AGP Executive Report

Cancer Care Upgrade: Zimbabwe has received two 22-tonne TrueBeam radiotherapy machines, with installation set for Mpilo Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals—an advanced boost for treating cancer in the country. Mining Skills & Policy: The Mines Permanent Secretary has met Zimbabwe School of Mines leadership in Bulawayo, pledging full support and pushing alignment of training with industry needs. Energy Transition Minerals: SADC launched a five-year push to keep energy-transition minerals’ value chains in the region, targeting beneficiation, jobs and skills across countries including Zimbabwe. Digital Education Sovereignty: Zimbabwe’s eLearning Africa push calls for locally hosted AI and education infrastructure, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign platforms. Health Innovation Funding: CIMAS announced a US$7,000 Healthathon to incubate Zimbabwe health-tech solutions, with a live demo day in August. Industrial Growth: Shuntai Investments signed with China’s CBMI to build a 6,000tpd clinker line in Zvishavane, expanding cement capacity and local supply. Governance & AI: CGIAZ elected Tendayi Kanjanda as president, with a theme on future-proofing governance in the age of AI. Education Access: A Karoi Catholic teacher training college got government backing, while a separate initiative highlights menstrual hygiene support to keep girls in school.

Neuromodulation Breakthrough: A Chinese medical team helped Zimbabwe complete the country’s first Deep Brain Stimulation and first Spinal Cord Stimulation surgeries, with both patients reported stable after May 28–29 procedures. Constitution Tech & Democracy: Parliament debate over CAB3 is heating up, with a committee report claiming 99.4% support from public submissions while critics point to mismatches between physical and email inputs and warn of deeper political toxicity. Energy Transition Governance: Stakeholders say Zimbabwe’s renewable push must be community-owned and better implemented, not just new infrastructure, as the country faces a major climate finance gap. Climate Risk Planning: Government is preparing for a likely Super El Niño, outlining measures to protect the 2026/27 cropping season and reduce drought impacts. Digital Finance Security: EcoCash’s X account hack sparked debate on cybersecurity and trust in Zimbabwe’s mobile money ecosystem after unauthorised explicit posts. AI Creator Shock: YouTube removed AI-generated channels with billions of views, a warning to Zimbabwean creators relying on high-volume automated content to shift toward quality and transparency. Mining Restart Watch: Redwing Mine’s gold revival is underway after water pumping and power upgrades, part of renewed investor interest in Zimbabwe’s gold sector. Investment & Trade Tools: ZIDA launched a DIY electronic platform to simplify access to investment opportunities, aiming to cut red tape and boost ease of doing business.

CAB 3 Power Struggle: Zimbabwe’s constitutional amendment debate is heating up as Mnangagwa’s camp faces resistance from figures linked to VP Chiwenga, with claims of inducements inside ZANU PF and warnings that the process could alienate citizens from the constitutional order. Digital Finance Security: EcoCash’s official X account was reportedly hacked, posting explicit content after a US$35 grievance—raising fresh questions about cybersecurity and trust in mobile money. AI & Digital Services: A new push highlights how AI and edge hosting can speed up Zimbabwe’s online experience, while concerns grow about digital skills gaps for rural schools and teachers. Climate & Food Security: Government says it’s bracing for a likely Super El Niño, with plans to protect crops and livelihoods as El Niño threatens drought and heatwaves. Green Finance Gap: Zimbabwe faces a US$4.8bn climate finance shortfall, with a new policy book urging better green governance and accountability. Energy & Industry: WestProp’s Millennium Heights adds a 1MW solar plant for cleaner power, while Zimbabwe’s critical minerals push continues to attract investment and regional value-chain support. Sports Tech & Culture: ZIFA launches a nationwide supplier registration drive, and mbira legends are celebrated at a major festival.

Climate Finance & Governance: Zimbabwe needs at least US$4.8bn to deliver its climate commitments, but has received only US$35.4m so far, as a new policy book on energy transition, climate finance and ecofeminism launches in Harare. Investment Ease: ZIDA rolls out a “Do It Yourself” e-platform to simplify investment procedures and cut red tape for local and foreign investors. Digital Education Sovereignty: Higher Education Minister Frederick Shava attends eLearning Africa 2026 in Accra, where African governments push for sovereign, AI-ready learning systems and better teacher training. Child Online Safety: Cabinet approves Zimbabwe’s National Child Online Protection Policy (2026–2030), setting rules and responsibilities to safeguard children online. Youth Jobs Push: Cabinet also greenlights the National Youth Policy (2026–2030), targeting NEETs, substance abuse, mental health, and skills for tech and AI. Renewables in Property: WestProp powers Millennium Heights with a 1MW solar plant, cutting grid dependence and supporting smarter urban living. Conservation Tech & Funding: Black rhinos are reintroduced into Matusadona National Park with 17 flown in, as billionaire-backed conservation efforts continue.

