Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Zimbabwe’s banking sector remained resilient during the first half of the year, with strong growth in assets, deposits and lending underpinning the sector’s capacity to support economic activity amid prevailing macroeconomic stability.

According to the 2026 Mid-Term Monetary Policy Review Statement released by Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu this morning, the banking sector remained safe, sound, profitable and inclusive as at June 30, 2026.

“The banking sector remains safe, sound, resilient and inclusive, benefiting from the prevailing stable macroeconomic conditions,” Dr Mushayavanhu said.

The sector’s total assets increased to ZIG247,86 billion by June 30, 2026, from ZIG215,78 billion in the previous period, reflecting continued expansion in banking operations.

Loans and advances also increased significantly to ZIG94,61 billion, up from ZIG79,30 billion, pointing to increased financial intermediation and the banking sector’s continued role in financing economic activity.

Total deposits rose to ZIG158,29 billion, from ZIG132,16 billion, providing banks with a stronger funding base to support lending and other productive activities.

The sector remained adequately capitalised, although capital buffers moderated during the period. The net capital base stood at ZIG43,30 billion, while core capital increased to ZIG36,80 billion.

The capital adequacy ratio stood at 24.13 percent, comfortably above the regulatory minimum of 12 percent, while the Tier 1 capital ratio was 20.51 percent, compared with a minimum requirement of 8 percent.

The figures indicate that banks maintained substantial capital cushions to absorb potential shocks and support continued operations.

Asset quality also remained relatively sound, with the non-performing loans ratio declining to 3,19 percent, from 3,64 percent and remaining below the regulatory threshold of 5 percent.

Liquidity remained strong, with the sector’s liquidity ratio at 55,85 percent, significantly above the minimum requirement of 30 percent. The loans-to-deposits ratio, excluding lines of credit, stood at 56,90 percent.

Profitability improved from the previous reporting period, with the banking sector recording a net profit of ZIG3,81 billion, compared with ZIG1,54 billion previously.

Return on equity rose to 9,25 percent, while return on assets increased to 1,63 percent, indicating an improvement in banks’ earnings performance.

Meanwhile, Dr Mushayavanhu said the financial sector was making progress in incorporating sustainability considerations into banking operations through the Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative.

He said as at June 30, 19 institutions, comprising the Reserve Bank, banking institutions, development financial institutions, deposit-taking microfinance institutions and a bank holding company, were participating in the initiative.

“Two banking institutions had already received certification and were implementing activities aligned with the standards,” the Governor said.

The central bank noted that it had also completed the requirements for certification and was expected to receive certification from the European Organisation for Sustainable Development at the end of August. – Herald

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NAMPAK Zimbabwe expects heightened geopolitical tensions and the recent unrest in South Africa to maintain pressure on operating costs despite an anticipated recovery in tobacco packaging and plastics volumes.

Group managing director and executive director Mr John van Gend said tensions in the Gulf region and the Russia-Ukraine conflict were likely to continue driving volatility in fuel and raw material prices, while anti-immigrant demonstrations in South Africa could weigh on regional economic activity.

Nampak, however, noted that the operating environment remained relatively stable during the quarter, supported by stable ZiG and subdued inflation.

The packaging firm said that tight management of ZiG liquidity continued to shift a greater proportion of transactions towards the United States dollar.

“The recent anti-immigrant demonstrations in South Africa may negatively affect regional economic activity through increased repatriation of foreign nationals and disruption to diaspora remittance flows,” Mr van Gend said in the company’s trading update for the third quarter to June 30, 2026.

He said unreliable electricity supplies, particularly in Ruwa, also increased the company’s reliance on generators, adding to production costs.

Rising fuel and raw material prices further squeezed margins across the group.

In terms of performance Nampaks group revenue for the nine months to June 30, 2026 rose 9 percent to US$67,8 million, while volumes increased 16 percent compared with the prior year.

Nampak is a leading packaging manufacturer in Zimbabwe, listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange. It operates through major subsidiaries producing paper, plastic and metal packaging for diverse sectors like agriculture, beverages and tobacco. – Herald

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31-year marriage ends in bloodshed as 13 in-laws hunt down Zhombe man A 31-year marriage ended in a brutal midnight attack after a group of 13 relatives allegedly hunted down a Zhombe man who had fled into the bush following a domestic dispute over beans. Mpendulo Nyoni, 55, was beaten, stabbed and left with broken […]

The post 13 anatezvara thoroughly beat up mukwasha to death: They broke most of his bones and stabbed him… Now family demands 32 cows! first appeared on My Zimbabwe News.

BULAWAYO – A private jet was grounded overnight at Bulawayo’s Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport after police detained the mother and sister of Kelsea Tadiwa Tafirenyika, the second wife of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son Collins Mnangagwa, in a dramatic attempt to leave Zimbabwe for Dubai. Zimlive reports that the Bombardier Global Express XRS, registered A6-AFC, […]

The post PAKAROHWA MUNHU: Private jet grounded overnight as police thwart Collins Mnangagwa’s mother-in-law’s plot to flee Zimbabwe… Auxillia breathes fire first appeared on My Zimbabwe News.

Source: City to act on unapproved structures – herald

Trust Freddy

Herald Correspondent

The City of Harare has warned of fresh demolitions, saying all unapproved and partially built structures in illegal settlements will be pulled down as Government and council move to jointly clamp down on unlawful land developments across the capital.

This comes amid revelations that land earmarked for the construction of Highglen Stadium has been completely taken over by land barons, with individuals continuing to build houses on the site despite full knowledge that completed structures were previously flattened on the same grounds.

Several other public amenity spaces across the capital — including land designated for schools, recreational parks and sports facilities — have similarly been invaded and illegally subdivided by land syndicates. In a public notice issued yesterday, the City of Harare announced that the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, will early next week lead a joint inspection tour of all identified illegal settlements alongside municipal authorities.

“Unapproved structures, whether completed or partially built, will be demolished in line with applicable statutes,” reads part of the notice.

The local authority ordered an immediate halt to all unauthorised construction activities, including land clearing and trenching taking place without municipal approvals or valid legal titles.

“Any ongoing construction, land clearing, trenching or building work taking place without official municipal approval or valid legal title must stop immediately,” the statement added.

According to the City, the upcoming ministerial tour will inspect non-compliant sites to pave the way for immediate enforcement actions and the prosecution of offenders.

“Individuals, syndicates or illegal land barons selling, buying or building on unallocated State or council land will face swift arrest and prosecution under the full weight of the law,” read the statement.

Prospective home-seekers and residents have been sternly warned against acquiring land or paying money to unauthorised individuals promising land regularisation, with authorities clarifying that the Ministry will not protect or compensate anyone engaging in illicit transactions. “Order and lawful land administration will be restored without exception,” council said.

This fresh warning comes at a time when Harare City Council is already on record stating that it holds over 37 High Court orders to evict illegal settlers and demolish more than 5,000 structures in high-density suburbs such as Kuwadzana, Budiriro, Glen View and Mabvuku.

However, previous attempts to execute these court orders and roll out citywide demolitions never materialised after the central Government intervened and halted the exercise, insisting that no demolitions should take place.

To bypass municipal oversight, land barons have reportedly exploited a legal loophole based on the premise that once a structure is completed and occupied for 24 hours, it cannot be demolished without a formal court order.

Exploiting this tactic, syndicates organise rapid night-time building drives, erecting two-roomed structures in as little as 48 hours to establish residency before authorities can intervene.

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