AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Wealth: Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo says he has bought a Gulfstream G550 private jet reportedly worth about US$34m, with claims it can fly nonstop from Harare to London, Paris, Milan and Singapore. Diplomacy: Zimbabwe won a non-permanent UN Security Council seat with 182 votes, boosting its voice in global peace and security. Public Procurement: PRAZ says Zimbabwe’s National Standard Price List is not a price control tool, but a guide meant to improve transparency and value for money in public buying. Mining & FX: Zimbabwe’s gold revenue more than doubled to about US$1.2bn in the first four months of 2026, driven by higher prices and production. Capital Markets: The ZSE unveiled major reforms to revive listings, including lower listing thresholds and relaxed free-float rules to help SMEs access the market. Health & Industry: Government received more advanced cancer treatment machines (LINAC radiotherapy units) as it pushes to modernise oncology services. Trade & Regional Growth: ZimTrade led a mission of 25 Zimbabwean firms into Zambia to chase new partnerships, especially in agriculture and construction services. Food Security: Zimbabwe is targeting strategic grain reserves of roughly 551,000 to 965,000 tonnes after reporting a strong 2025/26 season. Local Governance & Water: Bulawayo councillors renewed calls for immediate implementation of the Glassblock Dam to address chronic water shortages. Social Risk: A Gweru school kombi fire killed seven pupils, reigniting pressure on transport safety and enforcement.

Road Safety Crisis: A minibus packed with schoolchildren caught fire in Gweru, killing seven learners; police say a jerry can of petrol may have fuelled the blaze, renewing concerns over overcrowded, unregulated school transport. Reserved Sectors Update: Government says 432 foreign-owned firms applied to keep operating in 21 indigenisation-reserved sectors, with over 280 already approved, as compliance work shifts to artisanal and small-scale mining. Mining & Investment Signals: Premier African Minerals reports spodumene in concentrate at its Zulu lithium project after flotation plant commissioning, while Caledonia Mining’s Motapa drilling confirms high-grade gold mineralisation that could extend Bilboes mine life. Trade & Industry Performance: ZimTrade says value-added exports surged, helping narrow the trade deficit as Zimbabwe shifts toward higher-value manufactured goods. Local Business & Capital Markets: ZSE and INVESCI sign an MoU to grow SME fundraising via ZEEX, aiming to deepen Zimbabwe’s capital market ecosystem. Tourism Push: ZIMVRA calls for tighter coordination with mobility operators to unlock tourism growth, as China drives a rise in arrivals. Public Procurement Inclusion: PRAZ symposium highlights calls for procurement quotas and targeted measures to boost women’s participation in tenders. Infrastructure & Services: Beitbridge starts a CBD extension project, and Government plans to decentralise nurse registration to cut travel burdens. Fraud Alert: A Harare woman accused of posing as a vehicle import agent and defrauding clients of over US$15,000 appears in court.

Youth & Devolution: Umguza Rural District Council inducted 25 newly elected junior councillors, training them on governance, ethics, public finance and youth participation to shape ward development. Pensions & Growth Finance: A Zimbabwe Institutional Investors Forum is set for June 24–25 in Harare, aiming to mobilise long-term pension and institutional capital for infrastructure and sustainable investment. Regulatory Reform for Business: Government is consulting to review liquor licensing laws, targeting lower licence fees and faster, less bureaucratic application processes. Tourism Demand: Zimbabwe recorded 11% growth in international arrivals in Q1 2026, with China and Hong Kong driving a 24% jump in visitors. Procurement for Inclusion: PRAZ held a Bulawayo symposium on public procurement as a catalyst for inclusive growth, transparency and wider SME participation, with MAPS assessment findings expected to guide reforms. Corporate Cash Returns: PPC Zim paid a record US$36m dividend to its parent after strong volumes and improved profitability. Tax Administration Upgrade: AfDB’s US$7.6m tax reform project reported major gains, boosted by a new digital tax platform. Fiscal Risks: Analysts warn a claimed cash surplus may be short-lived due to debt-servicing pressures and reliance on domestic borrowing. Rabbit Industry Push: Zimbabwe is training officials in rabbit artificial insemination to accelerate genetic improvement and boost productivity, with exports now being backed diplomatically. Local Infrastructure Financing: Bulawayo City Council seeks over US$13m in borrowing to rehabilitate water, roads, ICT and renewable energy systems. Cement Jobs Boost: A new cement plant in Chegutu is 90% complete, expected to create about 450 jobs and produce nearly 800,000 tonnes annually from August.

