Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Govt supports Chiredzi crash victims, aids bereaved families – herald

Minister Garwe said the declaration of the incident as a State of Disaster would facilitate a coordinated national response and enable the mobilisation of resources to assist victims and their families.

Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent

Government has activated State-assisted funerals for the nine people who died in last week’s tragic bus and train collision in Chiredzi and will meet medical expenses for the 59 injured survivors, following the declaration of the accident as a State of Disaster.

In a statement, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe said the Government had moved swiftly to ensure that affected families receive the necessary support during the difficult period.

The fatal accident occurred when a bus collided with a train in Chiredzi, claiming nine lives and leaving dozens injured.

Minister Garwe said the declaration of the incident as a State of Disaster would facilitate a coordinated national response and enable the mobilisation of resources to assist victims and their families.

“Following the tragic accident that occurred in Chiredzi, where a bus collided with a train, claiming nine lives and leaving 59 people injured, Government has declared the incident a State of Disaster to facilitate a coordinated response and support to affected families,” he said.

Minister Garwe said State-assisted funerals had been activated for all the deceased.

“In line with this declaration, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works activated State-assisted funerals for the nine deceased persons.

“This intervention is being undertaken with the support of the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe and the bus owner to ensure that the victims are accorded dignified burials,” he said.

He said Government would also settle medical bills for all injured passengers receiving treatment at various health institutions.

“Government has also made arrangements for the payment of medical bills for the 59 injured persons receiving treatment at various health institutions.

“This measure is intended to ease the financial burden on victims and their families during this difficult period,” said Minister Garwe.

To facilitate funeral and burial arrangements, Government has engaged Nyaradzo Funeral Services to provide burial services for the deceased.

Minister Garwe said psychosocial support was also being provided to bereaved families to help them cope with the trauma and emotional impact of losing their loved ones.

“In addition, bereaved families are receiving psychosocial support to help them cope with the trauma and emotional impact of the tragedy,” he said.

The Minister expressed condolences to the families who lost relatives in the accident and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

“The Ministry extends its deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.

“Government remains committed to ensuring that all affected individuals and families receive the necessary assistance and support,” said Minister Garwe.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently declared the accident a national disaster, paving the way for Government intervention and support measures aimed at assisting victims and affected families.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision are continuing.

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Source: Liquidation off the table for Tongaat Hulett – herald

Mr Gavin Dalgleish

Nqobile Bhebhe

Zimpapers Business Hub

THE joint Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs) of South African sugar giant Tongaat Hulett Limited have formally withdrawn the liquidation application against the company following constructive engagements between new investors Vision Group and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

The latest development strengthens confidence in the business rescue process and improves prospects for the successful completion of the ongoing transaction.

It also removes uncertainty over the regional sugar producer’s future and is expected to provide reassurance to growers, suppliers, customers, employees, financiers and other stakeholders with interests across the sugar industry value chain.

Confirming the development, Tongaat Hulett group chief executive officer Mr Gavin Dalgleish said the withdrawal followed positive engagements between Vision and the IDC.

“Following constructive engagements between Vision and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), I would like to confirm that the joint Tongaat Hulett Limited Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs) have formally withdrawn the liquidation application.

“This development represents a significant step forward and provides increased certainty as we continue working towards the successful completion of the transaction process,” said Mr Dalgleish.

The withdrawal is regarded as a key milestone in Tongaat Huletts’ business rescue journey as it allows stakeholders to focus on concluding the transaction process aimed at securing the company’s long-term future and preserving its strategic role within the regional sugar industry.

Mr Dalgleish said the development reflected progress made through engagements among stakeholders committed to supporting the business.

“The withdrawal of the liquidation application reflects the progress made to date and the collective commitment of all stakeholders involved in supporting a sustainable future for the business.”

Tongaat Hulett plays a critical role in the agricultural economy, supporting thousands of livelihoods through an extensive network of sugar cane growers, contractors, transport operators, suppliers, mill workers and downstream industries that rely on sugar production.

Tongaat Hulett’s investments in Zimbabwe are managed under Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe (THZ), which serves as the operational and financial anchor of the entire regional group.

