AGP Executive Report

Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh Test: Richard Ngarava won the toss and chose to bowl as Zimbabwe started strongly at Harare Sports Club, dismissing Bangladesh for 140; Innocent Kaia made 76* to leave Zimbabwe 136/1 at stumps, with Newman Nyamhuri taking 4-61. Energy & mining: Kamativi Mining Company is building a US$25m, 36MW solar farm to cut power costs and emissions, while Matabeleland North’s Richard Moyo urged mining to deliver tangible local benefits. Local leadership: Chief Tshitaudze installed Headman Makhado in Beitbridge West, ending a long 10-year succession dispute. Migration tensions in South Africa: As June 30 anti-immigrant protests loom, migrants in Johannesburg and around consulates report fear and anxiety, with Zimbabweans waiting for buses home and some businesses shutting down. Health & accountability: A report on Chitungwiza Central Hospital alleges mothers were pressured to “buy a drink” and bribes were demanded during delivery-related care. Culture & business: Brother In House Zimbabwe premiered in Harare with a US$50,000 prize, while Haus of Stone will take Zimbabwean fashion to Kolwezi Fashion Week in DR Congo.

South Africa immigration tensions: As June 30 anti-illegal immigration protests loom, Zimbabweans and other migrants are still stranded and fearful, with reports of hundreds sleeping rough outside the Zimbabwe Consulate in Cape Town as a cold front approaches, and officials warning the day will be “normal” while police vow to crush any violence. Xenophobia backlash: MTN Group chairman Mcebisi Jonas used Zimbabwean-born activist Thokozani Damasane’s funeral to condemn xenophobic attacks, saying deportations won’t fix unemployment and blaming governance failures instead. Regional integration push: SADC has praised Zimbabwe after hosting a Bulawayo cluster meeting on transport, ICT and meteorology, while Transport Minister Felix Mhona urged SADC to liberalise air services and adopt AI-enabled, climate-resilient infrastructure. Local governance and services: Government says “no more housing development before roads, sewer” after outlawing parallel development, and Bulawayo set up an office dedicated to MSMEs. Water and environment: Lake Gwayi-Shangani is 79% complete as work speeds up toward a December deadline, and President Mnangagwa has set up a high-level team to rehabilitate 17 polluted rivers. Health and rights: Nurses warn Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital security and infrastructure are worsening after a patient escaped and died, while new research flags low scores on housing, water and safety from state abuse.

CAB3 Constitutional Storm: MPs have been recalled for an extraordinary National Assembly sitting on Tuesday to consider Senate amendments to Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, as civic group WeThePeople urges Mnangagwa to hold a national referendum before signing. War Veterans Push Back: Liberation war veterans issue a 72-hour ultimatum demanding CAB3 be repealed, escalating pressure on the government. Beitbridge Pressure: With June 30 looming, Beitbridge is congested as 24,211 Zimbabweans have returned since May 28, overwhelming Beitbridge Reception Centre facilities and sanitation. Xenophobia Fallout in SA: MTN Group chairman Cyril Ramaphosa condemns xenophobia, warning South Africa’s identity is rooted in African unity and blaming governance failures for the backlash. Cost of Living Watch: ZiG monthly inflation rose to 0.6% in June (annual 4.7%), while the government claims stability as citizens report worsening hardship. Mining & Energy: Mines ministry unveils a new corporate identity and five-pillar strategy; ZPC says coal can power electricity for over 200 years. Local Governance & Services: A minister says Harare, Bulawayo and Chitungwiza are in “intensive care” over negligence and weak service delivery. Crime & Courts: A Bindura man appears in court over alleged razor-blade assault on his wife’s genitals; a Gutu businessman alleges police stalled a case involving Mnangagwa’s nephew. Sports: Scottland FC confirms CAF Champions League preliminary dates and prepares for a historic continental debut.

CAB 3 Constitutional Amendments: President Mnangagwa has recalled MPs for an extraordinary National Assembly sitting on Tuesday, June 30, to consider Senate amendments to the controversial Constitution Amendment No. 3 Bill, keeping the push to extend his tenure firmly in motion. Human Rights Watch: A new Human Rights Measurement Initiative report says Zimbabwe is failing key international commitments, with weak scores in water, sanitation, housing and subsistence income, and warns conditions have deteriorated over 15 years. Health First Policy: Health minister Douglas Mombeshora urged private providers to prioritise saving lives in emergencies before payment demands, saying no patient should be denied life-saving care. Migration Pressure in South Africa: As June 30 anti-immigration marches near, thousands of Malawians and other nationals are being processed for repatriation, while Zimbabweans in SA are reportedly using WhatsApp networks for emergency support amid xenophobia fears. Scam Hub Tragedy: Despite crackdowns, about 5,300 people remain trapped in Myanmar scam compounds, including at least 18 Filipinos and victims from multiple countries including Zimbabwe. Local Development & Inclusion: Matabeleland South says 90% of schools and clinics are electrified, while government also highlights disability inclusion at the National Disability Expo in Masvingo.

