AGP Executive Report

IMF and Reforms: Zimbabwe has cleared the IMF’s first review under its 10-month Staff-Monitored Programme, with the Fund saying end-March targets and structural benchmarks were met, while urging Harare to keep fiscal discipline and speed up governance reforms. Food Security & Markets: Government warned farmers against “poultry prices” from unscrupulous grain buyers, saying they should benchmark against the Grain Marketing Board as Harare pushes to rebuild the Strategic Grain Reserve. Digital Finance Oversight: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe approved seven fintech projects for a supervised regulatory sandbox, including blockchain, tokenisation and crowdfunding tests—aimed at widening access to capital while keeping oversight. Constitutional Politics & Protests: Opposition-linked voices and civil society are intensifying the debate around planned 31 July demonstrations tied to Constitutional Amendment No. 3, as authorities move against organisers. Health Funding Alarm: UNAIDS warned that funding cuts are putting HIV gains at risk, with millions still not on treatment and more infections projected without urgent action.

Constitutional Politics: Zanu PF MP Spare Sithole has been suspended for “treachery” after allegedly skipping key parliamentary votes that backed Mnangagwa’s term extension, with the suspension still needing ratification by party structures. Judicial Appointments: Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza swore in five new Judicial Service Commission commissioners, setting a fresh six-year term for the body that oversees court administration and judicial independence. Transport & Cost of Living: Government has scrapped the Road Access Fee after 17 years, saying it became duplicative once ZINARA toll gates expanded, easing pressure on motorists and transport operators. Health System & Governance: The Health ministry reaffirmed efforts to strengthen coordination and accountability after a technical working group meeting, while Zimbabwe also moved to improve access to justice through JSC reforms. Public Health Alarm: Reports warn of illegal ARV use in poultry farming, raising consumer safety concerns amid funding cuts to HIV programmes. Economic & Industry: Mnangagwa commissioned UZ’s Industrial Incubation Centre and Specialist Medical Centre, pushing industrialisation and healthcare modernisation. Lithium Value Addition: Zimbabwe’s first lithium processing plant is now operating, part of a wider push to stop raw mineral exports and build local processing capacity. Road Safety: PAZ called for stronger night-time road safety measures, citing rising fatal crashes and the need for 24-hour highway patrols.

Constitutional Politics: Nelson Chamisa dismisses Zanu PF bribery claims tied to CAB3, saying his record shows consistent opposition and calling the allegations propaganda. Education Funding Crisis: District education offices say they are running short of stationery, toner and bond paper as BSPZ funds remain frozen after corruption probes, disrupting printing and school audits; Zimta plans to petition Parliament under “Go Public, Fund Education.” Rural Development & Agriculture: Government says it will roll out 35,000 tractors so every village gets at least one, aiming to shift subsistence farming toward commercially viable rural enterprises. Tourism Strategy & Diaspora: Tourism Ministry is holding nationwide consultations for a US$5bn tourism plan (2026-2030) and urges the diaspora to turn remittances into tourism investments. Labour Administration: NECs are being urged to decentralise by setting up provincial offices to improve access to labour dispute resolution and compliance. Energy Transition: ZERA says solar adoption is increasingly strategic for cost and ESG goals, not just a response to power cuts. Community & Faith: VP Chiwenga becomes a full member of the Catholic St Joseph’s Guild; Christian Care resolves to normalise relations with the Zimbabwe Council of Churches. SME Finance: Zimbabwe launches ZEEX, a regulated platform for SMEs to raise capital and graduate toward main exchanges.

Constitutional Politics: Zimbabwe has started a major legislative reform drive to align laws with Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3, with Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi saying the Electoral Act will be revised and a Delimitation Commission set up, aiming to finish the bulk of amendments by 2028. Protest Tensions: Job Sikhala says intimidation won’t stop opposition to the July 31 demonstrations against CAA3, while government ministers warn citizens to use courts instead of the streets. Succession Pressure: Analysts warn Zanu-PF moves could enable a “life presidency” if party structures push to extend Mnangagwa’s tenure to 2037, following the new constitutional changes. Intelligence Shake-up: Zimbabwe’s CIO has reportedly carried out a wide senior leadership reshuffle amid succession politics. Currency & Taxes: Treasury plans to widen taxes payable exclusively in ZiG to boost demand and speed adoption. Border Trade: Zimra says Beitbridge truck congestion is being addressed and expects the backlog to clear within 24 hours. Public Health & Governance: Police are reported to be questioning ex-soldiers who launched a new political party, and Zanu-PF lifted a prohibition order against Chiredzi West MP Darlington Chiwa pending court matters.