It owns 100 percent of Triangle Sugar Corporation, Zimbabwe’s largest sugar producer and 50.35 percent stake in fellow industry player and Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed Hippo Valley Estates.

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Source: ‘Harness AI, innovation to create jobs’ . . . no going back on value addition: President – herald

President Mnangagwa and Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi listen as a Rimbi Primary School learner from Chipinge explains their innovation at the official opening of the 14th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium at Harare International Conference Centre yesterday. — Picture: Believe Nyakudjara.

Debra Matabvu

Herald Reporter

ZIMBABWE should harness artificial intelligence, research and innovation to enhance efficiency across all economic sectors and develop practical, home-grown solutions to national challenges while accelerating industrialisation, modernisation and strengthening the country’s sovereignty, the President has said.

Speaking at the 14th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium at the Harare International Conference Centre yesterday, President Mnangagwa said research and innovation must be leveraged to create employment opportunities, particularly for young people, and improve the quality of life of citizens across the country.

President Mnangagwa delivers his keynote address while officially opening the 14th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium at Harare International Conference Centre yesterday. – Pictures: Believe Nyakudjara.

The symposium brought together participants from primary and secondary schools, universities, polytechnic colleges, teachers’ colleges and Government departments, who showcased a wide-range of research projects, innovations and technological solutions aimed at supporting national development.

“Harnessing Artificial Intelligence should enable our economies to improve efficiency and safety in fields such as mining,” President Mnangagwa said.

“As Zimbabwe, we are not going back on scaling up the value addition and beneficiation of our vast minerals and natural resources which must now be transformed into high value products that create jobs, build industries and strengthen national sovereignty.

“With regards to agricultural sector, research must lead to precision agriculture that increases yields, while protecting the environment and fostering development of agro-processing industries, for both domestic and export markets.

“Our pharmaceutical research must produce medicines that reduce import dependency and strengthen our health systems, while also inculcating predictive healthcare systems that save lives.

“Furthermore, modern manufacturing platforms should enable us to produce goods competitively and stronger public systems that deliver services efficiently. Above all, artificial intelligence should create new opportunities for our young people.

“The ICT sector should progressively begin to see our robust platforms for digital trade, e-government and fintech solutions that expand financial inclusion.”

President Mnangagwa also called on the country’s institutions of higher learning to intensify research, innovation and knowledge generation in support of national development priorities.

The President urged the institutions to continue translating research findings into tangible products and services that contribute to economic growth.

“Research must move beyond the classroom and into practical solutions,” President Mnangagwa said.

The President and Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi (fourth from left) are joined by ministers and other senior officials for a family photo at the symposium.

“It is with this recognition that my administration adopted Heritage- Based Education 5.0 policy.

“This has seen our institutions of higher learning being transformed from centres of theory into engines of industrialisation.”

“Through innovation hubs and industrial parks, research has translated into tangible products, start- ups, patents and industrial solutions that contribute directly economic growth.

“We now have students who think, question, experiment and innovate with boldness as inventors, entrepreneurs and nation builders.

“Their creativity is being harnessed to produce solutions that are home-grown, practical and uniquely Zimbabwe.”

President Mnangagwa said research should be translated into solutions that change the ordinary people’s lives towards the realization of the country’s goal of becoming an upper middle economy by 2030. 

“I once again challenge you to strengthen collaboration, inspire bold ideas and accelerate the translation of research into life transforming solutions that improve the quality of life of our people,” President Mnangagwa added. 

“Collectively, lets us harness artificial intelligence, research and innovation towards the realisation of an empowered and prosperous upper middle -income society by 2030.”

He said the research is a key catalyst in developing, modernizing and industrializing any economy that the Second Republic has established policies and an enabling ecosystem aimed at promoting research-driven innovation across all sectors of the economy.

The President said the policies seeks to accelerate industrialisation, value addition and beneficiation, ensuring that research contributes directly to sustainable economic growth and national development.

He said: “To date, my cabinet has approved the research amendment bill, which will soon be tabled before Parliament.

