What the proposed changes mean

The reforms, driven by the ruling party, would extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and, more controversially, remove the direct election of the president. Instead, lawmakers would choose the head of state. If approved, the changes could also allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power beyond his current mandate.

The proposals followed a highly criticised consultation process that lasted just four days from March 30 to April 2, far shorter than the 90 days typically required under Zimbabwe’s 2013 constitution. Critics argue that the shortened timeline limited public participation and undermined the legitimacy of the process.

Concerns over democratic backsliding

Opponents warn that the reforms could erode democratic safeguards introduced after the end of Robert Mugabe’s decades-long rule. By shifting presidential elections to parliament, where the ruling party holds significant influence, analysts fear a consolidation of power that weakens accountability and reduces the role of citizens in choosing their leaders.

Arguments for stability

Supporters, however, argue that the changes could help reduce election-related violence, which has marred Zimbabwe’s recent polls. They contend that indirect elections may ease political tensions and bring stability to the country’s governance system.

Broader global trend

Zimbabwe’s debate reflects a wider pattern seen in several countries where constitutional changes have extended leadership tenure or altered political structures. In Uganda and Rwanda, constitutional amendments have allowed long-serving leaders to remain in office. In Russia, reforms have enabled President Vladimir Putin to potentially extend his rule for years. More recently, developments in Cameroon have raised concerns about the concentration of power within ruling elites.

A nation divided

As Zimbabwe weighs its next steps, the country remains divided. For some, the reforms offer a path to stability. For others, they signal a dangerous shift away from democratic principles.

The outcome could shape not only Zimbabwe’s political future, but also the broader conversation about constitutionalism and democracy across the Global South .

World Reframed episode 35

World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

ISSN 2978-4891

This story is written and edited by the Global South World team. You can  contact us  here.

Zimbabwe is entering a period of heightened political uncertainty, with the country facing a constitutional crisis . While the document does not spell out the exact trigger, the context strongly suggests tensions linked to constitutional amendments and the broader balance of power within state institutions. The absence of specifics signals that this is still unfolding, rather than a resolved dispute, with potential implications for governance and legal stability.

Zanu PF intensifies long-term political positioning

Zanu PF is actively advancing its 2030 Bill campaign , taking the message to Heroes Acre, a site loaded with national and historical symbolism. This move underscores the strategic weight of the campaign, positioning it as part of a longer-term political project rather than routine legislation. At the same time, provincial outreach on Amendment No. 3 is being stepped up, indicating a coordinated national effort to build public backing for constitutional changes.

Referendum stance signals confidence in mobilisation

The Zanu PF party’s assertion that it does not fear a referendum reflects a calculated posture. It suggests confidence in its ability to secure public approval if a national vote is called. When viewed alongside the intensified outreach campaigns, this stance points to active preparation for a referendum scenario, even if no formal timeline has been announced.

ZiG transition exposes gap between policy and confidence

The debate around the Zimbabwe Gold currency is sharpening, highlighting a distinction between adoption and stability. Authorities are pushing for ZiG-only payments as a key step in the transition, but the need to emphasise stability separately suggests that confidence in the currency remains uncertain. The reference to the latest Monetary Policy Committee statement indicates that this is an ongoing policy challenge, not a settled issue.

Economic measures reflect mounting pressure on households and growth

Government responses point to rising economic strain, with plans to cut fuel taxes aimed at cushioning consumers. At the same time, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has held interest rates despite global fuel shocks, while authorities review construction sector fees to stimulate activity. Taken together, these measures reflect an attempt to balance immediate cost-of-living relief with broader economic stability.

In an online survey published in a report titled “Tracking Iran-Israel-USA Conflict Firm-Level Impact in Zimbabwe,” CZI said the impact is widespread across the economy. Only 1% of firms surveyed said the conflict has had no effect on their operations.

Overall, CZI said 99% of firms reported that the conflict is affecting their businesses to varying degrees, with about 60% reporting a significant impact, 31% a moderate impact and 8% a slight impact.

CZI said the latest disruptions highlight how quickly geopolitical shocks can filter into Zimbabwe’s economy through higher energy prices and slower movement of goods, especially when global shipping routes come under strain.

“My instructions are not to proceed with the bail applications,” Hodes said, adding that the pair intend to enter plea discussions with the state.

Hodes asked that the matter be transferred back to the regional court to facilitate the negotiations. The state confirmed the arrangement and requested a postponement. The case returns to court on March 17.

Mugabe and Matonhodze were arrested following a shooting at Mugabe’s home in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, on February 19, in which a 23-year-old gardener was seriously injured.

They face charges including attempted murder , possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, pointing a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice. Mugabe also faces a separate charge of being in South Africa illegally under the Immigration Act.

He said the NCA rejects plans by the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (Zanu PF) and Mnangagwa to extend his time in office beyond 2028.

"The NCA's founding principles have been to advocate for constitutionalism, establishment of strong State institutions and observing the rule of law . What Zanu PF seeks to do must be resisted by all means; we will not allow them to strip citizens of the right to vote for the President of the country, extend the term of Parliament and sitting councillors without going to a referendum," said Madhuku.

In February, Zimbabwe’s cabinet backed draft legislation that could extend presidential terms from five to seven years. If approved, the proposal would allow 83-year-old President Mnangagwa, a longtime ally of former president Robert Mugabe and in power since 2017, to remain in office until 2030.

Madhuku, a University of Zimbabwe law professor, said his party will carry out a nationwide mobilisation campaign to encourage Zimbabweans to resist the proposed changes to the country’s Constitution.

Takudzwa Ngadziore, the youngest lawmaker in the Parliament of Zimbabwe, has also called for resistance to the proposed term extension. He described the move as a shift "from a military coup to a constitutional coup".

“This is not a call only for young people. It is a call for Zimbabweans: students, workers, informal traders, the elderly, even those within the ruling party who still believe in the ideals that gave birth to this country,” he told Global South World .

Ngadziore, who was elected to the National Assembly in 2023 under the youth quota representing Harare Province, also criticised Mnangagwa’s leadership.

“Young people cannot afford a basic, dignified standard of living. Parents cannot provide for their children . And yet you stand there and say you are a constitutionalist while your party advances a resolution to extend your term,” he said.

“I believe that what he's done is simply to raise a middle finger to a whole generation.”

In their letters, they said the issue is about accountability as much as history, “This is not only about the past…until the remains of our ancestors are accounted for and returned, the suffering continues,” the Guardian quotes.

The families say they were dismayed after the museum and Cambridge said in 2022 they had not identified any remains in their collections as belonging to the resistance fighters, an answer the descendants and some Zimbabwean officials say is hard to accept without deeper research.

Among those seeking answers is Chief Makoni, Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, a descendant of Chief Chingaira Makoni, who fought British settler forces and was later captured, executed and beheaded. “We are very aggrieved…for the dehumanisation that took place,” he said, adding that British institutions “should be honest and return those things that they took.”

The renewed push comes as wider scrutiny grows over the scale of human remains from Africa held in UK institutions. A Guardian investigation found at least 11,856 items of human remains from Africa across UK universities, museums and councils, with Cambridge and the Natural History Museum among the largest holders.

In a statement issued on February 25, the ZRP highlighted the convictions as part of its anti-drug campaign and thanked the public for supporting law enforcement efforts.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that crime does not pay,” the police said, adding that the two former players were “arrested, convicted and sentenced… for dealing in dangerous drugs (dagga),” local news portal Pindula quotes .

Amidu previously played for CAPS United and South Africa ’s Kaizer Chiefs, while Mhlanga is a former Dynamos player.

"At its core, the arrangement was asymmetrical. Zimbabwe was being asked to share its biological resources and data over an extended period, with no corresponding guarantee of access to any medical innovations—such as vaccines, diagnostics, or treatments—that might result from that shared data," Mangwana said in a statement.

He added that the United States was not offering reciprocal sharing of its own epidemiological data.

The U.S. embassy in Harare confirmed that Washington’s health assistance to Zimbabwe would be wound down following the decision.

