AGP Executive Report

Education 5.0 Upgrade: Midlands State University’s Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School in Kwekwe is rolling out moot courts, legal aid clinics and digital research centres, with new Space Law and Cyber Law programmes. Diaspora Investment Push: AUUDA Africa is courting diaspora capital for Bulawayo’s re-industrialisation, spotlighting tourism, manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture and renewables. Lithium Value Addition: Zimbabwe says its raw lithium export ban is paying off, with lithium concentrate earnings jumping 413% year-on-year as the country shifts “pit-to-product.” School Reopening Guidelines: Government issues fresh third-term guidance, stressing quality teaching, learner safety and exam readiness, while warning against fee and uniform abuses. Mining Cybersecurity Modernisation: Rockwell Automation partners with Mimosa Mine and Mine Elect to strengthen operational networks, security segmentation and safer system access. Tech for Daily Work: Bvio’s Violoop hardware agent plugs into a PC to automate repetitive tasks by observing screen activity—no APIs required. National Heritage Media: Officials urge Zimbabwe’s media to move beyond information delivery into creative, tech-enabled storytelling that preserves local history. El Niño Warning: UN climate updates warn El Niño could be among the strongest on record, raising risks of drought and extreme heat.

Mining Cybersecurity: Rockwell Automation is partnering with Mimosa Mine and Mine Elect to modernise Zimbabwe’s Midlands operations, upgrading the OT network and tightening secure connectivity, cybersecurity risk management, and system access for stronger operational resilience. Education & Skills: University of Zimbabwe’s Hodson Makurira says Zimbabwe must shift from theory to TVET and hands-on skills under “Education 5.0” to industrialise and cut youth unemployment. Climate Risk: The UN’s World Meteorological Organization warns El Niño could become the strongest in decades, bringing extreme heat plus higher flood and drought risks that could hit Zimbabwe’s farming and water planning. Agritech Inputs: Farmers in drought-prone areas are being urged to consider organic liquid fertilisers as Super El Niño fears grow, with promoters pointing to Nutriplant products for drought tolerance. Mining Investment Push: Zimbabwe is pitching its underexplored mineral potential to Australian investors at Africa Down Under in Perth, stressing exploration, beneficiation, value addition, and technology as the next step. Public Health & Dairy: A Bulawayo veterinary indaba will focus on dairy animal health and milk production, linking disease prevention and biosecurity to food security goals. Local Culture & Museums: Zimbabwe’s museums are urged to tell Zimbabwean stories and local heroes, not just colonial-era figures, after a minister’s China study tour. Fire Safety Watch: Bulawayo reports a 60% rise in fires (Jan–Jun), with faulty wiring and overloaded sockets flagged, and calls for early-warning systems.

Domestic Revenue Push: Zimbabwe’s economy is now a US$66bn-plus base for wider tax collection, with Zimra urged to grow alongside growth and lift the tax-to-GDP ratio to 22% by 2030. Club Governance & Finance: Dynamos face fresh resignations as a six-month independent review targets financial controls, fraud risks and possible leakages. AI & Skills Spotlight: Zimbabwean firms’ growing use of AI and the need for stronger skills investment will be highlighted at the Top Companies Survey Awards. Party Logistics: Zanu-PF ramps up preparations for its Chinhoyi National People’s Conference, expecting thousands of delegates and pushing “resolutions to results” for Vision 2030. Public Administration Exchange: Senior Zimbabwean officials are in China for a 12-day seminar on public management, economic development and governance. Energy Security & Tech Controls: A US order bans bulk-power equipment from “covered foreign actors,” listing Zimbabwe among affected entities. Regional Energy Infrastructure: CPMZ breaks ground on a major Beira–Harare fuel corridor expansion, boosting pipeline capacity by 67% and adding about two billion litres of fuel annually. Mining & Power Link: Analysts at Africa Down Under stress that reliable energy is key to turning Zimbabwe’s mineral potential into beneficiation and industrial growth. Healthcare Tech Upgrade: Avenues Clinic invests US$500k in modern ICU/HDU/CCU monitoring and dialysis capacity, pushing technology-driven critical care. Traditional Medicine Research: First Lady Mnangagwa calls for scientific research and regulation to integrate traditional medicines safely into Zimbabwe’s healthcare system. Science From Lake Kariba: Zimbabwe researchers unveil a newly named dinosaur, Musango, expanding what we know about the country’s deep paleontological past. Kapenta Under Pressure: Lake Kariba kapenta stocks face rising strain as rigs multiply, with calls for a possible cap after studies link fishing pressure to declining catches. Connectivity & Data: Starlink’s push nears Zimbabwe’s fibre market as VSAT subscriptions hit a record 86,488, signalling faster internet competition. Digital Inclusion in Farming: China’s northeast is using AI, drones and data maps to modernise farming—an approach Zimbabwe can learn from as it seeks smarter agriculture.

