AGP Executive Report

Bulawayo Water & Waste Crisis: ZNOART says more than 1,000 people are living around Ngozi Mine dumpsite, citing open/underground burning, leachate and lack of clean water—turning a refuse site into a human rights and environmental emergency. Local Governance & Compliance: Bulawayo contractors and community work groups face 30% withholding tax deductions if they can’t produce Zimra tax clearance certificates, while vendors complain the new 6pm CBD trading deadline will cut sales and leave stock unsold. Anti-Corruption & Law: Human rights lawyer Doug Coltart warns recipients of Wicknell Chivayo-linked vehicles could face up to 25 years under Zimbabwe’s money-laundering and proceeds-of-crime laws if gifts are proven illicit. UN Diplomacy & Development: President Mnangagwa used UNGA81 to push a just, equitable world order and Zimbabwe’s role on the UN Security Council; UNFPA says governments and partners pledged over US$715m for reproductive health. Economic & Policy Signals: Zimbabwe is leveraging CNN for tourism marketing; officials also highlight manufacturing’s rising GDP contribution and push digital tax reform and water security innovation.

UN Diplomacy: Algeria’s Ahmed Attaf met Zimbabwe’s Amon Murwira in New York, with both sides highlighting strong ties and Zimbabwe’s UN Security Council win. Regional Security Bid: Tanzania announced its bid for a 2029–2030 UN Security Council seat, promising preventive diplomacy and UN peacekeeping reform. Critical Minerals Push: The UN launched a Country Support Mechanism for Nigeria, Guinea, Indonesia, Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe to build critical energy minerals value chains and jobs. Zimbabwe’s Economic Strategy: Acting President Kembo Mohadi told the TNF Global Summit in Victoria Falls that Zimbabwe must tap AfCFTA regional value chains for industrial production, decent jobs and better livelihoods. Agriculture Investment Plan: Government says it is seeking about US$1.42bn for eight agricultural value chains, positioning farming as an investable industry beyond production. Water & Climate Response: Cabinet-backed cloud-seeding is being rolled out to tackle below-normal rainfall, with drones and aircraft deployed across key provinces. Parliament & Work Rules: MPs plan to scrutinise laws on AI’s impact on labour and property rights. Wildlife Enforcement: Environment Minister Evelyn Ndlovu urged traditional leaders to impose harsh penalties on poachers. Local Governance Spotlight: Mutare City Council’s innovation award earned it an invitation to Tanzania’s MEL Week, citing a data-driven Local Authority Digital System. Sports (Zimbabwe-linked): West Indies Women target “six points” in their ODI series against Zimbabwe in Harare; Leone Stars players received match allowances ahead of their AFCON qualifier opener.

Constitutional Democracy Under Scrutiny: Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court has reserved judgment on war veterans’ bid to get direct access to challenge Constitution Amendment No. 3, which changed presidential elections to an MPs electoral college—lawyers say a “very big victory” could open the door to a referendum fight. Land Transparency Pressure: Pressure is mounting on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to explain why the full Uchena Commission report on unlawful urban land allocations remains hidden despite court orders and public anger over demolitions. Road Safety Push: Government launched the National Speed Monitoring System in Harare, aimed at cutting public-service-vehicle crashes and enforcing speed-limiting rules using digital monitoring tools. Trade, Logistics & Compliance: Customs clearing agents are challenging Zimra’s new licence requirement that at least one director holds a PAAB practising certificate, arguing it’s unrelated to clearing work and could exclude existing operators. Regional Minerals Agenda: UN chief António Guterres announced a new mechanism to help Zimbabwe and other countries turn critical minerals into jobs, with Zimbabwe named among first recipients. International Context: Zelensky used the UNGA to warn that Russia is recruiting citizens from 47 countries through “deception and tricks,” including Zimbabwe.

