Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Local companies generate strong business leads in Zambia – herald

Business Reporter

Zimbabwean companies participating at the Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show generated a strong pipeline of potential deals, as interest in the national pavilion increased compared with previous editions of the exhibition.

The 26 companies exhibiting under the Zimbabwe pavilion met distributors, retailers, institutional buyers and other potential partners during the six-day show, with discussions covering supply contracts, distribution arrangements, market representation and long-term partnerships.

National trade development and promotion organisation, ZimTrade, said exhibitors recorded higher visitor traffic and more focused commercial engagements than in previous years.

Many potential buyers approached companies with specific questions about pricing, volumes, product availability, delivery capacity and distribution rights.

The increase in both the number and quality of engagements points to growing awareness of and demand for Zimbabwean products and services in the Zambian market.

ZimTrade communications manager, Danai Majaha, said Zimbabwe’s participation had achieved its broader objective of increasing the visibility of local companies and their products in Zambia.

“The level of interest recorded this year was higher than what we have seen during previous editions of the show.

“We had more visitors coming to the pavilion, but more importantly, the discussions were commercially focused.

“Buyers were asking about quantities, prices, distribution arrangements and the possibility of establishing long-term supply relationships,” he said.

Mr Majaha said the growth in commercial engagements demonstrated that Zimbabwean products were gaining recognition in the market.

“This increasing interest shows that Zimbabwean products and services are becoming more visible and are being considered by more buyers in Zambia.

“Our companies were able to meet decision-makers with clear business interests and the next step is to turn those discussions into orders and sustainable partnerships,” he said.

Mr Majaha noted that visits to the pavilion by leading Zambian industry players, Government representatives and public institutions also demonstrated commitment at both Government and private-sector level to increase bilateral trade.

“The visits by key industry players and Government representatives were significant because they showed that there is commitment to strengthening trade between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

“They also gave participating companies access to institutions and businesses that can support their entry and expansion in the Zambian market,” he said.

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Source: Zim eyes 4000MW generation capacity by 2030 – herald

Remember Deketeke

Herald Correspondent

ZIMBABWE’S quest for lasting energy security is gathering momentum, with about 4 000MW in new generation capacity lined up for commissioning by 2030, as the country increasingly turns to independent power producers (IPPs), renewable energy, captive generation and regional power trading to support economic growth and Vision 2030.

The planned projects, if realised, would  expand the country’s generation base and could take total installed capacity from about 3 000MW to around 7 000MW, providing the reserve capacity required to meet rising electricity demand.

The expansion comes as the power utility has received new and expansion load applications totalling about 2 500MW, highlighting the growing electricity requirements of an economy driven by mining, manufacturing and other productive sectors.

Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) managing director Mr Howard Choga said in an interview that the country would have to rapidly expand its generation capacity if it was to meet rising demand while maintaining adequate reserves.

“The current Zimbabwe power system that started being developed since the 1960s is of capacity of about 3 000MW and the energy being used is around 2 500MW,” he said.

“The new demand means that the Zimbabwe capacity developed over more than 50 years has to be doubled in the coming five years.”

Projects lined up for commissioning by 2030 have a combined capacity of about 4 000MW, with the strategy increasingly focused on diversifying the country’s energy mix and reducing dependence on a few major generation sources.

Mr Choga said most of the planned projects were designed to withstand climate-related risks, particularly drought, which has periodically constrained generation at Kariba.

“Most of the projects are climate-proof and therefore address the eventuality of drought-related challenges for the hydropower stations in Zimbabwe,” he said.

The planned expansion dovetails with the Government’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), Zimbabwe’s second five-year development plan for 2026 to 2030, which seeks to accelerate the country’s transformation into a “prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society” towards the realisation of Vision 2030.

Reliable and affordable electricity is regarded as a critical enabler of that transformation, supporting industrialisation, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, digitalisation and other productive sectors.

NDS2 places emphasis on expanding generation and electricity networks, increasing regional integration, promoting distributed renewable energy and strengthening private-sector participation in the power sector.

The policy shift comes as Zimbabwe seeks to move away from a power system heavily dependent on large-scale utility generation towards a diversified model in which public utilities, IPPs, captive generators, renewable-energy producers and regional markets complement one another.

Currently, Hwange and Kariba are contributing an average of about 1 600MW, while IPPs are supplying approximately 175MW.

Rooftop solar is contributing slightly more than 100MW through the net-metering scheme, while regional imports are being used mainly during peak demand periods.

