Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Patrick Chitumba, chitumba1@gmail.com

KWEKWE City Council (KCC) has secured more than US$90 million in investment in the past three years as the city accelerates its urban renewal and infrastructure development drive in line with Vision 2030.

This was revealed by the town clerk Dr Lucia Mkandla, who noted that the investments recorded between 2022 and 2025 span across industrial, commercial, social amenities and property developments.

One of the flagship projects is the Kwekwe Specialist Hospital, which is expected to expand access to specialised medical services previously unavailable locally.

“As a city, I am glad to note that we managed to attract more than US$90 million in investment between 2022 and 2025. The investments have, in a way, positioned our city among the fastest-growing urban centres in the country,” she said.

Dr Mkandla added that the city’s development trajectory aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) in line with Vision 2030.

“The NDS2 spearheaded by the Second Republic prioritises infrastructure development and urban renewal, and we want to be part and parcel or rather be active as the country works towards attaining upper middle-income status by 2030,” she said.

The city’s development momentum has been recognised with Dr Mkandla, receiving the 2024-2025 Presidential Award for outstanding local authority performance

Dr Mkandla indicated that the local authority has also positioned itself as a preferred destination for investors in the Midlands Province, as evidenced by the number of investors operating and those showing interest in investing in the City of Gold.

Urban renewal projects are visible across the city, from the bus terminus through the central business district and into surrounding residential areas, where new commercial and service developments continue to emerge.

“We are looking at industrial, commercial, social amenities, as well as housing. We had a setback during the Covid-19 era, but as soon as business opened, we took advantage of the ground we had covered to get things done. We are positioning ourselves for future investments,” she said.

KCC Mayor Councillor Albert Zinhanga said good times are ahead in terms of investments and power generation following a resolution to partner with Geo Pomona Waste Management to improve the management of the city’s two dumpsites and strengthen solid waste management services.

He said the decision came after the city fathers toured the Pomona Dumpsite in Harare recently.
“After our tour at the Pomona dumpsite and seeing what they are doing, we knew what we wanted. We had already discussed it and made decisions even before coming here,” he said.

Clr Zinhanga noted that following the resolution to partner with Geo Pomona, the local authority is now looking at developing a clear implementation road map.

“Besides having a clean environment and proper refuse collection mechanisms in place, with Geo Pomona leading us, we are looking ahead to being able to generate power. Green energy is the way to go, and we are just excited about this development taking place in the city, “ he said.

The post Kwekwe attracts US$90 million as urban renewal gains momentum appeared first on herald.

The post Kwekwe attracts US$90 million as urban renewal gains momentum appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau

South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) and the Department of Social Development (DSD) participated in a high-level diplomatic engagement at the Zimbabwean Embassy in that country on Wednesday, to strengthen co-operation on border management and social development related issues.

This follows the tightening of screws at the Beitbridge border by both countries to minimise cases of child smuggling, which are common during major public holidays.

The engagement was held as a meet-and-greet session, bringing together representatives from the BMA, the DSD and the Zimbabwean Embassy. In a joint statement on Thursday the BMA and DSD said discussions focused on critical cross-border social protection challenges, particularly the handling and safeguarding of unaccompanied minors who cross through the Beitbridge Port of Entry (PoE) without the requisite travel documentation.

“The meeting also addressed broader concerns related to irregular cross-border movements by adults, including instances where individuals possess valid passports but deliberately avoid entering through designated ports of entry,” said the departments.

“The engagement builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2025 between the Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, and her Zimbabwean counterpart, which provides a formal framework for co-operation on social development priorities, child protection and cross-border co-ordination”.

During the meeting, BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato, reaffirmed that his organisation and Zimbabwean border management authorities continue to work closely and effectively together.

He also assured the Zimbabwean Embassy of continuity in co-operative border management efforts between the two countries. Dr Masiapato emphasised the importance of tackling common challenges collectively and noted that the meeting explored areas of collaboration to raise awareness on migration issues affecting travellers, with the objective of improving compliance with immigration requirements.