Paleontology: Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba is linked to a newly described dinosaur, “Musango,” a small early relative of long-necked giants, with findings published after fossils were found in 2018. Regional Health Policy: SADC states met in Harare to speed up implementation, monitoring and reporting of sexual and reproductive health and rights under the 2019–2030 strategy. Cybersecurity & Finance: A Midlands State University computer science student, Sabelo Malunga, faces court over an alleged CABS cyberattack using remote access software, with claims of losses above US$1.1m. Internet & Connectivity: NetOne launched a “No-Cap Weekends” unlimited bundle for Saturdays and Sundays, while Starlink’s fibre push is closing in on Zimbabwe’s fixed broadband market. Digital Infrastructure for Industry: Rockwell Automation is partnering with Mimosa Mine to modernise its operational technology network, focusing on secure connectivity and cyber risk management. Education Tech Support: Stanbic Bank handed laptops and full scholarships to five Chinhoyi University of Technology students, boosting access to digital learning. Energy & Mining Outlook: Zimbabwe is positioning its mineral potential at Africa Down Under in Perth, stressing that reliable power is key for beneficiation and industrial growth.

Agro-Industrial Park Results: The University of Zimbabwe says its Heritage-Based Education 5.0 drive is now producing 4,000 litres of cooking oil daily, 110,000 chickens per cycle and 25,000 loaves of bread—showing a full value chain from soy to finished products. Healthcare Tech Upgrade: Avenues Clinic has poured US$500,000 into modernising ICU/HDU/CCU units under a wider US$4m refurbishment, adding advanced patient monitoring, centralised medical gas/power outlets, moisture detection and more dialysis capacity. Traditional Medicine Research Push: First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa urged stronger scientific research, regulation and collaboration to prove the safety and effectiveness of traditional medicines for universal health coverage. Energy for Mining: Zimbabwe is pitching to investors at Africa Down Under in Perth that reliable electricity is the key to unlocking mineral value, with solar and hybrid power options highlighted. Solar Deal Secures Offtake: ZETDC signed an escrow and security agreement with Munyati Evergreen Energy to ring-fence revenues for the 100MW Munyati solar plant. Cybercrime in Focus: A Midlands State University student, Sabelo Malunga, faces court over an alleged CABS cyberattack linked to remote access software and losses put at over US$1.1m. Starlink Broadband Surge: POTRAZ-linked data shows VSAT subscriptions jumped to 86,488 in Q1 2026, just 17 behind fibre connections—signalling rapid Starlink-driven demand. Education Expo: Scholastica 2026 in Bulawayo expects 5,000+ learners and will connect schools, tertiary institutions and industry through a structured buyers programme.

ZANU PF Succession Fight: Harare Province has resolved to postpone the party’s National Congress from 2027 to 2030 and endorsed President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain First Secretary until then, tightening the squeeze on VP Constantino Chiwenga’s leadership ambitions. Cybersecurity & Finance: A Midlands State University student, Sabelo Malunga, faces court over an alleged CABS cyber heist worth over US$1.1m, involving remote access software and fraudulent transactions. Renewable Power Milestone: ZETDC has signed an Escrow and Security Agreement with Munyati Evergreen Energy to ring-fence off-take for the 100MW Munyati Solar Power Plant, set to be Zimbabwe’s biggest solar project yet. Mining Tech & Inclusion: Rockwell Automation backs Mimosa Mine’s digital migration for stronger OT network security, while SADC artisanal mining talks push for all-gender inclusivity in critical minerals value chains. Education & Skills: Scholastica 2026 Expo in Bulawayo expects 5,000+ learners, and Stanbic Bank’s scholarship fund supports CUT students with full tuition and laptops. Health & Research: WHO marks African Traditional Medicine Day, calling for more investment in research, regulation and innovation to move traditional care “from research to reach.” Energy Policy Watch: US moves to restrict certain foreign bulk-power equipment could affect future power infrastructure deals.

