AGP Executive Report

Municipal enforcement: Cabinet has approved the Municipal Police and Courts Bill, giving municipal police powers to arrest by-law offenders and setting up municipal courts to handle by-law offences, minor cases and traffic violations. Public health & courts: Chitungwiza residents have sued the local authority over a long-running sewage crisis, saying raw waste flows into homes and boreholes, breaching constitutional and public health obligations. Economy & finance: Zimbabwe’s gold exports rose 72.2% to US$3.1bn in the first half of 2026, with RBZ figures pointing to higher production and stronger bullion prices. Regional development finance: Zimbabwe’s admission to the BRICS New Development Bank (BRICS Bank) is framed as a new stage for African infrastructure-led growth. Health funding pressure: AIDS 2026 in Rio opens with warnings that global HIV funding has plunged, driven largely by US cuts, threatening progress. Agriculture resilience: A research-backed spineless cactus fodder project is boosting climate resilience for Mudzi women dairy farmers. Safety & transport: Five people died in a Harare–Nyamapanda Road traffic accident. Governance & security: NetOne CEO Raphael Mushanawani has been placed on forced leave amid reported internal and political power tensions. International travel: The US will end routine visa processing at 25 African posts from 1 August, including Harare, redirecting applicants to regional hubs.

IMF Signals Reform Momentum: The IMF has completed the first review of Zimbabwe’s 10-month Staff-Monitored Programme, saying targets were met and urging Harare to keep fiscal discipline and speed up governance reforms as it looks to stabilise ZiG and unlock wider support. Energy for Mines: ZERA approved a 25-year licence for a 36MW solar plant with 48MWh battery storage at Kamativi Mine, a move aimed at more reliable power for mining and lower electricity costs. Farmgate Protection: Government warned farmers to beware unscrupulous grain buyers offering “poultry prices”, urging them to use GMB benchmarks when negotiating and to help rebuild Strategic Grain Reserve deliveries. Digital Push in Agriculture: Officials say Zimbabwe is rolling out digital monitoring and evaluation to improve accountability and climate-smart farming implementation. Tourism Strategy Consultations: The tourism ministry is holding nationwide talks on a 2026-2030 National Tourism Sector Strategy focused on product diversification, sustainability and better use of tourism data. SME Capital Access: ZEEX has been launched to connect entrepreneurs with investors and support brokers, accountants and regulators to widen SME funding. Cricket Spotlight: India’s Shreyas Iyer and VVS Laxman hailed young players after a 3-0 T20I sweep over Zimbabwe, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s record-breaking run drawing major attention. Fintech Sandbox Approved: SECZ has approved seven fintech projects for a regulatory sandbox, with tokenisation featuring in several of them. Higher Education Links: Zimbabwe and Angola are pursuing new partnerships in universities for research, exchanges, language training and skills development.

Cricket Sweep: India completed a 3-0 T20 series win over Zimbabwe in Harare, with VVS Laxman praising teen Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s “very mature” approach after his 81 and Player-of-the-Series form. Health & Safety: Reports warn global HIV funding fell 25% in 2025, while Zimbabwe poultry producers face allegations of illegal ARV use in chicken feed—raising fresh public health fears. Mining & Jobs: Zimbabwe’s first lithium processing plant is now running, as the country pushes to stop exporting raw minerals and move toward local value addition. Governance: Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza swore in five new Judicial Service Commission commissioners, starting a new six-year term. Transport Relief: Government scrapped the Road Access Fee after 17 years, ending duplicative charges as toll gates expanded. Local Crime: A Bulawayo man was jailed for impersonating a police officer to serve court documents. Business/Trade: ARDA delivered 120,054.49MT of summer cereals to the GMB as El Niño preparedness ramps up. Sports Tragedy: Dynamos and Bosso mourn Highlanders executives killed in a road crash.

