AGP Executive Report

World Bank Delisting: Zimbabwe has been removed from the World Bank’s fragile and conflict-affected economies classification effective 1 July 2026, after the Bank split its old list into two separate tracks—Public FCV and Institutional Fragility—meaning countries can now be on one, both, or neither. Land Restoration Push: The Environmental Management Agency says it will scale up land restoration after UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia, prioritising land degradation neutrality, integrated landscape management, and stronger wetland protection. Climate Warning: As “Super El Niño” risks intensify, Zimbabwe’s drought preparedness is under scrutiny, with government rejecting claims of a grain crisis while El Niño outlooks point to drier conditions across much of Southern Africa. Water & Sanitation: In Musina, residents say sewage spills and pollution continue despite earlier findings by the Public Protector, highlighting ongoing environmental health failures. Mining & Safety: Namib Minerals trained 103 small-scale miners in safety and compliance, while EMA-linked climate and land work continues alongside mining formalisation efforts. Human Impact: A Lake Kariba ferry disaster investigation continues after an official was arrested over alleged culpable homicide tied to the deaths of at least 97 people.

El Niño warning: Southern Africa is bracing for a dry, hot rainy season as a strong El Niño is expected to bring below-normal rainfall across much of the SADC region, with Zimbabwe singled out for drier conditions from late 2026 into early 2027—raising alarms for water, farming and food security. Drought-ready farming: Zimbabwe’s agriculture leadership is urging farmers to shift cropping plans now—leaning on drought-tolerant and fast-maturing crops like sunflower, sorghum and millets—while planning for maize pressure. Farm-to-fork push: At the National Agribusiness Conference, VP Chiwenga promoted the “Farm-to-Fork” model to boost value addition, processing and market linkages so farmers capture more value locally and for exports. Water crisis relief: In Umzingwane’s Mkhutshwa, a solar-powered borehole has ended nearly two decades of water stress, cutting long walks to distant sources for both households and livestock. Organic fertilizer training: Liberia’s LUYCSD certified about 50 women after practical training in homemade organic fertilizers and pest control—an approach aimed at lowering input costs and strengthening sustainable farming. Health and climate resilience: Zimbabwe’s Mpilo Central Hospital is undergoing major renovation to expand capacity and improve care delivery, while regional health planning also targets more workers to reduce access gaps. Land tenure reform: Zimbabwe is accelerating land-tenure changes to make farmland more bankable through secure, registrable, transferable rights—framed as a way to unlock investment in agriculture. Lake Kariba accountability: Police arrested a Kariba district official over alleged culpable homicide linked to the ferry disaster that killed at least 97 people, with investigations ongoing. Artisanal gold formalisation: Small-scale miners are engaging government and financiers to remove barriers to formal finance and adopt mercury-free methods, under planetGOLD Zimbabwe. Tech for climate-smart farming: Econet showcased AI and sensor-based farming tools at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, highlighting data-driven irrigation and crop decisions.

Lake Kariba Accountability: Zimbabwe police arrested a Kariba district official over alleged culpable homicide after a ferry capsized on Lake Kariba on 11 August, killing at least 97 people; authorities say the vessel was carrying about 180 passengers and cargo beyond capacity amid bad weather, with a formal investigation underway. Climate & Food Crisis: Zimbabwe’s humanitarian emergency is being driven by El Niño-linked drought, with OCHA saying 7.6 million people are at risk of acute hunger after more than half the harvest was destroyed; the country remains largely absent from global headlines. Rainfall Warning: SADC climate outlooks warn of below-normal rainfall and above-average temperatures across parts of Zimbabwe and the region, raising risks for water shortages and farm pressure. Drought-Ready Farming: Government urged farmers at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show to shift cropping plans toward drought-tolerant and fast-maturing crops like sorghum, millets, sunflower and short-season varieties. Smart Agriculture Tech: Econet showcased an AI-and-sensor “model farm” at the show, using data on soil moisture, rainfall and humidity to guide irrigation and planting decisions. Artisanal Gold Finance: planetGOLD Zimbabwe convened talks in Bulawayo on unlocking responsible finance for small-scale miners, focusing on barriers to formal loans and mercury-free mining. Heat Stress Reality: A regional report highlights rising extreme heat across southern Africa, warning that temperatures above 35°C are pushing human bodies toward dangerous limits. Solar Push: ISA launched the Solarising Africa Strategy and related financing and capacity-building initiatives at its Africa meeting in Victoria Falls, aiming to scale solar for energy access and climate resilience.