The Embassy expressed appreciation for the commitment demonstrated by both the BMA and the DSD in responding to the increase in cases involving unaccompanied minors,” reads part of the joint statement.

“Furthermore, the Embassy was encouraged by the seriousness with which the matter is being handled and confirmed that Zimbabwean authorities are equally committed to addressing the matter. They also highlighted the importance of joint public awareness campaigns targeted at specific traveller groups to ensure that travellers are well informed about the travel regulations of both countries”.

The departments added that the officials underscored the importance of sustained dialogue, collaboration and integrated approaches to addressing migration challenges in the Southern African region, particularly through enhanced information sharing, joint public awareness initiatives and proactive stakeholder engagements with key role players such as transport operators, parents and guardians.

In addition, the parties further agreed on the establishment of a joint technical task team to proactively address operational and policy issues related to cross-border movements, with a particular focus on the protection of minors.

The engagement concluded with a shared commitment to continued co-operation and regular engagement between the two countries.

“The Zimbabwean Embassy also conveyed its condolences to the Government and people of South Africa following the recent school transport tragedy involving learners, and the devastating floods in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces that resulted in loss of lives and damage to property,” said the departments.

The post SA, Zim embassy meet to strengthen border management appeared first on herald.

The post SA, Zim embassy meet to strengthen border management appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Martin Kadzere

THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe will sustain the push towards using a single currency for all internal transactions, leveraging the broad successes of 2025 as a foundation for economic stability while stressing that the transition will be a multi-stage process rather than an overnight shift.

Representing RBZ Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu at the State of the Economy and 2026 Economic Outlook breakfast meeting in Harare yesterday, deputy governor Dr Innocent Matshe said a domestic currency was a non-negotiable prerequisite for national competitiveness.

Regional independent think-tank, the Africa Economic Development Strategies (AEDS), in partnership with Business Times, organised the breakfast meeting.

Since its introduction on April 5, 2024, as a structured currency backed by gold and foreign currency reserves and building on the fiscal discipline by Government since the advent of the Second Republic and now a high level of monetary discipline, the ZiG has achieved remarkable resilience, tamed inflation and stabilised the exchange rate.

It has strengthened against the US dollar by 1,5 percent since the beginning of the year to ZiG25,590 from ZiG25,9807 to US$1.

Dr Matshe reiterated that the adoption of the ZiG as a mono-currency would be dictated by rigorous economic milestones rather than arbitrary deadlines.

Central to this roadmap is the requirement for durable macroeconomic stability, characterised by low inflation and the accumulation of foreign reserves equivalent to at least 3,6 months of import cover.

This is now on the cards as Zimbabwe moves into sustained positive balance of trade, exporting more than it imports.

To ensure the ZiG succeeds, the RBZ is prioritising a unified exchange rate system, stable currency dynamics and a recalibrated tax framework designed to mandate the payment of public services in local currency.

The transition is further anchored by a “back-to-basics” policy cohesion between the Treasury and RBZ, aimed at maintaining sustainable budget deficits and fostering public trust in the financial system.

Borrowing is now only permitted for that part of the capital budget where there is an immediate new stream of revenue that can be used to service the borrowing.

To support this transition, Dr Matshe said durable, modern and secure banknotes would be released late in the first quarter or early in the second quarter of this year.

“Overall, the Reserve Bank will aim to entrench macroeconomic stability in support of the roadmap to mono-currency and attainment of National Development Strategy 2 objectives of realising a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030,” said Dr Matshe.

He said the public should understand that “what is driving mono-currency is not a date, but the condition in which the economy is rapidly transitioning to mono-currency”.

Zimbabwe legalised the continued use of the multi-currency system until December 31, 2030, providing a clear legal framework for the use of the US dollar alongside the local currency.

The previous deadline of 2025 had created significant policy uncertainty.

Banks were reportedly hesitant to offer long-term US dollar loans extending beyond 2025, which threatened to stifle credit growth in the private sector.