Cricket: India’s sweep of Zimbabwe: Shreyas Iyer called India’s 3-0 T20I series win over Zimbabwe “flawless” as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ended the tour with Player of the Match and Player of the Series honours, top-scoring with an 81 in the 35-run final win. Local sport: Highlanders mourn crash victims: Highlanders will hold a memorial and send-off in Bulawayo for three senior executives and a supporter killed in a road accident. Agriculture: Bubi farmers urged to adapt: Bubi Ward 13 councillor Buhle Ncube urged sheep and crop farmers to use climate-smart methods and prepare for a possible El Niño season. Mining community: Blanket Mine injects funds: Blanket Mine put in another US$1.8m into the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust, lifting total contributions to over US$16.4m since 2012. Jobs and labour: NECs to decentralise: The Ministry called on National Employment Councils to set up provincial offices to improve access to labour services. Business: ZEEX launches SME capital platform: Zimbabwe launched the regulated Zimbabwe Entrepreneurship Exchange (ZEEX) to help SMEs raise funds directly from investors. Tourism: Diaspora investment push: Government urged Zimbabweans abroad to channel remittances into tourism investments. Health: HIV treatment gaps flagged: A study says fewer children received US-backed HIV treatment after foreign aid cuts. Education: cash crunch hits district offices: District education operations are struggling with shortages of basic supplies, with teachers’ groups pushing for more funding.

Constitutional Shake-Up: Zimbabwe has started a major legislative reform drive to align laws with Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3, with about 12 Acts expected to be revised by 2028, starting with the Electoral Act and plans for a Delimitation Commission. Protest Tensions: Opposition figures and civil society are pushing back against July 31 demonstrations over CAA3, while government warns citizens to use courts instead of streets amid a tightening security posture. ZiG Push: Treasury plans to widen taxes payable exclusively in Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) to boost local-currency demand and reduce reliance on the US dollar. Border Bottleneck: Zimra says Beitbridge truck delays are being addressed, with the backlog expected to ease within 24 hours, while South African agencies blame congestion on the Zimbabwe side. Migration Ripple Effects: South Africa’s scaled-down Musina repatriation follows deporting over 68,000 migrants, and Zimbabweans’ return is raising fears for remittances. Sports—India’s Sweep: Teen Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made 81 as India beat Zimbabwe by 35 runs to complete a 3-0 T20I whitewash in Harare; Mayank Yadav took 3/29. Health Scandal: Reports say some Zimbabwe chicken farmers illegally mix ARVs into feed to boost growth, raising serious risks for consumers and HIV treatment.

South Africa Labour Crunch: Zimbabwean farmworker Aaron Majatamhe says unpicked citrus and grapes are piling up as thousands of foreign workers leave after anti-migrant protests and tougher immigration enforcement, with Zimbabwe among the biggest returnees and shortages hitting sugar and vineyards hard. Cricket—India Wraps Series: India beat Zimbabwe by 90 runs in the 2nd T20I at Harare Sports Club to seal a 2-0 series win under Shreyas Iyer; Ishan Kishan made 81 and Tilak Varma 60* as Abhishek Sharma took 3/17, and India now target a 3-0 sweep in Sunday’s 3rd T20I. Sports—Bosso Mourning: Highlanders legend Peter Ndlovu joins tributes after the deaths of chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza and supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda in a road crash. Education Investment: TIMB marks 90 years by funding rural education in tobacco areas, donating textbooks, sanitary wear, laptops and classroom equipment to Kelstone 1 Primary School in Guruve. Politics—Zanu-PF Watch: Zanu-PF Harare youth structures are tasked to monitor alleged protest plans for 31 July amid a province-wide verification and audit of district structures. Mining Finance: Mutapa Resources says it has secured US$300m for lithium development and US$212m for gold expansion, targeting 110,000oz gold in 2026.