Beitbridge Border Growth: The government has broken ground for a new Central Business District extension in Beitbridge, with tarred roads, sewer, water reticulation and drainage planned over 6–9 months, creating about 80 jobs, while commercial stands are set for early 2027. Zim-Zambia Trade Push: Zimbabwean firms are being urged to cash in on elevated Zimbabwe–Zambia ties as a Bi-National Commission framework is used to open service and export opportunities in Zambia. Public Health at the Border: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme is working with mobile communities in Beitbridge to improve HIV testing, sexual health and child protection amid high cross-border movement. Energy Costs: ZERA set June 2026 LPG prices at US$1.96/kg (ZWG52.60/kg), with operators allowed to charge less than the maximum. Transport Upgrade: ZPTO says 200 public service buses are on the way to Zimbabwe, with 500 more under production to ease urban shortages and curb illegal touting. Mining Safety Call: CNRG demands investigations and a suspension at Bikita Minerals after two worker deaths, citing concerns over workplace safety. Air Zimbabwe London Return: Air Zimbabwe plans to resume Harare–London Gatwick flights from July 1 via a 13-month wet-lease ACMI deal with Plus Ultra. Regional Trade Facilitation: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique launched a drive to cut bottlenecks on transport corridors by tackling border delays, fragmented procedures and infrastructure gaps.

Responsible Mining & ASGM: Zimbabwe’s Mines Ministry, EMA and planetGOLD are assessing small-scale gold mines in Filabusi to improve processing efficiency and cut mercury and environmental/health risks. Tourism Growth: ZTA reports Q1 2026 international arrivals up 11% to 384,515 and receipts up 14% to US$251m, with domestic trips also rising 35% to 2.62m. Lithium Project Update: Premier African Minerals says ore from the Run-of-Mine pad is now going through its new flotation plant at the Fort Rixon Zulu project, with optimisation still early. Pharma Export Push: Varichem Pharmaceuticals is running above 70% capacity after US$3m upgrades, boosting local supply and exports to Botswana, South Africa and Zambia. Macroeconomic Reforms: ZNCC and the IMF met on SMP progress, debt/arrears clearance, FX reforms, fiscal sustainability, public debt management and confidence-building around ZiG. Tax Pressure on Firms: Business leaders warn ZIMRA’s “pay now, argue later” and backdated VAT assessments are costing companies millions and disrupting planning. Agribusiness & Food Security: Gweru expands wheat at Go Beer Farm to 43 hectares (from 40), targeting higher yields after 120 tonnes last season. Transport & Urban Costs: Government-backed plan to bring 200 buses (first batch en route) plus 500 more to curb illegal touting and pirate taxes. Health Funding: Treasury continues sugar-tax cancer funding, with modern radiotherapy equipment procurement underway for Parirenyatwa and Mpilo hospitals. Water & Environment: CNRG backs river rehabilitation but warns the disaster declaration could be exploited by miners; First Lady also calls for stronger African water cooperation. Markets: ZMX says grain prices stayed firm; white maize dipped 0.20% to US$348/tonne while soya rose to US$551/tonne.

Lithium rebound: After a three-year slump, lithium prices are surging again as China’s CATL suspends a key mine licence, lifting CME lithium hydroxide contracts sharply and reviving hopes for a battery-metal boom—though EV demand worries could cap the upside. Fertiliser push: Zimbabwe is accelerating fertiliser self-sufficiency, citing global supply shocks and higher input costs, while also pushing for a coordinated Southern Africa procurement approach to protect farmers. CAB3 politics: Parliament’s Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) remains the centre of debate, with the diaspora vote initiative accusing the Justice committee of excluding key facts, while opposition figures call for a transitional government and the bill’s withdrawal. Labour rights: Zimbabwe has been placed on the ITUC workers’ rights watch list after reported increases in violations against trade unionists, including arrests and harassment. Grain levy court setback: The High Court dismissed GMAZ’s urgent bid to stop the grain import levy framework, keeping the levy in force. Liquidity management: RBZ introduced new ZiG-denominated term deposit facility bills to absorb excess liquidity and stabilise the exchange rate. Food & jobs: Zimbabwe’s food processing sector led manufacturing employment growth in 2025, while Cairns Foods refreshed its Spuds brand as local industry expands. Mining safety: Unions marked the Kamandama disaster anniversary, calling for tougher mine safety standards and stronger worker protections. South Africa migration spillover: Anti-migrant protests continue to spread in South Africa despite Ramaphosa’s warnings against xenophobia and vigilantism, raising regional business and labour concerns.