Dr Matshe noted that the central bank’s roadmap is bolstered by several milestones achieved over the past year, with key indicators showing a significant cooling of the economy and a stabilisation of the ZiG.

Annual ZiG inflation plummeted to 15 percent by early last year, beating the initial 30 percent target.

Month-on-month inflation remained stable, averaging 0,4 percent since February 2025. This will shortly see annual ZiG inflation falling into single figures.

Dr Matshe hinted that January annual inflation figures, due next week, could reach single digits, meeting the SADC regional benchmarks of 3 to 7 percent.

Foreign currency receipts reached a record US$16,2 billion in 2025, up from US$13,3 billion in 2024, driven by record gold prices.

This drive in exports, with only modest adjustments in imports, had created the positive trade balance.

The interbank exchange rate remained steady at approximately ZiG26 per US dollar, with the parallel market premium contained below 20 percent.

For the first time in recent history, the RBZ reported zero central bank financing of Government expenditure, a move credited to tight coordination with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion.

“I really need to applaud the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion for giving us the space to make sure that we restrict central bank financing of Government expenditure,” said Dr Matshe.

Foreign currency reserves climbed to US$1,2 billion by December 2025, providing 1,5 months of import cover.

The reserves now cover the local reserve money stock approximately six times and represent double the value of all total ZiG deposits in the system.

“The Reserve Bank remains committed to keeping money supply growth in check to ensure durable, low and sustainable inflation,” said Dr Matshe.

He noted that local currency money supply growth fell from 10 percent to an average of just 2 percent in 2025.

Zimbabwe is expected to record a strong current account surplus of about US$1 billion in 2025, double the US$500 million recorded in 2024.

Despite a conservative projection of 5 percent growth for 2026, Dr Matshe suggested the outturn could be significantly higher, following an estimated 6,6 percent growth in 2025.

He warned that the “base might change” if 2025 figures are revised upwards, but maintained that the overarching story is one of a positive trajectory.

AEDS executive chairman Professor Gift Mugano noted that Zimbabwe has maintained exchange rate stability since September 2024, with premiums falling below 20 percent.

“There is no one who is asking about exchange rates on a daily basis or anyone who runs to offload ZiG,” said Prof Mugano.

In terms of ZiG use, he anticipates it will continue to gain a foothold in formal markets, but the US dollar will remain dominant for savings.

Despite a positive baseline forecast, Prof Mugano warns that fiscal policy slippage, if not carefully watched, remains the primary threat to national economic stability.

To safeguard the disinflation trajectory and protect the ZiG, he called for a “non-negotiable” commitment to budget discipline and a zero-tolerance stance on quasi-fiscal operations.

Interest rates should remain restrictive throughout 2026, shifting from administrative controls to market-based liquidity management.

Authorities must prepare for exogenous shocks, Prof Mugano said, including potential oil price hikes driven by geopolitical tensions in the Americas following the US interference in Venezuelan politics, and local climate risks like flooding.

To boost financial intermediation, the RBZ should consider lowering reserve requirements for banks that prioritise lending to agriculture, manufacturing, and SMEs.

Stability must be anchored in real-sector competitiveness rather than demand suppression, ensuring “inclusive growth” that benefits all citizens.

Notably, though, Treasury is already running a tight fiscal policy that involves reducing Government spending, like on luxury vehicles and foreign travel, and controlling quasi-fiscal activities to curb inflation and maintain ZiG stability.

The post RBZ to entrench stability in push to monocurrency appeared first on herald.

The post RBZ to entrench stability in push to monocurrency appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Trust Freddy

Herald Correspondent

GOVERNMENT is set to roll out free public Wi-Fi hotspots countrywide as part of a comprehensive programme to expand broadband access, bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive participation in the digital economy, it has been learnt.

The initiative, outlined under National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), is set to be implemented by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz).

It is anchored on expanding national broadband infrastructure while ensuring that underserved communities, particularly in rural and high-density urban areas, gain affordable and reliable access to the Internet.

