AGP Executive Report

Anti-migrant violence fears in South Africa: As June 30 protests near, South Africa has tightened security in Pretoria and warned against vigilante attacks, with thousands of migrants—including Zimbabweans—scrambling to leave; rights groups say the anger is being misdirected and that hate speech and intimidation threaten constitutional democracy. CAB3 and Zimbabwe’s election anxiety: Comment and debate are intensifying around Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, with critics warning it could worsen electoral violence by expanding the number of high-stakes political contests. Sanctions rollback blame game: Zimbabwe’s Information ministry and anti-sanctions campaigner Rutendo Matinyarare traded claims over who drove Western sanctions easing. Regional integration push: SADC ministers in Bulawayo adopted 75 decisions on transport, ICT and meteorology, while anti-graft agencies called for stronger regional cooperation. Health and trade wins: China’s health partnership continues to deliver services in Zimbabwe, and ZimTrade signed an MoU with South Africa’s LEDA to boost cross-border trade. Local social focus: Gwanda North stepped up a community-led fight against drug abuse, and Zimbabwe braces for another El Niño-linked drought risk.

Constitutional Crossroads: Zimbabwe’s Senate has approved Constitutional Amendment No. 3 (CAB3), extending presidential terms and shifting how presidents are chosen, with the bill now heading back to the National Assembly for concurrence on Senate changes. Anti-Corruption Push: ZACC commissioners joined SADC anti-corruption chiefs in Lilongwe, calling for stronger regional co-operation, better training for justice players, and faster asset recovery. HIV Prevention Rollout: Zimbabwe is set to receive 42,000 doses of Lenacapavir for HIV prevention in July, with officials urging use alongside other prevention methods. Water Security: Progress on the Gwayi-Shangani Dam Project is highlighted, with the wall expected before December 2026 and plans to boost Bulawayo’s water supply and power generation. Mining & Lithium Compliance: The RBZ warns miners as it tightens lithium export rules, as Zimbabwe also plans a third GDP rebasing. Business & Health: ZIMRA’s aggressive tax audits are drawing pushback from industry, while Cimas opens Healthathon 3.0 to fund healthcare innovation. Regional Context: South Africa braces for June 30 anti-immigration protests, with heightened security and repatriation efforts underway.

Lithium Policy: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says Zimbabwe will stick to the 2027 deadline for lithium producers to set up beneficiation plants, urging firms to use Chinese capacity via tolling agreements with Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe and Bikita Minerals. Water Crisis: Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume warns Greater Harare demand is now 500 megalitres a day and Kunzvi Dam, nearing completion, won’t be enough without more dams. Fertiliser Push: Zimbabwe moves toward fertiliser self-sufficiency after China-linked equipment for local production is being built, targeting lower import dependence and steadier farm inputs. Local Economy & Governance: Zimbabwe ranks among Africa’s budget transparency top performers, scoring 62/100 in the 2025 Open Budget Survey; meanwhile, Harare is rolling out smart solar traffic lights and pre-paid water meters. Constitutional Politics: Opposition says it will keep fighting CAB3 even after Senate approval, while Mnangagwa’s term extension bill heads for assent. Sports & Culture: A proposed Zimbabwe T20 franchise league (ZT20) is planned for Oct-Nov 2026, and Bulawayo readies major fashion and film showcases.