The diversification of generation is expected to provide greater resilience against the shocks that have historically triggered load-shedding, particularly droughts and major plant failures.

Kariba’s generation has previously been severely affected by low water levels, while ageing thermal units at Hwange have also suffered breakdowns and required extensive maintenance.

The improved performance of Hwange and increased water allocation at Kariba have, however, helped Zimbabwe navigate the current winter period without the prolonged load-shedding experienced in previous years.

The Government is now seeking to ensure that the current improvement in supply is sustained as demand continues to rise.

The 2026 National Budget indicates that more than US$9 billion in strategic investment mobilisation is envisaged for the 2025–2030 period, with about US$4,4 billion expected from the private sector, complemented by public funding and development-partner support.

This investment drive is expected to support the expansion and diversification of the electricity sector while reducing pressure on the national utility.

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Source: Nation’s debt resolution implementation begins – herald

Oliver Kazunga

Senior Reporter

ZIMBABWE has moved into the decisive implementation phase of its debt resolution programme, a breakthrough that could unlock billions of dollars in international financing, restore debt sustainability and accelerate economic growth.

The Government has since reached a Staff-Level Agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on a 10-month Staff-Monitored Programme (SMP), which became effective on March 1, 2026, marking a major milestone under the Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution (AC&DR) Roadmap.

In a latest update on Zimbabwe Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution Process progress, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and Investment Promotion said the programme was central to restoring macroeconomic stability and unlocking international support.

“Government has reached a Staff Level Agreement on a 10-month SMP with the IMF. The SMP is effective 1 March 2026 and is vital for macroeconomic stability, provides a policy and reform implementation track record, and serves as a critical step towards arrears clearance. Official partners see the SMP as a prerequisite for providing concrete financial support,” reads part of the report.

The successful implementation of the programme is expected to position Zimbabwe for an IMF Upper Credit Tranche (UCT)-quality financing programme, clear arrears with international financial institutions and pave the way for comprehensive debt restructuring with bilateral creditors.

The roadmap, contained in the report, outlines a two-phase strategy aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, rebuilding international confidence and creating conditions for sustainable economic growth.

The first phase focuses on implementing the IMF Staff-Monitored Programme while mobilising resources to clear arrears owed to major international financial institutions. The second phase will commence after approval of an IMF financing programme and culminate in final debt restructuring agreements with bilateral creditors.

Zimbabwe currently owes approximately US$2,7 billion in arrears to three major International Financial Institutions (IFIs) — US$1,5 billion to the World Bank Group, US$740 million to the African Development Bank Group and US$435 million to the European Investment Bank.

The report identifies clearing these arrears as the most critical stage of the entire debt resolution process.

“This is the most critical juncture for Zimbabwe, where Government requires external support built upon successful implementation of the SMP. Government has accumulated US$2,7 billion arrears with the three major IFIs.

“Specifically, US$1,5 billion is owed to the World Bank Group, US$740 million to the African Development Bank Group, and US$435 million to the European Investment Bank.

“Clearing these arrears is an essential prerequisite for Government to obtain an IMF financing program and unlock critical access to concessional development financing.

“This will allow Government to progress into the final stage of the AC&DR Process: the implementation of comprehensive debt restructuring of bilateral debt to restore public debt sustainability,”  it said.

Presently, Government is exploring different sources of funding to clear the arrears through official financing on concessional and semi-concessional terms, while also pursuing alternative financing arrangements that leverage on Zimbabwe’s assets.

The report states that Government is actively engaging international financial institutions to develop a concrete financing proposal following approval of the Staff-Monitored Programme.

Once arrears have been cleared and the SMP successfully completed, Zimbabwe is expected to transition to an IMF Upper Credit Tranche programme, providing the foundation for comprehensive restructuring of bilateral and commercial debt.

The Government also intends to seek eligibility for debt treatment under the G20 Common Framework should Zimbabwe qualify.

In another significant development, France and the United Kingdom have agreed to co-chair a new Debt Consultative Group together with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

The platform will provide a structured and transparent mechanism for engagement between Government, creditors, development partners and other stakeholders as Zimbabwe advances the arrears clearance and debt restructuring process. Its inaugural meeting is expected later this month.

Authorities said reforms under the SMP remained at the centre of the debt resolution strategy.

“The Government of Zimbabwe remains committed to implementing reforms underpinning the Structured Dialogue Platform (SDP) under the country’s Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution Process.