The two countries had been negotiating a bilateral health memorandum of understanding that would have provided $367 million to Zimbabwe over five years. The funding was intended to support HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and disease outbreak preparedness.

"We will now turn to the difficult and regrettable task of winding down our health assistance in Zimbabwe," U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont said.

Mangwana stated that the U.S. financial support was tied to conditions that Zimbabwe could not accept.

"When financial assistance is contingent upon concessions that touch upon national security, data sovereignty, or access to strategic resources, it fundamentally alters the nature of the relationship from one of partnership to one of unequal exchange. This we cannot accept."

On the same day, Zimbabwe’s mines ministry announced the suspension of exports of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates with immediate effect, citing alleged malpractices and leakages. Zimbabwe holds the largest lithium reserves in Africa.

The development follows similar concerns raised elsewhere on the continent. Late last year, a Kenyan court suspended a health funding agreement worth more than $1.6 billion signed with the United States, pending a hearing of a case filed by a consumer protection group over concerns about the safety of citizens’ health data.

"This growing continental reflection should not be misconstrued as anti-American sentiment," Mangwana said. "On the contrary, it is a sign of Africa's maturation as a geopolitical actor, one that seeks partnerships based on equality rather than patronage."

The Kenya pact was signed in Washington and was the first of its kind under an overhaul of U.S. foreign aid introduced during President Donald Trump's administration.

According to the U.S. embassy in Harare, sixteen African countries have signed health collaboration MOUs with the United States, representing more than $18.3 billion in new health funding. This includes over $11.2 billion in U.S. assistance and $7.1 billion in co-investment from recipient countries.

Last month, Washington announced it had signed a five-year health agreement with Malawi worth $936 million. Under the deal, signed as part of the U.S. government’s America First Global Health Strategy, the United States plans to provide up to $792 million over five years, subject to congressional approval. 

Ngadziore, who was elected into the National Assembly in 2023 under the youth quota representing Harare Province, also called on citizens to “rise up” against the shift “from a military coup to a constitutional coup.” 

“This is not a call only for young people. It is a call for Zimbabweans: students, workers, informal traders, the elderly, even those within the ruling party who still believe in the ideals that gave birth to this country,” he said. 

“A struggle without pain is a picnic. History has already taught us that freedom does not come on a silver platter. If we are afraid of hospitals, prisons or cemeteries when fighting oppression, then we are not liberators. We are simply accepting our chains,” he added. 

He went further to frame the constitutional amendment itself as a form of repression. “A constitutional amendment that removes your right to choose your leader is a form of arrest,” he said. “When you cannot vote for the president you want, when Members of Parliament are determined by manipulation, when your democratic power as a citizen is taken away, that is abduction in a metaphoric sense. You may not be in handcuffs, but your rights are in handcuffs.”

Takudzwa Ngadziore shared a message with President Emmerson Mnangagwa: “Young people cannot afford a basic, dignified standard of living. Parents cannot provide for their children . And yet you stand there and say you are a constitutionalist while your party advances a resolution to extend your term. If you truly believed in constitutionalism, you would simply leave. Courage is required for leadership. Unfortunately, that is what is lacking.”

Watch the full interview on Global South World .

The government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa agreed in 2020 to pay $3.5 billion in compensation to about 3,500 commercial farmers who were evicted during the early 2000s land reform programme. The programme led to the seizure of about 4,000 farms without compensation under former President Robert Mugabe.

Zimbabwe, which is burdened by $21 billion in debt, has struggled to meet the terms of the agreement. In 2023, the government revised its offer to provide 1% of the compensation in cash, with the remainder to be paid in US-dollar-denominated Zimbabwean treasury bonds carrying 2% interest.

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube told AFP that nearly 1,000 farmers have signed up to the revised arrangement, and several hundred reportedly received some cash and bonds last year. However, the payment process has been slow and unclear, and many farmers have rejected the new terms.

Outside intervention is “not necessarily a bad thing,” Ncube said in reference to reports that the farmers had hired Mercury Public Affairs, a US firm with ties to the Trump administration.

“We are committed to paying, and if they are trying to get other people to get us to pay, we have no problems with that,” Ncube said.

“We are paying anyway, and we would like to pay faster,” he added.

According to a letter in a US Department of Justice disclosure filing, four groups representing former commercial farmers hired the firm to support efforts to secure “full compensation”.

The group would contact administration representatives “to promote paying the Zimbabwean farmers the remaining balance of $3.5 billion owed,” the letter stated. The filing indicated that new financing could be sought from international institutions such as the World Bank.

Many of the affected farmers are now in their 70s and 80s. Some face financial challenges, according to Harry Orphanides of the Property and Farm Compensation Association, one of the groups involved.

“It’s a serious strain on the farmers, especially those who are elderly and have no other sources of income, as they were completely dependent on farming,” Orphanides said.

“Some of them are really desperate,” he added.

The land reform programme aimed to redistribute land that was largely owned by the white minority to black subsistence farmers. The process included violent farm invasions in which farmers were killed. Some farms were later taken over by government officials or ruling party affiliates, while others were neglected. The disruption to the agricultural sector affected the broader economy and contributed to food shortages.

Under the 2020 Global Compensation Deed (GCD), the government agreed to compensate farmers for infrastructure and improvements made on the land, but not for the land itself, which authorities consider to have been taken during colonial settlement.

“Whilst carbon trading has been under implementation in Zimbabwe over the past two decades, urban local authorities have largely not been participating owing to limited awareness and capacity,” she is quoted by the Herald Online .

Ndlovu said climate change impacts were worsening, making it urgent for government institutions to integrate climate action into planning and budgets. She cited the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), launched on November 27, 2025, which calls for mitigation and adaptation across sectors, including energy, transport, industry, waste, agriculture and disaster management.

“Our urban environs have vast potential to supply the global carbon market with high integrity carbon credits and in turn benefit us in terms of low carbon development, infrastructure improvement and enhanced revenue inflows,” she said.

She said potential projects include methane capture from engineered landfills to generate electricity, producing biochar from sewage for agriculture, and waste-to-energy initiatives.

Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini told senators the clause had been “smuggled” into the bill. “The clause was smuggled in; it was not there originally,” Kwidini said during the debate.

The proposed amendment would have allowed abortions on request up to 20 weeks for adults and minors without parental consent, removed spousal notification requirements, and permitted a single medical practitioner to authorise the procedure.

Kwidini distanced the ministry from the provision, saying it was not part of the original draft presented in the Lower House. “When the Bill was introduced in the Lower House at First Reading, there was no Clause 11, it ended at Clause 10,” he said. “As the Ministry, we are saying Clause 11 cannot be part of this Bill.”

Most senators indicated they were unwilling to support the clause in its current form. The government suggested that if abortion law reforms are to be considered, they should be introduced under a separate bill.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers were called to the scene after neighbours reported hearing two to three gunshots.

SAPS spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the arrest. “The police can confirm that the two men that were brought in for questioning in relation to a shooting that occurred earlier today at Hyde Park have been officially arrested and are expected to appear before Alexandra Magistrates’ Court soon on charges of attempted murder. Police investigations continue,” she said .

Police are investigating a case of attempted murder . Authorities said cartridges were found at the scene, but no firearm has yet been recovered.

Nevhuhulwi added, “According to information at hand, the victim is an employee at this residence and has been taken to hospital.”

Police sources said Mugabe allegedly locked himself inside the house for about two hours before officers were able to detain him and another individual for questioning. A multidisciplinary team, including K-9 units and forensic investigators, later returned to the property to continue searching for the weapon.

“The K9 unit, Bramley station detectives and Forensic Crime Scene Management are processing the scene,” Nevhuhulwi said.

Speaking to SABC, a man identifying himself as “Batista,” who said he is part of the family’s private security team, said he had received a call requesting assistance. He also expressed frustration after being denied entry to the Hyde Park property.

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe is the third child of the late Robert Mugabe and his second wife, Grace Mugabe. Robert Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe from 1980 until he was removed from office in 2017.

