AGP Executive Report

Cricket Tour Update: Afghanistan will host Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in a packed UAE home season starting Oct 9, with a one-off Test vs Bangladesh, an ODI tri-series (Oct 17-23), then a three-match T20I series (Oct 27-Nov 1) and two Tests vs Zimbabwe (Nov 5-9 and Nov 13-17). Women’s Cricket: South Africa’s new-look Proteas women’s squad begins a historic five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo from Sept 11-19 at Queens Sports Club, with Laura Wolvaardt leading and several uncapped players included. Local Sports Spotlight: Zimbabwean striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya won Betway Premiership Player of the Month for August after scoring five goals in four matches for AmaZulu. Mining Crackdown: South African police arrested 30 suspects in Mohlakeng targeting illegal mining, seizing generators, jackhammers, explosives and other equipment. Mining Policy: Zimbabwe has banned exports of antimony and tungsten and suspended shipments of ores and concentrates to push local processing. Border Relief: Zimbabwe’s duty-free return of household goods for citizens affected by South Africa anti-migrant protests is being facilitated through Zimra’s flexible customs regime at Beitbridge. Public Health/Regulation: A new Veterinary Council of Zimbabwe (2026–2028) is set to modernise and strengthen the regulatory framework for veterinary practice. Tourism Push: Zimbabwe is positioning Gonarezhou National Park for more investment ahead of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo, highlighting wildlife and conservation infrastructure.

Zimbabwe Women Cricket: Mark Coles has been appointed head coach for Zimbabwe Women ahead of a five-match T20I series against South Africa starting September 11 in Bulawayo, with a full support team named including Rangarirai Manyande and Trevor Phiri. Sports—U19 Women: Nigeria edged Zimbabwe by four runs in the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier final to book a spot at the 2027 tournament. Zimbabwe Policing: Manicaland police have deployed drones in Mutare to monitor illegal activities, alongside back-to-school road safety enforcement and breathalyser checks. Mining & Energy: Zimbabwe has opened the Cabora Bassa Basin to international oil and gas investors and classified coal as a “special critical mineral” to boost domestic energy supply and industrialisation. Regional Trade Finance: FEDA says Senegal and Liberia have joined, while Zimbabwe and Angola have ratified the agreement, expanding equity funding capacity for strategic investment across Africa. Business & Fraud: A fruit exporter reportedly lost US$13,650 after a Dubai buyer reversed payment for blueberries already shipped. Cricket—Global: Kevin Pietersen is set to join England’s white-ball coaching setup as a specialist mentor for the 2027 World Cup build-up.

Cricket (Zimbabwe): South Africa beat Zimbabwe by 48 runs to win the Namibia-hosted T20I tri-series, with Jordan Hermann top-scoring on 53 and Brad Evans firing a late unbeaten 56* for Zimbabwe. Women’s Cricket (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe Cricket appointed Mark Coles as substantive head coach of the women’s team ahead of a five-match T20I series against South Africa starting Friday in Bulawayo, with a full support staff named. Sports (Regional): Australia retained out-of-form Marnus Labuschagne in its Test squad for the South Africa tour, adding Cooper Connolly and including Matthew Kuhnemann. Business/Tourism (Zimbabwe): UAE billionaire Mohamed Alabbar’s Emaar Properties is set to send an executive delegation to Zimbabwe to inspect sites for a “massive” luxury hospitality investment. Economy (Zimbabwe): The World Bank warns Zimbabwe’s plan to phase out the US dollar could be “premature de-dollarisation,” risking capital flight if ZiG confidence isn’t firmly established. Tech/Crime (Harare): A Midlands State University student accused of hacking CABS and siphoning over US$1.1m was denied bail and remanded. AI (Zimbabwe): Econet AI plans a Ndebele-speaking customer-support chatbot later this month, building on its Shona chatbot. Health/Society: A court ordered a pastor to pay US$11,000 after rejecting his duress claim in a debt dispute.

