AGP Executive Report

Road Safety Push: Transport Minister Felix Mhona launched the Heroes and Defence Forces Road Safety Campaign in Mazowe, warning that crashes cost Zimbabwe about US$400 million a year and urging motorists to avoid reckless driving, drinking and driving, and dangerous overtaking. Local Water Woes: Ward 9 residents in Greendale pressed Harare City Council for faster action on persistent water shortages, even as refuse collection and road works were praised. Consumer Protection vs Touts: The Consumer Protection Commission flagged harassment and coercion by kombi touts as a violation of the Consumer Protection Act, promising joint action with law enforcement. Humanitarian Aid: The EU availed US$345,000 for Zimbabwe’s returnees from South Africa and cholera response, with support through the Zimbabwe Red Cross for shelter, food, clean water and healthcare. Drought Support for Children: Government, China and UNICEF launched a two-year programme targeting over 150,000 children in drought-affected districts with nutrition, WASH and child protection. Statistics Drive: ZimStat began a nationwide household listing from August 7–17 ahead of the 2026/27 Household Budget Survey. Mining Law Update: The Mines and Minerals Bill is set for gazetting before year-end after constitutional concerns were resolved in Parliament. Governance Watch: Auditors say ZUPCO failed to produce bus registration books, exposing weak controls and governance failures. Politics & Church: AFM president Amon Madawo declared allegiance to ZANU PF, reigniting debate over religious leaders’ political neutrality. Cricket: Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia confirmed for a T20I tri-series in Windhoek starting August 28, a step toward the Africa Cup in 2027.

Debt Talks: France and the UK will co-chair a new Zimbabwe Debt Consultative Group to help restructure the country’s estimated US$21.3bn public debt, with focus on an IMF staff-monitored programme and a pathway to arrears clearance. Tourism & Connectivity: Zimbabwe’s Tourism Ministry signed a US$66.9m joint venture to build bulk water, power and telecoms for the Masuwe Special Economic Zone near Victoria Falls, while South Africa pushes for direct India flights ahead of Cricket World Cup 2027. Local Transport: Masvingo City Council says it will restore order in the CBD transport system by creating designated kombi loading bays after NSSA reclaimed a former rank. Industry & Jobs: Dinson Iron and Steel plans to start a 400,000-tonne cement plant in October, using steel slag to deepen import substitution. Governance & Law: Parliament renewed scrutiny of Zimbabwe’s strategic fuel reserve levy, and police warned returnees to surrender illegal firearms and regularise vehicles. Sports & Culture: Marvelous Nakamba joins Greek side Panetolikos; Harare’s Heroes weekend gets a packed guide; and the Harare Mayor’s Challenge Cup targets a regional, international Taekwondo flavour.

Aviation & Connectivity: Emirates and South African Airways have expanded their long-running codeshare into a reciprocal deal, adding access to nine new cities and routes including Harare and Victoria Falls, boosting one-ticket travel across southern and central Africa. Infrastructure Push: Government secured fresh funding to restart and accelerate the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road, with 73.4km already opened and about 367km still to be rehabilitated, while PPPs and loans are being pursued to keep work moving. Education Reform: Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Frederick Shava says universities must stop being “degree factories,” urging innovation and commercialisation under Education 5.0, while Belvedere Technical Teachers College announced Mathematics is no longer compulsory for Indigenous Minority Languages teacher training. Gaming Crackdown: Zimbabwe is tightening regulation and enforcement against illegal gambling, with officials warning that compliance is “not optional” and urging responsible gaming to protect consumers. Justice & Safety: A traditional healer jailed for 15 years for rape has walked free after the High Court overturned the conviction, citing an inordinate delay in reporting. Local Court Update: A ZPCS officer accused in a Plumtree prison escape case has been acquitted. Business & Jobs: CJ Global unveiled a US$890 million regional investment plan across Zimbabwe and Botswana, targeting infrastructure, hospitality and more than 300 jobs. Sports: Sikandar Raza’s sixes and MI London’s win over London Spirit at Lord’s knocked Spirit out of the knockout race.