One key driver of the expected bumper harvest is the increase in land under cultivation. According to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), farmers have planted more than 162,000 hectares this season, up 42 percent from about 114,000 hectares last year.

Industry officials say improved planning, stable policies and stronger contract farming arrangements have encouraged more growers to expand production. “The increase in planted area demonstrates renewed confidence by growers in the tobacco sector,” said TIMB chairperson Patrick Devenish.

Another major factor is the shift toward domestic financing. The government says 67 percent of tobacco funding now comes from local banks and financial institutions, compared to a heavier reliance on foreign contractors in the past.

Under cooperation models such as Zimbabwe-China partnerships, both smallholder and commercial farmers have gained better access to capital and inputs.

“Zimbabwe not only surpassed production targets, but also significantly increased the localisation of tobacco financing,” said Lands and Agriculture Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri.

Favourable rainfall has also helped, but farmers are increasingly relying on irrigation systems such as the locally developed Smart Pfumvudza model, which costs under $2,000 and allows earlier planting while reducing the risks of dry spells.

In addition, new drought-tolerant tobacco varieties developed by Kutsaga Research are boosting yields. Under proper farming practices, farmers can now achieve between 2,500 and 5,000 kg per hectare.

The country has already surpassed its 300 million kg target under the National Development Strategy and is now aiming for 400 million kg by 2028. Currently, only about 10 percent of tobacco is processed locally, though that is up from just 2 percent in previous years.

The policy would impose a heavy tax on imports from nations with active trade ties to Iran, although the US government has not formally published the full details and legal framework of the measure.

Zimbabwe has signed 12 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Iran covering key sectors such as agriculture, mining , pharmaceuticals, and tourism, and officials had hoped to boost bilateral trade substantially, from around US$30 million to US$500 million, through joint ventures and investment partnerships.

“The 25% tariff essentially acts as a massive transaction tax on any country maintaining these ties,” a Zimbabwean trade expert told the Zimbabwe Independent, warning that deals signed in late 2023 are now at risk.

For Zimbabwean companies, the tariff poses a new and difficult economic choice as to whether to continue pursuing trade goals with Iran and face higher costs imposed by the United States, or scale back ties to avoid potentially losing competitiveness in the US and global markets.

Under the new rules, any country trading with Tehran could see its goods face higher duties when entering the US market, even where those countries have limited or regional trade volumes with Iran.

Zimbabwe’s energy sector has reached a major milestone following the successful completion of the Petroleum Production Sharing Agreement (PPSA) process for the Cabora Bassa Project, led by Invictus Energy. Formal execution of the agreement is expected in January 2026, providing a clear legal and fiscal framework to advance oil and gas exploration and development. Planned next steps include appraisal of the Mukuyu Gas Field and drilling of the Musuma-1 exploration well. The African Energy Chamber welcomed the development, noting that the Mukuyu Gas Field could hold up to 20 trillion cubic feet of gas. In August 2025, Qatar-based Al Mansour Holdings acquired a 19.9% stake in Invictus Energy and committed up to $500 million in conditional funding to support commercialisation.

South Africa steps up border patrols near Zimbabwe

South Africa has intensified efforts to curb cross-border smuggling along the Limpopo River near the Zimbabwean border by deploying armoured, all-terrain vehicles and additional personnel. The Border Management Authority confirmed that three specialised vehicles, including one capable of operating in water, are now patrolling the river corridor. Authorities say the area remains a hotspot for smuggling activities involving fuel, food, cigarettes, stolen vehicles and undocumented migrants.

China backs irrigation upgrades to boost Zimbabwe agriculture

China and Zimbabwe on December 19, signed letters of exchange on the upgrading and maintenance of China-aided irrigation schemes across the country. The project will renovate nine irrigation facilities in six provinces, aiming to strengthen agricultural productivity and climate resilience. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the initiative will support rural farmers, expand irrigated land and help climate-proof agriculture against droughts and erratic rainfall. Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding described the project as another milestone in bilateral cooperation focused on improving livelihoods and modernising agriculture.

Zimbabwe to roll out long-acting HIV prevention injection

Zimbabwe will begin administering the long-acting HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir to at least 46,500 people in early 2026, health authorities announced on December 15. The twice-yearly injectable, which provides six months of protection, will be rolled out initially in districts with high HIV incidence, including Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare. Officials said rollout sites have been prepared and staff trained, with the first shipment expected in January. The programme will prioritise adolescent girls, young women and other high-risk groups.

Zimbabwe return to AFCON stage against Egypt

Zimbabwe are preparing for their sixth Africa Cup of Nations appearance, returning to the tournament after missing the 2023 edition due to a FIFA suspension. They will face Egypt in their opening match at the Morocco-hosted tournament. Egypt, the most successful AFCON nation, holds a strong historical record against Zimbabwe, having won eight of their 14 meetings. Zimbabwe last defeated Egypt in 1994 during World Cup qualifying and will be seeking to make an impact on their return to continental competition.

The measures are contained in Statutory Instrument 215 of 2025, formally titled the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment (Foreign Participation in Reserved Sectors) Regulations, 2025. They establish a phased but accelerated localisation regime, compelling affected firms to divest at least 25% of their equity each year, beginning immediately.

From the date of gazetting, foreign-owned companies operating in the reserved sectors have 30 days to submit regularisation plans, setting out how they will comply with the new ownership requirements.

At the heart of the regulations is Zimbabwe’s attempt to reserve select industries for its citizens — most of which have long been dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises, but which have increasingly been taken over by foreign operators in recent years.

The sectors now fully reserved for indigenous citizens include:

Passenger transport services such as taxis and commuter buses, along with estate agencies, clearing and customs services, are also effectively restricted, though with limited exceptions.

In three sectors, foreign participation is permitted only where the business operates under a recognised international brand or franchise. These include passenger transport, estate agencies, and clearing and customs services.

For other sectors, foreign investors are not banned outright but face steep entry barriers designed to restrict participation to large-scale operations. Regulations set explicit minimum investment and employment thresholds :

Penalties

Existing foreign-owned businesses operating in reserved sectors are given three years to comply with the localisation timetable.

The regulations explicitly criminalise attempts to circumvent the law, including the use of fronting arrangements or nominee shareholders. Authorities are empowered to suspend or cancel operating licences for companies that fail to regularise their ownership structures within the stipulated period.

State media reports say enforcement will be strict, particularly in sectors such as artisanal mining, where the government has for years struggled to curb illegal operations and foreign syndicates, many of them involving Chinese nationals extracting gold, chrome and lithium.

Unaffected sectors

The government has been keen to stress that the regulations do not apply across the entire economy. Strategic and capital-intensive sectors — including banking, large-scale mining and other major industries — remain open to foreign ownership under existing laws.

Officials argue that the policy is a corrective measure rather than a reversal of Zimbabwe’s broader investment strategy, aimed at protecting informal and small-scale sectors from foreign encroachment.

While authorities frame the regulations as a long-overdue empowerment drive designed to restore economic agency to ordinary Zimbabweans, analysts warn that the abrupt scope and scale of the changes could unsettle investors and disrupt supply chains.

Forced divestments, tight deadlines and criminal penalties risk deepening perceptions of policy unpredictability in a country already grappling with capital shortages and fragile investor confidence.

Still, the message from Harare is unequivocal: in much of Zimbabwe’s day-to-day economy, local ownership is no longer optional — it is now mandatory.

“We have enough foreign currency reserves that will be able to cover the next three to six months. By 2030, all things being equal, we will have enough foreign currency reserves to transition to a mono-currency,” Matshe is quoted .

Zimbabwe has struggled for more than a decade to restore a functioning national currency after bouts of hyperinflation forced the government to abandon the Zimbabwe dollar in 2009.

The most recent attempt, the ZiG, short for Zimbabwe Gold, was launched in April 2024 and now accounts for roughly 40% of daily transactions. The currency has been buoyed by a sharp rise in global gold prices, with mining companies benefiting from a 48% rally this year.