Constitutional Storm (CAB3): Zimbabwe’s Senate has approved Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule to 2030 and shifting presidential election power to Parliament, with the National Assembly now set to endorse Senate changes before Mnangagwa signs. Critics say the process is a “choreographed” vote with MPs largely following scripts. Parliament Oversight: Speaker Jacob Mudenda urged portfolio committees to move beyond rubber-stamping budgets and demand value-for-money scrutiny tied to measurable service delivery. Migration Pressure (SA): South Africa says it has processed 15,162 Malawians for deportation and repatriation ahead of an unofficial June 30 deadline, while thousands of migrants queue in makeshift centres; the government warns June 30 will be a “normal day” but illegal blockades will face consequences. Xenophobia Debate: MTN chairman Mcebisi Jonas blamed state failure and political opportunism for xenophobia, arguing inequality and unemployment won’t disappear if foreigners leave. Economy & Local Business: ZiG inflation in June rose to 4.7% and Bulawayo set up an MSME-dedicated office to boost jobs and growth. China Links: Zimbabwe is set for a Zimbabwe–China Investment Symposium on July 2 to court industrial and infrastructure investment.

Constitutional Politics: In Harare, Sengezo Tshabangu used the Senate debate on Constitution Amendment Bill No.3 (CAB3) to argue for suspending by-elections and replacing vacancies through party nominations, as the Bill sailed through the Senate with 75 votes to 4. Local Governance & Labour: Bulawayo High Court dismissed Vungu RDC’s bid to undo a default judgement clearing attachment of council property over US$250,000 salary arrears owed to workers. Business & Trade: Beitbridge Business Expo returns for its sixth edition, running July 2–4, with organisers targeting a 10% rise in participating companies. Regional Integration: Bulawayo hosted a key SADC cluster meeting on transport, ICT, information and meteorology, with Zimbabwe reiterating commitment to deeper regional connectivity. Returnees Support: Government extended duty rebate concessions for Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, broadening access beyond ZEP holders. Community & Health: Zimbabwe Down Syndrome Association will launch an enrolment survey in Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park as inclusive early childhood education access remains a concern. Infrastructure & Services: Bulilima’s Maitengwe road rehab is progressing again after rains slowed works, while Figtree Phase 3 housing in Bulawayo is seeing water, roads and streetlight works ramp up.

Constitutional Shake-Up: Zimbabwe’s Senate has approved CAB3, extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure until 2030 and replacing direct presidential elections with a parliamentary choice, a move critics call a “constitutional coup” while Defend the Constitution Platform’s Jameson Timba vows to keep fighting in court. Tax Pressure on Business: ZIMRA’s aggressive, retrospective tax audits are drawing backlash from the corporate sector, with industry warning the approach is costly, disruptive and hurting investor confidence. Economy Numbers Reset: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says Zimbabwe will rebase GDP for a third time, aiming to better reflect the economy’s current structure ahead of Vision 2030. Mining and Energy Moves: Government warns it will repossess dormant coal concessions and pushes coal as a critical mineral for power generation; China is also urged to invest in Zimbabwe’s industrial parks as trade hits record highs. Health and Tech: Zimbabwe is rolling out a “Welcome back package” for ART defaulters and training journalists on Lenacapavir for HIV prevention; Visa and FMBcapital sign a five-year digital payments deal. Local Life: City Parking plans smart solar traffic systems to ease Harare congestion, while a solar mini-grid project lights up Tshitulipasi in Beitbridge.

Constitutional Change: Zimbabwe’s Senate has approved Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term from five to seven years and paving the way for him to stay in office until 2030, after 75 senators voted in favour and four against; the bill now heads to the President for assent. Drug Fight: Government has stepped up efforts against drug and substance abuse in Matabeleland North, training district task forces in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation as part of a wider provincial rollout. Mining & Power: Miners warn that power shortages, high costs and limited capital access are still squeezing output, even as the sector looks to long-term prospects. Finance & Business: Stanbic says it arranged US$227 million in mining financing in 2025, while WestProp reported US$34.6 million revenue and a clean audit. Tech & Agriculture: Maminda Agri-Fintech is helping smallholders access finance, advisory and markets through a digital ecosystem. Transport Safety: A Harare-bound bus crash on the Harare–Masvingo Road killed two and injured five, according to police. Sports & Culture: Dynamos are set to appoint Romanian coach Aristica Cioaba after Genesis Mangombe’s suspension over allegations including match-fixing and juju.