Scholarships & Skills: Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding hosted the 2026 Chinese Government Scholarship and China-Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship awards, with Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Dr Frederick Shava urging recipients to excel and help drive national development. Women in Enterprise: President Mnangagwa told 8,000 women at the Young Women for Economic Development convention to lead innovation and industrial growth, promising more support through the Presidential Young Women’s Empowerment Fund and barrier removal. Digital Inclusion: Gateway to Elation launched a project to improve accessible digital civic participation for blind communities, pushing for technology that lets people “Access. Participate. Be Heard.” Health & Traditional Medicine: WHO marked African Traditional Medicine Day with calls for more investment in research, regulation and innovation so traditional care can support universal health coverage. Cybercrime Case: Midlands State University student Sabelo Malunga appeared in court over alleged malware use to hack CABS and steal over US$1.1m via VISA/ZIPIT transactions. Power & Industry: Eskom says surplus electricity could be sold back to industry, including a possible Mozal return, as it targets new export customers. Energy Transition: Zimbabwe’s solar push and mineral beneficiation featured at the ISA Africa meeting in Victoria Falls, linking critical minerals to renewable energy investment. Infrastructure Impact: Bulawayo road rehabilitation is improving access for small businesses around Nketa Drive. Migration Aid: Zimbabwe Red Cross says it supported 10,000 returnees from South Africa with transport, connectivity and dignity kits.

Cybercrime in banking: Midlands State University student Sabelo Malunga, 24, appeared in Harare court over an alleged US$1.1m CABS hack using malware and remote access, with prosecutors saying VISA/ZIPIT fraud followed suspicious ATM withdrawals and that none of the money was recovered. Digital inclusion & risk: Zimbabwe is also grappling with cyber risks as digital payments expand, while a separate report highlights how AI can mislead travellers on visa rules—leaving people with costly border problems. Energy & solar push: Zimbabwe is positioning local mineral beneficiation to scale up domestic renewables, with the International Solar Alliance meeting in Victoria Falls feeding into investment and deployment plans. Mining skills & youth: The Zimbabwe School of Mines plans an experimental “living laboratory” mine near Bulawayo and new drone/gemology training, while the Association of Mine Surveyors of Zimbabwe co-opted its first youth chairperson to bring younger professionals into tech-driven surveying. Broadband leap: Starlink is closing the gap with fibre in Zimbabwe, with satellite broadband subscriptions nearly matching fibre numbers by Q1 2026. Water infrastructure resettlement: Lake Gwayi-Shangani relocation plans are underway for 806 families ahead of dam impoundment, budgeted at about US$28m. Humanitarian response: Zimbabwe Red Cross says it supported over 10,000 returnees from South Africa with transport, connectivity and dignity kits after anti-migrant violence.

El Niño Drought Readiness: Zimbabwe is bracing for a potentially severe 2026/27 El Niño season, with government urging farmers to switch to drought-tolerant, fast-maturing crops and to stock livestock feed reserves for up to two years. Water & Resettlement: Lake Gwayi-Shangani dam works are pushing ahead, with 806 families set for relocation under a “build back better” plan ahead of impounding at an estimated US$28 million. Health Security Tech: Zimbabwe is strengthening early warning for emerging diseases by expanding laboratory testing capacity and using new surveillance technologies, with national labs positioned as the backbone of faster outbreak confirmation. E-mobility Push: Zimbabwe’s electric mobility drive is gaining traction at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, with state enterprise CMED showcasing Chinese EVs to build public confidence and an e-mobility ecosystem. EV & AI Caution at Borders: A Zimbabwe visa mix-up shows how over-reliance on AI trip planners can lead to costly mistakes at border posts. Public Hearings on Music Royalties: Parliament will investigate ZIMURA and ZICCO in nationwide hearings, focusing on royalty collection, distribution, and transparency. Organised Crime at Airports: South Africa’s major airports and air-cargo facilities are flagged as organised-crime priority areas after major drug seizures, raising pressure for stronger security countermeasures. Plastic Waste Crackdown Fails: A new investigation says Zimbabwe’s plastic bans are not being enforced and there’s no binding framework forcing producers to recover plastic waste.