Cricket Triumph: South Africa sealed the T20I tri-series in Windhoek with a 48-run win over Zimbabwe, posting 205/5 before bowling the Chevrons out for 157; Jordan Hermann top-scored with 53 and Brad Evans replied with 56* but it wasn’t enough. Sports Spotlight: Zimbabwe’s Makanakaishe Charamba won bronze in the men’s 200m at the Wanda Diamond League Final in Brussels, clocking 19.99. Public Health & Justice: British-Nigerian influencer Igho “Tiny” Ubiribo died in Thailand after penis enlargement injections; a UK coroner ruled the cause was a pulmonary embolism linked to the procedure. Local Politics: CCC’s Sengezo Tshabangu-linked Bulawayo Ward 1 by-election candidate Mduduzi Sibanda faces claims of past Zanu PF membership after a card surfaced online ahead of the 3 October vote. Tech & Services: Econet AI is preparing a Ndebele-speaking customer-support chatbot, expanding on its Shona system and aiming for broader language coverage by end-2026. Tax & Economy: ZIMRA’s rental income tax crackdown starts to bite, with a 15% presumptive levy on business rentals and heavy penalties for non-payment.

Road Safety Crackdown: Zimbabwe Republic Police warned motorists against driving without number plates or using unauthorised blue lights, sirens and other gadgets, saying offenders face arrest and vehicle impoundment. Currency & Lending: The World Bank cautioned Zimbabwe against rushing to make ZiG the sole currency, warning premature de-dollarisation could trigger capital flight, while Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said falling inflation to 2.9% could unlock cheaper, longer-term loans. Energy Reform: Government opened electricity distribution and retail to private players under SI 128 of 2026, with 25-year renewable licences and capped tariffs, plus new rules forcing developers to fund infrastructure. Gukurahundi Justice: Lawyers urged families of the disappeared to use existing legal routes to seek official recognition and investigations. Local Economy & Housing: NRZ pension fund opened a tender for engineering work on 5,300 Bulawayo housing stands. Conservation: Vulture Safe Zone Alliance launched across Southern Africa to curb poisoning and other threats. Sports: South Africa top the tri-series standings and face Zimbabwe in the Windhoek final after Proteas’ strong run. Tourism Push: Sanganai/Hlanganani buyers in Masvingo praised Zimbabwe’s hospitality as tourism is positioned as a growth engine.

Beauty Pageants: Zimbabwe’s Brunette Makanyiso and other African delegates advanced at Miss World 2026, with the Philippines’ Asia Rose Simpson also pushing into the Top 12 as the contest heads toward the final in Nha Trang. Sports—Athletics: Commonwealth Games champion Sinesipho Dambile won South Africa’s only Diamond League podium finish in Brussels, clocking 19.89s behind Kenneth Bednarek, with Zimbabwe’s Makanakaishe Charamba third. Sports—Cricket: Nigeria beat Zimbabwe U19 Women by four runs in the Africa qualifier final in Dar es Salaam to secure the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup spot. Local Football: The Harare Derby ended 1-1 as CAPS United and Dynamos drew on matchday 28, while Hardrock beat TelOne 4-1 to close in at the top. Environment & Courts: Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights is calling for specialised courts and training for judges to handle wetland and environmental disputes more effectively. Tourism: Zimbabwe won Bronze at the Africa Tourism Leadership Awards for progressive tourism policy, as Air Zimbabwe boosts connectivity to Masvingo. Mining & Economy: Officials in China highlighted lithium’s growing economic value, while lawyers and analysts continue to debate how fast Zimbabwe can turn mineral potential into jobs and growth.

T20 Tri-Series: South Africa booked Sunday’s final against Zimbabwe after Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashed a maiden T20I century (101 off 53) and Connor Esterhuizen hit 88 as the Proteas posted 228/4 in Windhoek, holding Namibia by 11 runs. Harare Water Crisis: Harare Residents Trust says erratic municipal supply is pushing people to unsafe boreholes, with many boreholes failing chlorine checks and residents reporting weeks without tap water in parts of the city. World Bank on ZiG: The World Bank warns Zimbabwe not to rush de-dollarisation, saying premature switching to a mono-currency ZiG system could trigger capital flight and undo stabilisation gains. Mining at ADU: Zimbabwe’s mining push at Africa Down Under in Perth drew strong investor interest, with the Chamber of Mines and MMCZ saying talks are turning into follow-up partnerships and market links. EU Diplomat Dies: The EU confirms the sudden death of Ambassador Katrin Hagemann, with a public book of condolences to open at the EU Delegation in Harare. Politics Online: ZANU-PF-aligned voices dismiss social media figure Brett Muvet, arguing viral fame does not equal political power on the ground.