Constitutional Overhaul (CAB3): Zimbabwe’s Senate has overwhelmingly passed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, with 75 senators voting in favour and 4 against, clearing the final parliamentary hurdle and now heading to President Mnangagwa for assent; the bill extends presidential and parliamentary terms to seven years and shifts the presidential election to parliament, replacing direct popular voting. Governance & Integrity: Vice President Chiwenga urged stronger transparency and accountability in public procurement at a regional forum, warning against abuses like direct procurement misuse and conflicts of interest. Economy & Currency Confidence: The RBZ reassured miners and investors that the planned mono-currency transition will not wipe out the value of foreign-currency balances or change existing contract denominations without owners’ consent. Transport & Infrastructure: Government funding has been released to accelerate rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road, with contractors expected back on site to speed up resurfacing. Local Life in Bulawayo: Residents and officials are alarmed by rising dirt, illegal dumping and disorder in the city centre, with calls for urgent action to restore standards. Consumer Watch: The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe warns of rising online retail fraud, urging caution as scammers disappear after payment. Social Protection: Government and UN partners launched a national framework to prevent and respond to adolescent pregnancies, citing 23.7% prevalence among girls aged 15–19. Tech & Growth: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says Zimbabwe is aligning its strategy with AI and critical minerals, betting on lithium beneficiation and data-centre development. Health & Community: NAC’s “Not in My Village” campaign in Hwange is intensifying grassroots action against child marriages, teenage pregnancies, HIV and substance abuse.

Constitutional Showdown: Armed police raided Tendai Biti-linked offices of the Constitution Defenders Forum as CAB3 heads to the Senate, with critics warning the bill could entrench power and spark further instability. Budget Transparency: Zimbabwe says it scored 62/100 in the 2025 Open Budget Survey, ranking among Africa’s top performers for budget openness and oversight. Health Financing Tech: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says Zimbabwe is exploring AI to modernise health financing, cut leakages and improve transparency. Local Governance & Transport: Harare’s Airport Road Interchange is set for completion within 12 months, aiming to ease traffic on a key route to the airport. Mining & Finance: Stanbic Bank reports US$227m in 2025 mining loans; the Chamber of Mines warns Zimbabwe needs about US$10bn over five years as offshore funding tightens. Energy & Investment: Eswatini granted Wicknell Chivayo citizenship and a diplomatic passport after announcing a R3bn, 300MW solar project. Social Development: Masvingo hosts the Zimbabwe National Disability Expo 2026 with Mnangagwa expected to officiate, drawing hundreds of exhibitors.

Opposition Crackdown: Nelson Chamisa says CCC won’t stand by as arrests hit opposition and civic leaders, including CCC MPs Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole denied bail after protests linked to activist Moreblessing Ali’s death. Constitutional Politics: The CAB3 debate keeps heating up, with Zimbabweans and parties split over term-extension plans and claims of executive entrenchment. Mining & Lithium Scrutiny: Zimbabwe is under pressure over Chinese-linked lithium mining, with allegations of exploitation and a push to move up the value chain amid export rules. Gold Policy Shock: New gold mining rules could cost Zimbabwe up to US$600m a year by discouraging exploration and future large-scale output. Humanitarian/Immigration: Government appeals for support to repatriate Zimbabweans from South Africa as anti-immigrant violence and xenophobia fears persist ahead of June 30. Digital Health Leadership: PATH names new regional leadership for digital health innovation, including an Africa lead focused on better health data systems. Sports Governance: ZOC holds an athletes forum in Bulawayo on representation, integrity, contracts and anti-doping. Livestock Resilience: Zimbabwe launches a livestock feed and fodder dashboard to help farmers plan for drought shocks and El Niño-linked risks.

Pensions & Local Service Delivery: LAPF opened a Bulawayo customer service centre to bring pension queries and claims closer to Matabeleland beneficiaries, with Bulawayo’s town clerk praising the move. Youth & Health Policy: Zimbabwe’s Parliament kicked off provincial youth dialogues on SRHR and HIV governance under “Nothing For Us Without Us,” while Government and UN agencies launched a national framework to prevent and respond to adolescent pregnancies after prevalence was put at 23.7% for ages 15–19. Mining Crackdown: Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura vowed tougher action against illicit gold, lithium and diamond smuggling, warning mineral leakages are draining foreign currency and jobs. Constitution Politics & Economy: CAB3 debate is set to move to the Senate, with economists warning the political fight could dent investor confidence and derail recovery. Bulawayo Development Oversight: Minister Judith Ncube led a two-day tour of Bulawayo projects, from roads and hospitals to economic sites, to speed up completion. Wildlife Exchange: Zimparks says it will receive okapi and gorillas from DRC as part of a planned wildlife exchange. Disability Access to Justice: Two elderly women sued to force Legal Aid Directorate offices to be relocated to accessible premises after elevator failures left them stranded. Sports: The Sables shifted focus to the Nations Cup after a tough outing, while IOC president Kirsty Coventry marked Olympic Day with a message of inclusion through sport.

