violence, with returnees processed through a Beitbridge Reception and Support Centre. Public Health & Rights: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” is working in Beitbridge to shift attitudes on HIV testing and sexual health for mobile communities. Local Development: Beitbridge’s new CBD extension is set to modernise the border town, with servicing works starting and commercial development planned for early 2027. Urban Safety: Harare Residents Trust accuses Harare City Council of negligence after three Budiriro residents died after falling into an unsecured sewer pit. Food & Climate: Women smallholder farmers attended training on food sovereignty, gender justice and climate resilience. Energy Costs: ZERA sets June LPG price at US$1.96/kg (ZWG52.60/kg). Sports: Scottland FC confirmed as Kaizer Chiefs’ Toyota Cup opponents on July 26.

Responsible Mining: Zimbabwe’s Mines ministry, EMA and planetGOLD are assessing small-scale gold mines in Filabusi, including mercury-linked processing at Maholokohlo, to improve recovery while cutting health and environmental risks. Tourism Boost: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority data shows Q1 2026 arrivals up 11% to 384,515 and receipts up 14% to about US$251m, with domestic trips rising 35% to 2.62m. Local Politics & Elections: Patriotic Vendors 4ED launched its Tsholotsho district chapter, mobilising support for ZANU PF candidates ahead of by-elections in Wards 1, 10 and 21. Industry & Jobs: Varichem Pharmaceuticals is running above 70% capacity after US$3m upgrades, with exports growing to Botswana, South Africa and Zambia. Sports & Pressure: Barbourfields Stadium faces a tough PSL schedule—five matches in eight days—raising turf and player-welfare concerns. Environment Watch: CNRG backs the state of disaster for river rehabilitation but warns it could be exploited by miners using “restoration” as cover. Economy & Policy: ZNCC and the IMF discussed Zimbabwe’s reform agenda, including SMP progress, debt/arrears clearance, FX reforms, fiscal sustainability and confidence-building around ZiG. Health Innovation: Cimas Healthathon 3.0 launches a digital healthcare challenge, with registration opening June 22 and a Demo Day on August 28. CAB 3 Explained: A quick guide outlines CAB 3’s next steps in Parliament, from continued second reading to committee and third reading if supported.

UN Diplomacy: Zimbabwe says it will defend the UN Charter at the Security Council after landing a 2027-2028 non-permanent seat, with Foreign Affairs Minister Prof Amon Murwira stressing “effective multilateralism.” Food Security & Industry: Government pushes fertiliser self-sufficiency, citing Middle East shipping shocks and rising input costs, while the High Court rejects GMAZ’s urgent bid to stop grain import levies. Local Economy Jobs: Zimbabwe’s food processing sector is flagged as a top manufacturing employer, and Cairns Foods refreshes its Spuds brand packaging as snack demand grows. Education Oversight: Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Frederick Shava orders mandatory pre-departure clearance for students going abroad and pushes Treasury talks over tertiary funding. Labour Rights: Zimbabwe lands on the ITUC workers’ rights watch list over alleged unionist harassment and rights violations. Politics—CAB3: Diaspora Vote Initiative accuses Parliament’s CAB3 committee of excluding key facts, as debate over the constitutional amendment intensifies. Regional Conservation: KAZA states meet in Victoria Falls to align on wildlife conservation and elephant trade. Human Stories: A Bulawayo teen is reported missing, and Zimbabwean domestic workers in Qatar face exploitation claims under kafala.