“Working alongside the Champion, High-Level Facilitator, bilateral and multilateral creditors, development partners, and strategic advisors, Government is diligently executing the Arrears Clearance and Debt Restructuring Roadmap.

“This process has already started with the implementation of reforms under the 10-month IMF Staff-Monitored Program, focusing on sustained fiscal discipline, tight monetary policy, exchange rate reforms and economic governance, including strengthening social protection.

“Our core objective is to clear arrears and restructure the external debt in order to attain long-term debt sustainability, which will unlock new concessional financing needed to achieve our National Development Strategy 2 goals.”

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Source: Mukumbura border flagged as frontline in anti-drug war – herald

Fungai Lupande

Mashonaland Central Bureau

THE Mukumbura Border Post on Zimbabwe’s frontier with Mozambique has been identified as a potential gateway for illicit drugs, with Government ordering heightened surveillance and tighter coordination among security agencies as it intensifies the fight against drug and substance abuse.

Speaking at the Mashonaland Central Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse Interface in Bindura yesterday, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, Kazembe Kazembe, who represented National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse chairperson and Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said the province’s shared border with Mozambique requires increased vigilance to stop criminal syndicates from exploiting it to traffic illegal  substances.

She said while Mukumbura remained vital for legitimate trade and the movement of people, it could also be used by drug traffickers, making stronger collaboration among border security, immigration, customs, police, health and intelligence agencies imperative.

“Border security, immigration, customs, law enforcement, health and intelligence agencies must strengthen information sharing and joint operations to detect and intercept illicit substances,” she said.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri warned that drug and substance abuse had become a national security, socio-economic and public health challenge that was destroying families, disrupting education, fuelling crime and violence, reducing workplace productivity and placing immense pressure on health and social services.

If left unchecked, she said the scourge would undermine the country’s drive towards Vision 2030.

The Second Republic has adopted a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach following a directive by President Mnangagwa, resulting in the establishment of the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse and provincial, district and local structures to implement the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral National Action Plan on Drug and Substance Abuse (2024-2030).

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri challenged mining companies, commercial farmers, small-scale miners, farm owners and business leaders in Mashonaland Central to support workplace awareness campaigns, youth recreation programmes and rehabilitation initiatives, noting that mining communities and seasonal labour movements had created conditions that fuel drug abuse.

She also issued a stern warning against illegal rehabilitation centres, saying some unregistered operators were exploiting desperate families by charging exorbitant fees while exposing recovering addicts to inhumane conditions.

“Rehabilitation must never become a business that profits from human suffering,” she said.

“Government will continue strengthening the inspection, registration, licensing and compliance monitoring of rehabilitation facilities.

“Institutions operating outside the law should understand that Government will not hesitate to institute the necessary legal and administrative measures.”

Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo said the province remained fully committed to implementing the national strategy through strengthened law enforcement, rehabilitation, awareness campaigns and coordinated stakeholder interventions.

The provincial committee is working closely with Government departments, traditional leaders, churches, civil society organisations and development partners across all thematic pillars to combat the growing menace.

Minister Magomo said the visit by the national committee, which also toured the Chipadze Rehabilitation Centre, would help assess progress, identify implementation gaps and strengthen provincial interventions aimed at preventing drug abuse, rehabilitating affected individuals and reintegrating them into society.

He reaffirmed the province’s determination to become one of the country’s leading provinces in eliminating drug and substance abuse through coordinated action involving all sectors of society.

A provincial drug and substance abuse response report shows that while authorities have seized large quantities of illicit drugs, trained thousands of young people in life-changing skills and strengthened public awareness campaigns, treatment and reintegration remain the weakest links in the fight against addiction.

The report reveals that Chipadze Rehabilitation Centre, established in Bindura in 2023 as the Government’s first Government-owned rehabilitation facility, has assisted 1 362 clients to date, recorded 276 cumulative admissions and currently has 29 in-patients.

Health authorities have already identified Mvurwi and Matepatepa country clubs for conversion into additional rehabilitation centres, but delays in funding have slowed progress.

The report warns that expanding rehabilitation services is now critical if the country is to sustain gains made in reducing drug supply and preventing abuse.

Law enforcement agencies also reported major recoveries during the reporting period, seizing 75 107 kilogrammes of bulk dagga, 2 594 sachets and 104 stubs of cannabis, 1 116 sachets of crystal meth and 735 bottles of 100ml BronCleer cough syrup, substances commonly abused by youths.