Energy & Mining: Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo says Zimbabwe’s energy policy reforms are unlocking mining investment, citing added grid capacity from Hwange Units 7 and 8 and new solar expansion. Education & Migration: Government is working on a plan to place children of Zimbabweans who voluntarily returned from South Africa into local schools, after 761 children came back with parents/guardians and 1,755 people were evacuated. Disaster Management: A new Disaster Risk Management Bill is set to shift Zimbabwe from disaster response to prevention, preparedness and resilience. Politics (CAB3): Debate on Constitutional Amendment No.3 Bill moves to the Senate, with Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi expected to open the Second Reading; Nelson Chamisa says it’s not a “done deal.” National Heroes: President Mnangagwa declares Ambassador Victor Matemadanda a National Hero and mourns his death. China Ties & Jobs: China says its investment in Zimbabwe has surpassed US$4.4bn, supporting over a million jobs. Security: Defence Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri calls for stronger Zimbabwe-Mozambique intelligence sharing to fight drug trafficking. Finance Regulation: Ipec is praised for 20 years of protecting insurance and pensions savings. Agriculture: Matabeleland South exceeds its winter wheat target, while El Niño risks are flagged for agriculture.

Platinum Sector Cashflow Crunch: Zimbabwe’s platinum producers are owed over US$228 million in unpaid export earnings under the foreign currency retention system, adding pressure to firms already hit by high costs and erratic power supply. Local Governance: The NCC and ZimStat will run a nationwide RUCCI survey from July 3–26 to benchmark the competitiveness of all 92 local authorities. Tourism Marketing Reset: Tourism operators welcomed Government approval to relaunch the Tourism Joint Marketing Committee (JMC) to boost coordinated destination promotion. Disaster Risk Shift: Zimbabwe is drafting a new Disaster Risk Management Bill to move from disaster response to prevention and resilience. Veld Fire Preparedness: The EMA stepped up awareness ahead of the July 1–Nov 30 veld fire restriction period. Press Freedom Win: A Harare court acquitted Faith Zaba after nearly a year on trial over a satirical article critical of President Mnangagwa. Digital Crime Warning: A report warns Zimbabwe’s growing digital economy could attract cyber fraud and trafficking syndicates. ZSE Watch: Axia Corporation debuted on the ZSE after unbundling from Innscor. Energy Access Push: The REF flagged low rural household electricity uptake despite subsidised schemes.

Constitutional Politics (CAB3): Zimbabwe’s National Assembly has overwhelmingly backed Constitutional Amendment Bill 3, clearing it for the Senate as the debate sharpens over term extensions and the country’s democratic direction. Diplomacy & National Affairs: Zimbabwe mourns the death of Ambassador Victor Matemadanda, former Zanu PF political commissar and envoy to Mozambique and Eswatini. Economy & Business: Zimbabwe’s property market is shifting beyond Harare’s old guard, with investors increasingly eyeing Ruwa, Norton and Victoria Falls as the next growth frontiers. Regional Crisis (Xenophobia): Zimbabwe is mobilising support to repatriate citizens affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa, coordinating transport, shelter and reintegration. Governance & Justice: A landmark High Court ruling quashed Faith Zaba’s charges, ordering her and Alpha Media Holdings removed from remand. Social Issues: Traditional leaders in Mashonaland West accuse police of stalling action on child marriage through alleged corruption and bribery. Sports & Culture: The Polygamist’s Zimbabwe roots are celebrated as the Netflix hit continues to travel globally, while local sport and arts keep drawing attention.

