AGP Executive Report

Health Tech & Policy: President Mnangagwa has ordered the Ministry of Health to remove bureaucratic barriers blocking the import and procurement of medical equipment and services, aiming to speed up specialist care upgrades. Medical Breakthrough: Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has reportedly carried out Zimbabwe’s first bone marrow transplant, a major step for blood cancer treatment locally. Climate & Agriculture: Zimbabwe is urging livestock farmers to stock feed reserves for up to two years as El Niño risks intensify, warning against repeating past drought losses. Cancer Watch: New GLOBOCAN 2024 figures show cancer cases rising globally, with projections reaching 34 million new cases by 2050—highlighting prevention and care gaps. Mining & Value Addition: Ariana Resources is pushing ahead with its 1.6Moz Dokwe gold project as fresh capital flows into Zimbabwe’s gold, platinum and lithium developments. Business & AI Readiness: A Zimbabwean AI scaling piece argues the real challenge is moving from AI prototypes to enterprise systems that can handle payments, cybersecurity, data governance and legacy integration. Regional Tech & Water: Zimbabwe has launched an International Water Association Young Water Professionals chapter to build young talent for a water sector under climate and infrastructure pressure. Agriculture Show: The 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show opens with Namibia’s president as guest of honour, under a theme linking agriculture, technology and commerce.

Energy & Infrastructure: CPMZ will expand the Beira–Harare fuel pipeline capacity by 67%, adding two pumping stations and lifting annual transport from 3m to 5m cubic metres by end-2027, strengthening supply for Zimbabwe and landlocked neighbours. Mining & Investment: President Mnangagwa witnessed a 25-year Special Mining Lease signing with Karo Platinum, backing long-term tenure on the Great Dyke and promising jobs and community benefits; meanwhile, Government says lithium producers must set up lithium sulphate plants by January 2027 before moving to deeper beneficiation. Digital & Business: TelOne is pushing a major fibre rollout to connect 114,000 homes, while FENIX360 and Gaana unveiled “Streaming Reimagined” to bring direct-to-fan monetisation tools into partner streaming services. Health & Regulation: Mozambique’s medicines regulator reached WHO ML3 maturity level, joining Zimbabwe and other African states in strengthening oversight of medicines and imported vaccines. Water & Climate: Zimbabwe is preparing for a strong El Niño, with livestock feed reserves urged for up to two years and pasture seed and resilient breeds prioritised. Governance & Rights: Demolitions in Murombedzi, Zvimba, have reignited debate over “sabhuku deals” and communal land sales that later clash with planned public use. Security & Trade Controls: ZIMRA seized 4.3 tonnes of smuggled meat at Beitbridge, highlighting gaps in permits and biosafety checks.

Mining & Jobs: President Mnangagwa witnessed the signing of a landmark 25-year Special Mining Lease Agreement with Karo Platinum, securing long-term tenure over a 23,903-hectare Great Dyke area and pointing to over US$240 million already invested, with Phase 1 targeting up to 1,000 jobs. Solar Push: Zimbabwe is set to host the 8th International Solar Alliance Regional Africa Committee Meeting in Victoria Falls, with Mnangagwa and the First Lady expected to headline, as the country targets scaling solar for grid and agriculture. Lithium Beneficiation Deadline: Government says lithium producers must set up lithium sulphate plants by January 2027 before moving to further battery-related processing stages. Digital Connectivity Battle: TelOne is preparing a fibre expansion to connect at least 114,000 homes, positioning the state telecom in a growing competitive push against Starlink and Liquid. Health Tech & Access: A new TB testing approach highlights cheaper, more accessible molecular diagnostics, while Zimbabwe continues expanding tech-enabled healthcare systems. Environment & Land Restoration: Zimbabwe is actively represented at UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia, showcasing community-led drylands restoration and pushing for innovative finance to close major drought and land-degradation funding gaps. Agriculture Innovation: Thathokuhle Farm near Bulawayo received tax relief after Minister Ncube praised its job creation and export potential, including medicinal cannabis and greenhouse production. Energy Regulation Update: Zimbabwe has cleared a regulatory path for new power investors by designating a wider range of energy sources, including solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, biogas, nuclear and waste-to-energy. Safety on Lake Kariba: A proposed ferry replacement service was delayed after failing its first safety inspection, with UN findings pointing to longstanding weaknesses in vessel and emergency management. Online Hate Moderation: Zimbabwean LGBTQI+ advocates say Facebook and Instagram often fail to remove homophobic hate speech, leaving harmful posts visible for years.