The programme builds on earlier digital inclusion efforts, including the Presidential Internet Scheme, under which Government has already allocated 8 000 Starlink kits to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to improve connectivity in schools.

According to NDS2, the Universal Service Fund will finance the expansion of network coverage to economically disadvantaged areas.

“The Universal Service Fund will support the expansion of network coverage to economically disadvantaged areas,” reads the NDS2.

“Government will also establish free Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces to promote digital inclusion and access to information.”

As part of measures to promote digital inclusion, it is envisaged that the Government will establish free Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces such as schools, clinics, community halls, bus termini, markets, libraries and Government service centres.

These hotspots will be used as shared access points where citizens can connect using personal devices or community computers to access online services, educational resources, Government platforms and business information without incurring data costs.

The facilities are expected to be managed in partnership with local authorities and service providers to ensure security, sustainability and reliable connectivity.

In an interview, Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, confirmed that preparations for the nationwide rollout were at an advanced stage.

“We have already procured routers and are targeting the establishment of at least 1 000 free Wi-Fi hotspots,” she said.

“A pilot project has already been completed in Hwedza, and we are now liaising with Ministers of State to identify strategic locations.”

Dr Mavetera said community leaders, including chiefs and village heads, would also be engaged to help determine the most effective placement of Starlink terminals, particularly in remote areas.

She added that free connectivity is already available at selected digital centres.

“At some of our digital centres, there are already free Wi-Fi hotspots. We have also supplied 300 Starlink kits to Zimpost to ensure backup connectivity at these centres,” she said.

The rollout will prioritise strategic public spaces such as parks and rural growth points, with a strong focus on improving access to essential services.

Authorities say the initiative will enable rural students to access e-learning platforms without the burden of data costs, while also allowing communities to benefit from telemedicine services and other digital public services.

Under NDS2, Government will also expand 4G and 5G broadband coverage by allocating additional radio frequency spectrum to mobile network operators.

Spectrum allocation allows operators to deploy faster and more efficient mobile broadband networks, improving capacity, reducing congestion and enhancing internet speeds in both urban and remote areas.

The move is expected to improve network capacity, reduce congestion and enhance internet speeds in both urban centres and remote areas.

To guide this expansion, Potraz, working in collaboration with the International Telecommunication union (ITU), will develop a comprehensive national broadband mapping system “to identify coverage gaps, optimise resource allocation and support evidence-based decision-making”.

“This mapping will guide targeted investments to expand broadband access nationwide stimulate to demand for ICT services, supported by the adoption and promotion of emerging AI technologies.”

Authorities say the data will be used to direct investments to areas with limited or no access, ensuring efficient use of resources while stimulating demand for ICT services across the economy.

In addition, internet access in underserved areas will also be strengthened by opening the satellite broadband market to additional operators.

Government plans to licence satellite broadband services through partnerships with local companies or direct authorisation, allowing providers to deploy satellite-based internet solutions.

This is expected to improve connectivity in remote areas where fibre and mobile networks are difficult or costly to roll out.

In addition, licencing multiple operators to deploy optic fibre infrastructure will introduce competition in the wholesale broadband market.

Authorities say increased competition will accelerate fibre deployment, improve service quality, lower costs and expand high-capacity broadband networks needed to support business growth, digital services and emerging technologies during the NDS2 period.

Complementing the broadband expansion, Government will transform Digital Centres — formerly Community Information Centres — into low-cost digital innovation hubs in underserved areas.

The centres will be equipped with internet access, computers and training facilities to support digital literacy, entrepreneurship and innovation.

During NDS2, the centres will be expanded nationwide, with priority given to remote communities.

Zimbabwe’s internet access landscape has expanded steadily over the past decade, largely driven by mobile broadband growth.

The majority of users access the internet through mobile networks, with fixed broadband and fibre connections concentrated in major urban centres.

While urban areas enjoy relatively better connectivity, rural regions continue to face challenges related to limited infrastructure, high costs and uneven network coverage.

Data affordability remains a key barrier for many households, prompting Government to prioritise interventions that lower access costs and extend connectivity to marginalised communities.