Zanu-PF Internal Politics: Zanu‑PF is tightening control in Harare ahead of 31 July protests, with youth tasked to “spy” on alleged plotters during a province-wide audit of district structures; the party also warns against sabotage by losing candidates after primary polls, as it seeks to protect its Harare seats. Succession Fight: Sources say Zanu‑PF faces an internal push to abort the scheduled 2027 elective congress, aiming to extend President Mnangagwa’s leadership and narrow VP Chiwenga’s succession prospects. Mining & Value Addition: Mutapa Resources says it has secured US$300m for lithium development at Sandawana and a US$212m gold expansion, targeting 110,000oz in 2026 as Zimbabwe moves to process minerals locally. Cross-Border Labour Shock: South Africa’s anti-migrant crackdown has triggered a labour exodus, leaving Zimbabwean returnees and SA farms struggling to harvest crops and keep factories running. Highlanders Tragedy: Zimbabwe mourns Highlanders FC executives and a supporter killed in a road crash; President Mnangagwa has led national condolences and state-assisted funerals are being arranged. Transport & Connectivity: Air Zimbabwe has launched direct flights from London Gatwick to Harare, restoring a link absent for over 14 years. Sports (Local Interest): India sealed the T20I series against Zimbabwe with a 90-run win in Harare, led by Ishan Kishan’s 81 and Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 60.

Constitutional Politics: Zanu-PF is stepping up rallies to defend the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, warning against planned protests and backing Mnangagwa’s continued leadership after the law postpones harmonised elections and extends terms. Legal & Governance: Zimbabwe’s voter registration and delimitation functions are set to move from ZEC to the Registrar-General and a Delimitation Commission, with ZEC saying subsidiary regulations are being finalised. Local Government Accountability: The Auditor-General flags major City of Harare financial management weaknesses, including a huge variance in creditors records and unresolved suspense balances affecting trust in council statements. Education Policy: The Educators Union of Zimbabwe urges government to re-employ teachers returning from South Africa after xenophobic violence, saying learners are being supported but educators are being left out. Public Safety & Crime: ZRP seeks information on Madzibaba VeShanduko after his June acquittal, while ZimStat reports young men dominate prison admissions. Economy & Industry: Mnangagwa reiterates a push for industrialisation and green value chains, and RBZ says ZiG’s sole-currency shift is now conditions-based, not a fixed deadline. Regional Sports Diplomacy: South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe submit a joint bid to host AFCON 2028.

Immigration & Cross-Border Trade: South Africa’s crackdown on illegal immigration is tightening enforcement against foreign drivers, with the DRC route hit hardest and transporters asking Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber for a moratorium, warning the move could disrupt lucrative regional trade. Migration Debate in SA: South Africa’s Minister Ronald Lamola, speaking at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation winter seminar, pushed back on claims migrants drive South Africa’s problems, arguing poverty, unemployment and inequality are the real drivers of social frustration. Health Policy: Zimbabwe’s “silent dementia crisis” is being flagged as Parliament warns elderly people are going missing, with the article urging dementia to be treated as a medical condition rather than superstition. Local Governance & Development: VP Kembo Mohadi commissioned the Kasambabezi Border Post in Binga, promising better immigration and Zimra services, stronger border security, and trade opportunities. Economy & Industry: At ZICE 2026, President Mnangagwa opened an industrialisation push as a survey says manufacturing is now the biggest GDP contributor and targets US$1bn by 2030. Politics & Parties: Former Bulawayo deputy mayor Gift Banda says he joined Zanu-PF to serve communities, not to chase office. Sports (Harare): India leads 1-0 after beating Zimbabwe in the first T20I at Harare Sports Club, with the second match set for Saturday. Tragedy: Highlanders’ chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza died in a road crash, prompting calls for state-assisted funerals.

Healthcare Leadership: Bulawayo residents’ group BURA welcomed Prof Solwayo Ngwenya’s appointment as Mpilo Central Hospital CEO, saying it should improve service delivery. Regional Sports Diplomacy: South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe submitted a joint bid to host AFCON 2028, aiming to bring the tournament back to Southern Africa after 15 years. Law & Order: In Harare, a lawyer accused of forging a title deed in a US$150,000 property fraud was denied bail and remanded to August 6. Migration Crisis Watch: Zimbabweans continue fleeing South Africa amid anti-foreigner violence; MSF says even documented migrants are being forced to run, with people losing passports and chronic medication access. Economic & Finance: Government is pushing capital market reforms to unlock SME growth via ZEEX, while Zimbabwe also secured membership in the BRICS New Development Bank to expand development financing options. Energy Push: Zimbabwe seeks over US$9bn for energy expansion, banking on private investors and new regulations to attract funding.

