Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Zvamaida Murwira

Senior Reporter

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has signed into law the Finance Act and Appropriation Act that gives legal effect to the 2026 National Budget that was recently passed by Parliament.

Treasury, through Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube can legally disburse funds appropriated under the budget.

The signing of the two laws by President Mnangagwa was announced by Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya in an Extraordinary Government Gazette published yesterday.

“The following laws, which were assented to by His Excellency, the President are published in terms of Section 131 (6)(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, Finance Act and Appropriation Act,” reads the notice.

The Finance Act gives legal effect to the fiscal policy measures announced in the Budget, while the Appropriation Act authorises expenditure votes for ministries and Government departments.

During debate Treasury made several concessions on key fiscal measures, paving the way for the implementation of Government’s spending and revenue plans for the coming year.

The budget was approved after both the Finance Amendment Bill and the Appropriation Bill were read for the third time in the National Assembly and the Senate, signalling their passage.

Prof Ncube presented the budget last month, outlining a mix of revenue enhancing and expenditure measures aimed at stabilising the economy and supporting growth.

Debate was protracted, with legislators raising concerns and proposing amendments, some of which prompted concessions from Treasury.

Dzivaresekwa legislator Mr Edwin Mushoriwa and his Kuwadzana counterpart, Mr Chalton Hwende, were among backbenchers who tabled proposed amendments to the Finance Act, although the proposals were rejected after debate.

One of Mr Mushoriwa’s proposals sought to ring-fence revenue from the sugar tax exclusively for the health sector, as originally envisaged when the levy was introduced.

Prof Ncube opposed the amendment, arguing that there had been no diversion of the funds to other uses and that additional legal safeguards were therefore, unnecessary.

During the debate, the Finance Minister agreed to adjust allocations for several institutions, including Parliament, whose vote he said would be increased by an additional ZiG800 million, from ZiG3 billion. He also reversed his proposal to double the gold royalty rate to 10 percent after legislators warned that the increase would negatively affect miners and the broader industry.

The royalty rate will now remain at 5 percent for gold prices ranging between US$1 200 and US$5 000.

Prof Ncube further withdrew his proposal to introduce a cash withdrawal levy following concerns that the measure would overburden formally employed citizens and undermine efforts to formalise the economy.

He acknowledged calls from lawmakers to review foreign currency withdrawal charges and to protect diaspora remittances and small to medium enterprises by suspending the levy below a substantial threshold.

“My other proposal would be to review the foreign currency withdrawal levy . . . and to suspend its application on withdrawals below a substantial threshold to protect diaspora remittances and SME cash flows.

“I also want to recommend that we amend the presumptive tax framework and index the threshold to inflation, raising it from ZiG5 000 to at least ZiG10 000 monthly return,” said Prof Ncube.

Addressing criticism over the decision to increase Value Added Tax (VAT) by 0,5 percentage points from 15 percent, Prof Ncube said the measure would not harm low-income earners, as most basic commodities consumed by poorer households are zero-rated or exempt from VAT.

He cited items such as bread, cooking oil, salt, milk, sugar, vegetables, fruits, maize meal, wheat flour, sanitary products and agricultural inputs among goods that do not attract VAT.

Prof Ncube also defended the increase by comparing Zimbabwe’s VAT rate with those of other countries in the region, noting that several peers have higher rates.

The 2026 National Budget projects total expenditure of ZiG290 billion, equivalent to about US$9,5 billion or 17 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

This is set against a revenue target of ZiG288 billion, or about US$9,4 billion, representing 16,9 percent of GDP.

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AS climate shocks intensify and input costs continue to rise, Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is under growing pressure to produce more with fewer resources. From recurrent droughts in Matabeleland and parts of Mashonaland to fertiliser shortages and post-harvest losses, the need for smarter, technology-driven farming has never been more urgent. Emerging global examples now point to how artificial intelligence (AI) could offer a practical pathway for transforming Zimbabwean agriculture.