Constitutional Showdown: Zimbabwe’s Senate has approved Constitutional Amendment No. 3, voting 75-4 to delay the next presidential election to 2030 and shift presidential selection to lawmakers, while extending terms to seven years—sparking fresh legal and political tension, with critics warning of a democratic backslide and arrests reported around the CAB3 campaign. Civil Society Under Pressure: Armed police raided the Constitution Defenders Forum offices in Harare, seizing campaign materials and following the arrest of CDF programme director Paul Gorekore, as the group says it is being targeted for opposing CAB3. Regional Fuel Reality Check: Zimbabwe’s petrol price sits at about $2.08 per litre, with Malawi among the most expensive in Africa, while Libya remains the cheapest—highlighting how Zimbabweans’ fuel costs compare across the region. Energy Access Push: A 120kW Beitbridge East solar mini-grid is set for commissioning, bringing power to a school, clinic, households, businesses and community facilities. Health Update: Zimbabwe is rolling out a new twice-yearly HIV injection, Lenacapavir, aimed at improving adherence for patients who struggle with daily pills. Business & Industry: Econet clarified how its Smart4U bundles are personalised and can change with usage, while ZSE and SMEDCO signed an MoU to expand capital access for SMEs through ZEEX. Food Security Drive: Zimbabwe is pushing fertilizer self-sufficiency with Chinese-backed equipment for coal-to-fertiliser production in Norton. Sports: Zimbabwe’s cricket NPL qualification saw Old Hararians 1 edge Chipindura Cricket Club by three wickets after Cephas Zhuwao’s explosive 89.

Mining Finance Crunch: Zimbabwe’s mining industry says it needs about US$10bn in new investment over five years, but offshore funding is tightening, forcing firms to lean on retained earnings even as output and export earnings rise. Constitutional Storm (CAB 3): Former minister Moses Mzila Ndlovu says Parliament is “a circus” and CAB 3 is set to sail through to law, while opposition and rights voices warn of a constitutional “coup” through legal process. Courtroom Setbacks: Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court struck off Inducon’s appeal in a mining dispute over defective appeal relief wording, while a Bulawayo High Court dealt Zimra a blow over “inadmissible hearsay” in a truck smuggling case. Local Governance Pressure: Chinhoyi council issues a 14-day ultimatum to clear US$15.9m in arrears, threatening “name and shame,” blacklisting and court action. Energy & Lithium Push: Ecobank says it will expand funding into Zimbabwe’s lithium value chain, and RioZim reports output recovery after mine restarts. Food Prices: Tomato prices jump due to low temperatures reducing supply. Sport & Culture: Ngarava is cleared to captain Zimbabwe in the one-off Test vs Bangladesh; Dynamos suspend coach Genesis Mangombe amid juju and match-fixing allegations; a new picture book targets water safety for toddlers.

Sports Governance: Dynamos have suspended head coach Genesis Mangombe and his entire technical team over allegations including suspected match-fixing, forced “juju” rituals and insubordination, with investigations now underway. Cricket: Zimbabwe named a 15-man squad for the one-off Test against Bangladesh at Harare Sports Club on June 28, with Richard Ngarava captaining for the first time; Sikandar Raza misses out due to county commitments. Constitutional Politics: The CAB3 debate keeps heating up as former Botswana President Ian Khama and others face sharp backlash from Zimbabwean officials and commentators, with arguments focused on sovereignty and term-extension legitimacy. Migration & Safety: Government has appealed for support to help Zimbabweans safely return from South Africa amid unrest and a June 30 deadline, including food, shelter and transport. Economy & Industry: National Foods says new plants are lifting output and capacity, while BancABC and Visa sign a five-year deal to expand digital payments. Climate & Agriculture: Zimbabwe launched a livestock feed and fodder dashboard to improve planning for drought shocks and extreme El Niño conditions. Road Tragedy: A Rusape Area Zone football team kombi crash has killed five, with nine still in hospital after the overloaded vehicle hit a tree.

Bulawayo Privatisation Push: Bulawayo residents and unions have warned the government’s directive for local authorities to privatise or use public-private partnerships could mean higher tariffs and weaker control over basic rights, arguing councils are not ready and past attempts sparked public backlash. Constitutional CAB 3 Fallout: Economists say the Constitution Amendment No. 3 Bill is already spilling into the economy, with fears it could dent investor confidence and derail Zimbabwe’s recovery as the Senate prepares to debate the extension of presidential and MP terms to 2030. Lithium and Power Moves: Zimbabwe’s lithium sector is pitching a US$5bn expansion drive toward domestic processing, while energy officials tout electrification progress and mining power reforms as the engine for industrial growth. Zinara Revenue Target: Zinara says it aims to collect US$473m by late 2026, having cleared US$190m mid-year. South Africa Xenophobia Shockwaves: Zimbabwe is stepping up repatriation support as anti-immigrant violence in South Africa continues, including plans to place returning children into local schools. Justice and Safety: Two elderly women have filed a case seeking accessible Legal Aid offices after alleged elevator failures, while a Harare family demands US$150k after a teen drowned in an open sewage pit left unguarded for months.

