AGP Executive Report

Agribusiness Boost: Zimbabwe’s blueberry exports jumped 76% year-on-year to US$3.8m in the first half of 2026, with volumes rising to 1.9m kg, as shipments to China expand after export protocols were completed. Energy & Investment: Zimbabwe cleared the regulatory path for new power investors by designating a wider range of energy sources, aiming to more than double generation capacity to 6,000MW by 2030. Climate Readiness: Government is pushing farmers to adopt Pfumvudza/Intwasa and drought-proof the national herd as El Niño risks intensify. Returning Citizens: Schools are being directed to accommodate children returning from South Africa without disrupting learning, while Civil Registry support helps with documentation. Governance & Corruption: Bulawayo’s deputy mayor Edwin Ndlovu was arrested again over alleged US$52,000 extortion tied to a hotel lease. Public Safety Shock: The Kariba ferry tragedy remains under scrutiny, with calls for accountability over capacity and safety failures. Regional Trade: Zimbabwe’s COMESA chairmanship is framed as a chance to connect SMEs to markets and finance across the bloc. Sports: Pat Cummins says Australia’s ODI tour in Zimbabwe may be limited, with the focus on the upcoming Test series in South Africa.

Lake Kariba Accountability: Zimbabwe is facing mounting scrutiny after the Mbuya Nehanda ferry capsized, with reports pointing to missing logbooks and records and renewed calls for a proper investigation that goes beyond condolences. Public Safety & Health: The Ministry of Health has installed a medicine tracking system to curb drug theft and leakages from public facilities, while mission hospitals like Morgenster Hospital in Masvingo are struggling after donor support withdrawals. Governance & Corruption: Bulawayo’s deputy mayor and two others were arrested by ZACC over alleged US$52,000 extortion tied to a hotel lease. Housing Crisis & Rule of Law: Harare City Council is set to widen demolitions in St Martins and other suburbs, with residents warning of displacement and questions over who authorised the clearances. Economy & Business: TelOne is seeking US$343m for broadband expansion as banks still haven’t fully passed RBZ rate cuts, and Bulawayo prepares for a competitiveness summit aimed at easing doing-business burdens. Culture & Sports: Kurai Makore returns to his own music after the Mapfumo catalogue dispute; and Zimbabwe’s youth and sport shine from Ngezi Under-19 breakthroughs to junior golf dreams in Kadoma.

Kariba Ferry Disaster Fallout: MDC Restoration demands President Mnangagwa explain his absence after the Lake Kariba tragedy, as questions grow over overcapacity and maritime oversight. Zimbabwe–South Africa Ties: Presidents Ramaphosa and Mnangagwa push deeper cooperation at the Bi-National Commission, signing MoUs including prisoner transfers and energy, trade and heritage deals; Ramaphosa reiterates “we are one people” while Zimbabwe offers to help with liberation fighters’ exhumation and repatriation. Energy & Food Security: Government ramps up El Niño drought preparedness for the national cattle herd, including solar-powered boreholes at dip tanks and tick control; winter wheat farmers welcome stable electricity supply as generation rises. Local Governance & Housing: St Martin’s demolitions spark renewed debate over orderly urban planning versus protecting families’ rights and investments. Sports & National Pride: CAF clears the National Sports Stadium for international matches again, ending years of exile for Warriors home games. Business & Tech: Stanbic launches StanPay to challenge EcoCash dominance; Zimpapers signs a sustainability partnership with the Green Building Council. Agriculture Showcase: Zimbabwe Agricultural Show is fully subscribed with 640 exhibitors, up from 613 last year.