Lake Kariba Disaster Accountability: Zimbabwe police have arrested a Kariba district official over the Mbuya Nehanda ferry sinking that killed at least 97 people, after claims the overloaded vessel exceeded its 90-passenger capacity amid bad weather, putting safety and enforcement failures under the spotlight. Rural Development & Tech: Government’s “smart village” model is taking shape at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, aiming to link rural communities to roads, clinics, schools, electricity, internet and modern technologies to drive rural industrialisation beyond farming. Sustainable Industrialisation: Industry and Commerce Minister Ndlovu urged Zimbabwe to industrialise without damaging environmental foundations, calling for cleaner production, circular solutions, renewable energy and better water protection as enterprise opportunities. Investment Readiness for Green Growth: ZIDA says Zimbabwe must build a pipeline of bankable, well-structured projects—covering feasibility, environmental assessments and legal work—to unlock domestic and international capital. Renewables Push: President Mnangagwa used Zimbabwe’s International Solar Alliance meeting in Victoria Falls to call for faster solar investment that turns sunlight into jobs, value addition and reliable power. Food System Pressure: Bulawayo millers including Blue Ribbon shut down over declining locally produced maize supplies, warning of operational strain and the risk of inconsistent meal production. Hospitality & Tourism Footprint: Hilton confirmed its first Zimbabwe property—Hilton Garden Inn Harare Highlands—slated to open in early 2029, reflecting growing investor confidence in the country’s tourism and business travel market.

Solar Push: President Mnangagwa opened the 8th International Solar Alliance Regional Africa Committee meeting from Victoria Falls, urging faster solar investment to power development and cut reliance on unreliable energy. Sustainable Industry: Industry and Commerce Minister Ndlovu told Bulawayo Polytechnic that industrialisation must protect water and natural resources, calling for cleaner production, renewable energy and circular solutions. Urban Waste & Research: The Green Indaba in Harare put communities at the centre of sustainable urban development, highlighting a Dzivarasekwa waste-management initiative where residents help drive solutions. Inflation & ZiG Confidence: ZimStats says August inflation stayed low at 2.9% year-on-year, but analysts warn the real test is whether people trust ZiG enough to save and transact. Conservation Funding: A reported R10m windfall is set to support African rhino protection projects across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Clean Energy Cooperation: Tanzania and Zimbabwe discussed clean energy and deforestation-linked environmental degradation, alongside GBV and community development. Agriculture Research Reform: Government is moving to commercialise agricultural research to generate revenue and speed up practical farming solutions.

Health Financing & Illicit Flows: WHO chief Dr Tedros warns Africa loses about USD 90bn yearly to illicit financial flows, draining money that should go to public health. Drought & El Niño Preparedness: Zimbabwe urges livestock farmers to stock feed for up to two years as El Niño risks intensify, with officials pointing to past cattle losses. Land Restoration at COP17: UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia pushes land restoration and drought resilience, with Zimbabwe showcasing community-led restoration and rangelands getting centre stage. Solar Push: President Mnangagwa is set to open the ISA Africa committee meeting in Victoria Falls, aiming to speed solar adoption in agriculture. Agriculture Research Commercialisation: Government moves to commercialise agricultural research and innovations to fund programmes and deliver practical solutions for farmers. Mining Safety & Formalisation: Three artisanal miners die after a shaft collapse in Mutare; PlanetGOLD also outlines a roadmap to reform ASGM formalisation with environmental stewardship. Sovereign Wealth Investments: Mutapa Investment Fund adds Olivine Industries and Surface Wilmar to its portfolio. Conservation & Biodiversity Angle: COP17 coverage highlights how land, water and climate actions tie directly to biodiversity protection.

El Niño Preparedness: Kenya is ramping up plans for extreme weather as El Niño threatens flash floods and mudslides, with officials warning up to 1.5 million people could be affected and hundreds of thousands displaced. Zimbabwe Climate Risk: Zimbabwe is also bracing for a potentially record-strong El Niño, with government urging early action and livestock farmers told to stock feed reserves for up to two years. Water & Land Restoration: COP17 in Mongolia is pushing major funding for land restoration and drought resilience, with Zimbabwe highlighting community-led land restoration under the UNCCD desertification agenda. Mining & Environment: PlanetGOLD Zimbabwe unveiled a roadmap to reform artisanal gold mining formalisation, shifting from punitive enforcement to compliance, environmental stewardship, and transparency. Water Sector Capacity: A new International Water Association Young Water Professionals chapter was launched in Zimbabwe to strengthen young leadership for sustainable water management. Wildlife Tech: South Africa’s AI-enabled rhino tracking collars are expanding anti-poaching response across major reserves, offering a conservation model relevant to the region. Land & Housing Rights: Demolitions in Murombedzi, Zvimba, have reignited debate over “sabhuku deals” and the environmental and public-use land risks that leave families without shelter.