Weather Alert: Zimbabwe’s Meteorological Services Department warns of strong winds from Friday to Monday, with thunderstorms, lightning and light rain in parts of the country, including higher lightning risk in Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and Bulawayo—residents are urged to secure rooftops, trim dangerous branches and protect crops. Media & Development: A World Bank division director says he was impressed after touring Zimpapers’ new digital newsroom, praising the push to deliver news across TV, radio, print and online. Education & Skills: President Mnangagwa urged HIT graduates to use their skills to industrialise and modernise Zimbabwe after capping 734 graduates at the Harare Institute of Technology. Waste-to-Energy Deal: Mnangagwa witnessed signing of an EPC contract for a waste-to-energy plant between Geo Pomona Waste Management and Zhejiang Wei Ming Group, as Zimbabwe seeks sustainable solutions to refuse collection challenges. Politics & Football: Zanu PF activists have called for Mnangagwa to be declared life president, while Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari says remaining league matches are shaping the squad for next season. Road Safety Tragedy: A church minibus crash killed at least 27 people near Mvuma, prompting a state of disaster declaration. Sports: South Africa booked the tri-series final after Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ maiden T20I century powered a win over Namibia; Namibia will bowl first against South Africa in the next match as they chase qualification.

EU-Zimbabwe Relations: EU ambassador Katrin Hagemann has died suddenly at her Harare home, with the EU Mission confirming her passing and opening a public condolence book. Cricket (Zimbabwe): Innocent Kaia struck a career-best 72 as Zimbabwe beat Namibia by five wickets to keep their T20 tri-series final hopes alive, chasing 156-6 with 11 balls to spare; captain Sikandar Raza urged focus on getting the job done first. Local Football: Scottland FC begin their maiden CAF Champions League campaign on Sunday against Eswatini champions Nsingizini Hotspurs, with Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona tipped to guide the side. Public Health & Community: Health Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora is set to headline a Bulawayo clean-up campaign under the “A Clean Environment, Everyone’s Responsibility” drive. Governance & Streets: Zimbabwe’s government has issued a stern warning to illegal Harare street vendors ahead of a nationwide clean-up, giving vendors until Sept 9 to vacate unauthorized sites. Economy (Money Supply): ZiG scarcity is squeezing spending power and reinforcing US dollar dominance in transactions, according to IH Securities. Social Issues: A Ruwa maid has been arrested over alleged sexual abuse of a 5-year-old boy, renewing attention on child safety in homes where domestic workers are employed.

Lithium Value-Add Payoff: Zimbabwe says its raw lithium export ban is already boosting earnings, with 2026 lithium concentrate sales hitting about US$1.247 billion—up 413% in value—after policy pushed “pit-to-product” beneficiation. Regional Fuel Security: Zimbabwe and Mozambique are expanding the Beira-Feruka pipeline, raising pumping capacity from 3 million to 5 million cubic metres per year by end-2027 to create a SADC fuel buffer. Education Crackdown & Guidelines: Government issued third-term reopening guidance, stressing approved fees and learner safety, while warning against abuses tied to school costs and uniforms. Justice Update: A ruling on journalist Gideon Madzikatidze’s bid to refuse further remand is set for 14 September after delays in trial dates and State papers. Harare City Enforcement: Harare City Council has started demolitions in low-density suburbs, targeting illegal businesses operating in residential areas. Cricket—Tri-Series Hope Kept Alive: Innocent Kaia’s 72 powered Zimbabwe to a five-wicket win over Namibia, keeping their final hopes alive pending South Africa’s result. UK Migration Relief: UK visa rules now let modern-slavery victims in care jobs switch employers without immediately risking immigration status, offering stronger protection to Zimbabweans and other Africans. Inflation Milestone: Zimbabwe’s inflation reportedly fell to 2.9% in August, the lowest since 1980, as monetary policy and exchange-rate stability take hold.