CAB3 and Senate path: Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment Bill (No. 3) has cleared the National Assembly, extending presidential and parliamentary terms and shifting the presidential election method to parliament—sparking fierce debate over democracy and civil liberties as senators prepare to weigh in. Bulawayo service delivery pressure: Government is pushing councils to hit measurable standards through a Citizens Engagement and Scoring Platform, while Bulawayo City Council suspends key rodent control due to chemical and staffing shortages. Free healthcare gaps: Bulawayo’s senior citizens say “free” public healthcare is undermined when hospitals issue prescriptions but patients must buy tablets privately. War veterans and politics: The death of Ambassador Victor Matemadanda has reignited questions about liberation promises, while criticism grows over Mnangagwa’s renewed pledges to broke war veterans. South Africa xenophobia fallout: South Africa rejects claims of a June 30 migrant exit deadline as thousands of displaced Malawians shelter at Sherwood Hall, and Zimbabwe says it can absorb returnees. Economy and infrastructure: NRZ rail recapitalisation gets a boost via Mutapa Investment Fund, and wheat hectarage hits a record as farmers chase higher yields. Court and business: An MA Auto fraud trial turns on alleged contradictions in a former managing director’s account. Public health: Illicit alcohol is framed as a public health emergency, with tougher penalties urged.

Constitutional Shift: Zimbabwe’s Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill clears the National Assembly on third reading, 216 votes to 42, and now heads to the Senate for the next hurdle. Cost of Living Relief: Fuel prices have been cut to just under US$2 a litre after easing global oil pressure, though Zimbabwe still sits higher than neighbours. Labour Rights: Domestic workers’ minimum wage rises to US$90 per month, with higher tiers for cooks, carers and certified Red Cross carers; unclassified operations set at US$270. Rural Development: Government says all Umguza rural schools in Matabeleland North will be electrified by year-end, with dozens already connected. Tragedy Remembered: A witness recounts the Senga kombi inferno that killed seven pupils and trapped others. Business & Markets: Zimbabwe’s capital markets rebounded in May as investor sentiment improved, while REIT listings face VAT hurdles. Tourism Push: ZTA bets on domestic travel to lift receipts and grow trips, aiming for stronger recovery. Sports & Society: Highlanders’ Dynamos clash is back on after salary standoffs, and Bulawayo marks June 1 with culture and history.

Fuel Watch: Zimbabwe fuel prices slid below US$2 a litre after easing Middle East supply pressure, with ZERA citing diesel at US$1.99 and petrol at US$1.98 (effective June 19 for two weeks), though Zimbabwe still sits higher than neighbours like Mozambique and South Africa. Mining & Power: Gold output is being hit by Zimbabwe’s fragile electricity supply, with producers warning that load-shedding and unscheduled outages are causing stoppages and losses. Economy Update: ZimStat reports GDP grew 8.29% in 2025, helped by a better agricultural season, stronger mining output and improved macro stability. CAB3 Politics: The constitutional amendment debate remains a flashpoint, with Zanu PF accused of using financial inducements to weaken opposition and push CAB3, while Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and other voices respond to the bill’s second reading. Civic Space: A new Nango and ZimRights report says Zimbabwe’s civic space is under sustained pressure from restrictive laws, funding cuts and increased scrutiny. Regional Migration: South Africa’s crackdown is spilling into Zimbabwe’s region, with hundreds of undocumented Malawians and Zimbabweans repatriated via Beitbridge as xenophobia tensions rise. Culture & Entertainment: Zimbabwean author Sukoluhle Nyathi’s novel The Polygamist has become a Netflix hit, turning local family-deception themes into a continent-wide conversation. Rural Development: Karanda Mission Hospital is expanding services and upgrading infrastructure as demand for rural healthcare grows.