Constitutional Court Battle: War veterans’ bid to challenge Zimbabwe’s constitutional amendments hit a key procedural moment as the Constitutional Court reserved judgment on whether the matter can be heard directly, raising the core question of whether lawmakers can remove citizens’ direct right to elect the president without a referendum. US Health Funding Cut: The US says it will end all health programme funding in Zimbabwe by end of September, after Zimbabwe declined a new health MoU model—an issue that could affect HIV prevention and treatment gains. Border Trade Upgrade: Zimbabwe secured financing for the Chirundu border post modernisation with Zambia under a PPP, with construction expected to start in October and aimed at easing congestion on a vital copperbelt trade route. Financial Sector Court Ruling: The High Court fined National Building Society US$10,000 for contempt after it refused to surrender a US$5m Treasury Bill despite a court order. Mining, Minerals and Policy: Parliamentarians and experts pushed for better SADC policy alignment so critical minerals translate into regional processing and manufacturing, not just raw exports. Indigenous Rights vs Lithium Mining: NYU Law and Zimbabwean partners are training Indigenous communities to resist lithium miners’ encroachment, focusing on land rights under domestic and international law. Media Freedom in DRC: CPJ urged DRC authorities to release journalist Virginie Manganga, arrested over an interview tied to defamation claims involving musician Fally Ipupa.

Constitutional Court: Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court has indefinitely postponed the MDC’s challenge to Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3), extending President Mnangagwa’s term, with no new hearing date set and the opposition saying it was not given reasons. ConCourt—war veterans: The court also reserved judgment on a bid by six liberation war veterans to challenge the same constitutional amendment, arguing citizens’ right to elect the president should not be removed without a referendum. Local governance—Harare waste deal: Harare’s Geo Pomona dumpsite arrangement is being flagged as a corruption warning for other cities, with claims of forced continuation, guaranteed payments, and political links—now Bulawayo is warned against copying the model. Justice & accountability: ZRP issued an urgent warning about a fraudulent “Smart Traffic” website impersonating police systems, urging the public not to register, pay, or share sensitive details. Public service & food security: Government and development partners met in Kadoma to review the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy and Lean Season Assistance, with warnings against corruption and unfair relief distribution amid drought fears. Wildlife enforcement: Prosecutor-General Matanda-Moyo launched a wildlife criminal law and court judgments reference manual to strengthen prosecution of environmental crimes. Sports governance—VAR: ZIFA has begun preparations for VAR in Zimbabwe, with training set for 25 October and first use expected at the Chibuku Super Cup final in November.

Legal Challenge to Electoral Model: A team led by Prof Lovemore Madhuku, Dr Lewis Uriri and Tawanda Zhuwarara is back in court, seeking direct access to challenge Zimbabwe’s 2026 shift to elect the President through parliament instead of direct vote, without a referendum. Press Freedom Under Strain: Bulawayo24 journalist Gideon Madzikatidze’s remand challenge stalled after the court couldn’t locate his docket, extending a case critics say reflects shrinking space for media. Anti-Corruption in Health Recruitment: Government says it is shutting down nursing recruitment bribery loopholes as officials warn applicants against “recruiters” demanding payments. Mining Benefits Debate: A legislator warns mineral wealth risks becoming “paper” if communities near mines don’t see tangible gains, calling for stronger community stakes in mining laws. Currency Use Update: RBZ says ZiG usage has climbed to about 43% of transactions, with hopes it will eventually support longer-term capital formation. Regional Trade Push: Afreximbank and ATDC sign a $500m credit facility to finance commodity purchase, logistics and distribution across African trade corridors. Water Infrastructure: Bindura and Mutapa Gold Resources commission a $3m Masembura water pipeline to improve supply and cut contamination. Football Funding Warning: ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi warns Warriors and youth development could stay stuck in a survival cycle without sustainable grassroots funding.

Health Sector Politics: ZANU PF is pushing for a quota in nurse training places, with reports claiming prospective trainees must route through MPs or pay fees, deepening fears of politicised access to healthcare education. Courts & Power: Former cabinet minister Ignatius Chombo has lost a major High Court fight over the Allan Grange Farm lease, with the court awarding his ex-wife Marian Chombo 45% of the lease’s economic rights and benefits. Ethics & Gifts: Senior lawyer Advocate Lewis Uriri rejected Wicknell Chivayo’s US$250,000 Range Rover Sport and US$100,000 cash, saying accepting gifts could create an improper perception of obligation. GBV Backlash: Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama’s viral Sandton threats against women triggered arrests, corporate fallout, and investigations, as political figures and civil society demand stronger accountability. Local Governance & Economy: The RBZ challenged banks to ensure cheaper Targeted Finance Facility funding reaches SMEs at affordable rates, not automatically at the ceiling. Infrastructure & Services: A US$3m water pipeline from Masembura to Bindura was commissioned to ease chronic water shortages affecting residents and mining operations. Trade & Regional Integration: Afreximbank and ATDC signed a US$500m facility to finance African goods aggregation, logistics and distribution, supporting AfCFTA implementation. Business & Aviation: Drone Solutions Zimbabwe received CAAZ approval for BVLOS drone deliveries, enabling regular healthcare logistics operations.