Constitution Debate: Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi defended the Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill in Parliament, arguing it’s a lawful, progressive tweak to improve governance and institutional efficiency. Grain Levies Court Setback: The High Court threw out the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe’s urgent bid to halt Government’s grain import levy framework, clearing the way for continued implementation. Local Content Push: Government plans a new Local Content Act to restrict imports worth US$4.5bn that Zimbabwe can produce, aiming to cut forex pressure and boost jobs. Migration Fallout in the Region: Zimbabwe repatriated 74 citizens and Malawi began voluntary returns from South Africa amid xenophobic tensions, while Ramaphosa condemned manhandling of foreigners and warned against vigilante action. Business & Finance: Cyber Bank CEO Nyambirai urged firms to tap diaspora remittances as long-term investment capital; VFEX momentum is expected to grow as more ZSE counters migrate. Health in Prisons: Khami Maximum Prison HIV programmes were praised for improving awareness, testing and treatment access. Culture & Sports: Shingai Dance Troupe won Harare’s Chibuku Neshamwari provincial finals; Zimbabwe A open their unofficial ODI series vs Bangladesh A in Bogura.

UN Security Council Seat Debate: Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart urged Zimbabweans not to overread the country’s UNSC election as a blanket endorsement of current leadership, warning governance deficits can still win seats. Constitutional Crisis (CAB3): Parliament’s CAB3 debate is heating up with claims of coordinated tactics, including allegations that Zanu-PF leadership withheld court papers from MPs facing legal challenges, while opposition MPs accuse intimidation and procedural bias. South Africa Xenophobia & Migration: South Africa’s Ramaphosa announced tougher immigration controls and warned against vigilantism, as Zimbabwe repatriated 74 nationals from Mossel Bay after xenophobic attacks; Malawi also began voluntary returns. Economy & Policy: Experts say Zimbabwe must keep fiscal discipline and push structural reforms to sustain gains under ZiG and single-digit inflation. Governance Fallout: Mnangagwa’s farm mechanisation gift to retired Chief Justice Luke Malaba sparked fresh criticism from lawyers. Tech & Connectivity: ICT minister Tatenda Mavetera said Starlink licensing could be finalised by end of July. Sports: Zim PSL matchday 16 saw Hardrock go top, CAPS United bounce back, and Bosso draw 2-2. Local Life: Bulawayo prisons are overcrowded by 902 inmates; police recovered 2,760 smuggled alcohol bottles in Harare.

UN Security Council Win: Zimbabwe clinched a non-permanent UNSC seat for 2027-2028 with 182/190 votes, with President Mnangagwa calling it a diplomatic milestone that reflects Zimbabwe’s growing standing. Parliament & Governance: MPs are set to vote on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill (No. 3) this week, as Parliament shifts toward results-based oversight with performance contracts and independent evaluations. Health & Cancer Care: Government says it will keep buying cancer diagnosis and treatment machines for Mpilo and Parirenyatwa using Sugar Content Tax proceeds, with more equipment planned for prostate and cervical cancer. Environment: A major river restoration programme has started after a state-of-disaster framework for damaged riverine ecosystems, including a 90-day suspension of activities in heavily degraded areas. Sports – Women’s Football: The Mighty Warriors reached the Four Nations final after beating Lesotho 3-1 in Ndola, setting up a final against Zambia. Sports – Cricket: Sikandar Raza passed 500 wickets across formats, adding another milestone to Zimbabwe’s cricket story. Aviation: Air Zimbabwe missed the June London relaunch deadline, now targeting July 1 for Harare–London Gatwick flights.

Constitutional Crisis (CAB3): Nelson Chamisa is pushing for a “transitional government” and wants President Mnangagwa and Zanu PF to withdraw Constitutional Amendment No. 3, arguing it’s “unilateral, unpopular and anti-people” and could entrench a dynasty. Opposition Split: Zambezia Economic Movement founder Devine Mafa says the “united opposition” is effectively dead, warning some leaders are again betting on a military-assisted political transition. Migration Fallout: South Africa is weighing a far-reaching response to xenophobic unrest, including possible arrests and diplomatic action, after anti-immigrant marches escalated tensions. Economy & Currency: The RBZ has introduced new short-term ZiG-denominated term deposit bills (30/60/90 days) to absorb excess liquidity and stabilise the local currency. Health Breakthrough: Zimbabwe completed its first Deep Brain Stimulation and Spinal Cord Stimulation procedures with help from a Chinese medical team; patients are stable. Infrastructure Watch: Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart’s claims of shortcuts on the Harare–Beitbridge Highway were rejected by the Roads Ministry, which dismissed allegations of substandard work. Wildlife & Tourism: Black rhino are being reintroduced to Matusadona after decades of poaching, using dehorning and tracking to protect the herd. Sports (Local): Dynamos wants an independent inquiry into violence that led to the abandonment of its PSL match against Hardrock.