Cricket Shake-up: England named a 16-man squad for the first two Tests vs Pakistan, with Jacob Bethell ruled out by a knee injury and Jordan Cox promoted to bat at No. 3; Dan Lawrence returns to the Test setup at No. 6 and Ollie Pope is recalled as Joe Root captains again. World Cup Qualification Blow: Ireland’s hopes of direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup were ended after rain washed out their opening ODI against Afghanistan, forcing them into the ICC Qualifier route. Local Economy & Jobs: In Gokwe, cottonseed is being crushed into cooking oil, livestock feed and soap, turning “white gold” into broader rural value chains. Finance for SMEs: Zimbabwe Entrepreneurship Exchange (ZEEX) is pushing Private Markets so smaller firms can raise growth capital without going public. Aviation Farewell: Fastjet’s Captain Charles Chikosi retired after 43 years and 20,500 flying hours, with a water-cannon salute at his final landing. Sports & Community: TelOne set up a Chibuku Super Cup last-16 clash with Dynamos after a penalty win over Triangle United, while Victoria Falls police renewed public trust efforts with body-worn cameras and visible name tags. Roads & Development: Tsholotsho Road Rehabilitation Initiative launches Friday in Nyamandlovu, targeting a key corridor linking Bulawayo, Nyamandlovu and Tsholotsho.

Zimbabwe-South Africa Connectivity: Emirates and South African Airways expanded their codeshare to cover Harare and Victoria Falls, giving travellers easier one-ticket links via Johannesburg and Dubai. Investment Push: Zida approved about US$1.59bn in Q2 projects, with mining leading (US$768.5m) as the agency shifts from licensing to making sure deals actually deliver. Transport Talks at Beitbridge: Zimbabwe and South Africa held high-level talks in Victoria Falls on road, air and border cooperation, with a third bridge at Beitbridge Border Post a key agenda item. Environment Under Pressure: Environmental groups urged President Mnangagwa to stop mining destruction at Mutare’s Christmas Pass, warning of irreversible damage to the natural heritage site. Municipal Updates: Harare City Council says trapped air in water pipes can make meters register “apparent” consumption, and it’s installing air valves to reduce the problem; Harare also plans to standardise home industries and add fire-prevention measures after fires. Governance Scrutiny: Auditor-General findings put NetOne under fire over fuel losses, weak controls and contract lapses. Sports Calendar: The 2027 ODI World Cup Qualifier is set for Feb 22–Mar 23, with venues still undecided.

Chibuku Super Cup Draw: Dynamos kick off their bid for a historic fourth straight title after today’s first-round draw in Harare, with heavyweight ties including Caps United vs Simba Bhora, Highlanders vs Chicken Inn, and FC Platinum vs Scottland. Quarter-finals run Sept 12-13, semis Oct 31-Nov 1, and the final is set for Nov 28. Digital Education Push: The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says the second term delivered progress in smart education, including solar-powered ICT tools, offline learning content and Starlink kits for rural schools, plus teacher training in digital pedagogy. Anti-Corruption Tech Upgrade: ZACC says it has rolled out an electronic case management system and is using social media platforms for intelligence in asset recovery, alongside an anonymous reporting portal. Heroes’ & Defence Forces Security: Police vow tight security nationwide for the holiday commemorations, with intensified patrols, roadblocks and stop-and-search operations, and warnings to motorists and parents about child safety. Zimbabwe-UK Murder Case: Bulawayo holds funerals for Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her two daughters, repatriated after the alleged UK killings, as extradition proceedings continue. Trade & Industry: Zimstat reports June trade surplus but warns exports remain concentrated in a few commodities and markets, while the Industrial Development Fund says ZiG85m has been approved for 15 firms and ZiG33.1m disbursed. Transport & Connectivity: Emirates expands its codeshare with SAA to include Harare and Victoria Falls, and Airlink plans new Lanseria-Harare flights from Nov 15, 2026. El Niño Hunger Warning: The UN warns a strong El Niño could push nearly 49 million more people into acute hunger by next year.

Energy & Food Security: Zimbabwe’s vulnerability is laid bare again as global shocks and El Niño threaten supplies, with analysts warning self-sufficiency in food and energy is now “survival,” not policy talk. El Niño Hunger Alert: International agencies warn the strongest El Niño in decades could peak in 2026/27, raising risks of crop failure and water shortages across Africa. Hemp Push: Government cuts industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis licence and registration fees by up to 90% to attract investment, create jobs, and diversify exports beyond tobacco. Judicial Abuse Allegations: MP Joseph Mapiki alleges a “fraudulent” court plot to seize a gold mine, demanding urgent probes into judicial conduct. Telecom Shake-up: NetOne terminates CEO Raphael Mushanawani’s contract after corruption allegations and board infighting; Chris Muchechemera takes over as acting CEO. Tobacco Reality Check: Zimbabwe records a record 357m kg tobacco sales, but farmers complain low prices and rising costs are squeezing returns. UK Murder Case: Nothabo Tshuma and her two daughters are laid to rest in Bulawayo after bodies return from Britain; husband Ndodana Tshuma faces extradition proceedings in South Africa. Diplomacy: Britain appoints Gill Lever OBE as its next ambassador to Zimbabwe. Sports: Caps United’s title hopes fade after a 4-2 win over Highlanders, with the club now eyeing cup competitions; Herentals Queens learn their CAF Cosafa Women’s Champions League qualifying group fate.