Education & Xenophobia Fallout: The Educators Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ) has urged government to urgently register, absorb and re-employ teachers returning from South Africa after xenophobic attacks, saying returnees are “equally victims” and should get support similar to the 2009 teacher amnesty. Justice & Property Administration: Bulawayo’s ZURRA wants the July 31 deadline for finalising deceased estates extended, arguing families can’t afford Masters’ Office fees, valuations and conveyancing, and asking what happens to estates left unresolved. Civil Registration Push: Government says it will roll out a Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system to standardise births, deaths and marriages and introduce digital IDs. Border & Trade Facilitation: VP Kembo Mohadi is set to commission the Kasambabezi Border Post in Binga, aimed at ending dangerous illegal crossings and boosting regulated trade with Zambia. Local Governance & Finance: Bulawayo launched ZEEX, a new entrepreneurship exchange meant to widen investment access for SMEs and revive the city’s historic capital markets role. Sports Tragedy: ZIFA and the nation mourn Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza after a fatal road crash.

Zimbabwe Politics & Governance: A new open letter to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is demanding equal treatment in investigations, after the police publicly sought the arrest of “Madzibaba veShanduko” for allegedly undermining police authority, while critics say other alleged offences linked to CAB3 hearings have not been pursued. Regional Migration & Xenophobia: In South Africa, anti-undocumented migrant groups marched in Cape Town, insisting their campaign targets every undocumented foreigner “regardless of nationality or race,” as rights groups continue to warn that scapegoating is driving abuse. Zimbabwe Economy & Services: POSB announced a record US$5.14m dividend for 2026, citing transformation, deposit growth and new funding lines to expand lending. International/Harare Spotlight: India began its three-match T20I series in Harare with a 7-wicket win over Zimbabwe, powered by 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 18-ball 50 (youngest men’s international fifty) and Mayank Yadav’s 2/18 on his comeback.

Rule of Law & Investment: US envoy Pamela Tremont told the Edge of Impact AI and Cybersecurity conference that Zimbabwe’s “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” push will only work with predictable policies, security of tenure, an independent judiciary and tougher anti-corruption action. Local Government Crisis in Hwange: A parliamentary committee has recommended a Commission of Inquiry to fix the Hwange Concession governance “anomaly” created by dual local authority systems, after residents complained about limited participation, funding access and service delivery. Border Humanitarian Emergency: Reports from Musina to Beitbridge describe accelerated deportations of undocumented Zimbabweans using biometric blacklisting and five-year bans, with tens of thousands—mostly women and children—overwhelming reception facilities amid xenophobic violence fears. Court Case Fallout: Zimbabwean rapper Holy Ten was dropped from a Pretoria show lineup after his rape case appearance; he was granted US$500 bail with conditions and the matter remanded to early August. Constitutional Challenge: Opposition figures have approached the Constitutional Court to seek nullification of Constitution Amendment No. 3, arguing Parliament and the President failed required constitutional steps. Women’s League Mobilisation: President Mnangagwa urged the Zanu-PF Women’s League to intensify grassroots mobilisation and educate members on constitutional and legal issues. Business & Jobs Platform: Bulawayo is set to host the Zimbabwe Entrepreneurship Exchange (ZEEX), aiming to give SMEs a new capital-raising route via the stock exchange. Regional Energy Push: SADC called for more investment in energy infrastructure, citing low electrification rates and the need to advance cross-border transmission projects. Sports—Zimbabwe vs India T20I: India begin a three-match T20I series in Harare with fresh faces, while Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza marked a major cap milestone ahead of the opener.

Constitutional Crisis: A Zimbabwean citizen has asked the Constitutional Court to strike down the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026, arguing Parliament and President Mnangagwa broke legal steps in passing it and that the changes unlawfully extend terms and alter how the President is chosen. Party Power Struggle: ZANU PF Harare Province has started pushing to keep Mnangagwa as party leader beyond 2030 to 2037, days after the amendment law was signed—fueling fresh debate over constitutional safeguards. Local Government Accountability: The Auditor-General says rural district council-run schools are failing to keep proper financial records, leaving millions in school fees, levies and grants unaccounted for, with multiple councils late or missing submissions. Property Rights Crackdown: Government plans to digitally link banks to the Deeds Office so lenders can verify title deeds and reduce fraud tied to forged property transfers. Migration & Education: Authorities ordered schools to stop rejecting learners returning from South Africa after families fled xenophobic violence without documents. Currency Transition: The RBZ governor ruled out forced conversion of US dollar savings into ZiG, saying any mono-currency shift will only happen after stability targets and public confidence.