A recent case from India, where Microsoft’s AI-powered Farm Vibes platform has helped farmers in the drought-prone Baramati region dramatically improve productivity, provides a compelling blueprint for Zimbabwe. By integrating satellite imagery, drones, soil sensors and AI analytics, farmers in Baramati achieved yield increases of up to 40 percent, cut fertiliser use by 25 percent and reduced water consumption by as much as half. Similar outcomes could be transformative for Zimbabwe’s largely climate-vulnerable farming systems.

Precision farming for a climate-stressed economy

Zimbabwe’s agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, employing the majority of the population and contributing significantly to exports through tobacco, maize, cotton and horticulture. Yet productivity remains highly uneven, with smallholder farmers particularly exposed to erratic rainfall and poor access to agronomic information.

AI-driven precision farming could change this equation. By combining real-time data on soil moisture, temperature, humidity and nutrient levels, AI systems can generate tailored recommendations on when to plant, irrigate and apply fertiliser. For Zimbabwean farmers, this would mean more efficient use of scarce water resources, especially in drought-prone regions, while avoiding the blanket application of fertilisers that degrade soils and inflate costs.

With Zimbabwe already using satellite data for weather forecasting and early warning systems, the leap toward AI-enhanced decision-making is less radical than it may appear. What is required is integration, bringing together meteorological data, on-farm sensors and agronomic models into farmer-friendly platforms.

Cutting costs and improving sustainability

Rising input prices have eroded profitability across Zimbabwe’s farming sector. Fertiliser, seed and fuel costs remain a major constraint, particularly for A1 and communal farmers. AI-enabled spot fertilisation — where nutrients are applied only where needed — offers a way to reduce chemical use while improving soil health. Evidence from India suggests fertiliser savings of around 25 percent are achievable without sacrificing yields.

For Zimbabwe, where soil degradation and declining fertility are long-term structural challenges, such an approach could support sustainable intensification rather than expansion into marginal lands. Reduced chemical runoff would also align with environmental goals, particularly in sensitive catchment areas.

Water efficiency is another critical gain. AI systems that monitor weather patterns and field conditions can help farmers irrigate more precisely, reducing wastage. In a country where irrigation schemes are under strain and power supply is unreliable, cutting water use by even a fraction could significantly extend the viability of existing infrastructure.

Empowering farmers through local-language AI

One of the key lessons from the Baramati experience is accessibility. Farmers were able to interact with AI tools through vernacular language assistance, making complex data actionable at the farm level. For Zimbabwe, this is especially relevant given linguistic diversity and varying literacy levels.

AI platforms that deliver advice in Shona, Ndebele and other local languages — via mobile phones — could democratise access to advanced agronomic knowledge. With mobile penetration already high, such tools could reach thousands of farmers who currently rely on informal advice or delayed extension services.

This would not replace agricultural extension officers but complement them, allowing limited public resources to be used more strategically while farmers receive timely, data-driven guidance.

Reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening value chains

Post-harvest losses remain a silent drain on Zimbabwe’s agricultural output, particularly in maize, horticulture and small grains. AI-enabled logistics and storage planning, informed by crop forecasts and market data, could help reduce losses by improving timing, aggregation and storage decisions.

Even modest reductions in post-harvest losses would have macroeconomic benefits, improving food security, stabilising prices and increasing export competitiveness.

Building partnerships for local capacity

For Zimbabwe to realise these gains, collaboration will be essential. The Baramati project brought together technology firms, farmer organisations, research institutions and universities. A similar model could involve partnerships between government, local universities, agritech startups, mobile network operators and global technology firms.

Crucially, AI adoption must be adapted to Zimbabwe’s realities — small plot sizes, limited capital and infrastructure constraints — rather than imported wholesale. Pilot projects, starting with irrigation schemes or high-value crops, could demonstrate impact before scaling up.