Public Procurement Push: Zimbabwe’s Government is urging MSMEs and cooperatives to actively bid for public procurement, framing it as a job-creation and local-production tool aligned to Vision 2030, with emphasis on digital, transparent and accountable systems. RBZ Currency Shift: Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe officials say ZIG usage has climbed to about 43% across platforms, with hopes it will eventually translate into long-term capital for lending. Energy Expansion: Innscor Africa seeks approval to expand its Bulawayo solar plant by over 50% and shift to captive generation for its own use. Health Access in Binga: An ECHO delegation toured Binga as Save the Children Zimbabwe runs an integrated nutrition, health and protection programme to bridge last-mile clinic gaps. Legal Ethics Clash: Advocate Lewis Uriri rejected a US$350,000 gift package from Wicknell Chivayo, citing professional independence and legal ethics. Drone Medical Deliveries: Drone Solutions won CAAZ BVLOS approval to start routine medical and pathology drone deliveries linking regional facilities to central labs. Sandton Threat Case: Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama was arrested over viral threats against women at a Sandton restaurant and released on warning, with court set for 1 October. Tourism Competitiveness: Bulawayo business leaders say Zimbabwe must fix roads, reduce costly air access and address power constraints to lift tourism stays and spending.

UNGA Diplomacy: President Emmerson Mnangagwa has left Harare for New York ahead of UNGA81, where he is expected to address the General Assembly and push themes of restoring trust and managing transformation, including AI and digital inclusion. Security Council Bid: Zimbabwe is set to take up a UN Security Council seat in 2027-28, with Mnangagwa’s New York agenda framed around sanctions, multilateral reform and global responsibility. Urban Crackdown Politics: Zanu PF is accused of turning on street vendors it once mobilised, as Harare and Chitungwiza enforcement demolishes stalls and restricts vending hours under the national cleanup campaign. Women’s Rights Backlash: Zanu PF Women’s League leader Mabel Chinomona sparked outrage by urging women to stop contraceptives and bear more children, drawing criticism over legal and maternity leave implications. Justice & Contracts Scandal: South Africa’s Transport Minister Barbara Creecy ordered SANRAL to investigate a R107m tender linked to Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama after a viral Sandton restaurant video where he allegedly threatened women; his lease was terminated and investigations are underway. Economy & Trade: Zimbabwe opened a safeguard probe into rising pasta imports after National Foods complained imports now dominate the market. Sports & National Mood: Up to 30,000 fans will attend the Warriors’ AFCON qualifier vs DR Congo, while Australia completed a 3-0 ODI sweep over Zimbabwe in Harare.

Diplomacy & Appointments: A fresh public dispute has erupted over retired Lt-Gen Engelbert Rugeje’s possible diplomatic posting after Ambassador Victor Matemadanda’s death, with shifting claims about whether he rejected or accepted the Maputo/Eswatini mission. International Relations: China’s ambassador in Harare says Beijing is “fully behind” Zimbabwe’s regional and global ambitions, praising Zimbabwe’s expected COMESA chairmanship. Investment Push: Zimbabwe is targeting at least 10 investment and partnership commitments at the Tripartite Negotiating Forum Global Summit in Victoria Falls, with deals tracked through a public portal. Local Governance & Urban Renewal: Harare plans modern designs for First Street Mall, including removal of unauthorised billboards and upgrades to service lanes, as authorities tighten by-law enforcement. Public Safety & Accountability: South Africa’s transport minister ordered SANRAL to investigate Moriel Infrastructure Group’s contract after a Zimbabwean-linked director was filmed threatening women at a Sandton restaurant; police opened an intimidation case. Civic Tragedy: Freelance journalist Judith Nyuke was killed after being struck by a Geo Pomona waste truck in Harare, as Bulawayo faces a deadline to sign onto the waste-collection model. Economic Policy: Government is rolling out regulatory impact assessment to cut the cost of doing business, with the NCC pushing competitiveness reforms.