Women in Industry: Zimbabwe officially launched Zimbabwe Women in Manufacturing (ZWIM), backing women-led agro-processing, textiles, leather, furniture and paper production as part of Vision 2030 and NDS2. Property & Housing: Beauty Dorothy Hughes won recognition at the Zimbabwe Women in Real Estate and Construction Awards for decades of housing development and project management, including sustainability efforts. Digital Education: Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang will open eLearning Africa 2026 in Accra (June 3–5), spotlighting digital learning, skills and education technology across Africa. Youth Policy: Cabinet approved the National Youth Policy (2026–2030), targeting NEETs and vulnerable youth including young women, people with disabilities, youths with HIV, substance abuse challenges and the diaspora. Child Online Safety: Cabinet also okayed the Zimbabwe National Child Online Protection Policy (2026–2030), setting a national framework with legal, technical and prevention measures for safer internet use. Critical Minerals & Value Chains: UN ECA launched a €15m SADC project (2026–2031) to build responsible, inclusive critical minerals value chains, including Zimbabwe. Climate Risk: Scientists warn El Niño is likely to intensify from June–August 2026, raising drought, heavy rainfall and heatwave risks for Southern Africa. Teachers Need Tech Skills: ZIMTA urged rural tech hubs and teacher retooling so digital learning and AI use improve classrooms beyond just supplying devices. Veld Fire Preparedness: Beitbridge District launched its 2026 fire season campaign with community training and firefighting equipment to curb veld fire losses.

Digital Education & Teacher Skills: ZIMTA says Zimbabwe needs real teacher retooling for digital learning, not just gadgets—calling for rural tech hubs, better connectivity, and AI-ready training. Urban Health Tech & Service Delivery: Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume says council clinics are outdated and must be upgraded with modern systems, including computerisation, plus finishing stalled Wilkins Hospital. Rural Agriculture Digitalisation: FAO and government are pushing “digital villages” to modernise smallholder farming and narrow the rural-urban digital divide. Climate Finance Gap: Zimbabwe faces a $4.8bn climate funding shortfall by 2030, with speakers urging reforms in climate governance and accountability for energy transition and adaptation. Diaspora Skills Mobilisation: Zimbabwe signs an MoU to tap diaspora expertise to close skills gaps for industrialisation, including petroleum, lithium processing and battery manufacturing. Industrialisation & Local Engineering: ZIE urges local engineers to keep driving Vision 2030, stressing professional registration and ethical practice. Critical Minerals & Tech: Research highlights caesium extraction from brine as a potential boost for satellite and sensing supply chains—relevant to Zimbabwe’s mineral ambitions. Agribusiness Wins: A Bulawayo entrepreneur scoops two major agribusiness awards, spotlighting youth-led innovation in farming value chains. Public Health Regulation: MCAZ’s new board is challenged to strengthen transparent, efficient medicines regulation to support universal health coverage.

Cancer Tech Funding: Zimbabwe’s controversial sugar tax is now buying radiotherapy machines—Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube toured Parirenyatwa Hospital where the first batch of US$27 million equipment is being installed to cut the cancer treatment backlog. Advanced Surgery in Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe has performed its first deep brain stimulation procedure, marking the country’s entry into neuromodulation surgery via a partnership involving the Ministry of Health and Child Care, China-Africa Hospital Alliance and local specialists. Industrial Growth & Exports: The AfDB reports Zimbabwe’s manufacturing is growing (industrial output and value addition rising since 2010), while steel exports surged in Q1 2026 with volumes up 150% and value up 254% as beneficiation gains momentum. Energy Storage Shift: Sodium-ion batteries are moving from lab to industry, with new independent evaluations highlighting commercial progress—raising questions for lithium producers on how to stay competitive. Education Reform: Zimbabwe’s curriculum overhaul targets skills, innovation and global competitiveness, while officials warn that learners face a crisis of HIV, teen pregnancies, school violence and substance abuse. AI in Newsrooms: Southern African editors say AI is boosting speed in transcription and drafting, but they still rely on human judgment and are setting internal ethical guardrails. Transport & Safety: Police in Kadoma summoned drivers over CCTV-captured CBD traffic violations tied to illegal commuter taxi pick-ups. Digital Payments: Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe launched a US$ prepaid VISA card for cross-border spending with low-KYC access.