Cricket: India seal T20 series with 90-run win in Harare—Ishan Kishan struck 81 off 44 and Tilak Varma made 60* as India posted 219/5, then bowled Zimbabwe out for 129 in 17.5 overs to win the second T20I and take an unassailable 2-0 lead. Injuries & team news: Prince Yadav walked off with an apparent hamstring injury, and Shreyas Iyer hinted at changes for the third and final match. Education: Teachers urged to be rehired after SA xenophobia—The Educators Union of Zimbabwe wants a coordinated plan to register, absorb and redeploy teachers returning from South Africa, not just learners. Business & competition: Mega Market eyes Lobels in a deal now under Competition and Tariff Commission scrutiny, while Delta and Varun Beverages battle for control of Dairibord. Governance: Harare finances under fire—The Auditor General flags major City of Harare accounting gaps, including a large creditors variance and long-running suspense balances. Football tragedy: Highlanders FC executives Kenneth Mhlophe, Sifiso Siziba and Nkani Khoza died in a road crash; the PSL postponed the weekend fixture and police urged motorists to avoid night driving. Mining & industry: Hwange Colliery restarts coke production after an 11-year hiatus, and Sandawana lithium resources near 40 million tonnes. Politics & law: Zanu-PF rallies defend Constitutional Amendment No. 3 as court challenges and protests loom.

IND vs ZIM (2nd T20I): India head to Harare Sports Club for the second match on Saturday, chasing a series wrap after a 7-wicket win in the opener. Teen star spotlight: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi backed up his U-19 heroics with a record 18-ball 50 in match one, while Mayank Yadav returned from a two-year injury layoff to fire 2/18. Cricket politics: Former selector Kris Srikkanth criticised Gautam Gambhir for dropping Sooryavanshi after early failures in England, as India weigh whether to stick with the same XI. Local sport tragedy: Highlanders mourned the deaths of chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza in a road crash, with ZIFA and fans calling for tributes and support. Public health warning: A fresh call to treat dementia as a medical condition, not superstition, as Zimbabwe faces a “silent dementia crisis.” Youth & jobs: Government hailed a skills drive that graduated 152 young people in Cowdray Park, aiming to cut unemployment through practical training. Economy & industry: A survey at ZICE 2026 says manufacturing is nearing the US$1bn mark by 2030, with growth momentum building.

High Court & Police Courtroom: A Harare lawyer, David Junior Munashe Donzvambeva, was denied bail over an alleged US$150,000 property fraud involving a forged title deed, with the case remanded to August 6. More Court Cases: Another Harare man, Simbarashe Emmanuel Martin Rondozai, faces fresh charges of theft of trust property after allegedly misappropriating US$10,811 meant for debtors’ funds; his matter was postponed to August 14. Energy Push: Zimbabwe is seeking over US$9bn in five years to overhaul power generation and grid infrastructure, banking on private investors for more than US$4.42bn. Mining & Finance: Mutapa Gold secured a US$125m syndicated loan from local banks to expand Shamva and Jena mines, boosting output. Regional Health: Zimbabwe joined a synchronized polio vaccination push across high-risk border districts to protect gains against cVDPV2 importation. Road Safety & Football Grief: Two died in a Harare-Mutare head-on crash, while Highlanders mourns three top executives killed in a separate road accident, with supporters stranded after the crash. Sports (Local Interest): Black Rhinos lead the Zifa Northern Region race for promotion into the Premier Soccer League. Cricket (Harare Spotlight): India took a 1-0 lead in the T20I series after a seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe, powered by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 18-ball 50.

Road Safety & Football Mourning: ZIFA and Highlanders have led tributes after chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza died in a crash on the Harare–Bulawayo Highway, with reports saying the car hit a stray cow before a pile-up. Teachers’ Return From SA: The Educators Union of Zimbabwe urges government to urgently register, absorb and re-employ teachers returning from South Africa after xenophobic attacks, saying they need support like learners do. Prison Health Upgrade: ZPCS received a HumaLoop T TB diagnostic system to speed up screening and same-day treatment in correctional facilities. Deceased Estates Deadline: ZURRA wants the July 31 deadline extended, saying costs like Master’s Office fees and valuations leave vulnerable families stuck. Youth Empowerment in Chitungwiza: A Chinese Embassy-backed donation of sewing and baking equipment is expanding vocational training for young people in Seke, Chitungwiza. Cricket—India vs Zimbabwe: India started the T20I series with a seven-wicket win as 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a record 18-ball 50 and Mayank Yadav returned with 2/18; captain Shreyas Iyer celebrated his first win.