Monetary Policy: The RBZ is considering restructuring non-negotiable certificates of deposits (NNCDs) and adding new instruments to mop up excess liquidity, with deputy governor Innocent Matshe saying the goal is to give market players more options beyond existing treasury NNCDs. Capital Markets: The ZSE unveiled sweeping listing reforms—cutting minimum market cap to US$1m, lowering free-float to 10%, and waiving some interim audit reviews for three years—as it battles VFEX for listings and liquidity. Legal & Trade: 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 under Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025. Politics & Governance: Talks over CAB 3 remain deadlocked after CCC’s Sengezo Tshabangu issued an ultimatum, while Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi defended the Bill’s purpose as “lawfully reasoned and progressive adaptation.” Regional Migration: South Africa’s Ramaphosa vowed action against illegal migration and warned against xenophobic violence, as protests and vigilante pressure continue to spill into the region. Business & Innovation: Ndarama says it is moving into tokenised real-asset lending and a secondary trading market after its first month, while Zimgold is expanding capacity with a Bulawayo plant aimed at exports.

Starlink rollout: Zimbabwe’s ICT minister Tatenda Mavetera says government hopes to finalise Starlink’s regulated entry into the market by end-July, with the satellite service expected to complement mobile operators rather than directly replace them. Macroeconomic stability: Experts urge Zimbabwe to keep strict fiscal and monetary discipline and deepen structural reforms as inflation drops to single digits and ZiG stabilisation continues, even as most transactions still run on the US dollar. ZSE pressure: The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange has lost about US$1.16bn in market value since the start of the year, with delistings deepening the shrinkage of listed counters; the ZSE is now easing listing rules to attract firms. Constitutional heat (CAB3): Parliament’s CAB3 debate is intensifying, with opposition alleging intimidation and procedural bias as Zanu-PF MPs push coordinated arguments that could extend terms and reshape elections. South Africa migration shock: Ramaphosa announced tougher measures on illegal immigration and warned against vigilantism, while Zimbabweans report xenophobia-linked fears; Zimbabwe repatriated 74 citizens from Mossel Bay after attacks. Public health & enforcement: Bulawayo stepped up food safety crackdowns, inspecting 1,715 premises and destroying unsafe meat and other contaminated products. Illicit trade: Police in Harare arrested a suspect after recovering 2,760 bottles of smuggled alcohol.

Air Zimbabwe London Route: Zimbabwe’s national carrier says it will miss the June deadline for Harare–London flights, now targeting July 1 for a relaunch to Gatwick under a wet-lease arrangement with Spanish Plus Ultra. Healthcare & Tax-Funded Cancer Care: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says Mpilo and Parirenyatwa will get the full range of cancer diagnosis and treatment machines, funded through the sugar content tax, with more installations underway. Parliament Oversight & CAB3: Parliament is moving to results-based oversight with performance contracts for senior staff, while MPs are expected to vote on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill (No. 3) this week. Inflation Shock: Zimbabwe’s inflation has returned to three digits, with May year-on-year inflation rising to 131.7%, underlining currency and cost-of-living pressures. Youth Jobs Push: A US$1m Youth Economic Fund has started disbursements to support vulnerable and unemployed youth. UN Diplomacy: Zimbabwe won a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2027–28 with 182 votes, a major diplomatic win. Regional Migration Tensions (SA): South Africa’s government insists there will be no national shutdown on June 30 as anti-illegal immigration protests intensify, with Ramaphosa set to address the nation.

Central Banking & Currency: The RBZ introduced 30-, 60- and 90-day ZiG Denominated Term Deposit Facility Bills to absorb excess liquidity, with stepped annualised rates of 8%, 9% and 11%, aiming to ease pressure on exchange rates. Energy & Investment: Centragrid Solar Plant in Mashonaland West added 25MW to the national grid, expanding private renewable generation and improving supply reliability in several load centres. Infrastructure Integrity: Harare-Beitbridge Highway quality is under fire again as Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart alleges contractors used substandard materials, while the Ministry of Roads rejects the claims and calls for proper process. Crime & Business Risk: Five people appeared in court over ZESA and TelOne cable theft, as authorities intensify action against copper theft and damage to telecom infrastructure. Agribusiness & Jobs: Salima Sugar Company appointed Clement Kumbemba as new CEO, signalling a push for improved efficiency and growth. Education & Human Capital: Bridging Gaps Foundation awarded 20 fully funded scholarships for medicine and law at the University of Zimbabwe for vulnerable, high-achieving students. Governance & Housing: Harare City Council’s demolition blitz targets over 5,000 homes backed by High Court orders, raising fresh concerns for livelihoods and urban planning. Trade Payments: Afreximbank expanded AfPAY adoption efforts via roadshows, promoting faster, cheaper cross-border settlements for banks and traders. Public Health & Compliance: Police arrested two Mutare company directors for allegedly manufacturing illicit brew under unhygienic conditions, warning businesses to comply with health regulations.

