AGP Executive Report

Lithium Value Push: Zimbabwe’s move to ban exports of unprocessed lithium concentrate is aimed at keeping more value in-country, as processed chemicals fetch far higher prices than raw spodumene. Higher Education Oversight: Minister Frederick Shava orders mandatory pre-departure clearance for Zimbabweans studying abroad and pushes Treasury to address tertiary funding gaps. Harare Safety Shock: Three people died after falling into an unguarded Budiriro 3 sewer pit during council repairs, with residents calling for accountability and compensation. Mining Sector Focus: Government pledges a big boost for mining and urges stronger state support for the Zimbabwe School of Mines. Cancer Care Upgrade: Mpilo Central Hospital’s cancer treatment upgrade is nearing completion, with more investment promised. Currency Liquidity Tool: RBZ introduces new ZiG-denominated term deposit facility bills to absorb excess liquidity and stabilise the exchange rate. Regional Migration Tensions: South Africa’s Ramaphosa vows tougher action on illegal migration while rejecting xenophobia, as anti-migrant protests continue and Malawi begins voluntary repatriations. Tobacco Market Reality: Tobacco volumes rose in the 2026 marketing season, but prices fell sharply, cutting farmers’ earnings.

Xenophobia Fallout: Seventy-four Zimbabweans repatriated from Mossel Bay arrived at Beitbridge after attacks on foreign nationals, with counselling, food and transport support arranged through the Zimbabwean embassy and border agencies. Regional Migration Crackdown: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged public anger over illegal migration but warned against vigilante action, promising tighter enforcement and workplace inspections that could heighten anxiety for Zimbabweans in the country. Local Content Push: Government plans a Local Content Act to restrict imports of about US$4.5bn worth of goods Zimbabwe can produce, with a steering committee led by Prof Gift Mugano. Industrial Momentum: Manufacturing capacity utilisation rose to 57% in Q1, and officials highlighted investment and expansion at National Foods and ZimGold. Economic Zones: Mashonaland Central set for three Special Economic Zones covering energy, agro-processing/tobacco value chains, and mineral beneficiation. Environment Drive: Zimbabwe marked World Environment Day with a push for a plastic-free future and stronger action against pollution. Sports & Culture: Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 crowned Roseanna Hall; in football, Hardrock top the Zim PSL after a 3-0 win over Simba Bhora.

CAB3 Parliament Tensions: Zimbabwe’s Constitution Amendment Bill (No. 3) debate is heating up, with opposition MPs alleging intimidation, procedural bias and exclusion from speaking lists, while Zanu-PF says it is pushing for stability and continuity. Zanu-PF Security Tightened: Reports say security around ruling party legislators has been strengthened as the vote nears, amid claims of coordinated mobilisation and fears over succession and term extension. Court Papers Allegations: Critics allege Zanu-PF leadership is withholding Constitutional Court documents from MPs facing legal challenges, leaving some lawmakers unaware of proceedings. Bulawayo Prison Overcrowding: Khami and other Bulawayo facilities are holding 5,456 inmates against a capacity of 4,554—902 over the approved limit—raising pressure on services. Food Safety Crackdown: Bulawayo inspected 1,715 premises, issued 66 intimations and 66 tickets, and destroyed about 1,500kg of rotten elephant meat. ZRP Alcohol Smuggling Bust: Police in Harare arrested a suspect and seized 2,760 bottles of illicit alcohol, with investigations ongoing. UN Security Council Win: Zimbabwe’s election to the UN Security Council continues to draw international attention, with officials framing it as a diplomatic milestone. Malawi Repatriation Begins: Malawi has started voluntary evacuation of nationals from South Africa; the first 150 are travelling home via road through Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026: Roseanna Hall was crowned in Harare, with the finale drawing major attention after a stage invasion by Temba Mliswa.