As climate change reshapes agriculture across Southern Africa, AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a practical tool for resilience and growth. For Zimbabwe, embracing data-driven farming could mark a decisive shift from survival agriculture to a more productive, sustainable and competitive sector.

Russian officials have accused Ukraine of staging a drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s alleged residence, claims that Kyiv has not confirmed and which analysts say fit a familiar Kremlin pattern of using unverified security incidents to deflect responsibility for the failure of peace efforts.

Leonid Slutsky, a senior Russian lawmaker and chair of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, claimed the supposed UAV incident was a “provocation” that undermined United States peace initiatives. His remarks were widely circulated by Russian state media as Moscow once again sought to portray itself as a victim while continuing its war against Ukraine.

From a Ukrainian and Western perspective, such statements are seen as part of Russia’s long-standing information strategy: blaming Ukraine for diplomatic deadlock while avoiding accountability for its own ongoing military aggression, occupation of Ukrainian territory, and repeated strikes on civilian infrastructure.

Kremlin Narrative Under Scrutiny

According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Ukraine allegedly launched 91 long-range drones overnight towards a residence linked to President Putin in the Novgorod region, all of which were reportedly intercepted. No independent verification of the claim has been provided, nor was any evidence of damage or casualties presented.

Importantly, the timing of the announcement has raised questions. Moscow insists the alleged incident occurred during “intensive dialogue” with the United States, a framing that appears designed to shift blame for the absence of progress in negotiations away from Russia’s continued refusal to withdraw from occupied Ukrainian territory.

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly stated that genuine peace cannot be achieved through staged narratives or diplomatic theatre, but only through respect for international law, Ukraine’s sovereignty, and the complete withdrawal of Russian forces.

Ukraine’s Position on Peace

Kyiv has consistently supported a rules-based peace process, including President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Peace Formula, which prioritises territorial integrity, accountability for war crimes, and long-term security guarantees. Ukrainian leaders and their international partners argue that Russia’s actions — not Ukraine’s resistance — remain the primary obstacle to peace.

Western diplomats have also cautioned against taking Russian claims at face value, noting Moscow’s history of exaggerating or fabricating security threats to justify escalation or harden its negotiating stance.

Retaliation Rhetoric Raises Concerns

Slutsky’s assertion that Russian “retaliatory measures will inevitably follow” has further fuelled concerns that the Kremlin may use the alleged incident as a pretext for intensified military action, rather than a genuine effort to de-escalate the conflict.

For Ukraine and its allies, the episode underscores a broader reality: peace cannot be achieved while Russia continues to weaponise disinformation and threatens escalation instead of engaging in meaningful, good-faith negotiations.

As the war continues, Kyiv maintains that international support, pressure on Moscow, and a clear rejection of false narratives remain essential to securing a just and lasting peace in Europe.

LAGOS — British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was injured in a serious car crash on Monday morning while on holiday in Nigeria, an accident that reportedly claimed the lives of two people, according to BBC reports.

The incident occurred at around 11:00 a.m. local time on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest and most accident-prone highways. Joshua was travelling as a passenger when the vehicle was involved in the collision.

Video footage circulating on social media shows the former world champion shirtless and visibly in pain inside a badly damaged car, with extensive damage to the front of the vehicle. Emergency services were seen attending the scene.

Promoter Confirms Incident, Awaits Full Details

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed awareness of the crash but said details surrounding the incident were still emerging.

“I am away on a family holiday and awoke to the news of this incident,” Hearn told the Daily Mail. “We are trying to contact Anthony and, in the meantime, we don’t want to speculate on how he is. Thankfully, from the images I have seen, he appears to be OK.”

Hearn added that Joshua’s team was still gathering information on the circumstances of the crash and would provide updates once more facts were confirmed.

The accident comes just 10 days after Joshua’s knockout victory over YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul, whom he defeated in the sixth round on December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

That bout attracted an estimated 33 million viewers on Netflix, making it one of the most-watched boxing events in recent years. Joshua dropped Paul four times in the sixth round before the referee stopped the fight. Paul later suffered a double jaw fracture and underwent surgery, with doctors recommending a year-long break from boxing.