The gold boom has also lifted activity on the dollar-denominated Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, where several gold-linked stocks have performed strongly. Analysts say the trend has helped stabilise domestic markets and reduce pressure on the foreign-exchange system.

Matshe said the country currently holds around US$1 billion in reserves, but expects to accumulate enough over the next three years to meet the minimum import-cover threshold required for a fully independent national currency.

Zimbabwe’s central bank believes stronger reserves, along with a more stable ZiG, will allow the government to gradually end the dual-currency system and reduce reliance on the US dollar.

 The deal marks a revival of earlier efforts as Dangote had visited Zimbabwe in 2015 and explored similar plans in 2018, but those did not advance.

He said the investment package will span a cement plant, a coal mine (or coal supply arrangement), power-generation capacity and a petroleum product pipeline that aligns with Dangote Group’s broader plans for its oil-refining and downstream business.

"We have just signed an agreement between Zimbabwe and the Dangote Group to do various investments in various sectors, some of which are, of course, cement, power generation and a pipeline to bring petroleum products," Dangote said.

Why Zimbabwe now

Dangote commented that the current environment in Zimbabwe shows improved governance , transparency and policy stability compared with his visit a decade ago and cites those as reasons for proceeding now.

From the Zimbabwean side, government officials affirmed that attracting high-impact foreign direct investment is strategic to achieving the nation’s industrialisation goals. The deal aligns with the government’s “Vision 2030” ambition to become a modern, upper‐middle-income industrial economy .

Additionally, the project could generate thousands of jobs, both directly (in the cement plant, mine and power station) and indirectly (in logistics, services and local supply chains). It also helps Zimbabwe reduce its reliance on imports of cement, energy, and potentially petroleum products, thereby breaking supply bottlenecks.

For Zimbabwe, which has, over recent years, suffered from electricity shortages, high industrial import dependence and weak external investment flows, the Dangote commitment represents one of the largest privately-led foreign investment pledges in over a decade.

Maenzanise first entered the fitness world in 2016 through aerobics and general conditioning, before being introduced to powerlifting in 2020. Just four months into her strength-training journey, she competed in her first national powerlifting event in Zimbabwe and took home gold, a moment she says transformed her self-belief.

" People , even my family and friends, didn't believe a woman could compete in this sport," she recalled. "The exercises require endurance, speed, and power. But my passion kept me going."

After claiming bronze in her maiden African Strongman competition and now securing the continent’s top female title, Maenzanise is setting her ambitions even higher.

"My focus is to be in the top ten in the world… I'm now believing I can also get the gold medal in the world,” she said.

Yet ironically, both of these superpowers lack significant domestic reserves of many of these minerals. Africa, in contrast, hosts them, from cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo to lithium in Zimbabwe and platinum in South Africa .

But much of the value is lost externally. Raw minerals are exported, refined elsewhere, and packaged into high-value goods overseas.

This extract-then-enrich model leaves African countries dependent and undercompensated. The insight is simple: control over resources means control over the future — whether in energy, security, or technological development.

The narrative, however, is shifting. Across the continent, governments and entrepreneurs are pushing to recapture value. Ghana has established a new Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to regulate gold trading, buy local output, and discourage smuggling.

Zimbabwe is making a bold move after banning raw lithium ore exports in 2022. The government plans to ban lithium concentrate exports starting January 2027, forcing downstream processing to occur domestically.

Still, challenges remain. Global lithium prices have collapsed from their highs, squeezing margins and putting pressure on miners to survive through volatility.

The geopolitical pressure is also intensifying as China has recently tightened its export controls on rare earths and related technologies, especially around defence and semiconductors, signalling a more assertive posture.

After the devastating drought of 2024, agriculture is expected to rebound by at least 21% in 2025. This recovery will lift incomes for farmers, who make up more than half of the workforce , and improve hydropower output, a relief for sectors like manufacturing and services.

Zimbabwe is also benefiting from a global gold rally. Prices have jumped more than 40% this year, encouraging miners to expand output. BMI’s mining team now expects gold production to grow 4% in 2025, up from earlier forecasts of 3.5%. Tobacco exports are also rebounding, with production up 52% year-on-year to July 2025.

These trends are helping the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency hold steady. The exchange rate is expected to slip only slightly from ZWG25.8/USD at the end of 2024 to ZWG27.0/USD by the end of 2025. Additionally, taming inflation, which BMI sees easing from 93.8% in August to 45% by year’s end. With household incomes stabilising, private consumption growth is expected to climb to 4.8% in 2025, up from 3.8% previously forecast.

While price growth is easing, inflation will remain elevated at nearly 50% on average in 2026, limiting purchasing power and complicating investment decisions. A weaker-than-expected currency or new shocks to commodity prices could quickly reverse gains.

“Our AI factory provides the infrastructure for innovation to scale, empowering African businesses, start-ups, and researchers with access to cutting-edge AI infrastructure. Now they don’t have to look beyond Africa to get it,” Business Insider quotes Masiyiwa.

The first facility is already being developed in South Africa and will run on 3,000 Nvidia GPUs. The others are expected in Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt and Morocco.

Earlier this year, Cassava launched a dedicated AI business unit and signed partnerships with global tech giants Microsoft, AWS, Google, and Anthropic. Analysts say such alliances could accelerate Africa’s role in the global AI industry while ensuring the infrastructure benefits local talent and institutions.

Africa is home to fast-growing pools of tech talent, but only 5% of AI developers on the continent currently have access to the computing power required to train advanced AI models. By building local AI infrastructure, Cassava hopes to close this gap, reduce costs, and keep sensitive data on the continent.

Masiyiwa, worth an estimated $1.3 billion, made his fortune building Econet Wireless into one of Africa’s largest telecom companies before expanding into cloud computing, fintech, and cybersecurity.

The map, compiled from Numbeo’s 2024 Cost of Living Index and supported by other regional data, highlights how daily expenses vary widely across the continent.

Egypt, with a cost index between 37.5–45.5, benefits from government-subsidised food staples and relatively low housing costs.

Zimbabwe tops the list with an index above 67.5, reflecting persistent inflation, currency instability, and high import costs.

Other affordable countries include Tunisia, Algeria, and Ethiopia, while higher-cost nations include South Africa , Namibia, and Mauritius.

According to the African Development Bank and World Bank reports, differences in the cost of living are driven by:

Regional patterns

The platform’s Cost of Living Index is calculated using crowdsourced price data for goods, services, rent, and utilities, submitted by residents across the globe.

Here are the top five cities:

1. Harare, Zimbabwe — Cost of Living Index: 36.6

Harare tops the list as Africa’s most expensive city to live in. Persistent economic instability and rampant inflation have pushed consumer prices to unsustainable levels, straining household budgets for basic needs such as food and utilities. Numbeo places the city at the very top, with no African city surpassing its index score.

2. Johannesburg, South Africa — Index: 33.2

As South Africa’s financial and commercial hub, Johannesburg comes in second. High costs are driven mainly by expensive housing markets, elevated utility fees, and robust demand for urban services. The city’s affluent suburbs and thriving economic activity contribute to its elevated living index.

3. Accra, Ghana — Index: 31.8

Accra claims the third position, as a rising economic centre facing rapidly increasing costs of housing, transportation , and food, largely fueled by inflation and surging consumer demand.

4. Casablanca, Morocco — Index: 31.4

Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and main economic power centre, ranks fourth. Costs here are elevated by urban infrastructure needs, rising rents, and escalating price levels across food and services.

5. Cape Town, South Africa — Index: 31.3

Cape Town rounds out the top five, tied with Pretoria in living costs. High property prices, especially in scenic or highly desirable neighbourhoods, have kept housing and overall living costs elevated.

These rankings directly reflect the steep price of everyday life in select African cities. From housing and utilities to food and commuting, residents feel the pinch.

For example, Cape Town’s housing market has ballooned, with home prices exceeding R2.23 million (about $120,000) as of September 2024, doubling rates in other major South African cities.