Science Education Wins: CambriLearn students Mapula and Joni took gold at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, while Ruth won silver, with projects ranging from locally buildable modular prosthetics and biodegradable sanitary pads to firefighter safety research. Desertification & Land Restoration: Zimbabwe’s Environment Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu leads the country at UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia, where Zimbabwe is showcasing its Drylands Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program (GEF 7) and pushing innovative finance and drought resilience. Land Restoration Funding Push: COP17 Finance Day confirmed $644.5m in new capital plus $216.4m already confirmed, as the UN warns of a huge restoration funding gap. Broadband Fight: TelOne says it is “declaring war” on Starlink and Liquid, planning fibre-to-the-home to connect at least 114,000 homes with a proposed US$50m investment. Health Tech: A new affordable TB molecular testing approach is set to expand access, including primary-care use with tongue swabs where sputum isn’t possible. Transport & Trade: CILT’s regional conference will focus on transport, logistics and cross-border mobility priorities for an African future. Agriculture & Energy: Matabeleland North is expanding biogas for clean rural energy, while farmers are urged to embrace commercial agriculture and drought-smart fodder like Juncao grass. Policy for Power Investors: Zimbabwe cleared a regulatory path for new power projects by designating multiple energy sources under NDS2.

Minerals Value-Addition Push: Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) will take the fight against exporting raw minerals to the UN General Assembly, with a high-level roundtable set for Sept 21 in New York, as DRC, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Tanzania tighten rules to keep more value in-country through processing and supply chains. Health & Food Security Tech: Zimbabwe and Belarus are working on modernising Harare’s grain facilities and expanding vaccine cooperation, with plans for a longer-term vaccine manufacturing plant. Power Investment Rules: Zimbabwe cleared the regulatory path for new power investors by designating a wider range of energy sources under Statutory Instrument 129 of 2026, supporting the push to reach 6,000MW by 2030. Agriculture Show 2026: The 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show opens in Harare with all halls fully subscribed and 640 exhibitors, under a theme linking agriculture, technology and commerce. Regional SME Focus: As Zimbabwe takes COMESA chairmanship, business leaders say SMEs must be directly connected to buyers, financiers and supply chains across the bloc. Clean Energy From Waste: Matabeleland North is expanding biogas projects via the Rural Electrification Fund, turning livestock and household waste into cleaner cooking energy and fertiliser. Digital Connectivity Funding: TelOne is seeking US$343.17m for fibre-to-the-home, wireless broadband and data-centre projects to expand Zimbabwe’s digital infrastructure. El Niño Preparedness: Zimbabwe is bracing for a potentially record-strong El Niño, with government ramping up climate-smart farming, water harvesting and Pfumvudza/Intwasa support. Leadership Uncertainty at RSTP: The Royal Science and Technology Park faces fresh CEO uncertainty after the contract of its third acting chief executive expired, restarting the search for a substantive leader.

Broadband Push: TelOne is seeking US$343.17 million for fibre-to-the-home, wireless broadband and data-centre projects, aiming to expand Zimbabwe’s digital infrastructure despite arrears that have ballooned to nearly US$42 million. Satellite Connectivity & Climate Markets: A Fiji report shows how Starlink can link remote communities to carbon credit trading, highlighting the growing role of satellite internet in climate finance. El Niño Preparedness: Zimbabwe’s agriculture ministry says it’s strengthening climate-smart farming, water harvesting and soil conservation ahead of an El Niño that could be the strongest on record, with Pfumvudza/Intwasa targeting one million hectares. Trade & Industry Momentum: Ongwediva Trade Fair opens with 1,872 applications but only 485 spaces, while Bulawayo prepares a Competitiveness Summit on September 15–16 to cut regulatory friction. Tech Leadership Gap: The Royal Science and Technology Park faces fresh uncertainty after the contract of its third acting CEO expired, restarting the search for a substantive boss. Local Innovation Events: Zimbabwe Agricultural Show halls are fully subscribed as organisers expect a tech-and-commerce themed showcase, and the inaugural Zimbabwe Furniture Conference and Expo is set for September 17.