UN Diplomacy: President Emmerson Mnangagwa arrives in New York for UNGA81, with Zimbabwe set to take up a UN Security Council seat in 2027–2028 and expected to address the General Debate. Acting Leadership: Mnangagwa’s trip triggers a handover of executive authority to VP Chiwenga (Sept 18–21) and then VP Mohadi (Sept 22 until Mnangagwa returns). Constitutional Politics: ZANU PF information chief Christopher Mutsvangwa claims Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 will drive economic transformation, but offers no concrete examples or indicators. Local Governance: Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume sparks backlash by telling residents who can’t afford Harare’s cost of living to leave for towns, farms and growth points. Economy & Reform: IMF staff announce a staff-level agreement on Zimbabwe’s second review under the Staff-Monitored Program, stressing disciplined policy execution and protection of social spending. Justice & Rights: Open Society says Kenya denied Zimbabwean lawyer Brian Kagoro entry despite a court order, raising rule-of-law concerns. Security: Police report gun-down of suspects linked to the murder of Bulawayo businessman Tedious Rutanhira, with more arrests ongoing. Human Impact: A Zimbabwean man deported from South Africa is found hanging in Chipinge, highlighting the pressure on returnees.

IMF Deal Update: IMF staff and Zimbabwean authorities reached a staff-level agreement on the second review under the 10-month Staff-Monitored Program, with most targets met and a focus on protecting social spending, monetary and exchange-rate reforms, and governance. Urban Poverty Clash: Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume sparked backlash after telling residents who can’t afford Harare’s cost of living to leave, while the city also moves to clear streets of vulnerable groups and curb begging. Anti-Corruption Push: VP Kembo Mohadi said the fight against corruption must be tied to development goals, opening the SADC Anti-Corruption Expo and Games in Victoria Falls. Constitutional Democracy: President Mnangagwa swore in commissioners for Chapter 12 independent commissions, including ZEC, ZMC, ZHRC, ZLC and ZGC. Smart Policing: Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe urged ZRP to adopt smart policing and build cybercrime capacity. National Cleanup & Vendors: Government extended a nationwide cleanup campaign with new CBD vending hours (6am-6pm) and enforcement that critics say targets livelihoods. Drought Warning: Zimbabwe braces for possible severe drought as El Niño patterns strengthen, with some farmers turning to solar irrigation. International Rights Row: Open Society says Kenya denied entry to Zimbabwean lawyer Brian Kagoro despite a court order. Women’s Cricket: Zimbabwe confirmed a historic West Indies Women tour with three ODIs and three T20Is in September-October. Crime Crackdown: Police shot dead two suspected armed robbers in Bulawayo and arrested four others linked to the killing of businessman Tadius Rutanhira.

Constitutional Court Land Dispute: Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court has joined the Justice and Local Government ministers to a challenge by a Bulilima chief and two village heads facing criminal prosecution over alleged communal land allocations without proper council authority. Competition Watchdog on Pasta Imports: The Competition and Tariff Commission has launched a safeguard investigation into pasta imports after National Foods said surging imports are undercutting the local producer. IMF Deal Signals Macro Push: IMF staff and Zimbabwe authorities reached a staff-level agreement to complete the second review under the Staff-Monitored Program, with progress on targets and a focus on arrears clearance and debt restructuring. Air Zimbabwe Funding Options: Government is considering listing state-owned Air Zimbabwe on local stock exchanges to raise funds for the national carrier. Rail Revival via ZIMASCO: ZIMASCO injected about US$2.46m to refurbish three locomotives and 100 wagons for NRZ, aimed at boosting freight capacity for mineral commodities. Police Crackdown on Drugs: Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe ordered new police recruits to disrupt drug syndicates and cartels, warning the scourge is destroying young lives. El Niño Preparedness in Beitbridge: Caritas Masvingo and CRS launched an anticipatory action programme providing drought-tolerant seed and inputs to vulnerable households ahead of El Niño-linked shocks. Harare Governance Row: An open letter targets Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, arguing Harare “is not for rich people” and calling for dignity in public service. International Spotlight: Zimbabwe will host West Indies Women for three ODIs and three T20Is in September-October at Harare Sports Club and Takashinga.