Zimbabwe–South Africa ties: Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Emmerson Mnangagwa wrapped up the Fourth Bi-National Commission in Pretoria, signing MoUs across correctional services, agriculture, energy, trade and cultural heritage, with prisoner-transfer cooperation highlighted. Mobile money shake-up: Stanbic Bank launched StanPay, a new wallet that lets users send money, pay bills and withdraw via vouchers at Stanbic ATMs—aiming straight at EcoCash dominance. Football homecoming: CAF granted Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium Category 3 approval, ending years of exile and allowing Warriors and clubs to host key continental and qualifier matches. Crime and drugs: South African police uncovered a R600m crystal meth lab in Musina, arresting five including two Mexicans, two Zimbabweans and a Malawian. Infrastructure for trade: Communities in Zambezi were urged to support the Kongola–Mulangu road rehabilitation, a key corridor for cross-border traffic. Health sector crackdown: Government deployed a digital medication tracking system from NatPharm to hospitals and is drafting rules to curb private pharmacies near state facilities. Sports development debate: ZIFA unveiled Ramon Catala as Warriors coach under Dream 2030, but questions remain about process and licensing. Humanitarian relief: Food aid reached flood-hit families in Mhlanguleni, Chiredzi, with Zimbabwe Red Cross support for thousands affected by the 2025–26 rains. Local governance: Harare flagged 465 dilapidated properties and issued statutory notices, with compliance still low.

Zimbabwe–South Africa Deal-Making: President Mnangagwa used the SA-Zim Bi-National Commission Business Forum to push a new phase of cooperation beyond trade, focusing on joint investment, research, innovation and industrial projects. Football Comeback at Home: The National Sports Stadium has been cleared with CAF Category 3 status, ending years of “home” matches abroad and reopening the door for CAF and major qualifiers. Health Sector Crackdown: Government says it has deployed a digital drug tracking system from NatPharm to hospitals and is drafting rules to stop health staff from running nearby private pharmacies that fuel syndicates. Urban Safety Push: Harare flagged 465 dilapidated or non-compliant buildings and issued statutory notices, with compliance still low. Digital Payments Warning: RBZ warned of cyber risks in digital payments, urging stronger controls and action against ghost and duplicate accounts. Road Safety Tragedy: Seven died in two head-on crashes, including one at Ngundu blackspot hours after cleansing prayers. Culture & Society: Matching outfits are reshaping lobola ceremonies, with designers saying the trend is uniting families and turning events into big fashion moments. Sports & Youth: Harare Juniors Inter-League tournament set for 25–26 August to spot Under-15 and Under-17 talent. Business & Exports: Women pea exporters in Mutoko are partnering with ZimTrade and the Netherlands to reach EU markets.

Zimbabwe-South Africa ties: Presidents Mnangagwa and Ramaphosa co-chaired the Fourth Zimbabwe–South Africa Bi-National Commission in Pretoria, signing six cooperation instruments covering diplomacy, correctional services, agriculture, arts/culture/heritage and women’s empowerment, with both leaders stressing “we are one people” after recent migration tensions. Public safety & health: Government launched the Early Warnings for All initiative to strengthen the early-warning chain after the Lake Kariba ferry tragedy, while South Africa ran a second Ebola simulation at Beitbridge to test detection and response systems. Drugs crackdown: Police in Limpopo uncovered a crystal meth lab near Musina, seizing equipment and drugs worth about R600m and arresting two Mexicans, two Zimbabweans and a Malawian—pointing to wider Latin American-linked production. Local governance & services: Harare warned of another city-wide water shutdown from 6am Friday to 6pm Sunday for leak repairs and reservoir cleaning. Economy & policy: RBZ reported banking lending up 40.1% to ZiG94.61bn by June, with productive lending leading, and Zimbabwe suspended duties on specialised sports equipment to support approved public sporting facilities and boost BPO growth. Sports & community: Highlanders secured a 2027 kit deal with Treasure Hearts Logistics, and Stanbic Bank’s Blue Run Half Marathon returns to Harare.