Water & Infrastructure: Presidential adviser Dr Paul Tungwarara will commission the Presidential Borehole Scheme in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, a non-partisan push to install 35,000 solar boreholes in rural areas and 1,000 in urban centres to improve access to clean water. Environment & Youth: Environment Minister Tino Machakaire urged young Zimbabweans to lead climate action and wildlife conservation, calling for practical steps like cutting plastic pollution and boosting recycling. Migration & Services Pressure: In Benoni, residents marched over undocumented immigration, crime and strained services, demanding action from government and calling for foreigners to leave through proper legal channels. Tourism & Regulation: Praz has distanced itself from ZimParks permits for commercial operations near Victoria Falls (Cataract Island and Rainforest), as a High Court challenge seeks to block the developments. Diplomacy & Trade: The US congratulated Zimbabwe on its UNSC non-permanent seat and signalled interest in deeper investment and partnerships. Mining Revenue: Mining generated about US$2bn in the first half of the year, with export receipts projected at US$6.5bn–US$7bn by year-end, led by gold. Health Innovation: CIMAS launched a US$7,000 Healthathon to incubate local healthcare innovations, with registration opening June 22. Road Safety & Governance: Government rolled out an AI electronic traffic management system to detect and fine offences automatically, while Bulawayo suspended a councillor over alleged fraud. Crime & Enforcement: Police arrested a Zimbabwean in South Africa over R2.3m tobacco smuggling, seizing illicit tobacco and the vehicle. Health Care Upgrade: Two advanced cancer radiotherapy machines (LINACs) arrived for Mpilo and Parirenyatwa, aiming to cut travel and expand local treatment capacity.

Mining & Safety: Zimbabwe’s Mines ministry launched a National Safety Enforcement Blitz after 64 artisanal miners died in Q1 2026, with ground collapses the biggest cause, pushing for training and stricter enforcement. Lithium Value-Add: Policy shifts are starting to pay off as mines commit close to US$1bn toward processing plants, but investors are warned that unpredictable policy reversals remain a major risk. Capital Markets: The ZSE won SECZim approval to launch the SME-focused ZEEX platform (Zimbabwe Entrepreneurship Exchange), aiming to widen access to regulated funding for emerging businesses. Old Mutual & ZSE Pressure: Old Mutual says it’s targeting new growth engines as capital markets shrink amid delistings and migrations. Cybersecurity: A new warning on quantum computing highlights how soon password systems could become obsolete, raising urgency for Zimbabwe’s digital security. Housing & Land: Harare City Council’s demolition blitz targets illegal structures on protected land and sites reserved for schools/clinics, with thousands at risk of losing homes. Constitution Debate: Parliament adjourned until Tuesday as CAB3 debate heats up, with speculation of a vote soon. Regional Trade & Health: SADC adopted legal instruments including a tourism univisa and pooled procurement for pharmaceuticals to cut medicine costs. Air Zimbabwe: Air Zimbabwe’s London route revival is linked to a Spanish carrier under an ACMI lease, though questions linger over the partner. SME/Finance Complaints: A Harare motorist alleges FBC Insurance underpaid a claim after disputed repairs, adding to consumer frustration in financial services.

Fuel Policy: Govt hiked the Strategic Reserve Levy on diesel to US$0.12/litre (from US$0.05) and petrol to US$0.523/litre (from US$0.413), effective 2 June, with ZIMRA set to implement pending a Statutory Instrument. Mining & Finance: RioZim’s auditors warned of worsening liquidity and losses, while the mining sector posted about US$2bn revenue in the first half and officials reiterated gold delivery targets. Gold Investment: Ariana Resources says its Dokwe Gold Project reserves jumped 42% to 1.13m ounces, lifting the asset’s pre-tax value above US$1bn. Capital Markets: Old Mutual CEO Samuel Matsekete flagged a ZSE de-listing wave shrinking investible assets and weakening capital market intermediation. Regional Trade Push: ZimTrade will send 30+ firms to Zambia (June 9–11) to grow services exports, including agriculture and construction-related businesses. Energy Transition Minerals: SADC launched a five-year project to keep energy-transition minerals value chains in the region (March 2026–Feb 2031). Health Upgrade: Advanced cancer radiotherapy machines (TrueBeam LINACs) arrived in Bulawayo for Mpilo and Parirenyatwa, boosting treatment capacity. Governance & Business Climate: A forex academy in Bulawayo gained international recognition, while concerns persist over uneven conditions between formal retailers and informal traders.