Constitutional Power Struggle: A report claims a bloc of nine retired commanders is coordinating resistance to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s push to extend his rule, linking the fight to Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 and a wider alliance with civil society and unions. Security & Protests: Separate claims say CIO warnings have heightened anxiety inside Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe’s office ahead of a planned 31 July shutdown, with fears of leaderless “citizen cells” rather than top-down mobilisation. Migration & Xenophobia: South Africa’s anti-foreigner unrest has driven over 160,000 people to flee in two months, with Zimbabwe’s cabinet citing 108,366 returnees by July 18; rights groups warn migrants are being scapegoated. Public Safety: ZRP is set to launch a national anti-crime campaign in Bulawayo targeting drugs, stock theft and sexual offences, stressing community reporting. Food Security: WFP Zimbabwe launched the “Bites of Change” podcast to convene government, business and civil society on nutrition and resilient food systems. Sports (Local Focus): Zimbabwe named a 15-man T20I squad for India at Harare Sports Club starting 23 July, with uncapped wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga earning a maiden call-up.

Repatriation and border security: Zimbabwe says 108,366 citizens have returned from South Africa since July 18, with the Beitbridge Reception Centre providing healthcare to 1,474 people as security forces tighten screening at entry points. Food security under El Niño: Government unveiled a six-point drought cushion plan for 2026/27, citing rising risks from El Niño and possible fertiliser and fuel disruptions. Monetary pressure: ZiG’s official exchange rate weakened further in June, with the official-vs-parallel gap narrowing to about 20%, according to industry lobby CZI. Constitutional politics: EFF Zimbabwe endorsed Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 after it completed the legislative process and was assented on July 7, urging respect for the law. Governance and accountability: Ministries and agencies publicly distanced themselves from former CAES director Martin Zharare, saying they have no agreements with him amid fraud cases linked to borehole projects. Justice and child protection: Police said they withheld a musician’s identity in an alleged rape case to protect a 14-year-old complainant, rejecting claims of political shielding. Regional xenophobia fallout: AFP reports over 160,000 foreign nationals left South Africa in two months amid anti-migrant violence, with Zimbabwe among the largest groups returning. Trade and industry: Zimbabwe secured duty-free access to China for nearly 9,000 product categories under the Pre-Early Harvest Initiative, running to April 2028.

Constitutional Power Grab: ZANU-PF Harare Province has started pushing to extend President Mnangagwa’s leadership beyond 2030 to 2037, after the Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Act postponed the 2028 harmonised elections—sparking renewed fears about weakening constitutional safeguards. ZiG De-dollarisation Reality Check: The RBZ says Zimbabwe won’t drop the US dollar overnight, listing eight “critical fundamentals” needed before a mono-currency shift to ZiG, with officials claiming progress on most items. Returnees From South Africa: Zimbabwe says 72,658 Zimbabweans and 72,272 Malawians have been processed through Beitbridge since early July, with ward-level support including UNFPA dignity kits and rice to help reintegration. Air Zimbabwe London Relaunch: After 14 years, Air Zimbabwe has relaunched direct Harare–London (Gatwick) flights, with 1,479 passenger bookings and 30+ tonnes of cargo already confirmed. Food Security Push: ARDA and GMB report strengthened grain deliveries—120,054 tonnes so far—aimed at boosting strategic grain reserves. Minerals & Exports: Zimbabwe’s mineral exports rose 84% in H1 2026 to about US$2.53bn, led by PGM matte, while lithium exports hit US$746m; officials also warn the 2027 concentrate export ban will proceed. Justice & Property Integrity: Government plans to digitally link financial institutions to the Deeds Office to verify immovable property changes and curb fraud.

Air Zimbabwe London comeback: Zimbabwe’s national carrier launched the Harare–London Gatwick route after a 14-year gap, reporting 1,479 confirmed passenger bookings and over 30 tonnes of cargo demand ahead of the first flight on Wednesday, with the service positioned as a commercial test for the Mutapa Investment Fund. Constitutional politics (CAB3): Opposition senators and critics are alleging behind-closed-doors voting and expanded executive powers under Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3, while Zanu-PF rallies and state messaging frame the law as a governance milestone. Security and 31 July tensions: Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe dismissed talk of a national shutdown as “dreams,” but commentary and claims from within the security establishment point to heightened anxiety over planned 31 July protests. Regional anti-corruption and peace: Zimbabwe joined Botswana and Zambia in reaffirming cross-border anti-corruption cooperation, while SADC reiterated peace and security as the base for integration and democratic governance. AU financing push: Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira urged AU member states to fully fund the continental body on time to protect sovereignty and reduce donor dependence. Sports—local football: Highlanders signed winger Benjani Junior Mwaruwari, setting up a father-and-son setup with coach Benjani Mwaruwari.