UN Security Council Win: Zimbabwe clinched a non-permanent UNSC seat for 2027–2028 with 182 of 190 votes, with President Mnangagwa calling it a diplomatic milestone and proof of Zimbabwe’s rising standing. Parliament Oversight Reset: Parliament is shifting to results-based oversight, rolling out performance contracts and independent evaluations under an Integrated Results-Based Management framework. Constitutional Amendment Bill (No. 3): Lawmakers are expected to vote on the Bill this week after debate, with ZANU PF and opposition MPs trading procedural and political arguments. Health & Cancer Care: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says Mpilo and Parirenyatwa will keep upgrading cancer diagnosis and treatment, funded by the sugar content tax, with more machines promised. Environment: A major nationwide river restoration programme begins after a state of disaster declaration over riverine ecosystems, including a 90-day suspension of activities in heavily degraded areas. Sports (Women’s Football): The Mighty Warriors reached the Four Nations final after beating Lesotho 3–1, setting up a final against Zambia. Regional Mobility: Republic of Congo announced visa-free access for all African citizens from 1 January 2027, including Zimbabweans. Road Tragedy: Two Zimbabweans died and one is missing after a bakkie carrying five nationals was swept off a flooded bridge in Eastern Cape.

UN Diplomacy: Zimbabwe clinched a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, winning 182 votes and set to serve 2027-2028, with Harare pledging to push peace and Africa’s interests. Harare Housing Crackdown: Harare City Council is set for a demolition blitz targeting over 5,000 homes, backed by 37 High Court orders, after a survey of 22,255 sites. Water Access in Bulawayo: Presidential adviser Dr Paul Tungwarara commissioned the Presidential Borehole Scheme in Cowdray Park, part of a wider push for solar boreholes and clean water. Road Safety Enforcement: ZRP arrested 447 people for unregistered or plateless motorcycles and 83 for riding without helmets under a nationwide registration-and-helmet operation. Sports—Women’s Football: The Copper Queens reached the Four Nations final in Ndola after beating Kenya on penalties, with Zimbabwe set to face them in the final. Sports—PSL: Dynamos demanded an independent probe into violence that led to the abandonment of their match against Hardrock before a disciplinary hearing. Crime & Borders: Police in Limpopo arrested a Zimbabwean driver with illicit tobacco worth R1.5m, seizing a truck and charging him over customs and immigration violations. Health in Prisons: NAC expanded HIV prevention and health outreach at Khami Maximum Prison, boosting peer education and primary healthcare access for inmates.

UN Security Council: Zimbabwe clinched a non-permanent UNSC seat for 2027–2028 with 182 votes, drawing praise and fresh diplomatic attention, including a UK pledge to work closely during the term. Constitutional politics (CAB3): Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa says the CAB3 parliamentary process is “compromised” and illegitimate, as debate continues to spark accusations of intimidation and sidelining. Public safety & crime: Police say they seized nearly two tonnes of dagga at Beitbridge and arrested a truck driver linked to a suspected trafficking ring. Health access: New cancer treatment machines (LINACs) are set to boost radiotherapy capacity at Mpilo and Parirenyatwa, aiming to cut delays and costly travel. Conservation: Black rhinos have been reintroduced to Matusadona National Park after 30 years, with 17 animals flown in using modern tracking and anti-poaching tech. Local governance: Harare’s demolition blitz threatens thousands of homes and businesses, with allegations that land barons and politically connected figures are behind illegal land invasions. Regional integration: SADC justice ministers adopted key legal instruments in Victoria Falls to improve trade, health, tourism and pooled pharmaceutical procurement.