Industrial Growth Watch: AfDB reports Zimbabwe’s manufacturing output has risen strongly since 2010, with manufacturing’s GDP share climbing from 9.2% to 15.5% by 2024 and value added per capita jumping from US$83 to US$399.60, but warns diversification is still limited and exports remain too concentrated. Steel Value-Add: Zimbabwe’s steel exports surged in Q1 2026, up 150% in volume to 190,612 tonnes and 254% in value to US$68.22m, pointing to stronger regional demand and better beneficiation. Healthcare Tech Leap: Zimbabwe performed its first deep brain stimulation neuromodulation surgery, a milestone aimed at expanding advanced specialist care locally. Environment & Public Health: Communities in Hwange’s Lukosi River catchment link a 2018 “mysterious illness” and livestock deaths to suspected coal pollution, while another report highlights how environmental change is reshaping farming landscapes. Livestock Risk Management: South Africa gazetted a voluntary foot-and-mouth disease vaccination scheme, a move that could affect Zimbabwe’s southern livestock producers and cross-border trade. Digital Policy: Zimbabwe says it is aligning its Cyber and Data Protection framework with the African Commission’s ICT and Technology Resolution 630, including ethics and AI governance. Transport & Enforcement: Police in Kadoma summoned 25 drivers over CCTV-captured CBD traffic violations tied to illegal commuter taxi pick-ups. Business Payments: Stanbic Bank launched a low-KYC prepaid US dollar VISA card for global spending and online purchases. Education Pressure: Parents at Houghton Park Primary allege teachers are charging extra lessons and selling homework books, with claims reaching US$700 a month. Energy & Cancer Care: Government expects the final batch of multi-energy cancer machines to arrive soon, funded via Sugar Tax. Drug Trade Crackdown: A Beitbridge bust uncovered methaqualone (“ABBA”) worth nearly R1bn, exposing a major cross-border precursor pipeline.

Cyber & Data Protection: Zimbabwe says it is aligning its Cyber and Data Protection Framework with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ ICT policy resolution, pointing to constitutional rights on expression and access to information, enforcement via the telecoms regulator, and a new National AI Strategy. Livestock Health: South Africa’s voluntary foot-and-mouth vaccination scheme could affect Zimbabwe’s border livestock trade and southern farming regions, as vets warn outbreaks can trigger movement bans and losses. Education Integrity: Parents at Houghton Park Primary in Harare accuse some teachers of charging illegal extra lessons and homework fees, with reports of up to US$700 a month in “unauthorised” charges and punishments for non-payers. Cancer Care Upgrade: Government confirms the final batch of multi-energy radiotherapy machines is due to arrive after a negotiated airlift, funded through the sugar tax, to expand modern cancer treatment at referral centres. Motor Industry: Zimbabwe is reviewing its motor industry policy to cut the US$700m annual vehicle import bill and revive local assembly and component manufacturing. AI in Music: A Zimbabwean AI-generated song is going viral, reigniting debate on how AI is reshaping the local music scene. Agriculture & Soil: Zimbabwe is urged to invest more in sustainable soil management and soil testing to restore yields as degradation bites. Digital Finance for Farming: Zimbabwe’s “tokenising cattle” push aims to make livestock investment more liquid via digital assets. Gold Processing Safety: Officials assess mercury-free gold processing options in Mashonaland Central to reduce pollution risks to miners and the environment. Regional Energy: Zimbabwe’s new petroleum pact is framed as a major step for oil and gas development in the Cabora Bassa Basin. Domestic Violence Justice: A man in Chinhoyi is jailed for 25 years for the brutal murder of his partner, highlighting the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence.

Xenophobia & Migration: A fresh debate is reigniting across the region, with Zimbabwe-linked commentary arguing that xenophobic violence is often “domestic tragedy” dressed up as diplomatic theatre, while Soil & Food Security: Zimbabwe is urged to invest more in sustainable soil management as FAO-backed soil testing and targeted support begin to address declining fertility. Energy & Costs: With Brent swinging amid Strait of Hormuz tensions, Zimbabwe’s fuel import bill and pump prices remain exposed, and a new analysis warns the country could be losing about US$4.3m monthly revenue after fuel tax changes. Digital Finance in Agriculture: Tokenising cattle is gaining traction, aiming to make livestock investment more liquid via the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange. SME Survival via CX: Local SMEs are told to stop competing only on price and location, and instead win customers through better customer experience. Mercury-Free Gold: Government is assessing mercury-free gold processing options to protect miners and the environment. AI in Culture: Zimbabwean artists are grappling with AI music as AI-made songs gain massive traction. Health & Environment: Hwange communities report a water-borne coal pollution health scare, while Midwives: Zimbabwe joins the global call for one million more midwives to strengthen maternal care.