Police Appeal: Zimbabwe Republic Police is asking the public to help identify seven unidentified murder victims in Harare and Chitungwiza, including a 12–13-year-old boy found near the Mukuvisi River, with bodies held at Sally Mugabe, Parirenyatwa and Chitungwiza mortuaries. Road Safety & Emergency Response: Bulawayo firefighters say motorists are “holding them hostage” by ignoring sirens and blocking fire engines, costing precious minutes as the city sees a surge in fires. Mining & Water Protection: Bulawayo has arrested 30 illegal gold panners in water catchment areas since January to June 2026, with joint patrols and fines targeting land degradation and threats to water supplies. Energy Corridor: Mozambique and Zimbabwe move ahead with expansion of the Beira-Harare fuel pipeline, boosting capacity from 3 to 5 million cubic metres per year by end-2027 to strengthen regional energy security. Wildlife Protection: Emirates SkyCargo has delivered two specialist Belgian Malinois conservation K9 dogs to Matusadona National Park, starting advanced training to help track and deter poaching. Environment Push: EMA says National Clean-Up Day will kick off a 30-day campaign on waste reduction and pollution control, ahead of World Clean-up Day on September 20. Crime Update: Police in Shurugwi are investigating a robbery and kidnapping after armed men raided two homesteads, taking cash and gold amalgam. Science Spotlight: A new dinosaur species, Musangwe matusadonensis, has been identified from remains found near Lake Kariba, underlining Zimbabwe’s fossil potential.

Zanu-PF Politics: Zanu-PF has kicked off the race for Bulawayo’s Ward 1 by-election, naming Mathias Tsikira as its candidate for the October 3 poll. Urban Order: Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe has given illegal vendors in Harare until September 9 to vacate undesignated sites, warning of a zero-tolerance clean-up that will start in the capital and spread nationwide. Energy & Regional Trade: Zimbabwe and Mozambique broke ground on Phase II of the CPMZ pipeline expansion, targeting higher fuel capacity to boost energy self-sufficiency across Southern Africa. Local Governance & Housing: Garwe also warned councils against over-pricing public land, as housing waiting lists grow and hard-currency access keeps pushing stand prices out of reach. Crime & Courts: Ecobank’s US$4.4m cash heist case is nearing a breakthrough as South African authorities finalise the extradition of the Vumbunu brothers to Zimbabwe. Public Service & Retirement: President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to treat retirement as a new productive phase, backing earlier planning and stronger pension systems. Youth Rehabilitation: First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa called on employers to open doors for rehabilitated, skills-trained youths graduating from the Angel of Hope centre. Transport & Safety: Police launched a nationwide crackdown on vehicles without number plates and those fitted with unauthorised blue lights and sirens. International Cooperation: Zimbabwean officials are in China for a ministerial seminar on public administration and governance exchange.

Road Safety Crackdown: Zimbabwe Republic Police has ordered nationwide enforcement against motorists driving without registration plates and using illegal blue lights, sirens and emergency-style fittings, with arrests and vehicle impoundments now the focus. Security Operations: Three Zimbabweans were arrested in South Africa after police recovered blasting accessories linked to Gauteng ATM bombings and cash-in-transit robberies, including fuses, cartridges and detonating cord. Telecom Update: NetOne launched a “No-Cap Weekends” bundle offering unlimited mobile internet every Saturday and Sunday for US$5. Court & Crime: A Chitungwiza man who posed as a pastor with “spiritual powers” to heal cancer was sentenced to 46 months in prison for fraud, with part of the money ordered to be repaid. Sports—Cricket: South Africa’s Lhuan-dré Pretorius hit a career-best 94 as Proteas beat Zimbabwe in the T20 tri-series, while ICC rankings also moved players after recent Test performances. Business & Markets: ZSE Holdings reported strong first-half growth, with market capitalisation more than doubling and trading activity surging. Sports—Football & Athletics: Wolves’ Zimbabwe midfielder Marshall Munetsi scored again, and Zimbabwe’s Ropa Muzondo won gold at the Cosassa Games.