Constitutional Politics (CAB3): Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa says Parliament’s CAB3 process is compromised, warning “an illegitimate process cannot produce legitimacy,” as debate continues over provisions that could extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure. Local Governance: Victoria Falls City Council erupts after the recall of three CCC councillors, with one arrested on the spot and others disputing the recall’s legitimacy. Regional Integration (SADC): SADC adopted key legal instruments in Victoria Falls, including a Tourism Univisa to ease travel, pooled procurement for medicines, and renewed moves to revive the SADC Tribunal. Education & Skills: Treasury releases 50% of Zimbabwe School of Mines’ annual funding, ring-fenced to address delays and shortages. Health & Accountability: Zimbabwe’s sugar tax is credited with bringing advanced cancer radiotherapy machines, but an editorial calls for transparency on suppliers, procurement and costs. HIV Response: NAC reports Bulawayo remains on track in HIV targets, while Umguza’s community-led awareness drive boosts condom uptake and reduces stigma. Livestock & Trade: South Africa launches a voluntary FMD vaccination scheme, raising stakes for Zimbabwe’s border disease control and veterinary cooperation. Mining Youth: Young Miners Foundation @16 summit is set for Masvingo, spotlighting skills, value addition and support for young miners.

UN Diplomacy: Zimbabwe’s resounding election to a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2027–28 has drawn global praise, with President Mnangagwa calling it a national win and saying “it’s not on my shoulders, it’s on the country’s.” Constitutional Politics: Parliament debates Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, with opposition MPs warning that changing the presidential election system won’t stop violence and urging reforms instead. Fuel Costs: Government hikes the Strategic Reserve Levy on diesel and petrol, effective 2 June, pushing diesel to US$0.12/litre and petrol to US$0.523/litre. Food Security & Industry: Indigenous millers back grain import levies, arguing they protect land reform gains and local farmers, while opponents push back through court action. Women’s Livelihoods: Police crackdown on rural women using e-tricycles threatens incomes amid steep registration and licensing demands. Crime: Four Harare men get 12 years each for a 2022 armed robbery in Eastlea that netted cash, phones and title deeds. Culture & Education: Chinese embassy open day in Harare spotlights children’s art and music, while Zimbabwe pushes a sovereign digital education plan at an Accra summit. Sports: Scott Vincent and Tyrrell Hatton share the LIV Golf Andalucia lead after round one; Zimbabwe’s Davis Cup squad includes Emakhandeni Tennis Courts products.

UN Diplomacy: Zimbabwe has secured a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, winning 182 of 190 votes, with officials calling it a major endorsement of Harare’s “engagement and re-engagement” push. Constitutional Crisis (CAB3): Police have warned CAB3 opponents against inciting violence or public disorder as Parliament debates the bill, while Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said 2028 succession is a “vulnerability” point that extending Mnangagwa to 2030 would protect. Economy & Food Security: Treasury has introduced grain import levies to protect local producers and fund irrigation, while GMAZ says the framework is still being operationalised despite legal challenges. Health & Science: A Chinese team helped Zimbabwe complete the country’s first deep brain stimulation and spinal cord stimulation surgeries, with patients reported stable. Governance & State Firms: NRZ CEO Munyaradzi Charangwa resigned on medical grounds after two months; deputy Ainah Dube-Kaguru takes over as acting CEO. Environment & Wildlife: Black rhinos have been reintroduced to Matusadona after more than 30 years. Regional Tensions: South Africa’s anti-migrant violence continues to spark diplomatic disputes, with Mozambique alleging deaths of its citizens and conflicting accounts from SA police.

UN Security Council Win: Zimbabwe has been elected unopposed as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, winning 182 votes, while Austria, Portugal and Trinidad & Tobago also secured seats and Kyrgyzstan beat the Philippines in the Asia-Pacific race; Diplomatic Fallout: Germany’s bid failed for the first time, losing to Portugal and Austria, with Berlin accusing Russia of stirring opposition; Constitutional Amendment Debate (CAB3): Zimbabwe’s police say they are on high alert and will act against anyone inciting violence or threats via social media as Parliament debates CAB3, with the justice committee reporting 530,000 written submissions in support versus 2,935 against; Economy & Markets: RBZ issued a ZiG500 million 90-day liquidity sterilisation instrument, the trade deficit widened to US$169.6m in April, and ZSE eased listing rules while FMP shareholders approved a voluntary delisting; Food Security: Government is moving to shield crops from a predicted Super El Niño, and proposed grain import levies aim to fund irrigation and cut food import dependence; Sports & Culture: Zimbabwe’s Hwende made BRAVE CF history with a world title win, ZOC hosted an ANOCA Zone VI gender forum in Victoria Falls, and mbira legends were honoured at the Baradzanwa festival.