Bulawayo Funeral: Bulawayo is holding a final farewell for Zandile Nothabo Khumalo and her two daughters, Natalie and Nala, whose bodies arrived from the UK for burial side by side at Old Luveve Cemetery. Second Republic & Borders: Chief Siansali says the Second Republic is transforming Binga, highlighting the commissioning of the Kasambabezi Border Post as a boost for trade and jobs. Crime & Sentencing: A Binga man, Nguquko Moyo, has been jailed effectively 10 years after convictions for attempted murder and drug dealing linked to a deadly fire at his mother’s homestead. Telecom Rescue: Telecel Zimbabwe will start paying verified legacy debt creditors from 12 August after creditors adopted its corporate rescue plan. Tourism PPP: Government and partners have sealed a US$66.9m Victoria Falls PPP to build bulk infrastructure at Jafuta Estate, paving the way for hotels and a cricket stadium. World Cup Buzz: Graeme Smith says the 2027 ODI Cricket World Cup return to Africa is a “landmark moment,” with South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia co-hosting. US-Zim Health Row: The US Embassy in Harare disputes Zimbabwe’s claims about a rejected US$365m health deal, saying it was lifesaving support under clear conditions. Air Zimbabwe Loss: Auditors warn Air Zimbabwe’s future after it posted a US$11.6m pre-tax loss for 2024 and flagged material uncertainty about going concern. Sports Transfer: Highlanders midfielder Mongameli Tshuma is set to join HardRock, ending speculation over a move to CAPS United. El Niño Alert: Africa is on high alert as forecasts warn a major El Niño could hit later this year, threatening droughts, floods and food shortages. Mining Finance: Zimbabwe’s banking sector says it can mobilise US$4bn–US$5bn to help meet a US$10bn mining investment need over the next five years.

Agriculture Push: ARDA is scaling up commercial crop production under a revamped mandate, targeting 850,000 tonnes of cereals annually to strengthen the Strategic Grain Reserve, with mechanisation, irrigation and modern farming tech at the centre. Debt & Diplomacy: Zimbabwe says France and the UK will co-chair a new Debt Consultative Group to speed up arrears clearance and unlock concessional finance, as total public debt rises to US$21.8bn (end-2025). Justice Reform: Zimbabwe is urging Commonwealth states to adopt restorative justice, arguing punishment alone can’t repair harm or rebuild communities, as it shares its constitutional basis for mediation. Accountability Gap: Human rights advocates renew calls for justice over the 2018 protests, saying eight years on, security-force killings still lack arrests, prosecutions or compensation. US Visa Shock: The US has made its visa bond policy permanent for 50 countries, with refundable deposits up to US$20,000, and also shifted visa processing hubs—meaning Zimbabweans may face longer travel to apply. Regional Ties: Zimbabwe and Serbia sign MoUs in Belgrade and announce plans to reopen a diplomatic office, aiming to deepen cooperation in trade, agriculture and education. Tragedy: A shack fire in Khayelitsha, Kuyasa, killed a family of three, while in the UK, the bodies of a Zimbabwean woman and her two daughters have been flown home for burial. Sports & Business: Airlink will launch Lanseria–Harare flights from November 15, and FC Platinum thrashed CAPS United 3-0 in the PSL.