Lake Kariba Disaster: Zimbabwe’s ferry capsize death toll has climbed to 97 after two more bodies were recovered, with police releasing additional names as a formal inquest continues into negligence and overloading. Economic Policy & IMF: Zimbabwe says it is on track to meet IMF targets under a Staff Monitored Program, with an IMF final assessment due in September. Monetary Outlook: RBZ says price stability and exchange-rate steadiness are helping keep 2026 growth on course toward the 5% target, while warning of risks from oil shocks and El Niño. Capital Markets & SMEs: Parliament praised the ZSE after it topped Africa’s stock market performance in July, and pushed for stronger support for ZEEX to fund small businesses. Transport & Regulation: Government moves to regulate e-hailing services via a Statutory Instrument while broader rules are drafted. Health Accountability: A deputy minister says the state is losing millions as health workers allegedly steal medicines for resale, with a tracking system being installed. Mining Formalisation: Umzingwane is set for a push to formalise gold mining to improve safety and productivity. Energy & Local Projects: Wicknell Chivayo says he will personally fund the long-delayed 100MW Gwanda solar project. Local Governance: Bulilima RDC rolls out gender mainstreaming training to strengthen inclusive planning and service delivery.

Lake Kariba Disaster: Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba ferry tragedy death toll has climbed to 97, with police releasing names and ages of 93 identified victims after search teams recovered two more bodies near Fothergill Island and King’s Camp. Tourism & Infrastructure: Masvingo Airport rehabilitation is underway ahead of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo, aimed at boosting the province’s capacity and visitor experience. Roads Oversight: Parliament’s Transport and Infrastructure committee says councils are using ZINARA funds for road rehabilitation, but warns on quality and durability after a Beitbridge RDC visit. Zimbabwe–South Africa Ties: President Mnangagwa arrives in Johannesburg for the SA–Zim Bi-National Commission, with economic diplomacy and trade projects front and centre, including a business forum for private-sector deals. Local Governance: Bulawayo gets a Government decentralisation boost as an ECGC office opens to bring trade credit services closer to businesses. Money & Cash: RBZ injects about ZiG600m into circulation in the first half of 2026, citing improved uptake of upgraded BiG5ZiG notes and ZiG coins to ease change shortages. Elections Prep: ZEC and Civil Registry are stepping up the handover of voter registration and roll management, with officials urging accuracy and speed. Health Integrity: Government says it has installed a medicine tracking system to curb theft and diversion of drugs from public hospitals. Football: ZIFA unveils Ramon Catala’s Warriors technical team and a Dream 2030 restructuring linking national teams into one development pathway.

Kariba Ferry Disaster: Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba tragedy keeps worsening, with the government now saying the Mbuya Nehanda (KF 551) was carrying about 180 passengers—double the 90 capacity—while the death toll climbed to 94 as search and recovery continued and a negligence probe began. Regional Diplomacy & Migration: South Africa left the SADC summit with a diplomatic win after neighbours backed Pretoria’s push for a regional dialogue on migration, highlighting how xenophobia and enforcement at home are straining ties across borders. Health & Training: President Mnangagwa installed CUT’s new Vice Chancellor, Prof Irvin Mpofu, during the university’s 25th anniversary graduation, while VP Kembo Mohadi hailed a new era in specialist medical training through ECSACOG. Mining & Value Addition: Banks are preparing to fund mineral beneficiation, while Mutapa Gold moves to formalise artisanal mining at Phoenix Prince and Parliament weighs a graduated lithium royalty model (7% concentrates, 5% lithium sulphate, 3% higher-value products). Society & Inclusion: First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa backed inclusion for people with albinism, handing out sun protection creams and support. Sports: Silver Strikers Ladies arrived in Gaborone for the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier, starting Friday against Costa do Sol.

