Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Daniel Chigunwe 

Herald Correspondent

PLAYERS in the financial technology industry have expressed optimism over the growth of this rising phenomenon citing the enabling environment that is set to be ushered by National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) supported by the 2026 National Budget.

As the country moves towards the attainment of Vision 2030 through the implementation of NDS2, technological innovation and digitilisation is a key pillar emerging to buttress the socio-economic trajectories of Zimbabwe.

Government under the Second Republic continues to demonstrate its commitment towards supporting this critical pillar, with fintech players highlighting the recent 2026 budget as capturing the real essence of the sector by meaningful funds allocation and policy announcement.

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube echoed a clarion call to harness local talent and innovation through prioritising science, technology, digitalisation, innovation, and human capital development.

In his budget presentation, Minister Ncube made a pivotal allocation of ZiG763.5 million to the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services which will pave way for transformative investments that breathe life into local digital ecosystem.

Zim’s fast rising fintech giants, Toda Technologies business manager Mr Takudzwanashe Makanda expressed hope for 2026 highlighting the potential of fintech in revolutionize access to financial services, empowering millions who have been traditionally underserved.

“By enhancing access to robust technological infrastructure and fostering a favourable regulatory environment, our government is laying the foundation for local fintech start-ups like Toda Technologies to flourish as we envision a future where mobile payments, digital banking, and comprehensive financial literacy are not just concepts but lived experiences for every Zimbabwean, this is not just progress but a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.

“The introduction of the Digital Services Withholding Tax, effective January 1, 2026, is another significant milestone which will ensure that a share of revenue remains within our country, a measure that provides a vital lifeline for local fintech and e-hailing services, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly competitive digital landscape,” he said.

Toda Technologies, a fintech company founded by businessman Mr Jefta Mugweni, is breaking new grounds in the transport, finance and employment sector following the successful launch of its flagships; Toda Rider, Toda Payments and Toda Freelancers respectively.

“We are confident that the local e-hailing industry and a variety of digital solutions will reap the rewards of these new initiatives and policies as we cultivate a regulatory landscape that nurtures innovation, our homegrown platforms can rise to the challenge, bringing services tailored specifically to the needs of our communities bearing in mind that local ownership of technology is key to creating jobs and stabilizing our economy,” added Makanda.

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Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub

ZANU-PF has reclaimed the Nkulumane Constituency seat after the party’s candidate, Cde Freedom Murechu, emerged victorious in the by-election held yesterday, securing the parliamentary seat left vacant by the late incumbent legislator, Desire Moyo.

Official results announced by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) elections officer Mrs Sithembiso Khuphe confirmed that Cde Murechu outpolled eight other candidates to clinch the seat.

Cde Murechu’s commanding margin of 3,416 votes signals a significant swing in a constituency long regarded as an opposition stronghold.

Independent candidate Rodney Jele finished second with 745 votes. Other contenders included independent Esther Excellia Zitha, the widow of the late Mr Moyo, who garnered 325 votes, and CCC candidate Mothusi Ndlovu, also known as Madlela Skhobokobo, who received 320 votes.

They were followed by independent Mbuso Fuzwayo with 121 votes, Vivian Siziba of ZAPU with 110, Alson Moyo of the EFF with 65, Ethel Sibanda of the MDC-T with 23, and Nompilo Ncube Malaba of ZANC, who polled 18 votes.

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Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter

THE ruling ZANU PF party in Matabeleland North Province has declared 2025 a year of significant achievement, marked by political victories and tangible development progress.

The assessment was delivered by the party’s Provincial Chairman and Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, in an interview with Zimpapers recently.

Chairman Moyo highlighted a series of key milestones underscoring the party’s strengthened position.

Politically, the province recorded clean sweeps in critical local authority by-elections.

“We had local authority by-elections in Victoria Falls Ward 1, Nkayi and Binga Ward 14, all of which we won, so as a party in Matabeleland North we did well,” said Cde Moyo.

He further confirmed the successful and constitutional conduct of all Provincial Executive Council (PEC) and Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meetings, and the province’s unified support for Resolution 1 at the national conference in Mutare.

On the development front, a long-standing provincial project reached completion.

“We commenced a project as a province to construct our party offices in 2018,” he said.

Cde Moyo detailed the funding model, which utilised surpluses from conference donations.

A major boost came from a presidential donation, accelerating the project to completion.

“Recently, President Mnangagwa gave us as party chairpersons US$100 thousand each. From that money, I gave all our DCCs US$5 000 each. The remainder I bought material and we finished constructing the office,” Cde Moyo said.

The new provincial party headquarters in Lupane was subsequently officially opened by the party’s Secretary General, Advocate Jacob Mudenda.

Chairman Moyo extended the province’s gratitude to the national leadership.

“We want to thank the President for these donations that he gave us on his birthday,” he said.

The completed office stands as a physical symbol of what the province celebrates as a year of consolidated growth and unwavering party discipline.

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Nelson Nhlalo Masukume, Chronicle Correspondent

A mysterious fire broke out at Ziga Primary School located about 82km north of Tsholotsho District in Matabeleland North under Chief Mathuphula, leaving behind a trail of destruction to property worth over $1 200.

According to witnesses, the incident happened last week and a female teacher was at the school cottages when a bolt of lightning suddenly struck. Miss Hazel Masuku, a female teacher who was sleeping when the fire broke out escaped death by a whisker.

Scores of dumbfounded villagers including Schools Development Committee (SDC) members who rushed to the scene found the teacher and village head Mr Andrew Ncube struggling to redeem some belongings but could not salvage much as the fire had already consumed much of the property.

It is not clear how the fire started but witnesses strongly suspect that it could have been caused by a lightning bolt.
“I stay near the school. I rushed to rescue the teacher when I heard screams and saw smoke of flames coming from the school building. We only managed to remove some few belongings,” said the visibly shaken village head.

The female teacher who was in the chalet when the mysterious inferno struck was deeply shaken as she counted her losses.

“I was inside when I heard a strange sound as the rain was building up. I went outside to check and I saw a cloud of multi-colored fire flames on the roof of the chalet.

“As I screamed for help, Mr Ncube the village head arrived and we started pulling out some few belongings. l lost all my clothes, food and blankets,” said Miss Masuku.

Contacted for comment the head of the school, Mr Philani Masuku, confirmed the incident.
“There was a strange fire in our school. A lot of property was destroyed by the fire that destroyed the chalet. As I speak I’m working on a report to appraise the district authorities about the incident,” he said.

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Nine months after Zimbabwean national Emmanuel Mahamba was allegedly run over multiple times by a Ford Ranger in Sandton and later died, Gauteng police say the suspect remains at large. In response to IOL News enquiries on Friday, police have acknowledged that the suspect remains at large. Mahamba was fatally injured in April during an incident in Rivonia, Sandton. Footage of the altercation