Similarly, Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech face sustained price hikes. In 2025 alone, Rabat’s rental costs were measured 2.2% higher than Casablanca, and 34.1% more expensive than Marrakech.

Paul Nyathi, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police said, “Police officers in uniform must not enter betting shops or casinos to gamble. This does not portray the police in good light, and such behaviour is strongly discouraged. Anyone caught doing so will face disciplinary action.”

The announcement has gained support from the country’s betting and casino operators, who say they already have rules in place to stop uniformed officers and soldiers from gambling at their venues.

They argue that such a measure helps keep the environment comfortable for all customers.

The gambling sector in Zimbabwe has grown rapidly in recent years, creating jobs and contributing to government revenue.

At a recent National Forum on Responsible Betting in Harare, industry leaders, policymakers, and regulators discussed how to manage the rise in gambling responsibly while reducing harm.

They called for stronger regulations to stop illegal betting and ensure that gambling remains a safe and well-managed activity.

Dr Misheck Chingozha, head of the Lotteries and Gaming Board, said gambling is now being seen in a new light.

“The view that gambling is evil is fast disappearing. It’s now a significant contributor to livelihoods and national economies,” he said.

The image for this story was AI-generated.

In one incident in 2023, a truck carrying what was declared as chrome was intercepted at the border with Mozambique, only for inspectors to discover the shipment contained raw lithium. The truck and trailer, valued at over $50,000, were impounded for a year, and the transport company was fined $5,000 before recovering the vehicle, the East African reports.

Zimbabwe holds Africa’s largest lithium reserves and is among the world’s top producers of the mineral, which is critical for green energy technologies. However, border officials have admitted to accepting bribes to allow lithium shipments to pass unchecked. Tendai, a former border agent, confirmed his involvement in such schemes and acknowledged being arrested and fined for his role.

Despite efforts by mining companies such as Arcadia and Bikita Minerals to establish local processing operations, illegal exports persist. Gorden Moyo, director of the Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe, said the trade is sustained by officials and security personnel colluding with politicians and foreign entities, particularly from China, which dominates Zimbabwe’s mining sector.

While the country’s lithium production capacity reportedly grew by 230% between 2022 and 2023, the government has yet to demonstrate whether the export ban has translated into higher revenues. Most of the smuggled lithium is destined for China.

 Zimbabwe currently records the highest petrol price on the continent at $1.54 per litre, followed closely by Ghana ($1.39), the Central African Republic ($1.375), and Kenya ($1.37). These elevated prices are often driven by limited refining capacity, growing transport costs, or reduced government subsidies.

Zimbabwe’s dependence on imports and foreign currency shortages leads to higher costs. Meanwhile, in Kenya, state-imposed levies and a structured fuel pricing formula contribute significantly to the price.

On the contrary, Libya offers some of the cheapest petrol in the world, with prices as low as two cents per litre. This is primarily due to long-standing government subsidies and abundant oil reserves. In Algeria and Angola, where prices are $0.26 and $0.24, respectively, similar state-backed policies help keep fuel affordable despite shifts in the global market.

The global average petrol price stands at around $1.30 per litre . While Africa’s average is slightly below this, the continent features extreme outliers at both ends of the spectrum. This is partly due to Africa’s unique combination of resource richness and infrastructural limitations.

Oil-rich countries may keep prices low through subsidies, but fragile economies and governance challenges mean that many consumers still pay high prices for basic energy needs.

Overall, fuel prices across Africa in June are influenced by a range of interlinked factors, with government subsidies and taxation playing a key role. Countries such as Libya, Algeria, and Egypt maintain some of the lowest prices on the continent thanks to long-standing fuel subsidies.

These subsidies reduce the burden on consumers but can place a strain on public finances. In contrast, countries like Kenya and South Africa impose multiple taxes and levies on petrol. In Kenya, for instance, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) updates prices monthly based on a formula that includes global oil prices, importation costs, and distributor margins, leaving consumers more exposed to international market swings.

The ability to refine crude oil domestically also has a significant impact on fuel prices. Angola and Algeria, both significant oil producers, refine large volumes of oil within their borders, helping to keep prices relatively low.

However, many African countries export their crude oil and then re-import refined products due to a lack of refining infrastructure. This practice adds considerable costs from international shipping and processing, underlining the infrastructure shortfalls that continue to affect even resource-rich nations.

For countries that rely heavily on fuel imports, price volatility is often driven by global market trends and currency fluctuations.

In nations with weaker local currencies , any depreciation directly increases the cost of imported fuel, which is typically priced in US dollars. As a result, even modest exchange rate shifts can push pump prices significantly higher, especially in economies with high inflation or fiscal instability.

Geography and transport logistics also play a role. Innerland countries like Chad, Uganda, and Mali rely on overland fuel transport from distant seaports, which raises logistical costs. These expenses are eventually passed down to consumers, resulting in higher retail prices compared to coastal nations with easier access to international shipping routes.

The way fuel prices are regulated further contributes to regional disparities. In some countries, governments directly control fuel pricing to shield consumers from global shocks, but this approach can lag market realities and lead to supply issues. In more liberalised markets, prices fluctuate more freely in line with international oil trends, as is the case in South Africa, where adjustments are made every month.

Lastly, operational inefficiencies and profit margins in the supply chain also factor into retail pricing. In some parts of Africa, the lack of competition, outdated infrastructure, or monopolistic control over distribution networks inflates fuel costs.

The final price consumers pay often reflects not just the cost of the fuel itself, but also the margins of fuel station owners, wholesalers, and refiners operating in the system.

According to the Global Livability Index, numerous African cities face significant challenges, including continuous economic pressures, rising insecurity, and under-resourced healthcare and education systems.

Cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt in Nigeria are grappling with overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and increasing crime rates. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, suffers from hyperinflation and failing infrastructure.

The report assesses various factors affecting the quality of life in urban areas. Stability considers crime rates and civil unrest, while healthcare is evaluated based on the availability and quality of health services. Furthermore, the culture and environment category measures climate and recreation, and education focuses on access to schooling. Infrastructure evaluates transport, housing, and connectivity.

Overall, the livability rankings show that African cities, like Algiers and Tripoli, also struggle with severe challenges. For example, Libya's Tripoli faces ongoing conflict repercussions while Algiers deals with weak economic structures. Inadequate infrastructure and poor housing conditions exacerbate these issues.

Here’s a snapshot of the ten most difficult cities to live in according to the index:

1. Caracas, Venezuela

2. Kyiv, Ukraine

3. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

4. Harare, Zimbabwe

5. Lagos, Nigeria

6. Algiers, Algeria

7. Karachi, Pakistan

8. Dhaka, Bangladesh

9. Tripoli, Libya

10. Damascus, Syria

This ranking reveals just how significant the disparities are in global living conditions, particularly in war-torn or economically-strapped nations.

The 2025 State of World Population (SWOP) Report, launched this week by UNFPA, the Zimbabwean government, and partners, revealed, amongst others, that across the world, millions of people are having fewer children than they desire. Economic challenges, healthcare costs, job insecurity, and difficulty finding suitable partners are the leading obstacles.

According to the latest 2023-24 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, the country’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) stands at 3.9 children per woman, down from 4.3 in 1994. However, a closer look reveals an urban-rural divide; urban women average 3.1 children, while their rural counterparts average 4.6 children. Women in cities also tend to delay childbirth, starting their families at around 21.1 years compared to 19.4 years in rural areas.

For urban Zimbabwean families, the high cost of living, coupled with the rising expense of childcare, education, and healthcare, plays a significant role in limiting family size. “Even if women, especially those in the workforce, desire more children, balancing childcare with career growth is a huge challenge,” the report notes. The pressure to maintain full-time employment while managing domestic responsibilities often forces families to opt for smaller households.

UNFPA’s findings show that globally, women still perform three to ten times more unpaid domestic and caregiving work than men. This imbalance is shown in Zimbabwe, where urban women often shoulder the dual burden of professional work and household management, making larger families less feasible.