Lake Kariba Ferry Disaster: Zimbabwe’s ferry tragedy death toll has climbed to 94 after police recovered two more bodies, with investigations pointing to negligence and human error by the captain despite weather warnings. Local Transport Response: Government is also pushing upgrades to the Charara–Kanyanya (Gachegache) road to give Kariba rural communities a safer land alternative. Energy & Power: Energy Minister July Moyo says improved electricity supply can be sustained, citing higher generation and lower demand, as Cabinet moves ahead with Zesa Group restructuring. Climate-Smart Farming: Zimbabwe is strengthening seed testing and variety release for drought- and heat-tolerant crops, while also boosting indigenous cattle genetics (Mashona and Tuli) to build a climate-resilient herd. Governance & Accountability: Harare Residents’ Trust urges President Mnangagwa to release the Cheda Commission report on Harare City Council. Business & Payments: Standard Bank and UnionPay expanded cross-border e-commerce acceptance across nine African markets, including Zimbabwe. Sports: ZIFA remains coy on a new Warriors coach as AFCON qualifiers approach. Culture: Bulawayo’s YungGlow Dzet wins Best Musician at the Zimbabwe Young Achievers Awards.

Lake Kariba Ferry Disaster: Zimbabwe’s deadliest transport tragedy keeps worsening. Police and government now put the death toll at 94, after more bodies were recovered, with 77 survivors rescued. Preliminary findings say the government ferry Mbuya Nehanda was carrying about 180 passengers and goods, far above the stated capacity, and that it sailed despite weather warnings—with officials pointing to negligence and human error by the captain. First Lady Visit: First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa visited grieving families and survivors in Kariba, offering comfort as the search continued. Formal Inquest: Cabinet has approved a formal inquest to establish exactly what happened, including compliance and operational issues. Parliament & Senate: Parliament has approved 10 Senate appointments under the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026, expanding the Senate to 90. Energy Policy: Cabinet also approved ZESA Group restructuring into a leaner, vertically integrated setup, with plans for rationalising excess workers. Pfumvudza Push: Government targets one million hectares under Pfumvudza/Intwasa for the 2026/27 season as drought fears rise. Returnees & Reintegration: Zimbabwe says 155,202 people have been repatriated from South Africa, with skills profiling and reintegration under way. Sanctions Politics: US-sanctioned businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei is among the newly approved senators.

Lake Kariba Disaster: Pope Leo XIV has sent condolences over Zimbabwe’s ferry tragedy as the death toll climbs past 90, with police releasing more victim names and continuing search and recovery. Regional Diplomacy & Migration: South Africa’s Ramaphosa urged SADC to tackle irregular migration after anti-migrant protests pushed more than 176,000 people to leave, while SADC also reiterated calls to remove sanctions on Zimbabwe. Governance & Courts: Zimbabwe’s High Court dismissed a Masvingo motorist’s US$31,000 torture and unlawful detention claim against police, saying the allegations weren’t proven. Energy & Industry: Victoria Falls will host a regional solar meeting under the International Solar Alliance, as UN bodies press SADC to industrialise by processing minerals and farm products. Economy & Business: NetOne marks 30 years of digital expansion; Hippo Valley’s sugar volumes fell sharply despite revenue holding, and ART’s battery business faces working-capital strain. Sports & Culture: Highlanders’ centenary comedy roast is set for Bulawayo; Minerva backs a 400-player chess open; and Zimbabwe targets one million hectares under Pfumvudza as drought fears rise.

Lake Kariba Ferry Disaster: Zimbabwe’s deadliest transport tragedy keeps worsening as police recover eight more bodies, pushing the RIDA/Mbuya Nehanda death toll to 92, with six still unidentified and questions growing over overloading, navigational error and weather warnings. SADC Summit & Migration: In Durban, SADC leaders backed Ramaphosa’s push for faster integration while expressing regret over what’s befallen South Africa; anti-migrant protests flared near the summit as South Africa tries to contain the fallout. Regional Trade & Sanctions: Ramaphosa urged SADC to turn commitments into trade, investment and industrialisation, while the bloc renewed calls for removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe, saying restrictions limit economic potential. Zimbabwe Economy & Food Security: Treasury’s 2027 strategy targets at least 5% growth with a six-pillar plan, including private grain imports and strategic grain reserves. Rural Health Electrification: Matabeleland North says all 167 rural clinics are now electrified, joining Mashonaland Central in reaching 100% access. Drug Supply Crackdown: VP Mohadi says government is intensifying efforts against drug and substance abuse by dismantling supply networks. Business & Policy: ITAC waived tyre import duties for certain agricultural/forestry tyres to cut costs for farmers. Crime: Three men face trial in Bulawayo over a US$3,200 armed robbery after a stabbing left intestines protruding.