The broadband rollout builds on earlier USF-supported interventions and coincides with Government’s distribution of ICT devices to disadvantaged rural schools to support blended learning.

The programme, which began in Manicaland and is set to expand to Matabeleland South, has been bolstered by a UNICEF donation of 815 laptops, 708 projectors and 2 112 tablets.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo said the initiative would significantly enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for a digital future.

“These tools will enable our students to develop critical skills that are essential in today’s global economy,” he said.

“By providing both devices and free internet access, we are taking a major step towards ensuring that no child is left behind in this digital era.”

The post Digital leap for Zim: Govt rolls out free Wi-Fi programme appeared first on herald.

The post Digital leap for Zim: Govt rolls out free Wi-Fi programme appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Debra Matabvu

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday temporarily broke his annual leave to lead a high-level coordination of Zimbabwe’s response to domestic and sub-regional rainfall-induced disasters that have hit parts of the country, Mozambique and Malawi.

In this regard, Zimbabwe is sending emergency food assistance and deploying a pair of air rescue helicopters to Mozambique.

In an interview, Presidential spokesperson Mr George Charamba said the President moved swiftly after Harare received formal distress calls from Malawi and Mozambique, both of which are grappling with widespread flooding that has displaced communities, destroyed infrastructure and cut access to basic services.

He said the worsening weather situation across the region was fast developing into a sub-regional disaster, necessitating immediate intervention at both national and regional levels.

“We have had two SOSs — the first from the sister Republic of Malawi through our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and the second from Mozambique,” said Mr Charamba. “And both countries are in quite a situation, given what has happened in terms of the weather.

“We are facing a situation which is fast morphing into a sub-regional disaster. And because of that very adverse situation, His Excellency, the President has had to break from his leave in order to ensure that Government is properly directed on the appropriate response, which is both internal as well as sub-regional.”

Domestically, President Mnangagwa has placed the Civil Protection Unit on full alert, supported by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, health services and other Government departments involved in disaster preparedness and response.

“Internally, His Excellency, the President has directed that the CPU, Civil Protection Unit, be on full alert, backed by all the ancillary agencies which we use in the event we face a disaster. I am talking about the Defence Forces; I’m talking about the police; I’m talking about all those ministries and departments which have something to do with mobilising for disasters or rendering services which are disaster related.

“So, the country, as I speak just now, is on high alert to deal with any internal situation that might arise which is weather related.”

Zimbabwe had so far responded to domestic flooding-related emergencies in Mashonaland Central, Matabeleland South, and parts of Masvingo and Manicaland, particularly around the confluence of the Runde and Save rivers.

“So really, nationally, things are fairly stable. The only regret we have is that we have lost close to 80 lives; I think it’s about 79 if I’m not mistaken. So really, any life lost is one life too many and really our wish is that we keep and protect life as far as is possible.”

As a precautionary measure, President Mnangagwa has directed that each of Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces receive 50 tonnes of grain as standby food stocks to cushion communities should the situation deteriorate.

“Could I also add that on the instructions of the President, each province is receiving 50 tonnes of grain, not because we have had requests for grain but just as a contingency arrangement, just in case the need might arise. So every province in the country is going to be given 50 tonnes, which is a stand-by food facility to deal with any eventuality that might arise which is weather related. So, it’s more on the precautionary side.”

At regional level, Zimbabwe’s response is being coordinated through ZimAid, a Government-established humanitarian assistance mechanism designed to mobilise and channel Zimbabwe’s support to countries outside its borders during emergencies.

ZimAid operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, working closely with the CPU and private sector partners.

“Outside of our borders, His Excellency, the President, has mobilised support at two levels for now,” said Mr Charamba.

“The first one has to do with sharing with sister republics in our region which are affected, sharing what we call the lift power we have as a country, and I’m talking about helicopters.”

Zimbabwe will deploy two fully equipped air rescue helicopters to Mozambique to assist with emergency evacuations of marooned families and individuals trapped by rising floodwaters.