Women from the highest wealth quintile have an average of 2.6 children , while those from the lowest quintile average 5.5 children. Additionally, wealthier women tend to have their first child at 21.9 years, three years later than women from lower-income backgrounds.

Jo Abbot, UK Development Director and Deputy Head of Mission, emphasised that these trends pose not just personal but developmental challenges. “This report is a wake-up call. When people are unable to have the families they want due to economic or social barriers, it’s not just a personal loss, it’s a development challenge,” she said .

For years, authorities enforced strict rules that banned pricing goods or services more than 10 percent above the official rate, often leading to arrests and fines.

These controls were aimed at stabilising the local currency, but often distorted market activity and hurt investor confidence.

The International Monetary Fund has repeatedly urged Zimbabwe to allow market forces to determine exchange rates and welcomed the end of what it called “undesirable exchange restrictions.”

Officials say the liberalisation will bring the formal and informal sectors closer together, improve competitiveness, and encourage fairer pricing.

There are concerns, however, about how the floating ZiG will maintain its gold backing and withstand market volatility.

Critics warn that without clear oversight, the currency could face pressure from inflation and speculative trading.

“We want the market players to drive activity, not the central bank or its agents. The heavy-handedness is gone. You will never see it again,” said Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Innocent Matshe.

It said the page lists fake jobs and demands Ksh48,187 (US$375) for what it calls an “Africa Regional Labour Accreditation Certificate.”

In a public statement, the ministry said the Zimbabwean government does not charge for job applications and that any official hiring into the public service is handled by the Public Service Commission.

"The page purports to be recruiting staff for the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Kenya and provides a list of fraudulent job offers,” the ministry said.

“Members of the public are advised that this Facebook page does not represent the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in Kenya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe, nor the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe."

Authorities have launched investigations into who is behind the scam and are working with social media companies and police to shut down the fake account.

Officials also urged the public to be careful when looking for jobs abroad and to always check with official government offices or embassies to avoid falling victim to fraud .

Critics said the law targeted human rights activists and civil society groups, especially those who speak out against the government in international forums or seek outside support for justice.

The court agreed, saying the harsh punishments in section 22A (3) violate rights guaranteed by Zimbabwe’s Constitution, such as freedom of expression, association, and the right to participate in public life.

The case was brought by the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe and citizen Zenzele Ndebele, who argued that the law was vague, overly broad, and open to abuse. They warned it would silence opposing views and limit democratic freedoms.

The Patriotic Act has drawn strong criticism since its approval, with groups including the United Nations human rights office and Human Rights Watch saying it poses a serious threat to civil liberties .

Despite the court’s ruling, human rights organisations are calling on the government to fully repeal the law, warning that other parts still violate international rights standards.

Zimbabwe’s government has not yet said whether it will challenge the ruling or change the remaining sections of the act.

The law requires postmortems in cases of sudden or unexplained deaths, and they are meant to be free in public hospitals. But with only a handful of trained pathologists serving the entire country, meeting the demands appears almost impossible.

Families are often told they must wait days, even weeks, for results.

Many, desperate to bury their relatives, are asked to pay informal fees to speed up the process.

These “fast-tracking” payments, which can range from US$30 to US$100, are reportedly solicited by police officers, mortuary workers and hospital staff and have become common despite being illegal. 

Health workers say they are forced to rely on these unofficial payments due to poor salaries.

A 2021 survey by Transparency International found that more than 70% of Zimbabweans had been asked to pay a bribe for medical services.

At some hospitals, staff have been accused of creating fake delays to pressure families into paying.

Even when a postmortem is carried out, families sometimes receive results verbally from police officers, rather than doctors, with no written report provided.

This has raised concerns about the accuracy of findings, especially in cases where families suspect foul play.

Officials at major hospitals have admitted that there are problems in the system, including corruption . Some hospitals have partnered with Cuban doctors to help meet the need for forensic postmortems and reduce delays.

Others have added more days for postmortem services in an attempt to ease pressure.

This comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s health system is in deep crisis. Many doctors and nurses have left the country for better jobs elsewhere, and those who remain often work under difficult conditions.

Nurses have held protests over low pay and lack of resources, but such actions are now restricted by law.

Health experts warn that without serious reform, corruption will continue to harm the most vulnerable, especially families who cannot afford to pay extra for services that should be free.

Disclaimer: The image for the article was AI-generated

But under the new policy , companies will only be allowed to export refined lithium products, not unprocessed material.

The aim is to keep more of the lithium value chain within Zimbabwe, create jobs, and attract investment in local refining.

The government hopes to follow Indonesia’s example, where a similar ban on nickel exports led to a boom in domestic processing and battery production.

Several Chinese firms, including Sinomine and Huayou Cobalt, have already started building plants in Zimbabwe to make lithium sulphate, a processed material used in battery manufacturing.

Others, such as Canmax, Chengxin and Yahua, may have to do the same if they want to keep buying from Zimbabwe.

The move matters beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. In the first quarter of this year alone, the country exported more than 200,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate to China .

This is enough to produce nearly 26,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent, a standard unit in the battery industry.

If the export ban takes effect without enough local processing capacity in place, it could create supply delays and force global buyers to look elsewhere but if Zimbabwe succeeds, it could become a more powerful player in the global lithium market.

The shift highlights how countries rich in natural resources are demanding more than just royalties. They want a bigger share of the benefits from the global green energy transition.

As demand for electric vehicles and battery storage rises, Zimbabwe’s move is a clear signal that supply chains will depend as much on national policies as on geology.

The cull comes months after the country killed more than 200 elephants in 2024 and gave the meat to struggling communities hit by drought.

The plan was announced by Zimbabwe’s Parks and Wildlife Authority, which granted permits to Save Valley Conservancy, a private game reserve in the southeast.

Officials say the area now has over 2,500 elephants, but the land can only support around 800. Too many elephants, according to them, means damaged land, less water , and more competition with people.

Zimbabwe is still recovering from a severe drought caused by El Niño in 2024, which left crops failing and water sources drying up.

The government declared a national disaster in April after more than half of the rural population was found to be short on food. Officials say elephant meat offers one way to support hungry families, while ivory from the animals will be kept by the state.

Authorities say although relocation is preferred, it costs too much and takes time.

So far, over 200 elephants have been killed in the past five years. With money tight and food shortages growing, the government believes culling is the quickest option.

Meanwhile, animal rights groups the World Animal Protection Agency says the country is using a crisis to excuse the killing of wildlife, calling for long-term solutions that protect both people and animals.

Zimbabwe has the second-largest elephant population in the world after Botswana

The system, adopted last week after wide consultation, is the first of its kind in Zimbabwe.

It brings together all the country’s gender-related goals under one national framework. Officials say the goal is to make better decisions by using accurate and consistent data.

For years, Zimbabwe struggled with poor gender statistics.

Ministries often submitted incomplete reports shortly before deadlines, making it hard for the government to understand real progress in areas such as land ownership, access to education, and women’s role in the economy.

The new system will measure gender gaps in six main areas: economic resources, health, education, human rights , political participation, and the environment.

These indicators are based on global and African gender equality standards but adjusted to fit Zimbabwe’s local context.

The country’s statistics agency, ZIMSTAT, will lead the data collection, working with other ministries. Officials aim to set a national baseline by August. The first gender equality report is expected in early 2026.

The project was developed with help from the UN Economic Commission for Africa. A joint oversight team made up of government agencies, civil society , and international experts will track progress and guide improvements.

Zimbabwe now joins a growing number of African countries investing in detailed, long-term systems to monitor gender equality.

The situation is driven by a combination of climate-related shocks, public health emergencies, and economic instability, according to a recent UNICEF Zimbabwe humanitarian report .

The crisis is largely attributed to an El Niño-induced drought that has severely disrupted food production, alongside multiple public health threats, including cholera and malaria.

As of April 30, the country had recorded 740 cholera cases and 20 deaths, with a 2% case fatality rate. "The main drivers of cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases remain poor access to safe water and inadequate sanitation coverage, particularly in informal settlements such as farming, fishing and artisanal mining communities,” the report stated.