Constitutional Crisis (CAB3): Zimbabwe’s National Assembly passed the Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill (CAB3) with 216 votes in favour and 42 against, setting up a Senate vote and raising fresh calls for the Constitutional Court to protect supreme law and human rights. Opposition and civil voices say the changes are elite-driven and weaken popular sovereignty, while UANC is demanding broad public consultations before any constitutional shift. Local Governance: Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe has given underperforming councils 14 days to submit turnaround plans, citing governance gaps including illegal land allocation practices. Property Rights: The Chief Registrar of Deeds warns paper title deeds may become “deleted” from formal recognition within 12 months unless validated and securitised. Mining & Jobs: Platinum producers say government owes them over US$228m in unpaid export proceeds, warning of cash-flow strain and delayed projects. Economy & Energy: Zimbabwe is pushing to cut fuel imports as Cabora Bassa Basin exploration advances, with new wells planned in 2026. Public Safety: A new law is being drafted to curb overloading of schoolchildren after the Gweru kombi fire killed seven pupils. Regional Context: Xenophobic anti-foreigner agitation in South Africa is intensifying ahead of a June 30 “deadline,” with Zimbabweans among those affected.

Presidential Power Shift: Zimbabwe’s National Assembly has passed the Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill, with 216 MPs voting in favour, extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term from five to seven years and moving future presidential elections to Parliament; the bill now heads to the Senate. Tourism Push: Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi says Zimbabwe’s stability and NDS implementation are driving growth after Forbes named the country a top destination for 2025; ZTA targets US$1.56bn revenue in 2026 as arrivals and domestic travel rise. Medical Tourism: Zimbabwe is strengthening its medical tourism offer, with developments at Trauma Centre Borrowdale & Critical Care Hospital aimed at attracting more international patients. Mining Cash Crunch: Platinum producers warn they are owed over US$228m as ZiG export-surrender payments are delayed, threatening mine viability and expansion plans. Road Safety in Schools: ZINARA and the Traffic Safety Council are intensifying pedestrian safety education, repainting crossings and teaching safe road use nationwide. Youth & Agriculture: Government is crafting a youth-focused agricultural investment plan to 2030 under CAADP, while Tonganyika Trust graduates 407 youths in vocational training. Regional Finance Link: Zimbabwe has engaged the AIIB in Beijing to unlock long-term infrastructure funding aligned to NDS2 and Vision 2030. Road to 2030 Housing: Housing Minister Paul Mavima says the state aims to deliver one million homes by 2030, prioritising informal settlement regularisation and title deeds. Business & Sports: First Capital Bank signs a 20-year partnership with Royal Harare Golf Club for a new pavilion and junior development. Road to LA28: Elite triathlete Andie Kuipers targets the world top-180 by year-end as she maps her 2028 Olympic bid.

Constitutional Power Grab: Zimbabwe’s National Assembly has passed the Constitution Amendment Bill (No. 3) to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term from five to seven years, postponing elections due in 2028 to 2030, and shifting presidential elections to lawmakers’ selection; the bill now heads to the Senate after 216 MPs voted in favour. JKIA Tender Row: Kenya’s Transport CS Davis Chirchir denied claims that Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s firm is linked to the JKIA expansion, saying the company wasn’t a bidder and has no role in procurement, after online backlash sparked by a video of Chivayo handing out cash at the airport. NGO Crackdown: Zimbabwe’s Private Voluntary (PVO) Bill is set to make non-governmental organisations illegal once signed, with NGOs warning it could shut down operations without a transition period. Insurance & Pensions Focus: Regulators and industry leaders met in Victoria Falls for Insurance and Pensions Symposium 2026, pushing for consumer-centred reforms, stronger governance and restored trust. Xenophobia Fallout: Zimbabweans in South Africa say they want repatriation as tensions rise, while Nigeria’s government also insists willing citizens will be evacuated before June 30. Local Life & Culture: Bulawayo teen Mpabanga is winning followers with comedy skits, and Japan’s embassy will again partner with Harare’s OTAKUKON anime festival.