Zimbabwe–South Africa ties: Presidents Mnangagwa and Ramaphosa wrapped up the Fourth Bi-National Commission in Pretoria, signing MoUs on correctional services, agriculture, energy, trade and cultural heritage, including a prisoner-transfer deal. Climate resilience for farmers: Government says it’s ramping up climate-smart agriculture, water harvesting and soil conservation as El Niño could be the strongest in living memory, with Pfumvudza/Intwasa targeting one million hectares. Media sustainability: Zimpapers joined the Green Building Council of Zimbabwe to boost sustainability research, training and awareness across its platforms. Agriculture show momentum: The 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show is fully subscribed, with 640 exhibitors and a theme linking agriculture, technology and commerce. Internet expansion: Starlink is reported as now the largest ISP in Zimbabwe by subscriber count, signalling fast growth in underserved connectivity. Health anti-leakage tech: A real-time digital tracking system is being deployed to monitor medicine batches from NatPharm to hospitals to curb drug syndicates. Road rehab push: Communities in Zambezi are being consulted on the Kongola–Mulangu road rehabilitation, a key corridor for regional trade. Sports equipment duty relief: New customs rules suspend import duties on specialised sports gear and related items for approved public sporting facilities. Home Makers Expo: Harare will host Home Makers Expo Zimbabwe 2026 (23–25 Oct) bringing together construction, property, renewable energy, smart-home and ICT solutions.

Lithium Value-Chain Push: Zimbabwean experts at an Accra summer school say Africa’s estimated $9 trillion lithium wealth will only transform the region if countries build upstream-to-downstream value chains instead of exporting raw minerals. Zimbabwe–South Africa Deal-Making: The two countries wrapped up their 4th Bi-National Commission in Pretoria, signing MoUs across correctional services, agriculture, energy, trade and cultural heritage, including a prisoner-transfer framework. Health Tech Against Drug Leakages: Government says it has deployed a real-time digital medication tracking system from NatPharm depots to hospitals, aiming to curb syndicates and stock theft. Child Online Protection Laws: Zimbabwe is drafting legislation to turn its 2026–2030 child online protection policy into law as internet use rises. Connectivity Boost at Beitbridge: NetOne installed a 60-metre network booster in Shashi to extend local mobile coverage across a wide radius. Surveillance Debate: A report highlights how widespread CCTV is ending anonymity in public spaces, with cameras increasingly linked to advanced monitoring tools. Roads & Regional Trade: Communities in Zambia’s Zambezi region are urged to support the Kongola–Mulangu road rehabilitation, a key corridor for cross-border traffic.

Healthcare Tech Crackdown: Zimbabwe is deploying a real-time digital system to track medicine batches from NatPharm to hospitals, while drafting rules to stop health staff from running private pharmacies near state facilities and draining public stocks. Zimbabwe–South Africa Business Push: President Mnangagwa used the Zimbabwe–South Africa Bi-National Commission business forum to call for deeper ties beyond trade, focusing on joint investment, research, innovation and industrial projects with Ramaphosa. Regional Integration & Gender: A new Southern Africa Gender and Development Index flags progress in law and representation but warns of rising pressure on gains, as SADC leaders keep pushing integration. Digital Connectivity in Beitbridge: NetOne installed a 60-metre network booster in Shashi to extend local coverage across about 60km, improving calls, learning and mobile money access. Child Online Safety: Government is moving from policy to law by drafting legislation for the Zimbabwe National Child Online Protection Policy (2026–2030). STEM & Skills: The African Union Commission on Education praised Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Curriculum for practical skills and problem-solving, while officials say Heritage-Based Education 5.0 is producing job creators. Energy for Hospitals: POTRAZ handed Gwanda Provincial Hospital a solar power system to keep its ICU running and cut risky patient transfers. Sports Tech & Policy: Zimbabwe suspended import duties on specialised sports equipment to support public sporting infrastructure, and Home Makers Expo Zimbabwe 2026 will spotlight smart-home and renewable energy solutions.

Customs & Excise Relief: Zimbabwe suspends import duties on specialised sports equipment, turf systems, seats, electronic scoreboards and lighting for approved public sporting facilities, with ZIMRA oversight. Home & Smart Living: Home Makers Expo Zimbabwe 2026 (23–25 Oct, Harare) will bring together the full housing value chain, including renewable energy, smart-home tech, security, water solutions and ICT. Digital Child Safety: Government is drafting legislation to turn the Zimbabwe National Child Online Protection Policy (2026–2030) into law, targeting risks like grooming, harmful content and misuse of personal data. Mobile Connectivity: NetOne installs a 60m booster in Shashi to extend local network coverage across Beitbridge West, improving calls and mobile money access. Health & Power: POTRAZ hands Gwanda Provincial Hospital a solar system for its ICU, aiming to cut critical patient transfers to Bulawayo. Education & Skills: Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Curriculum gains AU backing, while Heritage-Based Education 5.0 continues pushing graduates toward innovation and job creation. Mining & Currency: PLZ urges Government to accept ZiG for more tax payments to ease currency mismatch pressures. Regional Trade: ZNCC signs an MoU with Mauritius to deepen business linkages and investment. Aviation Climate Markets: Zimbabwe joins IATA’s CORSIA carbon market push, preparing mechanisms to supply eligible emissions units for trading.