Tourism & Finance: Zimbabwe’s Tourism Act establishes the Zimbabwe Tourism Fund to channel parliamentary revenue into tourism and hospitality development, including critical infrastructure, with the tourism minister as trustee and a council running the fund. Climate Resilience: Environment Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu praised President Mnangagwa’s rural resilience push during a CAWEP learning tour in Chipinge, linking water, energy and climate adaptation for stronger communities. ICC Leadership: Tavengwa Mukuhlani has been named ICC Deputy Chairperson until November 2027, a first for Zimbabwe, as he replaces Imran Khwaja on the ICC board. Anti-Corruption Push: VP Kembo Mohadi urged SADC to “follow the money” by tracing and recovering stolen assets, warning corruption stays profitable unless illicit proceeds are returned to productive use. Trade & Industry: Zimbabwe opened a safeguard probe into rising pasta imports after National Foods said imports now dominate the market; the Competition and Tariff Commission says it’s early-stage. Local Governance Clash: Bulawayo councillors and residents are questioning the push to bring Geo Pomona into the city’s waste crisis, with transparency and capacity concerns raised around the Ngozi Mine dumpsite deal. Bulawayo Development: Government vows tougher counterfeit crackdowns and new incentives to revive Bulawayo’s industrial base, while councils also debate grass-cutter pay and tax deductions. Sports (Zimbabwe-linked): Australia set Zimbabwe 357 to level the ODI series in Harare; Zimbabwe’s Lady Chevrons face South Africa in a fourth T20I in Bulawayo after a 3-0 series lead by the Proteas Women.

ICC Appointment: Zimbabwe Cricket chief Tavengwa Mukuhlani has been appointed ICC Deputy Chair, the first Zimbabwean to hold the post, as Zimbabwe prepares to co-host the 2027 ODI World Cup. Local Governance & Water: Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart warns the Gwayi-Shangani-Bulawayo pipeline could take 217 years if funding stays at last year’s pace, despite progress on the mini-hydropower works. Food Policy: Government has reversed last year’s grain import-substitution rules, allowing private maize imports and reviewing household allowances upward as El Niño-linked drought threatens a sharp cereal shortfall. Political Opposition: Tendai Biti attacks Joshua Maponga’s CAB4 monarchy proposal, saying it targets Zimbabwe’s republican system and fuels a “Munhumutapa Empire” narrative. Court & Public Order: Chiredzi vendor Tafadzwa Matanhuse will stand trial on 23 September over alleged incitement after viral criticism of Mnangagwa and Wicknell Chivhayo. Security: Zimbabwe police say they will intensify the crackdown on armed robbery after a shoot-out in Chitungwiza linked to a Ruwa robbery allegedly involving US$108,000. Sports & Politics: ZIFA defends US$10 ticket pricing for the Warriors’ AFCON qualifier, citing costs of international matches and player compensation.

Regulatory Push in Bulawayo: Vice-President Kembo Mohadi and NCC leaders used the Competitiveness Commission Summit to stress that Zimbabwe’s growth depends on predictable, continuously reviewed regulations and measurable reforms, with Bulawayo calling for faster, digital-first government services. ZIM Economy & Policy Clarity: Treasury directed ZIMRA to align Capital Gains Tax collection after drafting errors created uncertainty, reaffirming rates based on acquisition dates. Mono-Currency Roadmap: RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu said any return to a single currency will be market-led and condition-based, not tied to a fixed date. Governance & Institutions: MDC chair Tapiwa Mashakada resigned after appointment to the Zimbabwe Media Commission, while SACDA condemned constitutional amendments extending terms and weakening direct presidential accountability. Public Services & Courts: Harare City Council moved to defend a US$250,000 sewage-drowning lawsuit. Health Workers Warning: Nurses signalled possible industrial action over a stalled review of health allowances. Corruption Fight Regionally: ZACC hosted the SADC Anti-Corruption Expo and Games in Victoria Falls. Sports & National Pride: ZIFA urged fans to pack the National Sports Stadium for the Warriors’ 2027 AFCON qualifier against DRC. Aviation Update: Air Zimbabwe’s Harare–London Gatwick route reported 95% flight completion in its first six weeks.