UN Diplomacy: Zimbabwe won a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2027-2028 with 182 votes, returning after 33 years and drawing praise for Harare’s “engagement and re-engagement” push. Constitutional Politics: Parliament moves closer to a vote on CAB3 after a committee report claims 99.4% public support, even as critics question the consultation method and disparities between written and email submissions. SME Pressure: More than 40 Bulawayo SMEs are stuck after NRZ closed their premises over unpaid rentals, threatening jobs and income for small businesses. Agriculture & Food Security: Treasury introduced grain import levies to protect local producers and fund irrigation, while grain millers say the framework is still under legal dispute. Mining & Regional Policy: Mozambique signed a law requiring 15% state ownership in mining ventures and local processing, tightening control as battery-material demand rises. Finance & Risk Insurance: AfDB approved US$125m equity for ATIDI to expand trade, credit and political risk insurance across Africa. Energy Transition: Stakeholders say Zimbabwe’s renewable push must be built on community ownership and stronger implementation, not just new infrastructure.

ZSE Listing Shake-Up: The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange cut its minimum listing threshold from US$10m to US$1m and relaxed free-float and shareholder spread rules for three years to lure new listings and boost liquidity as competition from VFEX bites. Market Reshuffle: First Mutual Properties shareholders overwhelmingly backed the firm’s exit from the ZSE, paving the way for First Mutual Holdings to take it private at a US$0.033 per share cash offer. Corporate Results Watch: Nampak Zimbabwe reported an almost 90% plunge in profit after tax for the six months to March 31, 2026, even as revenue rose on stronger tobacco packaging demand, with costs and pricing pressure squeezing margins. Land Administration Costs: A Bulawayo MP questioned the affordability of title deed validation and securitisation on the Digital Land Administration platform, warning ordinary owners may face burdensome fees. Food Sovereignty Push: Government and large-scale farmers backed new grain import levies and local procurement rules under SI 87 of 2025 to protect domestic producers and stabilise grain markets. Tax Compliance Message: Zimra told civil servants and businesses in Karoi that salaries depend on taxes paid by citizens and SMEs, warning audits will enforce compliance. Digital Security Concern: EcoCash’s official X account was hacked, briefly exposing users to unauthorised explicit posts and reigniting debate on cybersecurity and trust in mobile money. UN Diplomacy: Zimbabwe was elected to the UN Security Council for 2027–28, while Germany failed in its bid, and the Philippines lost to Kyrgyzstan in the Asia-Pacific race.

Climate & Agriculture: Government says Zimbabwe is bracing for a likely Super El Niño in 2026/27, with plans to protect crops and livelihoods as drought risk rises. Food Security: A new update expects food insecurity to stay at Stressed levels in deficit areas through September 2026, even as harvest access improves in many places. Trade & FX: ZimStat reports the trade deficit widened to US$169.6m in April as exports fell 15%, deepening reliance on imports. Climate Finance: Zimbabwe faces a US$4.8bn climate funding gap as a new green governance policy book launches in Harare, with accountability flagged as the missing piece. Grain Levies: Treasury approved grain import levies to shield local producers and fund irrigation, despite legal pushback. Energy & Industry: Millennium Heights in Harare powers ahead with a 1MW solar plant, while RioZim’s losses widen to ZiG739m amid liquidity and operational strain. Transport & Business Climate: ZIDA launches a DIY e-platform to simplify investment processes, and NRZ’s CEO resigns on medical grounds as rail recapitalisation continues. Governance & Stability: Police warn of zero tolerance for threats and incitement during CAB3 parliamentary debates, where submissions reportedly show overwhelming support. Diplomacy: Zimbabwe wins a non-permanent UN Security Council seat with 182 votes, a major diplomatic milestone. Health Alerts: Hurungwe activates Ebola preparedness after DRC/WHO reports of Bundibugyo strain outbreaks.