In addition, 125,021 cases of common diarrhoea and 54 associated deaths were recorded by April. Dysentery and typhoid also remain concerns, with 7,588 and 60 suspected cases, respectively, reported since January.

The crisis has extended to the education sector. Since the onset of the rainy season, 92 schools have been damaged, mainly involving collapsed roofs on classroom blocks and teachers’ cottages. “Communities and local authorities are doing what they can to mitigate the impact of heavy rains and ensure the safety of students and teachers,” said the Education Cluster Update .

There has been a marked rise in school absenteeism and dropouts, primarily due to hunger. Emergency teaching materials are being rapidly depleted, leaving gaps in the national response.

In response, UNICEF and its partners have scaled up humanitarian operations. A total of 1,176 health workers, including 611 women and 565 men, have been trained in cholera surveillance and infection control. Nutrition programmes are also being expanded in the 18 most affected districts, with a focus on preventing all forms of malnutrition.

“There is a critical need to expand the coverage of programmes aimed at preventing all forms of malnutrition,” the report noted. “This includes scaling up care groups and strengthening district food and nutrition security committees.”

South African mother given life sentence for trafficking 6-year-old daughter

A South African mother and two accomplices were sentenced to life on Thursday for trafficking her 6-year-old daughter, in a case that gripped the nation. Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and friend Steveno Van Rhyn were convicted of kidnapping and trafficking Joshlin Smith, who vanished from a small Western Cape town last year. Read more here .

Zimbabwe starts charging car owners for radio licenses

Zimbabwe has enacted a law requiring all car owners to pay an annual US$92 radio licence fee, signed by President Mnangagwa on 23 May 2025, according to local reports. Read more here .

Trump disrespected Africans, says Ghana’s president in scathing commentary

Ghana’s President Mahama has condemned Donald Trump for distorting African history after Trump’s controversial meeting with South African President Ramaphosa. In The Guardian, Mahama called Trump’s “white genocide” claim a dangerous misuse of language that fuels historical injustices. Read more here .

Asia

Indonesia quarry collapse kills 19, search continues for victims trapped under rubble

A rock collapse at a quarry in Cirebon, West Java, killed 19, injured 8, and left 6 missing, local police said Sunday. Authorities continued searching for survivors in the rubble following Friday’s (May 30) collapse. Read more here .

Chinese students face anxious wait for visas under US crackdown

Amid Washington’s renewed visa crackdown on Chinese students, Lainey, a 24-year-old sociology postgraduate, is anxiously waiting to resume her PhD application at the University of California. “We feel helpless,” she said, declining to give her surname. Read more here .

Opal Suchata Chuangsri becomes Thailand’s first Miss World

Opal Suchata Chuangsri, 22, made history on May 31 by becoming the first Thai woman crowned Miss World at the 72nd pageant in Hyderabad, India. She dedicated her win to inspiring young girls to make a difference. Read more here .

Latin America

Mistrial ruled in case against Diego Maradona's medical team, lawyers say

The homicide case against Diego Maradona's medical team was declared a mistrial, their lawyers said Thursday. Seven medics faced negligent homicide charges after Maradona died in 2020. The soccer legend led Argentina to a 1986 World Cup victory and won two Serie A titles with Napoli. Read more here .

Brazil declared free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination

The World Organisation for Animal Health has declared Brazil, the world’s top beef exporter, free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination. This milestone could open new markets for Brazil’s major meatpackers, including JBS, Minerva, and Marfrig. Read more here .

World’s First: Mexico lets voters pick all judges

Mexico, on June 1, allowed citizens to choose all judges and magistrates, including Supreme Court justices — a global first. The government-backed reform aims to curb corruption and restore trust in the justice system. Read more here .

“The Grand Inga project is not ours; it’s a DRC project, given to the Spanish and Chinese. We have a right to buy equity in it, which would have to be approved by the DRC. We have not bought that equity, so we can’t really pretend to be managing the Inga project. It is not our project. We have committed ourselves to a quantity of electricity that will be taken up by South Africa, but the driving of the project is out of our jurisdiction,” he is quoted by Daily News .

South Africa signed a treaty with the DRC in 2013 to secure electricity from Inga, with a long-term vision of importing up to 5,000 MW. However, the project has seen repeated delays amid financing and political hurdles.

Crown Prince Adil Nchabaleng, a member of parliament on the ticket of the MK Party, challenged the minister’s optimism, questioning the viability of relying on Grand Inga for domestic power supply. Mantashe, however, maintained that talks with neighbouring countries are ongoing.

Meanwhile, Mantashe also addressed the recent launch of the South African National Petroleum Corporation (SANPC), created through the restructuring of his department. He said the move allows the country to better prioritize petroleum, which still accounts for 80% of global energy consumption, despite the growing focus on renewables.

The Grand Inga project, located on the Congo River, is one of the world ’s largest proposed hydropower schemes.

“The World Bank is engaged in this process (Structured Dialogue) to fully re-engage in Zimbabwe and provide the government with the necessary concessional financing to help accelerate growth and poverty reduction,” said Fernandes.

Adding that, “However, we would like to reinforce that sufficient progress under each of the three pillars of the Structured Dialogue Platform for arrears clearance and debt restructuring is critical to realise this.”

The three pillars include, economic growth and stability reforms, governance and land tenure reforms, compensation of former farm owners and resolution of Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (BIPPAs), Herald Online reports.

Fernandes called on Zimbabwe’s senior leadership to maintain commitment to these pillars, saying, “We press on Zimbabwe’s senior leadership to continue and reinforce their commitment to each of the three pillars, to ensure their prompt success.”

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said Zimbabwe is preparing for an IMF mission expected next week and hopes to initiate an SMP by July. “We are looking for sponsors who can give us US$2.5 billion bridge finance,” he added.

Fernandes acknowledged the costs of reforms, warning that they “are not without short-term sacrifices,” including spending cuts and tax hikes, which “are often borne disproportionately by the poor.” She noted the development of the National Social Registry (ZISO) as a positive step to help target social assistance to vulnerable populations.

Under the new law , motorists must pay US$92 each year for a radio licence.

This amount must be paid before drivers can renew their vehicle licence discs or register for insurance. The fee is part of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, which aims to raise money for the state-owned Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).

The government expects the move to generate millions of dollars in revenue.

Zimbabwe has about 1.2 million registered vehicles, and could earn around US$73 million per year if only 800,000 drivers comply.

However, the new policy has sparked criticism .

Many Zimbabweans say the licence fee is too high, especially in a country already facing economic challenges.

Opposition politicians and motorists have also argued that the ZBC focuses more on promoting the ruling party than serving the public with balanced news and information.

This measure seems to be part of a broader strategy to diversify the state broadcaster's revenue streams. Critics, however, say the fee's pretty steep, particularly given the current economic hardships many face. Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa is among the dissenters, calling the law "draconian, anti-citizens, and outrightly heartless."

Despite the backlash online , Nick Mangwana, a senior official from the ministry of information, came out defending the law. He termed it "necessary" and "fair," indicating a government stance that might not sit well with the public. In Zimbabwe, there are roughly 1.2 million registered vehicles, but only around 800,000 of those have insurance.

The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) is reliant on licence fees and government funding to stay afloat. The broadcaster has long struggled to get enough people to pay for their TV and radio licences, which leads critics to demand the fee's repeal, claiming that it is biased towards the ruling Zanu-PF party. This is particularly troubling for the opposition, who also accuse ZBC of offering unfair coverage during election cycles; ZBC has denied these claims.

Under the new Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, all motorists must pay this radio licence fee before they can even think about renewing their vehicle insurance or getting their licence sorted from the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (Zinara). The fee, as structured, breaks down to $23 every quarter, translating to that $92 annual sum.

Two leading unions, the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) and the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), say morale is very low.

Many teachers are either resigning early or walking away from their jobs altogether, local reports say.

Science subjects such as Mathematics, Chemistry and ICT are among the worst affected, leaving critical gaps in classrooms across the country.