Education & Wellness: India’s Embassy in Harare ran a yoga and wellness session at NUST in Bulawayo with 300+ students, partnering ZIMSA and the Art of Living Foundation ahead of International Day of Yoga. Culture & Learning: China’s Embassy hosted International Children’s Day celebrations in Harare, with Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister Angeline Gata urging stronger child protection and education through people-to-people exchanges. AI in Schools: Zimbabwe Open University certified 78 educators under an “AI for Educators” programme, positioning AI as teacher support for lesson planning and personalised learning. Healthcare Tech: Trauma Centre Borrowdale carried out pioneering open heart surgery and valve replacement, boosting Zimbabwe’s push into medical tourism. Mining & Industry: PPC signed an MoA with Sinoma to improve clinker and cement output and assess a possible integrated plant. Roads & Forex: Government says imported road maintenance chemicals are straining foreign currency, and is working with universities to develop cheaper local alternatives. Regional Agriculture: Zimbabwe met South Africa and Tanzania in SADC talks to coordinate food security and tackle Foot and Mouth Disease threats. Security Tech at Borders: Beitbridge drug bust used intelligence targeting and a truck scanner to seize 713,000g of methaqualone, with court valuation discrepancies raising questions. Wildlife-Livestock Health: Communities near game reserves report rising livestock diseases linked to wildlife contact, including rabies and foot and mouth disease.

Midwives Push: Zimbabwe marked International Day of the Midwife with calls to train, retain and fairly pay midwives to close the global workforce gap for safer maternal and newborn care. Cardiac Care Leap: Trauma Centre Borrowdale in Harare performed groundbreaking open heart surgery and valve replacement, boosting Zimbabwe’s push into medical tourism and reducing the need for patients to travel abroad. AI in Education: Zimbabwe Open University certified 78 educators under an AI for Educators programme, positioning AI as a teacher support tool aligned to Vision 2030 and ethical, Ubuntu-rooted learning. Border Tech & Drugs: At Beitbridge, intelligence-led targeting and a non-intrusive truck scan helped uncover a hidden compartment with about 713,000 grams of methaqualone, leading to arrests and renewed focus on high-tech border security. Road Repairs Forex Strain: Parliament heard that imported road maintenance chemicals are draining foreign currency, pushing a push for cheaper locally made options with universities. Agriculture Markets: Zimbabwe deepened cooperation with South Africa and Tanzania on trade corridors and food security, including joint work to manage threats like foot-and-mouth disease. Lithium Value-Add: Zimbabwe’s lithium processing momentum continues as Chinese-backed investment expands plants and higher-value output. Heritage & Inclusion: Kazembe Kazembe urged heritage quiz organisers to include diaspora children, while Zimbabwe also renewed attention on protecting children through stronger child protection and education.

Rural Roads & Forex Strain: Government says imported road maintenance chemicals are draining foreign currency, pushing a push for cheaper, locally made alternatives with universities as Zinara scales feeder-road repairs across Zimbabwe’s 61,000km rural network. China-Backed Industrialisation: A senior Chinese diplomat says Beijing’s power, airport and broadband investments are boosting Zimbabwe’s industrial capacity and diversification, with mining captive power easing electricity shortages. Skills & Jobs Pipeline: Zimbabwe will host the Third Edition of Africa Skills Week 2026, aiming to link training to value creation for resilient, competitive industries. Digital Skills Hub: Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zimbabwe signed an MoU with government to set up a Software Developer Skills Development Hub focused on AI, cloud, analytics, cybersecurity and software development. Mining & Research Push: Universities are urged to develop local value-addition technologies to support mineral beneficiation after raw mineral and lithium concentrate export bans. Lithium Processing Momentum: Zimbabwe’s lithium beneficiation drive is linked to new processing plant construction and higher-value exports, though concerns persist about Chinese dominance in the sector. Beitbridge Drug Bust: South Africa and Zimbabwe-linked operations intercepted nearly R1bn worth of methaqualone (ABBA) at Beitbridge using intelligence targeting and scanner-assisted searches; court valuation discrepancies are now under scrutiny. Climate Communication Training: University of Zimbabwe media students joined a wetlands-focused climate reporting workshop to strengthen public awareness and solution-oriented coverage. Housing Tech & Finance: Government renews calls for partnerships with banks and pension funds to accelerate NDS2 housing delivery amid land-price and mortgage affordability pressures. SME Infrastructure Plan: The Gazaland SME Infrastructure Project in Harare is set to create safer, structured workspaces to support formalisation and women/youth entrepreneurship. Sports Leadership: SRC appoints Allen Takudzwa Mavunga as new director general from June 1, 2026, to drive commercialisation and sustainability in Zimbabwe’s sports sector.

