Zimbabwe's ongoing energy strategy is in focus as power generation from the Kariba Hydro-Power Station continues unabated until the year's end, primarily because the country has not yet exhausted its allocated water resources. In contrast, Zambia has opted to halt its power generation from the same dam due to a drought-induced lack of water. Energy Minister Edgar Moyo has underscored that Zimbabwe's current generation capacity remains around 215MW, significantly below its potential of over 1,000MW, which may necessitate load shedding. In a proactive measure, the Chronicle reports the Zimbabwean government is advocating that ferrochrome companies generate their own power, thereby conserving valuable water resources for redistribution to other sectors. Optimistically, the government anticipates a rebound in water levels and power generation capacity with projections of above-normal rainfall this season. Additionally, efforts are being made to encourage renewable energy development, exemplified by the duty-free importation of solar energy equipment.

Business ties with Indonesia

In a significant diplomatic advancement, Zimbabwe solidified its relationship with Indonesia by signing three pivotal memoranda of understanding (MoUs) during the recent Second Indonesia-Africa Forum. Vice President Kembo Mohadi represented President Mnangagwa and championed the swift initiation of the agreements across the health and fertilisation sectors. Complementarily, a strategic partnership has been established to improve access to affordable medical products through a collaboration between Zimbabwe’s National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm) and Indonesia’s Bio Farma, proposing the construction of a pharmaceutical plant in Zimbabwe. Further reinforcing this bilateral cooperation according to The Herald , a technology transfer MoU was inked to revolutionise fertiliser production, epitomised by a high-tech coal fertiliser plant developed by Zimbabwean firm Futurefert in collaboration with Indonesia’s Saputra Global Harvest.

17 agreements signed with China

The deepening bonds between Zimbabwe and China were formalised through the signing of 17 strategic agreements, targeting diverse sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure development, and mining. This occurred during a pivotal meeting between President Mnangagwa and President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where both leaders reiterated their dedication to advancing trade and cooperation. Among the prominent agreements, there are initiatives aimed at aligning China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, specific protocols for agricultural exports, and broad collaborative efforts in the mining sector. This relationship has notably increased Chinese investments in Zimbabwe from approximately $446 million in 2019 to $3.4 billion by 2023, with over $2.2 billion earmarked for significant mining and infrastructure projects, reports the Chronicle .

Investment in the ferrochrome sector

In an effort to bolster investment in the ferrochrome sector, President Mnangagwa recently held discussions with the Xin Gang Lian Group, led by Mr. Zhou Xuddon. The meeting, which took place on September 3, 2024, was centred on exploring investment avenues to rejuvenate Zimbabwe's mining industry, which is integral to the national economy. Ferrochrome is particularly vital due to its application in stainless steel production. Mr. Zhou articulated a keen interest in expanding his operations within Zimbabwe, positioning the nation as a strategic supplier to international markets. As reported by the Chronicle , this initiative aligns with Zimbabwe's broader objectives of enhancing mineral production and fostering job creation, ultimately driving sustainable economic growth.

Stolen vehicles from South Africa

In a concerning development, South African authorities have made substantial recoveries of nearly 100 stolen vehicles, covertly smuggled towards neighbouring countries, including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia, from January to August 2024. A substantial portion of these recoveries, specifically in Vhembe District, amounted to 96 high-powered cars, culminating in 61 arrests. Noteworthy seizures included 78 vehicles in Musina, alongside other recoveries in various locations. The operation also revealed the interception of firearms, The Herald reports, signalling a concerted effort to combat rampant cross-border crime. The escalating trend of vehicle thefts emanating from South Africa underscores a worrying pattern, with some thefts reportedly involving fraudulent insurance claims by vehicle owners, which necessitates enhanced vigilance and law enforcement measures across borders.

What they said

Senior marine risk consultant at Allianz Commercial Asia, Nitin Chopra, supported the Russia-Ukraine unrest argument, saying "Unstable regimes, regional disputes, and rivalries make for a dynamic situation around some of the world’s busiest shipping routes. The Red Sea crisis shows just how important critical waterways like the Suez Canal are to the world economy, and how vulnerable they can be to disruption.” Chopra added "Both routes are critical for the transport of manufactured goods and energy between Asia, Europe, and the US East Coast. Whichever route vessels take, they face lengthy diversions and increased costs. And let’s not forget, before these situations, the war in Ukraine had already prompted many shipping companies and cargo interests to seek alternative routes."

Indonesia will import three million tonnes of rice this year to address its rice deficit caused by the El Nino weather pattern. Indonesia’s economic minister Airlangga Hartarto is quoted by the state news agency saying, "The government has decided to import three million tonnes of rice. Two million of these are being processed at the State Logistics Agency (Bulog). Last year, Indonesia imported around 3.5 million tonnes of rice. Three million tons had been received while 500 thousand tons of the imported rice are expected to arrive this month." According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the country would have a 2.83 million tonne rice shortage from January to February of 2024. It is anticipated that the shortfall will be 1.61 million tonnes in January and 1.22 million tonnes in February.

Houses for earthquake victims

The Indonesian Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing plans to complete 190 more permanent houses for victims of the Cianjur earthquake in West Java by January 2024, Iwan Suprijanto, the ministry's Director General of Housing said on January 21. "The construction of permanent houses is one of the efforts to relocate people to a safer area. We are also using earthquake-resistant house construction technology to anticipate if natural disasters occur one day," said Suprijanto. The construction of the 190 houses is the third phase of the project, the first phase included the construction of 200 permanent homes, and the second phase included the construction of 151 units, Indonesia’s national news agency reports.

Candidates begin open election campaign

Open campaigning for candidates and political parties taking part in the 2024 Indonesia Election began on January 21.  According to the Indonesia General Election Commission (KPU) has established a schedule and stages for the public campaign rallies, which will take place over 21 days, from January 21 to February 7, 2024. The KPU has arranged public campaign rallies in three zones to prevent candidate collisions. Zone A, comprising 13 provinces, is where the first presidential and vice-presidential candidates Anies Rasyid Baswedan and Muhaimin Iskandar are expected to begin their open campaigns. Zone B, also with 13 provinces is where Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the second candidate for president and vice president, will begin. Zone C is where the third presidential and vice presidential candidate, Ganjar Pranowo and Mahfud MD will launch their open campaign in 12 provinces, the Kompas Indonesia reported.

Attracting Chinese tourists

Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has set a target of attracting 1 million to 1.5 million Chinese tourists in 2024, aiming to provide equal distribution of tourism benefits in the country.  "Last year, we targeted 361,000 Chinese tourists, and we achieved 707,000. This year, we increase the target to 1 million-1.5 million," said the ministry's Regional I Director of Tourism Marketing Wisnu Sindhutrisno on January 20. 65% of Chinese travelling to Indonesia are young people with longer trips and prefer activities related to adventure, nature, and culture, the ministry disclosed. China is still rated fourth for the number of international visitors arriving in Indonesia, particularly in Bali, behind visitors from Australia and India, Antara news agency reports.

Possibility of coastal flooding

Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Maritime Meteorological has warned residents of the northern coast of Jakarta about the possibility of coastal flooding from January 21 to January 27, 2024, the Indonesian state news agency reported. Head of the Jakarta Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) Isnawa AjiI said that the northern coastlines of Jakarta may experience coastal flooding as a result of the new moon phase's potential increase in the maximum sea tide height. According to him, the highest point of the high tide occurs between 7 am and 11 am Indonesia time.