El Niño Drought Watch: Zimbabwe is bracing for a hotter, drier 2026/27 summer after SARCOF-33 warned of below-normal rains from October to March, with government urging farmers to stock feed reserves for up to two years and switch to drought-tolerant, fast-maturing crops. Climate-Smart Tobacco: Kutsaga is pushing climate-ready tobacco varieties as part of wider drought resilience efforts ahead of the El Niño season. Water Infrastructure Push: Funding for the Gwayi-Shangani Dam has been increased to US$8m per month, with the project now at 82% completion and targeted for end-of-year finish. E-Mobility Gains Traction: Zimbabwe’s electric mobility drive is picking up momentum, with Chinese EVs showcased at the Agricultural Show as CMED moves to build a national e-mobility ecosystem. EVs Meet Local Reality: The push is aimed at reducing consumer hesitation by tailoring EV options to sector needs. Health Security Upgrade: Zimbabwe is strengthening early warning for emerging infections by expanding lab testing capacity and surveillance technologies. Parliament on Music Royalties: MPs will hold nationwide hearings into ZIMURA and ZICCO to examine royalty collection, transparency and musicians’ struggles. Plastic Ban Failure Exposed: A new investigation says Zimbabwe’s plastic bans have failed due to weak enforcement and the lack of a binding producer recovery framework. CURE Children’s Hope Restored: Cure Children’s Hospitals of Zimbabwe highlights how a fire-damaged site was rebuilt into a free pediatric surgical centre.

Health Security: Zimbabwe is expanding laboratory testing and surveillance tech to strengthen early detection of emerging infectious diseases, with national labs positioned as the backbone for outbreak confirmation and response. Climate & Farming Tech: Ahead of a likely hotter, drier 2026/27 summer linked to El Niño, government is urging farmers to switch to drought-tolerant, short-season crops and climate-smart seed varieties, while climate scientists warn of below-normal rainfall across much of Southern Africa. Water Infrastructure: Funding for the Gwayi-Shangani Dam has been boosted to US$8m per month, pushing construction to 82% completion and targeting end-of-year delivery. Agribusiness & Inputs: VP Chiwenga praised local fertiliser production at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, stressing self-sufficiency in critical farm inputs. Solar for Resilience: First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangwa launched Solar4She to boost women’s participation in solar, and unveiled a solar innovation centre at Chinhoyi University of Technology. E-Mobility: Zimbabwe’s e-mobility push is gaining traction at the Agricultural Show, with demonstrations of electric vehicles including Chinese models. Mining Innovation & Safety: planetGOLD Zimbabwe convened stakeholders to unlock responsible finance for formalised artisanal gold miners, targeting mercury-free processing adoption. Sports Tech: Sakunda Holdings plans VAR at three stadiums, starting with the National Sports Stadium by end-2026.

AI Education Boost: Google expands its free Google AI Plus offer to university and college students across 27 African countries, giving access to Gemini tools, higher usage limits and shared cloud storage. Power & Solar Push: USTDA seeks partnerships to modernize Southern Africa’s power infrastructure, while a new analysis says Africa could add 17GW of solar in 2026, driven largely by decentralized systems. Agriculture Tech & Inputs: VP Dr Constantino Chiwenga praises Zimbabwe’s push for local fertiliser production at the 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, as climate scientists warn of a drier-than-normal rainy season across much of the region. Mining Innovation & Standards: Zimbabwe School of Mines launches a nearly US$500,000 UNDP-backed innovation hub for young mining innovators, and JCMZ doubles down on formalisation and technical compliance with mine surveyors. Sports Tech Upgrade: Sakunda Holdings will fund VAR at National Sports Stadium (by Dec 2026) plus Rufaro and Barbourfields (by March 2027). Anti-Counterfeit Security: Zimbabwe introduces a QR-code product verification system with Buy Zimbabwe and Owana Lost and Found, while ZRP commissions forensic machines to detect fake IDs and passports. Land & Services Pressure: Land tenure reforms get a “whole-of-economy” push, but Harare councils face ongoing sewer and service delivery complaints.

Climate & Food Security: SARCOF-33 warns Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, faces higher chances of drier-than-normal rains from Oct 2026 to Mar 2027, with above-normal temperatures likely—linked to a strengthening El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole. Agri-Tech & Local Industry: VP Chiwenga says Zimbabwe’s push to manufacture fertiliser locally will secure inputs for farmers and strengthen the agricultural value chain, while President Mnangagwa points to innovation at the 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show and urges value addition over raw exports. Solar for Women: First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa launches Solar4She to boost women’s participation across solar engineering, investment and decision-making, and unveils a solar innovation centre at Chinhoyi University of Technology. Anti-Counterfeit & Police Tech: Zimbabwe introduces QR-code product verification with Buy Zimbabwe and Owana Lost and Found, and ZRP commissions forensic machines to detect fake IDs, passports and forged signatures. Football Tech: ZIFA and Sakunda Holdings plan VAR at National Sports Stadium first (by end-2026), then Rufaro and Barbourfields (by Mar 2027). Digital Inclusion Loss: ICT advocate Robert Ndlovu is remembered for bridging urban-rural gaps and mentoring young people in technology.