2027 Budget Priorities: Government says the 2027 National Budget will push tourism recovery, stronger international relations and a renewed national image-building drive to attract investment, expand exports and earn foreign currency. Mines Strategy Reset: Senior Mines Ministry officials met in Kadoma for a mid-year review focused on accelerating value addition and beneficiation as Zimbabwe targets NDS2 and Vision 2030. Industrial Fund Disbursements: ZiG33,1m has already been disbursed under the Industrial Development Fund, with Bulawayo and Harare taking the biggest share of approved support. US Visa Bond Shock: The US has made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, with eligible travellers from 50 countries (including Zimbabwe) potentially required to post up to $20,000 for certain business and tourist visas. South Africa Tragedy Response: Zimbabwe declared the South Africa bus crash that killed 11 citizens a national disaster, with repatriation and support efforts underway. Public Health Warning: New global HIV figures report 1.2 million new infections in 2025, while funding shortfalls threaten progress toward 2030 targets. Local Human Interest: Stanbic Bank donated sun protection products worth US$30,000 to ALCOZ to support people living with albinism. Transport Disruption: Air Zimbabwe’s Harare–London service faces fresh delays and rescheduling amid operational disruptions. Youth & Sports: A 10-year-old Zimbabwean golfer, Ayanda Ndlovu, won third place at the Champion of Champions World Championship in Northern Ireland.

U.S. Visa Bond Shock for Africans: The U.S. has made its visa bond programme permanent, with deposits up to US$20,000 for 50 countries, hitting 30 African nations hardest and taking effect from August 3, 2026. Zimbabwe Business Confidence: Zimbabwe’s corporate sector is shifting from survival mode to expansion, with firms reporting stronger sales volumes as liquidity improves and macro conditions stabilise. Public Spending Row: Treasury says OPC’s 2026 mid-term review figure showing 143% utilisation by June is not an operational overrun, arguing the spending was for centrally managed national programmes later reallocated to ministries. Harare Land and Governance Pressure: Government and watchdogs renew calls to crack down on “land barons,” while Harare City Council’s inquiry findings are urged to be acted on fast to restore trust. Border Xenophobia Trauma: MSF reports deep trauma and medical emergencies among people fleeing xenophobic violence on the South Africa–Zimbabwe border. Local Crime: Police arrest a Bulawayo man over alleged copper cable theft, with 23 metres of armoured cable seized. Sports—Cricket & Football: Abhishek Sharma roars back with 233 off 91 balls in Punjab; Zimbabwe’s Leon Chiwome secures a season-long loan to Colchester United. Sports—Stadium Update: Victoria Falls’ new cricket venue is reported 90% complete and set for an October opening.

Shutdown Watch in Harare: Police sealed off key spots as opposition and civil society urged a nationwide shutdown over constitutional changes, with fewer cars and a tense, tightly controlled city centre setting the tone. Business Mindset Reset: Analysts say Zimbabwe firms are stuck in “survival mode” after years of instability, arguing “corporate trauma” is blocking growth and investment decisions. High Court Challenge in South Africa: AfriForum, the DA and IRR are set to argue against parts of Ramaphosa’s Expropriation Law in the Western Cape High Court. US Visa Bond Shock for Africans: The US will make its visa bond programme permanent from Aug 3, with deposits up to $20,000 for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, including Zimbabwe and 29 other African nations. Power and Jobs Push: Zimbabwe says it kept lights on through winter, while a new report urges import substitution to create thousands of jobs by replacing nearly $3bn in imports with locally produced goods. ICAZ Leadership: Jonas Jonga elected ICAZ president for 2026-27, calling for AI-ready, ethical, future-proof finance leadership. Regional Labour Fallout: South Africa’s migrant exodus is already hitting farms and food processing, with shortages threatening production.

Air Zimbabwe Relaunch Troubles: Air Zimbabwe rescheduled its Harare–London Gatwick UM724 after “operational reasons,” moving departure to Saturday 1 August at 9pm, days after the airline restored the long-dormant route. National Hero Farewell: Thousands attended the burial of national hero Prof Herbert Chinyanga in Goromonzi, with officials praising his decades of service to Zimbabwe’s healthcare. Disaster Declaration After Bus Crash: President Mnangagwa declared a State of Disaster following a South Africa bus crash that killed 11 Zimbabweans, to speed repatriation and support survivors. Pan-African Parliament Leadership: Parliament Speaker Advocate Jacob Mudenda was elected President of the Bureau at the Pan-African Parliament Speakers’ Conference in Midrand. Women in Business Spotlight: Entrepreneur Victoria Tafirei highlighted how government empowerment drives are translating into jobs and expanding rural enterprise. Tech & IP Battle: Zimbabwe’s rural e-mobility innovation, the Hamba electric cargo tricycle, is at the centre of a US intellectual property dispute involving Mobility for Africa and Toyota Mobility Foundation. Sports & Culture: Shingai Dance Group won the 2026 Chibuku Neshamwari National Finals at Harare Gardens, taking US$15,000.