The PTUZ says delays in processing retirement benefits have worsened the situation, with some teachers reportedly dying before receiving their pensions.

The union also accuses the government of pushing through changes without consulting educators, creating a system where teachers feel disrespected and demoralised.

Union leaders say political interference has also made the situation worse.

Teachers have been suspended for refusing to follow political instructions, and schools are sometimes forced to send pupils to political events.

This, they say, has turned learning spaces into politically charged environments that are unsafe and unprofessional.

Some teachers have started small businesses or other ventures to survive.

ARTUZ says it now handles dozens of early retirement cases every month, as educators seek to escape what they call a "thankless" profession.

Union officials are calling on the government to urgently open talks to improve conditions and stop the talent drain.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is yet to respond to the concerns.

Zimbabwe also ranked among the top five, with 36,000 migrants moving to the UK during the same period, underscoring the growing mobility of African nationals seeking opportunities abroad.

The data , which focuses on non-European Economic Area (non-EEA) nationals, those from outside the EU, and other key European states, provides insight into the nationalities, demographics, and motivations behind long-term migration to the UK. The top five countries of origin were: India (240,000), Nigeria (120,000), Pakistan (101,000), China (78,000), and Zimbabwe (36,000).

The report indicates a fairly even gender distribution, with 52% male and 48% female among non-EEA migrants. The majority, 82%, were of working age (16–64), while 17% were children under 16. Only 1% were aged 65 or older.

Employment remains the primary driver of migration, with 417,000 migrants arriving for work-related reasons, including skilled and seasonal labour. Education followed closely, accounting for 375,000 arrivals, reaffirming the UK’s status as a leading global destination for international students.

Other reasons cited include asylum (84,000), family reunification (76,000), and humanitarian routes and resettlement (67,000).

A European Commission spokesperson confirmed the suspension of aid to Zimbabwe ahead of the EU-African Union Ministerial Meeting, which opened this week in Brussels, the News Day reports.  

Despite the aid suspension, the EU continues to pursue economic engagement with Zimbabwe. At the inaugural EU-Zimbabwe Business Forum in Harare, EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to strengthening long-term trade and investment ties.

“Our main goal with this platform is to elevate our trade relationship and, for the first time, bring EU firms to Zimbabwean shores to strengthen our relationships,” Von Kirchmann said, noting that bilateral trade already exceeds US$1 billion.

The forum, focused on key sectors including horticulture, mining, and renewable energy , was attended by European investors and Zimbabwean officials. Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) CEO Tafadzwa Chinamo described the forum as a confidence-building step for foreign investors.

“The EU firms were able to see first-hand opportunities in all sectors of the Zimbabwean economy and we’re glad they managed to see for themselves what Zimbabwe has to offer,” Chinamo noted.

The €500 million package is intended to support vulnerable populations across Africa, with priority given to crisis-affected regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, the Sahel, and the Lake Chad Basin.

“This is a regulated, transparent system. Once an investment is registered, there are no obstacles in remitting profits, dividends, or disinvestment proceeds. Regulatory compliance is crucial for seamless operations in Zimbabwe’s financial landscape,” Herald Online quotes Dr. Matshe.

The assurance is in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “Open for Business” policy , which has been in place since 2018. Zimbabwe has introduced a range of incentives, including tax breaks, duty exemptions, and capital allowances, to attract foreign capital and foster economic growth.

NMB Bank CEO Gerald Gore reinforced RBZ’s message, confirming that repatriations have been processed efficiently for registered investments. “As authorised dealers, we facilitate remittances on behalf of our clients, and the system has been working well,” Gore said.

However, the forum also highlighted challenges. Dr. Sibongile Moyo, Vice President of the Bankers Association of Zimbabwe, warned that unresolved legacy debts, particularly from previously blocked funds , continue to weigh heavily on the financial sector.

On May 14, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko will meet with Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who arrived in Belarus on May 11 for a working visit, according to Belarusian media reports. The talks will focus on bilateral cooperation and the progress of current and future projects in trade, economy, and investment. President Mnangagwa is also scheduled to visit several enterprises and key locations in Belarus.

Iran and Zimbabwe to hold 9th joint economic commission meeting in Tehran

On the occasion of Zimbabwe’s National Day, Iranian Minister of Labour Meydari announced that the 9th interim meeting of the Iran-Zimbabwe Joint Economic Commission will be held in Tehran to enhance bilateral cooperation. He noted that ongoing coordination by the Iranian and Zimbabwean embassies is expected to facilitate the implementation of existing memoranda of understanding. Meydari congratulated President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the people of Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwean ambassador to Tehran on the country’s 45th independence anniversary. 

Zimbabwean ministers offer conflicting views on state of public healthcare system

Zimbabwean officials maintain that the country’s public healthcare system is functioning adequately, despite public complaints and critical reports from non-governmental organisations. Deputy Health Minister Sleiman Kwidini told parliament that citizens are satisfied with services, claiming improvements have been ongoing since 2018. His remarks followed a public appeal by Youth Minister Tinomuda Machakaire, who used social media to urge President Emmerson Mnangagwa to intervene and address what he described as a deteriorating healthcare system. The contrasting statements have sparked national discussion over the government’s awareness of on-the-ground conditions in public health facilities.

Putin holds bilateral talks with African leaders following Victory Day Parade

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa was part of several international figures present in Moscow during the May 9 Victory Day Parade. China's Xi Jinping, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré were some of the notable figures hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to reports , Putin held bilateral discussions with President Mnangagwa and also discussed economic, security, and political cooperation with Burkina Faso’s President Traoré. 

Malaria cases in Zimbabwe rise by 180% in early 2025

The Zimbabwean government has reported a 180% increase in malaria cases during the first 17 weeks of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, rising from 21,309 to 59,647 cases. Malaria-related deaths also rose by 218%, from 45 to 143, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health and Child Care. The ministry cited environmental and behavioural factors as key drivers. Increased rainfall, humidity, and temperatures have created ideal mosquito breeding conditions. Simultaneously, greater participation in outdoor activities such as artisanal mining, farming, tobacco curing, and cross-border trading—often during mosquito-active hours—has heightened exposure.

This growth has been driven by more investment in farming by both the government and private companies.

Much of the avocado farming is happening in the Manicaland region, especially around the town of Chipinge.

The Horticultural Development Council, which helps develop fruit and vegetable farming in Zimbabwe, said the country is doing well because of smart investment and stronger ties with other countries.

“After a tough dry season, nothing says resilience like Zimbabwean avocados being packed for export,” it added.

Zimbabwe recently signed a deal with China that allows the export of fresh avocados there. This deal is one of many signed between Zimbabwe and China, local reports indicate.

Two test shipments are expected to leave for China soon. Zimbabwe is also talking to India about selling avocados, citrus fruits, and blueberries there.

More avocado trees are being planted across the country, with around 1,500 hectares in 2017 to nearly 2,750 hectares today.

Only about 60 percent of the avocados grown in Zimbabwe meet the standards for export. The rest could be used locally to make other products, like avocado oil or guacamole.

The country hopes that by growing more fruit and finding new markets, it can boost its economy and create more jobs. The avocado sector is seen as one of the most exciting areas for growth.

The coins are made of real gold and are being sold through local banks.

They come in different sizes, from one-tenth of an ounce to one full ounce. Officials say the move will help reduce inflation and give people a safe way to keep their savings.

The coins are called “Mosi-Oa-Tunya,” which means “The Smoke That Thunders,” the local name for Victoria Falls.

Zimbabwe launched the ZiG earlier this year. It is the country’s sixth attempt to have its own currency since 2009.

The government said the ZiG was backed by gold and U.S. dollars and promised that its value would be stable.

But just a few months later, people are already losing trust in it. There are signs the currency is being quietly weakened, Zimbabwe Mail reports.

In 2008, the old Zimbabwe dollar collapsed during a time of extreme inflation.

After that, the country used U.S. dollars for a while. Since then, several local currencies have been introduced.

Today, most people in Zimbabwe cannot afford to buy gold coins, which are priced in U.S. dollars.