SADC Summit in Durban: South Africa opened the 46th SADC Heads of State summit in eThekwini/Durban with a push for deeper regional integration and industrialisation, while anti-migrant protests outside the venue escalated calls to “fetch your people,” as leaders faced pressure over how migrants are treated in the region. Lake Kariba ferry disaster: Zimbabwe police say the Lake Kariba boat capsize death toll has climbed to 92, with search teams still recovering bodies and confirming 77 survivors after the overloaded vessel capsized. Zimbabwe–SA business push: South Africa’s DTIC will host a South Africa–Zimbabwe Business Forum in Midrand as Ramaphosa and Mnangagwa back trade ties, focusing on barriers like transport, logistics and regional value chains. Tech for services: ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera praised NetOne’s telemedicine push in Chikomba West, saying connectivity is helping bridge access gaps for healthcare. Agriculture and climate: Zimbabwe’s Zadzamatura highlights drought-tolerant germplasm and climate-smart agronomy as El Niño variability threatens the 2025/26 season. Local governance: Harare’s St Martins residents say they are camping at council offices after demolitions, demanding answers on why homes were destroyed and what happens to their investments. Business/finance: Mastercard expanded Priceless.com across nine African markets including Zimbabwe, aiming to boost digital travel experiences for cardholders.

Lake Kariba Ferry Tragedy: Zimbabwe’s overloaded government ferry disaster death toll has climbed to 84 after four more bodies were recovered, as police say searches continue for the missing and preliminary findings point to navigational error, possible overloading and failure to heed weather warnings; Government has declared a State of Disaster and a technical report is set for Cabinet. SADC Summit Security & Migration: President Emmerson Mnangagwa is in Durban for the 46th SADC Heads of State summit, with Zimbabwe pushing for deeper regional integration, food self-sufficiency and industrialisation while South Africa steps up security amid plans for an anti-immigrant march. Constitutional Politics (CAA3): Attorney-General Virginia Mabiza defends Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3, arguing it does not remove Zimbabweans’ right to vote, as opposition and civic groups keep challenging the changes. Rural Jobs & Value Addition: Beitbridge’s US$40m Orangeville citrus project is creating hundreds of jobs now and targets about 2,000 when fully operational, with Government calling it a rural industrialisation model. Youth & Sport: Vice President Kembo Mohadi hailed the return of the National Youth and Paralympic Games as a key youth empowerment tool.

Lake Kariba Ferry Disaster: Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba tragedy is worsening fast, with the death toll now at 80 after eight more bodies were recovered; police say the overloaded ferry (authorised for 90) carried far more people, including 18 children aged 14 months to 10 years, as survivors reported pleading with the crew to turn back. Maritime Safety & Accountability: The disaster has reignited calls for stronger inland-water transport rules, warning systems and enforcement, with officials also pushing for expanded search efforts into Zambian waters. Health & Labour: Zimbabwe nurses threaten to down tools over stalled talks on health-specific allowances and job evaluation outcomes. Abortion Law: Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court has remitted a major abortion challenge back to the High Court for a full re-hearing. SADC Summit Security: Durban’s 46th SADC summit saw arrests over attempted accreditation fraud, with NATJOINTS warning against any misuse of access passes. Local Development: Government is reviewing colonial-era building regulations to cut construction costs and speed up housing delivery. Business & Markets: Old Mutual’s return is driving a VFEX methodology overhaul, boosting reported market capitalisation. Culture & Sports: Bulawayo Arts Awards confirm a return for the ninth edition; Kadoma opens its first technical college; Two Keys injects US$20k into Midlands Cricket.