The President hands over a certificate of distinction to Cecil John Rhodes School learners Moses Msipa and Alicious Tamisayi at  the symposium.

“This bill seeks to transform the research authority of Zimbabwe and sets a national target of our Gross Domestic Product for allocation to research and development.

“It is opportune that my Government adopted the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026-2030) earlier this year.

“Hence I am confident that the deployment of new technologies will be appropriately guided by ethical, inclusive and responsible Artificial Intelligence adoption.”

President Mnangagwa also called for stronger collaboration among all stakeholders, particularly the private sector, to support the adoption and commercialisation of research and innovation outputs across all sectors of the economy.

He further urged African countries to strengthen partnerships in the development of artificial intelligence, saying collaborative efforts were critical to harnessing emerging technologies to drive industrialisation, boost productivity and accelerate sustainable development across the continent.

The President hands over a symbolic cheque of US$15 000 to the overall winner, Professor Upenyu Guyo (second from right), who won the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Award at the colourful event.

“Let us imagine a Zimbabwe, SADC and Africa where mining companies partner with Universities to develop Artificial Intelligence-driven exploration and exploitation tools as well as new technologies for increased production and productivity,” he added.

“Agro-industries should also collaborate with researches to build climate-smart processing plants, ICT firms strengthen synergies with innovators to create platforms for e-commerce improved service delivery and new technologies.”

A learner listens as a SIRDC staffer takes him through some of the innovations being exhibited at the symposium.

President Mnanagwa said Zimbabwe remained committed to mutually beneficial research partnerships that advanced shared prosperity and collective progress.

Learners from various schools across the country sing the National Anthem at the colourful annual event.

The symposium was attended by Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Higher, director general of East and Southern Africa Management Institute (ESAMI) Professor Peter Kiuluku and various Government officials. 

President Mnangagwa also presented awards to schools, universities and Government departments that showcased outstanding innovations at the symposium

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Source: Fuel prices fall as Middle East tensions ease – herald

Addressing delegates at the Annual Chamber of Mines Conference yesterday, Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo said the Government was actively reviewing pump prices in line with favourable developments on the international market while maintaining its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies.

Rutendo Nyeve-Victoria Falls Bureau

GOVERNMENT has started adjusting fuel prices downwards, with petrol and diesel now selling below US$2 per litre following the easing of hostilities in the Middle East.

Iran and the United States, which have been fighting since February 28 this year, signed an agreement on Thursday to end the war that had resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz through which 20 percent of the world’s fuel is transported, triggering an increase in prices.

Addressing delegates at the Annual Chamber of Mines Conference yesterday, Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo said the Government was actively reviewing pump prices in line with favourable developments on the international market while maintaining its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies.

“In the petroleum sector, you have seen what we have been doing. We increased prices when we were hit by the Straits of Hormuz; we were very hard hit here in Zimbabwe,” he said.

“When you look at the percentages, what we increased from where we were is the same as what everybody else increased, but we already had a petroleum product which was higher than normal, and we have maintained that we need security of supply,” he said.

Minister Moyo said following the Middle East conflict, President Mnangagwa directed the ministry to prioritise security of supply.

“We don’t want any queues anymore after the President eliminated them. But there is the cost side of things that we are tracking, and we hope that we can decrease,” he said.

“You will see that this week, we are now below US$2, and we think the reviews that we are doing will lead us to where we need to go.”

Minister Moyo said the Government would continue monitoring international market developments closely to ensure Zimbabweans benefit from the ongoing stability in global oil markets.

The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route through which about a fifth of the world’s oil supplies pass, had become a flashpoint during heightened tensions in the Middle East, triggering supply concerns and sharp increases in global crude oil prices.

The disruptions pushed Brent crude prices to above US$100 per barrel, driving Zimbabwe’s fuel prices to a peak of about US$2,23 per litre for petrol and placing additional pressure on households and businesses.

Throughout the period of uncertainty, Government maintained that safeguarding fuel availability remained its top priority, introducing market-sensitive pricing measures while ensuring the country retained fuel reserves sufficient for more than three months.