Retail Resilience: OK Zimbabwe’s collapse shows the crisis is no longer just inflation and power cuts—some formal retailers are failing on strategy and operations, while informal traders keep winning. AI & Jobs: The ILO warns generative AI could automate clerical work fast in developing economies, but the digital divide may block workers from benefiting even as risks spread. SME Infrastructure: Government says it will push the Gazaland SME Infrastructure Project in Highfield to create safer workspaces and boost women, youth and rural entrepreneurs—if it doesn’t get mothballed. Housing Finance: Officials urge banks and pension funds to partner under NDS2 as land prices and mortgage costs squeeze affordability. Digital Skills: Liquid Intelligent Technologies and government sign an MoU to build a software developer skills hub, targeting AI, cloud, cyber security and analytics. Sports Administration: SRC appoints Allen Takudzwa Mavunga as new DG from June 1, 2026, aiming to commercialise and stabilise the sector. River Restoration: Mnangagwa declares an emergency programme to rehabilitate rivers damaged by alluvial mining, citing threats to irrigation, water and ecosystems. Border Tech vs Drugs: South Africa’s BMA says it intercepted nearly R1bn worth of methaqualone at Beitbridge using scanner tech, arresting three Malawians. Critical Minerals & Power: Zimbabwe’s lithium raw-export ban is driving private captive power projects and beneficiation investment, with nearly 1,000MW expected. Fuel Fraud Watch: ZERA urges motorists to demand proof fuel pumps are certified to curb under-delivery and pump manipulation. Education Gap: Zimta warns rural teachers lack AI and digital skills, risking a widening urban-rural learning divide. Capital Markets Shift: VFEX overtakes ZSE as investors move toward US dollar-linked securities amid exchange-rate fears.

Aviation Safety Probe: The Air Force of Zimbabwe has launched a board of inquiry after an SF260 training crash near Gweru killed two officers, with investigators expected to focus on what went wrong and how to prevent future accidents. Mining Localisation Push: Government has ordered mines to staff 98% of senior and middle management with Zimbabweans, a move aimed at boosting local participation, including in the fast-growing lithium sector. Fuel Fraud Warning: ZERA is urging motorists to demand proof that fuel pumps are properly certified, warning that under-delivery and pump manipulation can lead to closures and licence cancellations. Food Prices vs Import Levies: Grain millers are challenging new import taxes, warning they could lift bread and staple prices, while legal experts argue the levies are backed by the Agricultural Marketing Authority Act. Mercury-Free Gold Drive: Zimbabwe is pushing away from mercury in small-scale gold mining, spotlighting health and environmental risks for miners who still use the toxic metal. Digital Skills for Teachers: ZIMTA says rural schools risk falling behind unless teachers get real digital and AI training, not just gadgets. Land Records Digitised: Zimbabwe is digitising title deeds through a Digital Land Administration Platform to curb lost and tampered records and speed up property transactions. Lithium Power Boost: Zimbabwe’s lithium beneficiation push is driving new private power generation, with mining firms expected to add close to 1,000MW to the grid. Software Skills Hub: Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Government will set up a software developer skills hub to accelerate Zimbabwe’s digital transformation. Border Tech in Action: South Africa seized nearly R1bn worth of drugs at Beitbridge after scanner-led detection of a hidden compartment, leading to arrests.

Teen SRH Law Push: Civil society is urging Parliament to let girls under 18 access sexual and reproductive health services based on maturity, as teenage pregnancies and adolescent HIV infections rise and unclear consent rules keep care out of reach. Malaria Surge: Zimbabwe’s malaria cases are climbing after US aid cuts disrupted key prevention and research programmes, leaving families like one in Mutare to rely on local testing and treatment. Petroleum Deal: Government has signed a petroleum production sharing agreement for the Cabora Bassa oil and gas project, aiming to cut fuel imports and boost energy security. Monetary Literacy for Learners: The RBZ is launching a Schools Monetary Policy Challenge to train students as “Child RBZ Governors” and build practical financial understanding. Food System Resilience: SADC is calling for local production and consumption to tackle food insecurity, with climate shocks and disease hitting the region hard. Lithium Scrutiny: Reports claim Chinese firms dominate Zimbabwe’s lithium reserves, raising alarms over environmental harm, labour abuse, and weak oversight. Digital Skills Boost: Zimbabwe partners with Liquid Intelligent to train people in AI, cloud computing and digital analytics. Culture as an Economy: Zimbabwe’s Culture Month push is shifting from preservation to commercialising heritage for jobs and investment.