Authorities noted an increase in the number of women arrested for drug-related offences compared to previous years, a trend they say requires targeted interventions.

However, traffickers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using advanced concealment methods to evade detection.

The report recommends shifting from operations largely targeting users to intelligence-driven investigations focusing on major suppliers, transporters and distribution networks.

Government’s prevention strategy has also centred on empowering young people economically.

According to the report, 12 567 youths received training in entrepreneurship, agribusiness, information and communication technology, and financial literacy, while another 4 765 benefited from Skills Outreach Programmes.

A further 1 281 young people enrolled at Vocational Training Centres, 210 secured temporary contract employment through the National Employment Council and 120 students joined the Care2Share programme run by Young Africa.

The report recommends increased Treasury funding and stronger partnerships with the private sector and financial institutions to expand youth empowerment programmes.

On resource mobilisation, the province raised US$19 357,58 during the Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse Campaign launched at Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University in August last year.

Treasury also disbursed 4,4 million ZiG, which was used to procure information, education and communication materials and finance a Training of Trainers workshop held at Baradzanwa in July this year.

The report identifies a severe shortage of psychiatrists as one of the biggest obstacles to effective treatment, despite Government having trained 495 health workers and deployed mental health coordinators, psychologists and medical social workers across all districts.

Chipadze Rehabilitation Centre is also operating without dedicated transport, limiting outreach services and patient follow-up programmes.

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Source: Fastjet Airbus A320 to boost tourism – herald

Herald Reporter

THE introduction of an Airbus A320-200 by fastjet Zimbabwe on its Johannesburg-Harare and Victoria Falls-Johannesburg routes is expected to enhance regional air connectivity and support the continued growth of national tourism and aviation sectors.

The 168-seater aircraft made its maiden flights on Sunday, landing at Victoria Falls International Airport in the morning before touching down at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare in the evening.

The arrival of the larger aircraft comes at a time when passenger traffic is expected to increase during the peak travel months of August and September.

Government officials and industry stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as another milestone in Zimbabwe’s efforts to strengthen its aviation industry and position itself as a regional transport hub.

Speaking at a welcome ceremony held at Victoria Falls International Airport, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said the aviation sector remained a key enabler of economic transformation under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2.

The minister said July had been a landmark month for Zimbabwe’s aviation industry, citing a series of developments that underscored the sector’s growing momentum.

These included Fastjet Zimbabwe’s Interline Agreement with Etihad Airways, the successful hosting of the Single African Air Transport Market Airshow in Harare, the resumption of Air Zimbabwe’s direct Harare-London service, the introduction of the Airbus A320 into Fastjet’s operations and the hosting of the Zimbabwe Aviation Development and Taxation Forum.

“It is evident that under the Second Republic, Zimbabwe is re-emerging to claim its rightful place on the aviation map,” said Minister Mhona.

He said aviation had evolved beyond simply transporting passengers and cargo and was now a strategic driver of trade, tourism, investment, regional integration and job creation.

Victoria Falls, he noted, was an example of how improved air connectivity can stimulate tourism growth and wider economic activity.

Minister Mhona said Government remained focused on modernising aviation infrastructure, improving safety oversight, liberalising the aviation market and reducing the cost of doing business in the sector.

He revealed that authorities were working on measures to review landing fees and other aviation-related charges following concerns raised by airlines during the Zimbabwe Aviation Development and Taxation Forum held in Harare last month.

He also encouraged collaboration among aviation players, urging Air Zimbabwe and Fastjet Zimbabwe to work together to ensure the success of the recently relaunched Harare-London route.

According to the minister, Fastjet’s domestic and regional network has the potential to feed passengers into the long-haul service, improving its viability and reach.

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi described the introduction of the Airbus A320 as a major vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s economy and tourism potential. Represented by her deputy, Tongai Mnangagwa, Minister Rwodzi said the aircraft symbolised far more than an expansion of Fastjet’s fleet.

“It is a strong vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s economy, our tourism potential, and our shared vision for sustainable growth.

“Today, we celebrate not merely an aircraft, but a strategic investment in connectivity, economic development and national competitiveness,” she said.

She added that tourism and aviation were closely linked sectors, with each depending on the other to unlock its full potential.

Fastjet Zimbabwe chairman Mr Farai Mutamangira said the airline had played an important role in stimulating demand and expanding air travel over the past decade.

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