Authorities also implemented tax relief measures and increased fuel blending ratios from E5 to E20 as part of efforts to cushion consumers and stabilise pump prices.

Recent trends, however, indicate a reversal of the earlier price surge, with global oil prices retreating significantly as supply chains normalise following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Fuel industry players have welcomed the downward price adjustments, saying they will ease pressure on businesses and consumers alike.

“As fuel industry players, we welcome the cushioning of fuel users which was extended by the Government when the Strait of Hormuz was closed,” said fuel industry player Mr McKenzie Dongo.

He said following the current developments regarding its reopening, they expect to see a significant reduction in pump prices in the next Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) price review as international oil prices have fallen below US$86 per barrel.

“Prices eased during the last Zera review but remained above the US$2 mark. With this week’s international market reduction and stabilisation, we expect both petrol and diesel to fall further below the US$2 benchmark,” said Dongo

“For us as industry players, it eases pressure on working capital requirements, which had been seriously strained because of the earlier supply-induced increases.”

Zera is expected to announce its next official fuel price review in the coming days, with industry players anticipating further reductions.

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Source: Zim economy grows 8,29pc in 2025 – herald

Presenting the annual GDP figures in Harare yesterday, ZimStat national accounts manager Mr Grown Chirongwe said the country’s economic performance reflected gains across key sectors.

Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent

the economy recorded a robust growth of 8,29 percent in 2025, buoyed by a strong agricultural season, increased mining output and stable macro-economic conditions, according to the Gross Domestic Product figures released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency.

Presenting the annual GDP figures in Harare yesterday, ZimStat national accounts manager Mr Grown Chirongwe said the country’s economic performance reflected gains across key sectors.

“The year 2025 was deemed a stable year, coupled with low inflation, a good agricultural season, a booming mining industry and firm mineral prices such as gold,” said Mr Chirongwe.

He said the favourable economic environment prompted ZimStat to revise the country’s GDP base year from 2023 to 2025.

According to the report, Zimbabwe’s GDP at current prices nearly doubled from ZiG822.9 billion in 2024 to ZiG1.55 trillion in 2025, while GDP at constant 2025 prices rose from ZiG1.43 trillion to ZiG1.55 trillion, translating to an annual growth of 8,29 percent.

The manufacturing sector remained the largest contributor to economic activity, accounting for 16.8 percent of GDP, followed by mining and quarrying (15.9 percent), agriculture (11.1 percent), wholesale and retail trade (11 percent) and finance and insurance (6.3 percent).

Mr Chirongwe said agriculture emerged as the fastest-growing sector in 2025, expanding by 27.9 percent, largely due to improved rainfall and increased production.

“In terms of value added, the top five growing industries in 2025 were agriculture at 27.9 percent, electricity at 14.9 percent, accommodation and food services at 12.8 percent, transport and storage at 10.4 percent and mining and quarrying at 10.4 percent,” he said.

The expenditure approach to GDP showed that household consumption remained the backbone of economic activity.

“For 2025, private consumption expenditure by households was ZWG1,208.3 billion, accounting for 77.9 percent of GDP,” said Mr Chirongwe.

Government final consumption expenditure contributed 12.8 percent of GDP, while gross capital formation stood at ZWG116.5 billion, representing 7.5 percent of GDP.

The report also indicated an improvement in the country’s external trade position, with net exports narrowing to negative ZWG14.8 billion in 2025 from negative ZWG44.4 billion in 2024.

Zimbabwe’s Gross National Income (GNI) rose significantly from ZWG814.3 billion in 2024 to ZWG1.53 trillion in 2025, reflecting stronger domestic income generation.

Using the income approach, compensation of employees accounted for the largest share of GDP at 43.1 percent, amounting to ZWG668.3 billion, while gross operating surplus reached ZWG517.9 billion.

Mr Chirongwe said private sector investment remained a key driver of capital formation, with private sector gross fixed capital formation contributing 49.5 percent of total investment compared to 43 percent from Government.

The latest figures show Zimbabwe’s broad-based economic recovery, with the agriculture, mining, manufacturing and services sectors collectively sustaining growth amid improving macroeconomic stability and stronger production across major industries.

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