ICT & AI in Agriculture: Econet Wireless Zimbabwe scooped Best ICT Exhibitor and Best AI Adoption in Agriculture awards at the 2026 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, highlighting digital tools boosting farm productivity. Land Restoration Commitments: EMA says Zimbabwe will translate UNCCD COP17 pledges into community-led action, prioritising Land Degradation Neutrality, integrated landscape management, and stronger wetland protection. Water & Power Infrastructure: Gwayi-Shangani Dam construction is at 82% completion, with ZINWA targeting completion by year-end and plans for 10MW power plus Bulawayo-bound water pumping and irrigation. Skills for Industry: ZNCC and the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development signed an MoU to align training with industry needs, starting with manufacturing skills surveys. Rural Connectivity Push: Dr Gasolo’s “Long Walk to Success” will raise support for Starlink internet kits for disadvantaged rural schools in Gwanda. Land-Tenure Reform: Zimbabwe is shifting from land redistribution to making land bankable capital, with surveyed farms and agreements of sale moving into formal finance pathways. Public Health & Environment: Musina residents in Matswale say sewage spills continue despite Public Protector findings, keeping pollution and stench near homes. Regional Climate Risk: SADC faces a sharper El Niño food-security threat as neighbours lack grain buffers, raising pressure on imports and prices.

Skills for Industry: Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce and the Skills Audit and Development Ministry sign an MoU to align training with labour market needs, starting with manufacturing skills surveys. Rural Connectivity Push: Poet Dr Gasolo plans a 100km walk to raise support for Starlink internet kits for six disadvantaged schools in Gwanda. Agri-Tech at ZAS: Econet showcases AI, sensors and a connected “model farm” to help farmers monitor soil moisture and rainfall, while VP Chiwenga urges a Farm-to-Fork approach to boost value addition. Digital Infrastructure Upgrade: Econet completes a major migration of its operations to Google Cloud to improve resilience and speed up new services. Land Reform for Finance: Government accelerates land-tenure reform to turn land rights into bankable capital, with surveying and agreements of sale progressing. Energy & Solar Finance: ISA launches Solarising Africa Strategy and the Africa50 DRE Fund at a Victoria Falls meeting. Public Works Warning: Masvingo–Beitbridge Highway dualisation contractors suspend work over non-payment, raising concerns for rain-season damage. International Science Talent: Five Zimbabwean geology students head to Russia for GeoChallenge 2026, sponsored by MMCZ. Health Innovation: Cimas Healthathon 3.0 attracts 372 submissions for disruptive tech solutions to healthcare delivery gaps.

Drug Enforcement: A R600m crystal meth lab bust in Musina has led to the arrest of five suspects, including two Mexican nationals and three Zimbabweans, as South Africa is flagged as a transnational drug manufacturing and distribution hub. Solar & Industry Financing: The International Solar Alliance launched the Solarising Africa Strategy and the Africa50 DRE Fund at its Victoria Falls meeting, pushing solar deployment from today’s megawatts toward 150–200 gigawatts. Land for Capital: Zimbabwe’s land tenure reform is shifting from redistribution to secure, bankable land, with thousands of farms surveyed and deals already concluded to unlock agricultural finance. Agri-Tech at ZAS: Econet showcased AI, sensors and an interactive model farm at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, while government urged farmers to adopt drought-ready crops and the farm-to-fork model. Cloud Transformation: Econet completed a full migration to Google Cloud to improve resilience and speed up new digital services. Mining Finance: Zimbabwean artisanal and small-scale gold miners are pushing for easier access to formal finance and mercury-free technology, with calls to fund miners based on productive capacity. Regional Connectivity: TAZARA marked 50 years of service as a key trade corridor linking Tanzania and Zambia. Internet & AI Adoption: A report highlights low internet penetration across parts of Africa, while Zimbabwe is among countries with emerging AI sectors.