Solar for hospitals: POTRAZ handed over a 12kVA solar system (with a 20kW PV array) to Gwanda Provincial Hospital to power its ICU, aiming to cut critical patient transfers to Bulawayo. Energy investment pledge: Businessman Wicknell Chivayo says he’ll personally fund the long-delayed 100MW Gwanda Solar Project, reigniting hopes of ending a decade-long power impasse. Capital markets tech: Parliament praised the ZSE after it topped Africa’s stock-market performance in July, and backed ZEEX, the ZSE’s technology-driven platform meant to widen funding access for SMEs and start-ups. Lithium beneficiation spotlight: A parliamentary committee hailed Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe’s Arcadia operation as a model for local processing and value addition. Health training push: Vice President Mohadi backed specialist medical training and retention, as ECSACOG graduated 19 obstetrics and gynaecology specialists. Digital payments expansion: Standard Bank and UnionPay expanded online acceptance to nine African markets, including Zimbabwe, to help cross-border e-commerce. Research system gap: A Zimbabwe-focused analysis argues the country needs stronger national research architecture to turn science and innovation into real economic transformation.

Diplomatic & Trade Push: Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa is set to recall up to 26 envoys and train 21 new diplomats to boost investment, trade and a refreshed international image, with ties to South Africa described as “excellent” and geared toward deeper industrial cooperation. Business Linkages: ZNCC and the Mauritius Chamber signed an MoU to strengthen Zimbabwe–Mauritius trade, investment and private-sector collaboration. Aviation Climate Policy: Zimbabwe joined IATA’s CORSIA alliance to expand access to eligible carbon units for international aviation, with participation becoming mandatory for many countries from 2027. Payments for Cross-Border Commerce: Standard Bank and UnionPay expanded online acceptance to nine African markets including Zimbabwe, giving merchants more ways to take international card payments. Research for Real-World Health: A new study from the University of Zimbabwe confirms Cissus quadrangularis (“muvengahonye”) is effective and safe for intestinal worm infections. Mining & Value Addition: Parliament praised Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe’s Arcadia operation as a model for lithium beneficiation, while Mutapa Gold moves to formalise artisanal mining at Phoenix Prince with technical support and safer operations. Energy & Jobs: Econet founder Strive Masiyiwa directed job-creation efforts for Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, with EcoCash planning 15,000 more agents and the Econet Tech City hub targeting 20,000+ jobs. Environment & Agriculture: Hwange’s Deka River pollution is under parliamentary scrutiny over acid mine drainage, and Zimbabwe is strengthening seed testing and variety release to keep up with climate-driven crop risks.

China-Africa Tech Push: Zimbabwean experts say cooperation with China can speed up Africa’s technological transformation, arguing the big barrier is the cost of adopting modern tools. Digital Skills for Women: At the CAMFED summit in Accra, African women were urged to go beyond degrees and become creators of digital solutions, not just users of social media. Data-Driven Policy: A local research firm calls for Zimbabwe to stick to data-driven policy to curb renewed inflation risks from fuel, food and electricity costs. Health Workforce Boost: Vice President Kembo Mohadi backed specialist training, citing the ECSACOG graduation of 19 obstetrics and gynaecology specialists, including 12 Zimbabweans. Education & Research Leadership: President Mnangagwa installed CUT’s third Vice Chancellor, Prof Irvin Mpofu, as the university marked its 25th anniversary and graduated 3,495 students. Mining Formalisation & Lithium Incentives: Mutapa Gold is moving artisanal miners at Phoenix Prince toward formal contracts with technical support, while Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe proposes lower royalties for deeper processing (7% concentrates, ~5% sulphate, ~3% higher-value products). Telemedicine Expansion: NetOne rolled out telemedicine in Chipinge, using connectivity to bring screenings and consultations closer to communities. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Zimbabwe is strengthening seed testing and variety release for drought- and heat-tolerant crops, while regional research urges El Niño input subsidies to be tailored by agro-ecological zone. EV Charging Policy: Tsapo Group, partnering BYD, says Zimbabwe should mandate EV charging at fuel stations to accelerate adoption. Returnees Jobs Plan: Strive Masiyiwa directs Econet to create jobs for Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, including plans to add 15,000 EcoCash agents by December.