UN Security Council Seats: Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe have been elected to the UN Security Council for two-year terms starting January 1, 2027, while Germany missed out after coming third in the Western Europe and Others contest. Constitutional Crisis (CAB3): Zimbabwe’s MDC warns of nationwide resistance, including court action and citizen-led efforts, if Constitutional Amendment No. 3 (CAB3) becomes law, as MPs debate changes that could extend Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 and shift presidential election to Parliament. NRZ Leadership: National Railways of Zimbabwe CEO Munyaradzi Stephen Charangwa has resigned on medical grounds, with deputy Ainah Dube-Kaguru named acting CEO as the turnaround and recapitalisation push continues. Carbon Credits Lag: Zimbabwe’s carbon credit trading drive is still not paying off, with only four projects registered out of 30 and no government credits yet monetised. Conservation Milestone: Black rhinos have returned to Matusadona National Park after more than 30 years, in a major step for wildlife recovery. Sports (Zimbabwe in focus): Canal+ confirms Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029 broadcast rights on SuperSport/DStv, with Zimbabwe set to return to the men’s tournament after decades. Crime & Justice: An 18-year-old in Gokwe South was sentenced to an effective 15 years for raping his 42-year-old aunt.

UNSC Bid: Zimbabwe is on the cusp of a major diplomatic breakthrough as voting begins for a 2027-2028 non-permanent UN Security Council seat, with Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira leading last-minute talks in New York. Constitutional Crisis (CAB3): The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill was tabled and read for the first time in Parliament, setting up a fresh fight over term extension and changes to elections—while voters rush to court to block MPs from voting on the bill. Youth Policy: Cabinet approved the National Youth Policy (2026–2030), targeting NEETs, young women, people with disabilities, youths living with HIV and substance abuse, and diaspora youth. Child Online Safety: Government also approved the National Child Online Protection Policy (2026–2030), promising enforceable measures to safeguard children online. Women in Industry: Zimbabwe Women in Manufacturing was launched in Harare to push women into formal manufacturing and value addition. Veld Fires: Communities report escalating veld fire losses, with livestock and homes repeatedly destroyed as land-clearing fires spread fast. Livestock Reforms: Livestock sector players want other ministries to speed up promised licence, levy and permit reforms after some fees were cut via SI 41 of 2026. Rural Livelihoods: Zimbabwe’s e-tricycle crackdown is hitting rural women hard as permit and registration costs and delays threaten livelihoods. Food Security Court Fight: Grain millers have sued over import levies in SI 87 of 2025, arguing they are unlawful and could worsen food security.

Constitutional Crisis: Zimbabwe’s justice minister tabled CAB3 in Parliament to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 and shift presidential elections to lawmakers, drawing fresh legal challenges from MPs and court action demanding a referendum. Retired Generals Push Back: A group of former military leaders and civil servants accused Mnangagwa and allies of using CAB3 for political gain, alleging manipulated consultations and a US$31 million influence fund. Climate Finance Gap: Government and ActionAid say Zimbabwe needs US$4.8bn by 2030 for climate commitments, but only US$35.4m is approved, urging reforms to make funding accountable and effective. Local Climate Action: Communities at a Settlement Climate Forum agreed to package adaptation plans into policy-ready proposals for Parliament and city committees. Energy and Industry: ZIE urged local engineers to drive industrialisation; WestProp installed a 1MW solar plant at Millennium Heights to cut grid reliance. Business and Regulation: IPEC cancelled Orchid Funeral Assurance’s licence and ordered policyholders to submit claims by June 30. Women in Manufacturing: China’s zero-tariff access for African states was touted as Zimbabwe women launch ZWIM to boost exports and value addition. Veld Fire Preparedness: Beitbridge launched its 2026 fire season campaign with firefighting equipment and training for wards.