“You’ll recall that a few years back, His Excellency, the President, exploiting the very good relationship between us and the Russian Federation, was able to secure a whole fleet of helicopters for air medical services.

“He has agreed to release two such helicopters to assist with air rescue operations in Mozambique, where the need is dire.”

The helicopters are capable of conducting aerial rescues and providing emergency medical services.

“The good thing is those two helicopters are fully kitted out,” said Mr Charamba. “They provide emergency health services but they are also able to extract persons in distress and airlift them to safety. And that really is what we have done at the level of rescuing persons and families that might be marooned in Mozambique.”

The second level of assistance, he added, involves the mobilisation and delivery of food and basic supplies to affected communities in both countries.

Mr Charamba said Malawi, which issued its appeal first, will begin receiving food consignments this weekend, with similar arrangements underway for Mozambique.

“The second level of intervention has to do with making sure that we mobilise food and other amenities which are also urgently required by these distressed families.

“Some are still marooned, others displaced, and others have lost the little food savings that they had. Because the SOS from Malawi came first, on Saturday you are likely to see a whole movement of trucks taking food to Malawi.

“The President has also instructed that the Mozambican situation be treated as a real emergency and we are hard at work to make sure that the situation is also ameliorated.”

The appeals from Malawi and Mozambique also include longer-term needs, particularly the rehabilitation of damaged road and rail infrastructure to restore access to affected communities, as well as the rebuilding of homes and social amenities destroyed by floods.

“The third level, which those two countries have included in their appeal, has to do with rehabilitating the broken infrastructure, particularly the road and rail network, to make sure that we continue to access communities that have been affected,” said Mr Charamba.

“The homes that have been destroyed, which means really this is infrastructure and social amenities which are now broken as a result of this natural disaster. It’s a long-term kind of intervention, it will require obviously more resources.

“I can’t prejudge what the Zimbabwean Government will contribute in that direction, but certainly that was brought to our attention.”

Mr Charamba said Zimbabwe is also working closely with regional meteorological services to share real-time weather information and strengthen preparedness across Southern Africa.

“That is happening and our Met Office is in constant liaison with our sister met offices across the region so that there is that state of preparedness.”

Mr Charamba said the regional response has drawn strong support from Zimbabweans, including the private sector, with food and other donations already being mobilised through ZimAid.

“We have made a wide-ranging appeal, not just to individuals but also to the private sector,” he said.

“So already, I think, for Malawi we have about 20-30 tonnes. That is a substantial support that we have mobilised in the country and one must pay tribute to Zimbabweans, particularly their givenness to express a regional solidarity in this very concrete way and of course to heed the call from their central Government to make sure that there is a national response.

“All that intervention that we are extending to the region happens through the vehicle we call ZimAid. It is a facility which, through the sheer percipience of the President, was created as a vehicle that Zimbabwe can use to mobilise for support, which is extraterritorial. So ZimAid is the vehicle that we are using and all people who are contributing do so within the ambit of that facility.”

Severe flooding in Mozambique and Malawi has been triggered by weeks of persistent, above-normal rainfall linked to an active tropical weather system over the south-west Indian Ocean, which has seen intense rains across large parts of Southern and Eastern Africa.

In Mozambique, the flooding has been most pronounced in the central and northern provinces, including Zambezia, Sofala, Tete and Nampula, where swollen rivers have burst their banks, inundating villages, farmland and transport corridors.

Major river systems such as the Zambezi, Licungo, Pungwe and Buzi have recorded dangerously high water levels, cutting off communities and washing away roads, bridges and power infrastructure.

In Malawi, torrential rains have caused widespread flooding across Southern and Central regions, particularly in districts such as Chikwawa, Nsanje, Phalombe, Mangochi and Blantyre Rural, areas historically prone to flooding due to their low-lying geography.

The post President intervenes in floods relief…Coordinates local, regional disaster response appeared first on herald.

The post President intervenes in floods relief…Coordinates local, regional disaster response appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.