CAB3 Politics: Nelson Chamisa says Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 is “not a done deal,” arguing citizens must be the ultimate decision-makers as the bill heads to the Senate. Local Governance & Land Use: A new look at Zimbabwe’s land-use change over 25 years points to non-linear shifts driven by both rainfall and human politics, with fields expanding and contracting in different periods. Justice & Public Safety: Police praised fans for keeping the Highlanders–Dynamos clash peaceful, while Hwange police secured a two-year effective jail term for a man caught with dagga hidden in a teapot. Economy & Finance: Ipec is celebrated for 20 years of regulating insurance and pensions, with government calling it a pillar protecting long-term savings. Energy & Infrastructure: Zimbabwe has applied to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to unlock long-term financing for infrastructure under NDS2. Agriculture: Matabeleland South exceeds its winter wheat target, and Zimbabwe’s wheat push is backed by rehabilitated irrigation schemes. Regional & Migration: Government steps up support to repatriate Zimbabweans from South Africa amid unrest, mobilising food, shelter and transport. Mining & Trade: Guinea bans exports of unrefined gold to force local processing, echoing similar moves across Africa.

Tourism Governance Reset: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) finally held its first AGM since 1996, after years of weak oversight and a leadership vacuum, with reforms now pushing board and Public Finance Management Act compliance. Digital Crime Warning: A report says China-linked cyber scam syndicates may be shifting operations to Africa, with Zimbabwe flagged for exposure via its growing digital economy—though China’s embassy rejects the claims. Liberation Legacy: War veterans and Zanu PF mourn Ambassador Victor Matemadanda, Zimbabwe’s envoy to Mozambique and Eswatini, remembered as a fearless liberation fighter. Mining Power Planning Gap: Government admits it lacks full data on how much electricity mining actually uses, complicating future power demand estimates as mining expands. Food Prices Under Pressure: Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange reports firm maize and soya prices as supply remains tight despite improved deliveries. Fuel Price Enforcement: ZERA begins a crackdown on fuel stations overcharging above regulated prices after recent price cuts. Constitutional Court Move on CAB3: Court struck off an early challenge to Constitution Amendment (No. 3), clearing the way for the parliamentary process to continue. Crime in Harare: Armed robbers in Avondale stole US$30,000, threatening a pregnant woman and hinting at an inside betrayal. Business Update: TSL profit jumps 45% on strong tobacco, agriculture and logistics demand.

CAB3 and power politics: Zimbabwe’s lower house has passed Constitutional Amendment Bill 3 to extend presidential terms from five to seven years, clearing the way for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stay in power until 2030; 216 MPs backed it and the bill now heads to the Senate. Diplomacy and loss: Zimbabwe mourns the death of Ambassador Victor Matemadanda, envoy to Mozambique and Eswatini, aged 66. Migration pressure: Zimbabwe is coordinating support to repatriate citizens affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa, including food, temporary shelter and transport, as deportations of undocumented Malawians continue through Beitbridge. Women and justice: Traditional leaders in Mashonaland West accuse police of stalling child marriage and statutory rape cases through alleged corruption. Economy and policy: The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe cut its bank policy rate from 35% to 30%, while analysis warns borrowing costs are still heavily shaped by global dollar rates. Sports: Bangladesh’s Litton Das is ruled out of the one-off Test vs Zimbabwe in Harare, with Mahidul Islam called up.

Churches and peace: VP Kembo Mohadi urged churches to stay active partners in nation-building, saying development needs peace, unity and social cohesion. Constitutional politics (CAB3): Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 has cleared the National Assembly and is heading to the Senate, with revisions including keeping the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and calls for Parliament consultation on extra senators; the bill would extend presidential and parliamentary terms. Local governance push: President Mnangagwa launched a Citizens Engagement and Scoring Platform to rate councils on water, sanitation, roads, housing and other services, pushing measurable delivery. Agriculture: Farmers planted a record wheat hectarage of 126,394ha, raising hopes of beating the harvest target and strengthening food security. Mining pressure: The Chamber of Mines says Zimbabwe’s mining sector needs about US$10 billion in capital over five years; separate reporting highlights mercury poisoning risks for women artisanal miners. Sports (Springboks): South Africa named a Nations Championship squad with six uncapped players and recalled scrumhalves Jantjies and Papier after a big win over the Barbarians and a 40-0 SA A rout of Zimbabwe. Rugby tragedy: Zimbabwe ambassador Victor Matemadanda has died. Road safety: A bus-train fire incident in Gweru left multiple pupils dead and others injured.