Water Security: President Mnangagwa’s Presidential Borehole Scheme is set to be commissioned in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, with solar-powered boreholes aimed at easing clean-water shortages. Youth & Environment: Environment Minister Tino Machakaire urged young Zimbabweans to lead climate action, cut plastic pollution and push green innovation at World Environment Day events in Harare. Immigration & Services: In Benoni, residents marched over undocumented immigration, crime and strained services, demanding action from authorities. Politics—CAB3: Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa renewed calls for a transitional government and urged CAB3 withdrawal as Parliament debates extending Mnangagwa’s term; meanwhile government figures cited mass mobilisation and warned opponents against violence. Mining & Economy: Mining revenue hit about US$2bn in the first half, with gold driving export hopes for US$6.5bn–US$7bn by year-end. Drugs Crackdown: Harare flagged Copacabana and Gulf Complex as drug hotspots, calling for targeted action. Health Innovation: CIMAS launched a US$7,000 Healthathon to incubate local healthcare tech solutions. Wildlife: Black rhinos were reintroduced to Matusadona National Park after 30 years, using descendants of earlier stock.

Mining Safety: The Mines and Mining Development ministry has launched a National Safety Enforcement Blitz for artisanal and small-scale mining, after 64 deaths were reported between January and March, with ground collapses driving 54% of fatalities. Capital Markets: TSL plans to voluntarily delist from the ZSE and migrate to the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange in a US-dollar shift, with an EGM set for June 19. Constitutional Politics (CAB3): The CAB3 debate continues to split MPs and the public, with opposition MPs and critics warning the process is compromised and could extend President Mnangagwa’s tenure. Finance & SMEs: The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange got SECZim approval to launch ZEEX, a dedicated platform to improve funding access for SMEs and emerging growth companies. Health & Accountability: Government-linked sugar tax funding is credited with bringing advanced cancer radiotherapy machines, but calls are growing for transparency on procurement, costs, and timelines. Tech & Security: A warning story flags how quantum computing could eventually make today’s password systems obsolete, raising urgency for stronger digital security. Arts & Culture: Bulawayo’s National Art Gallery director faces backlash after rental hikes, as artists push back amid economic strain. HIV Response: NAC says Bulawayo remains on track in HIV targets, while community-led prevention efforts in Umguza are boosting condom distribution and reducing stigma.

UN Security Council: Zimbabwe secured a non-permanent UNSC seat for 2027–2028, joining Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal and Trinidad & Tobago after a closely watched UN vote that also saw Germany miss out. Mining & jobs: Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura says the sector pulled in about US$2bn in revenue in the first half, with gold driving export receipts and a push to deliver every ounce through formal channels. Gold push: Ariana Resources’ Dokwe Gold Project in Matabeleland North has seen a 42% reserve upgrade, lifting its pre-tax value above US$1bn and positioning it for long-term production. Stock market pressure: Old Mutual CEO Samuel Matsekete warns ZSE delistings are shrinking investible assets, while RioZim auditors flag serious liquidity and losses risks. Health boost: Zimbabwe received advanced cancer radiotherapy machines (TrueBeam LINACs) for Mpilo Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa, while CIMAS launches a US$7,000 Healthathon to back local health innovations. Governance & education: Government backs a Catholic teacher training college in Karoi, and CGIAZ elects Tendayi Kanjanda as president. Sports: Mighty Warriors gear up for Zambia’s Four-Nations Tournament ahead of Olympic qualifiers, and Hardrock FC unveils Eswatini signings.