Cricket: India’s T20 turnaround in Harare: Shreyas Iyer won his first T20I as captain after India restricted Zimbabwe to 125/7 and then chased 126 with 40 balls to spare, powered by 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s record 18-ball half-century (youngest men’s T20I fifty) and a sharp return spell from Mayank Yadav (2/18). Pitch concerns: Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza said the Harare Sports Club surface was “not up to the standard,” with moisture and early movement making batting tough. Sports safety: Highlanders crash: Police confirmed a horrific multi-vehicle accident on the Bulawayo–Harare Highway involving Highlanders FC executives, with trapped people reported. Crime watch (Bulawayo): ZRP warned of rising CBD pickpocketing, urging commuters to secure phones and wallets and stay alert in crowded bus termini. Online fraud warning: A commentary highlights how Zimbabweans are being targeted by romance scams on social media, with victims lured by fake profiles and pressured for “customs” or “emergency” money. Business/health: AURUM announced a new Harare CBD branch opening August 1 and renovations to its Swan Crescent flagship. Culture: Zimfest added more artists and a new sponsor, Taptap Send, for the 25 July event in Northamptonshire.

Cricket: India-Zimbabwe T20I opener in Harare: Shreyas Iyer says India’s England setback was a “rough patch” but insists the squad has learned and will play fearless cricket in the three-match series starting Thursday. Teen spotlight: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi returns: The 15-year-old admits “several ups and downs” over four months, but says he’ll “follow my process” after being dropped in England; he’s expected to open again at Harare Sports Club. Local sport development: Bulawayo’s Ma9Nine has opened Wazin Family Studios in Magwegwe North to bring top Harare producers to Matabeleland and nurture new artists. Economy & jobs: Government says 15,000 of 108,000 returnees from South Africa have registered for employment and start-up projects, with more funding released for the repatriation drive. Governance in Hwange: A parliamentary committee recommends a commission of inquiry to fix the dual-authority governance anomaly in Hwange Concession. Trade & agriculture: Zimbabwe ships its first blueberry batch to China after a phytosanitary protocol, with hopes to scale exports. Aviation & tourism debate: A fresh push for the Harare–London route highlights how Zimbabwe’s aviation struggles are being papered over by leasing arrangements.

T20I Focus: India kick-starts a three-match T20I series in Harare on Thursday under captain Shreyas Iyer, after a rough England and Ireland run. The spotlight is on teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who says he’s had “ups and downs” but is ready to reset and bounce back. Cricket Watch: Zimbabwe name a 15-man squad with Sikandar Raza leading, while Mayank Yadav is tipped for a T20I comeback for India as selectors look to test fresh pace options. Governance & Schools: Auditor-General Vimbai Chikwenhere warns rural district councils are failing to keep proper records for school fees and grants, creating accountability gaps. Economy & Currency: RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu rules out forced conversion of US dollar savings into ZiG, saying the mono-currency shift will only come after stability targets. Property Fraud Crackdown: Government moves to digitally link banks to the Deeds Office to verify title deeds and curb fake property transactions. Migration & Security: ZRA intercepts seven Somali nationals hidden under rice bags en route to Zimbabwe; police also continue a manhunt after a Harare brother-killing over a missing US$50. Tourism: Victoria Falls Rainforest reopens after a short closure when elephants wandered into the area.