Joshua’s win improved his professional record to 29 wins and four losses, with 26 knockouts, and reignited speculation about a potential future bout with Tyson Fury, who has announced his retirement but is widely believed to be open to a return under the right circumstances.

Now 35, Joshua is a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, holding the titles between 2017 and 2019, and again from 2019 to 2021. He lost the belts to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 but has since been rebuilding toward another title challenge.

The victory over Jake Paul marked Joshua’s first fight in the United States since 2019, and was widely viewed as evidence that he still possesses elite knockout power.

Joshua, who has Nigerian heritage through his father, frequently visits the country. Authorities have not yet released an official report on the cause of the crash.

As of Monday evening, Joshua’s condition was believed to be stable, though his management team said further updates would be issued once more information becomes available.

NEW YORK — Global music icon Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has officially reached billionaire status, joining an exclusive group of artists who have transformed musical success into vast, diversified business empires, according to Forbes.

The 44-year-old singer crossed the milestone in 2025, driven by record-breaking touring revenues, ownership of her music catalogue, and a portfolio of strategic commercial ventures spanning entertainment, luxury goods and beauty.

At the centre of Beyoncé’s financial ascent is her tightly controlled music empire. Her “Cowboy Carter Tour” generated more than US$400 million in ticket sales and an additional US$50 million from merchandise, cementing her status as one of the most commercially powerful live performers in the world.

The tour spanned 32 stadium shows across the United States and Europe, supported by a large-scale production involving more than 350 crew members and 100 trucks of touring equipment, highlighting the industrial scale of her live operations.

In 2025 alone, Beyoncé earned an estimated US$148 million before taxes, ranking her as the third-highest paid musician globally. Her income was drawn from touring, catalogue royalties and high-value sponsorships, including a reported US$50 million deal for a Netflix halftime show and US$10 million from a Levi’s advertising campaign.

A key factor behind Beyoncé’s financial success has been her insistence on ownership and control. In 2010, she founded Parkwood Entertainment, a vertically integrated company that manages her music releases, concerts, films and documentaries.

By financing and producing projects internally, Parkwood allows Beyoncé to retain a larger share of profits while maintaining creative independence — a model increasingly emulated by top-tier artists seeking long-term wealth rather than short-term advances.

Her “Renaissance World Tour” in 2023 grossed nearly US$600 million, while the accompanying concert film generated US$44 million worldwide, further reinforcing the profitability of her integrated approach.

Beyond music, Beyoncé has strategically diversified into consumer and luxury markets. In February 2024, she launched Cécred, a premium haircare brand that has gained rapid traction in the global beauty industry.

She also partnered with Moët Hennessy, part of luxury conglomerate LVMH, to launch SirDavis, a premium whiskey retailing at US$89 per bottle. The brand pays tribute to her great-grandfather, Davis Hogue, who was a moonshiner during the Prohibition era.

While her previous fashion venture, Ivy Park, ended its partnership with Adidas in 2024, analysts note that Beyoncé’s broader brand strategy remains focused on fewer, higher-margin ventures aligned with her personal narrative and global appeal.

With her new status, Beyoncé becomes only the fifth musician to reach billionaire territory, joining Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen and Rihanna. Her husband, Jay-Z, remains the world’s wealthiest musician, with an estimated US$2.5 billion fortune, making the Carter family one of the most financially powerful households in global entertainment, with combined assets exceeding US$3.5 billion.

Beyoncé continues to focus on large-scale touring and her ambitious trilogy of genre-spanning albums, with “Renaissance” and “Cowboy Carter” marking the first two instalments. Industry observers expect future releases, tours and brand extensions to further strengthen her position as both a cultural icon and a formidable business force.

Her ascent underscores a broader shift in the music industry, where ownership, branding and strategic partnerships increasingly define success — and where Beyoncé now stands firmly at the summit.