Climate & Land: Zimbabwe is leaning on both science and tradition as it tackles drought and degradation, with a Bulawayo forum spotlighting indigenous taboos (amazilo) as practical conservation tools alongside modern climate action. Livestock Genetics: Government is pushing a climate-resilient national cattle herd, prioritising indigenous breeds like Mashona and Tuli, to help reach six million cattle by 2030. Seed Systems: Zimbabwe is tightening seed testing and variety release through training for breeders and regulators, aiming for drought- and heat-tolerant crops as rainfall becomes more erratic. Renewables for Industry: Kamativi Mining Company targets September commissioning for a 36MW solar plant with 48MWh battery storage to cut grid reliance. Solar Meeting: Victoria Falls will host a regional International Solar Alliance meeting to scale solar deployment and mobilise climate finance. Digital Health & Connectivity: NetOne marks 30 years by expanding telemedicine access in Chipinge and rolling out more digital services. Jobs for Returnees: Strive Masiyiwa’s Econet push includes 15,000 new EcoCash agents by December to support livelihoods for about 30,000 Zimbabweans returning from South Africa. Mining Formalisation: Mutapa Gold is extending artisanal mining formalisation to Phoenix Prince in Bindura. Education & Skills: ZimStat reports higher education holders are seeing better labour-market outcomes, with stronger formal employment rates.

Telemedicine Push: NetOne is using its 30th anniversary to roll out free medical screenings, consultations and medicines via telemedicine in Chipinge’s Mutema-Musikavanhu area, showing how connectivity can cut travel barriers to healthcare. EV Charging Policy: Tsapo Group says Zimbabwe should mandate EV chargers at fuel stations to boost confidence and speed up adoption, as it partners with BYD to expand local EV assembly and skills. Gold Mining Formalisation: Mutapa Gold Resources is moving artisanal miners into structured contracts at Phoenix Prince Mine in Bindura, aiming for better oversight on safety, costs and gold movement after years of disputes and illegal activity. Returnees Jobs Drive: Strive Masiyiwa’s Econet plans to create up to 15,000 EcoCash agent opportunities by Christmas, potentially supporting around 30,000 jobs for Zimbabweans returning from South Africa. Solar Energy Meeting: Victoria Falls will host a regional solar meeting (25–27 Aug) under the International Solar Alliance to scale solar deployment and unlock climate finance. Lake Kariba Tragedy: Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba shipwreck death toll has risen to 93, including 39 children, as divers continue recovery and officials warn DNA testing may be needed for identification. Oxford Professor: Zimbabwean scholars Miles Tendi and Blessing-Miles Tendi have both been promoted to professorial rank at the University of Oxford, recognising sustained research on African and Zimbabwean politics.

Bulawayo Industrial Revival: President Mnangagwa says SADC must stop exporting raw materials and push regional processing and manufacturing, with Bulawayo’s “phoenix” comeback showing oilseed processing and packaging works underway in Belmont. Solar Energy Push: Victoria Falls will host the International Solar Alliance Africa regional meeting (25–27 Aug) to scale solar deployment, mobilise climate finance and build skills for renewable power. Digital Growth Milestone: NetOne marks 30 years of expanding digital opportunities, arguing mobile connectivity now supports learning, farming, small business and family access to information. SADC Industrialisation Call: UN ECA urges SADC to turn mineral and agricultural wealth into industrial production and regional value chains, noting minerals’ limited employment impact despite huge critical-mineral reserves. Returnees, Jobs via Fintech: Strive Masiyiwa-backed Econet plans 15,000 new EcoCash agents by Christmas to create income for returnees, alongside construction and AgriTech job initiatives. Women in Animation: Matamba Film Labs trains 20 Zimbabwean women in 2D animation for 12 weeks, aiming for festival-ready short films. Mining Formalisation: Mutapa Gold Resources moves artisanal gold into contract mining at Freda Rebecca to improve oversight, safety and gold movement. Climate Financing at COP17: Zimbabwe seeks more climate cash for drought prevention and resilience, including early warning and risk management funding. Compliance Tech in Zimbabwe: Shufti expands in Africa fintech with Prime Focus to strengthen KYC, biometric checks and AML/sanctions screening. Transport Tragedy Update: Lake Kariba ferry disaster death toll rises to 92 as recovery continues.