Unity Cup fallout: Nigeria sealed a 4th consecutive Unity Cup title, beating Jamaica 3-0 in the final after Chelle’s Super Eagles dominated with clean sheets, including a 2-0 semi-final win over Zimbabwe. CAB3 constitutional fight: Zimbabwe’s Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) is set for parliamentary tabling, with term extensions and electoral changes at the centre of a growing legal and political battle, including a court challenge demanding a referendum. Health emergency prep: Zimbabwe has set up three Ebola isolation centres in Harare, Bulawayo and Chirundu, with screening intensified and PPE prepositioned despite no reported cases. Bulawayo drugs crackdown: Police arrested 39 suspects in two weeks and moved to strengthen rehab and reintegration services, including plans for more centres. Education and health pressures: The education ministry is pushing a curriculum overhaul, while the health sector ramps up cancer diagnosis and treatment using sugar-tax funds, alongside fuel price stabilisation measures. Energy and industry: A 350kW UBH solar plant is improving hospital operations, and Zimbabwe’s steel exports jumped sharply in Q1 as value addition gains momentum. Sports and society: Zanu PF supporters reportedly faced exclusion in a new voting system during primaries, while a police officer was jailed for assaulting a motorist.

CAB3 Show of Hands Row: ZANU-PF legal secretary Ziyambi Ziyambi’s push for MPs to vote on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) by open show of hands is being framed as fear-driven intimidation, with critics saying a secret ballot would be the real test of support. Harare City Services Pressure: Harare mayor Jacob Mafume says the capital’s systems have been in collapse mode, with corruption, political interference and basic service failures like water and lighting still dogging council delivery. Local Governance—Youth Leadership: Masvingo has inaugurated its 2026–2027 Junior Council, with a new team tasked to represent children and youth interests. Tourism Governance: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority sets its first AGM for 17 June in Harare, to review 2023–2024 performance and set sector expectations. Business & Industry: Bulawayo is urged to embrace a 24-hour economy to boost industrial competitiveness. Finance & Payments: Stanbic Bank introduces a US-dollar prepaid VISA card for cross-border spending. Humanitarian Leadership: CARE Zimbabwe appoints Delilah Takawira as its first Zimbabwean country director in 34 years. Sports—Unity Cup Buzz: Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Jamaica 3-0 to retain the Unity Cup, with Zimbabwe-linked match fallout still resonating.

Road & Infrastructure: Msasa Jaggers Roundabout in Harare is closed indefinitely from June 1 for the Msasa Interchange Project, with motorists urged to use alternative routes. Health Funding: Government moves to ring-fence sugar tax and health-related levies so money meant for health programmes can’t be diverted, as a final batch of multi-energy cancer machines is expected to arrive soon. Local Economy & Industry: Zimbabwe is reviewing its Motor Industry Development Policy to cut the US$700m annual vehicle import bill and revive local assembly and component manufacturing. Governance & Housing: Over 300 families were reportedly left homeless after demolitions in Whitecliff, with allegations of politically connected land grabbing behind the clear-out. Crime & Courts: A Harare woman was arrested over alleged cyberstalking of a boyfriend for three years after a protection order; in another case, a man was sentenced to 25 years for killing his wife with a spade. Sport & Unity: First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa condemned violence and hooliganism in sport after attending the Scottland vs CAPS United PSL match at the reopened National Sports Stadium. Media & Youth: Zimpapers launches a Junior Media Club publication to give schoolchildren a platform to write and build future journalism talent.