Business & Diplomacy: Zimbabwe will take its trade, investment and tourism pitch to the world stage at a high-level Business Forum in New York on September 20, with ZimTrade, ZIDA and ZTA set to court buyers and financiers. Energy Infrastructure: Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Daniel Chapo will launch the second phase of the Mozambique-Zimbabwe fuel pipeline expansion in Nhamatanda, boosting Beira-Feruka capacity to five million cubic metres and strengthening regional fuel supply. Disaster Response: Government has declared a state of disaster after the Chivhu head-on crash that killed 27 (now 28) churchgoers, pledging to cover medical and burial costs while police urge safer travel at night. Health Policy: First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa called for scientific research and regulation to integrate traditional medicine into Zimbabwe’s healthcare system. Sports Finance: ZIFA says audited accounts show US$4.6m revenue growth in 2025 and promises transparency. Tech & Connectivity: Starlink-linked VSAT subscriptions are nearing 86,500 active fibre connections, signalling rapid broadband shifts. Cricket: South Africa beat Zimbabwe again in the Windhoek tri-series, with Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ 94 powering a 43-run win.

Court Case in Harare: Two men accused of killing cellphone dealer Sipho Million Ncube have been told to mount their defence after the High Court ruled the State’s case is strong enough to proceed, with prosecutors alleging the March 2020 murder was linked to a lure-and-robbery plan around “Ximex Mall.” Road Safety Tragedy: ZRP has named 25 victims of the Harare–Masvingo Road crash near Chivhu, bringing the death toll to 28 after one more injured passenger died. Renewable Energy Boost: ZETDC has signed an Escrow and Security Agreement with Munyati Evergreen Energy to ring-fence revenues for the 100MW Munyati Solar Power Plant, aiming to secure off-take obligations and speed up implementation. Business & Exports: ZimTrade is taking 20 Zimbabwean companies to FACIM 2026 in Maputo to chase new trade deals and expand exports. Sports—Cricket: Australia has dropped Marnus Labuschagne from its ODI squad for Zimbabwe and South Africa, while including younger names like Ollie Peake, Joel Davies and Cooper Connolly. Culture & Arts: Highlanders and Junza Studios are developing the officially licensed feature film “Born into the Black & White,” set to be shot in Bulawayo from October. Local Football: FC Hunters’ promotion push and the Young Warriors U-23 plans are set to shape the next Zimbabwe youth campaign.

Road Safety & Tragedy: Twenty-seven people from the African Apostolic Church were killed after a commuter omnibus collided with a haulage truck on the Harare–Masvingo Highway, with burials starting as families demand answers. Women & Jobs: President Mnangagwa told more than 8,000 women at the Young Women for Economic Development convention to lead enterprise, innovation and industrial growth, promising government to remove barriers like limited finance and workspaces. Local Development: Bulawayo residents and small businesses say road rehabilitation is easing access and reviving trade, as Nketa Drive upgrades improve routes to key business areas. Fisheries Push: Midlands State University backed the Presidential Fisheries Scheme with plans for a large aquaculture project at Pitscottie Dam to boost food security and commercial farming. Digital Inclusion: A disability-focused group launched a project to make digital civic participation accessible for blind communities, aiming to ensure people can “Access. Participate. Be Heard.” Economy Watch: Inflation falling to 2.9% is expected to open the door to cheaper, longer-term loans as government works on a 15-year yield curve. Governance & Integrity: ZIMRA has demanded detailed Borrowdale Brooke property and tenant records, while police warned officers addicted to drugs face dismissal. Justice & Rights: Human rights groups marked the UN Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances, calling for truth, justice and reparation, and urged action on unresolved cases. Sports: Zimbabwe bounced back in the T20 tri-series, beating Namibia by five runs in a thriller in Windhoek. Business/Crime: A Harare lawyer and her firm face theft of trust funds charges over nearly US$34,000, and a MSU student appeared in court over an alleged US$1.1m CABS cyber heist.