Cricket: India vs Zimbabwe T20Is kick off in Harare: Shreyas Iyer leads a youthful India side into a three-match series at Harare Sports Club starting Thursday, after recent T20I defeats to Ireland (2-0) and England (4-0). Zimbabwe counter with a refreshed 15-man squad: wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga earns his maiden T20I call-up, with Wessly Madhevere and fast bowler Newman Nyamhuri returning. Sports: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes redemption: The 15-year-old says Harare is “special” after India’s U19 World Cup win here and insists he’ll stick to his natural game despite “ups and downs” in the last four months. Food security: WFP launches “Bites of Change” podcast: The programme will bring together Government, business and partners to discuss food and nutrition security and resilient food systems. Agriculture: Danish aquaculture tech heads to Zimbabwe: Government backs import duty and VAT waivers for modern cage fish farming equipment to boost production and push fish self-sufficiency. Public safety: ZRP anti-crime campaign in Bulawayo: Police roll out a national drive targeting drugs, stock theft and sexual offences. Tourism: Victoria Falls Rainforest access restricted: ZimParks temporarily closes parts of the attraction after an elephant is spotted in the tourist area.

Repatriation Crisis: Zimbabwe says it has repatriated 108,366 people from South Africa as anti-immigration protests intensified, with 33,855 returning via government arrangements and 74,511 self-repatriating; authorities say Beitbridge has provided healthcare to 1,474 returnees and a three-pronged reintegration plan is underway. Food Security Alarm: The UN warns healthy diets are unaffordable for billions, and in Zimbabwe 3.5–4.2 million people were undernourished in 2025, with hunger driven by El Niño impacts and high food inflation. Drought Plan for 2026/27: Government unveiled a six-point strategy to cushion against El Niño-linked drought, including expanding the Strategic Grain Reserve, boosting irrigation, promoting drought-tolerant crops and strengthening agricultural financing. Justice and Accountability: Police say they withheld a musician’s identity in a rape case involving a 14-year-old to protect the complainant, rejecting claims of political shielding. Economy and Business: ZNCC praised RBZ for exchange-rate stability and inflation moderation, urging more action on credit costs and liquidity; Econet InfraCo also reported new tower and solar rollouts after listing on VFEX. Transport and Trade: Air Zimbabwe’s Harare–London direct route is back after 14 years, with nearly 1,500 bookings reported, while NRZ says it has dispatched its first 1,000-tonne lithium train to Maputo. Crime Crackdown: Police arrested five men over motorcycle thefts in Mashonaland East, recovering five stolen bikes so far.

Transport & Trade: Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway has commissioned a US$1.5m lithium transshipment rail siding in West Nicholson, dispatching its first lithium concentrate consignment from Gwanda to Mozambique’s Port of Maputo—aimed at boosting mineral exports and shifting freight from road to rail. Infrastructure & Digital Push: Government unveiled a US$340.1m broadband pipeline projected to connect over 900,000 households/SMEs via grid-linked services, extend fibre to 114,000 homes, and deliver wireless broadband to 500,000 rural and peri-urban users through public-private partnerships. Currency & Payments: The RBZ says full de-dollarisation depends on meeting eight “critical fundamentals”, while Finance officials report ZiG use rising to 45% of transactions after tax relief and lower bank charges. Air Connectivity: Air Zimbabwe is relaunching direct Harare–London flights after 14 years, with 1,479 passenger bookings and 30 tonnes of cargo already confirmed; fares start from about £490/US$495. Food Security: ARDA and GMB expanded grain deliveries, with summer cereal deliveries reaching 120,054 tonnes and 27,836 tonnes channelled to Agro-Dura for strategic reserves and milling. Returnees Support: More than 140,000 Zimbabweans and Malawians have been repatriated through Beitbridge, with ward-level reintegration support including UNFPA dignity kits and rice. Public Safety Debate: Springs of Life Zimbabwe urges the sex offenders register to protect the public while respecting privacy and rehabilitation rights. Mining Exports: Mineral exports grew strongly in H1 2026, with PGM matte leading shipments as mineral exports rose 84% to about US$2.53bn. Sports (Local Interest): Sikandar Raza says Zimbabwe and India have equal chances in the upcoming three-match T20I series at Harare Sports Club starting Thursday.