Disaster Preparedness: Zimbabwe is moving from reacting to disasters to planning ahead, with Government and the IFRC strengthening early warning, climate resilience and community readiness. Public Finance Clarity: Treasury says the reported 143% budget utilisation under the Office of the President and Cabinet is not a spending spree, not unauthorised expenditure, and not an overrun—described as centralised management of strategic programmes. Mining & Jobs: Zimbabwe expects record gold output of 55.6 tonnes in 2026, while lithium beneficiation gets a boost as China-backed plants push value addition. Trade Finance Boost: Afreximbank has signed a US$190m deal for CBZ Bank to expand trade finance and SME lending, including support for energy-linked projects. Women in Mining: ZASWMA says it will champion responsible, formalised women miners with a focus on mercury-free production, safety and environmental stewardship. Humanitarian & Health: Health officials say changes are underway after the “untimely” death of a Zimbabwe-born care worker in Jersey, following an inquest that cited missed opportunities. Regional Tragedy: A bus crash in South Africa’s Free State killed 12 Zimbabweans, including five children, with dozens injured. Zimbabwe-Global Links: Zimbabwe and Malaysia are negotiating an MoU to deepen media and broadcasting cooperation. Sports: Highlanders and Caps United resume their rivalry after a memorial service, while Zimbabwe’s mining growth and cricket World Cup preparations continue to dominate the wider news cycle.

Lithium Push: President Mnangagwa hailed Chinese investment in Zimbabwe’s lithium beneficiation, spotlighting Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt’s Goromonzi lithium sulphate plant and Sinomine’s Bikita project as the country moves from raw exports to local value addition. Food Security: The Mutiusinazita Seed Bank in eastern Zimbabwe is helping smallholders preserve traditional seed varieties, boosting resilience during droughts and creating a small income stream through seed sales. HIV Funding Warning: UNAIDS says global HIV prevention aid fell 23% in 2025, warning infections and deaths could rise again despite recent gains. SME Growth Finance: The ZSE signed an MoU with Lloyd Corporate Capital to expand access to growth funding for SMEs via ZEEX. Child Protection Case: A Waterfalls man appeared in court accused of aggravated indecent assault after allegedly sexually assaulting a Form One girl. Protests and Security: Ahead of 31 July demonstrations against CAA3, Beitbridge saw heavy army and police deployment, while reports say many people stayed home and business continued. Cricket World Cup 2027: ICC confirmed 12 host cities across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with a new brand campaign launched in Johannesburg. Climate Journalism: Zimbabwe Media Commission validated a Draft Climate Change Reporting Manual to improve how journalists cover climate impacts and solutions. Transport Tragedy: Another deadly kombi crash was reported, adding to a grim week of road deaths.

Humanitarian Diplomacy: IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain arrived in Zimbabwe for high-level talks, including a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa, as the IFRC, Zimbabwe Red Cross and Government push locally led resilience on climate, health, migration and disasters. UN Security Council Agenda: Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira says Zimbabwe will use its 2027-28 UN Security Council seat to champion stronger protection for humanitarian workers and vulnerable communities. Agriculture & Food Security: Zimbabwe targets raising annual milk output from 114 million litres to 200 million by 2030, with dairy positioned as a key pillar of AFSRTS 2 and NDS2. Mining Skills & Local Content: VP Chiwenga urged universities and mining firms to tighten industrial attachments as AI and advanced exploration reshape the sector; Mine Entra also spotlighted exploration and critical minerals as growth pillars. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Two men in Harare and Tsholotsho were jailed for an effective nine years each for illegal possession of raw ivory. Economy Watch: Tobacco deliveries hit a record 356.2 million kg for 2026, while gold export earnings climbed to US$597.1m in June. Public Health: MCAZ urged people to report medicine side effects as it launches MedSafety Week. Sports: ICC confirmed Zimbabwe’s venues for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, including Harare Sports Club, Queens Sports Club and the new Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya Stadium in Victoria Falls. Cross-border Tragedy: A bus crash on South Africa’s N1 en route to Zimbabwe killed 12 (including five children) and left 66 injured. Protests & Daily Life: Zimbabweans largely stayed home as July 31 protest calls over Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 drew muted response, with some transport and shops disrupted.