Solar Push in Victoria Falls: President Mnangagwa and First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa are set to headline the International Solar Alliance Africa meeting in Victoria Falls, as Zimbabwe moves to boost solar in the grid and prioritise solarisation for agriculture. Land Restoration Finance at UNCCD COP17: Zimbabwe’s Environment Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu is in Ulaanbaatar leading talks on desertification, drought resilience and land restoration, as COP17 announced $1.3bn for restoration and rangelands across 23 countries. Mining Formalisation Pressure: The Zimbabwe Artisanal Miners Association is urging Mines Minister Polite Kambamura to extend the mining formalisation deadline, warning the August 30 cut-off could sideline miners in remote areas. Great Dyke Deal: Government and Karo Platinum signed a 25-year Special Mining Lease covering 23,903 hectares, aiming to unlock investment and jobs while securing long-term tenure. Lake Kariba Safety and Accountability: Ongoing coverage around the Kariba ferry tragedy keeps spotlight on negligence, missing records and the need for stronger accountability on water transport safety. Consumer Protection Drive: Zimbabwe is rolling out a Consumer Protection Policy (2026-2030) to clamp down on counterfeit and unsafe goods and tighten enforcement as digital trade grows.

UNCCD COP17 Finance: Zimbabwe is using UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar to push land restoration and drought resilience, with COP17 announcing US$1.3bn in new and pipeline financing and Zimbabwe highlighting its Drylands Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program (GEF 7) as a community-led model for reversing desertification. El Niño Preparedness: Government is intensifying climate-proof farming ahead of a likely “Super” El Niño, urging Pfumvudza/Intwasa adoption and drought-proofing the national herd through urea-treated stover and fodder banks. Lake Kariba Accountability: The Lake Kariba ferry tragedy continues to raise urgent questions on negligence and investigation gaps as the death toll climbs and families demand answers. Clean Energy & Waste-to-Value: Matabeleland North is expanding biogas projects to turn livestock and household waste into cleaner energy, cutting firewood reliance while supporting productive agriculture. Local Livelihoods: Matabeleland livestock farmers are cashing in on Juncao grass for fodder and seed cuttings, offering a drought-smart income boost. Governance & Services: ZEC staff are being absorbed into the Civil Registry Department to preserve voter-registration skills with no job losses during the constitutional transition. Health Access Hardship: At Karanda Mission Hospital, families face a daily survival squeeze—US$1 can mean the difference between a meal and a place to sleep while treatment takes weeks.

El Niño & Climate Resilience: Government is stepping up drought preparedness as forecasts warn of a “Super El Niño” for 2026/27, urging farmers to adopt Pfumvudza/Intwasa and livestock feed measures like urea-treated stover and fodder banks. Clean Energy & Waste: Matabeleland North is expanding biogas projects to turn livestock and household waste into cooking/lighting energy, cutting firewood use. Agriculture & Livestock: Matabeleland South farmers are being pushed from subsistence to commercial farming, while drought-proofing efforts include rebuilding the national cattle herd through genetics, disease control and better pastures. Food Security Pressure: Maize supply problems are forcing grain millers in Bulawayo to shut operations, raising southern region food-security fears. Transport Safety: The Lake Kariba ferry disaster continues to trigger calls for accountability as investigations focus on capacity, safety procedures and records. Energy Policy: Zimbabwe has cleared a regulatory path for new power investors by designating multiple energy sources, aiming to grow generation capacity to 6,000MW by 2030. Governance & Services: ZEC voter-registration staff are being absorbed into the Civil Registry to avoid job losses during the constitutional handover.

Lake Kariba ferry tragedy: Zimbabwe is facing mounting calls for accountability after the Mbuya Nehanda capsized, with reports pointing to missing logbooks, possible overloading, and gaps in safety and search-and-rescue systems—while opposition demands answers on leadership and oversight. Climate risk and drought planning: Government is pushing Early Warning–Early Action to protect the national cattle herd ahead of a likely severe El Niño, including solar-powered boreholes at dip tanks and stronger tick control. Food security pressure: Maize millers in Bulawayo and surrounding areas are shutting down due to declining local maize availability, even as warnings grow that El Niño could worsen the 2026/27 season. Wildlife conflict: Fear is spreading in Gwayi after reports of a stray lion killing livestock, highlighting the strain on human-wildlife management. Sustainable energy for farming: Winter wheat farmers report improved conditions thanks to more stable electricity supply and higher Kariba generation, supporting another push for bumper harvests. Green building push: Zimpapers has partnered with the Green Building Council of Zimbabwe to strengthen sustainability practices and promote greener development.

El Niño and drought preparedness: Government is accelerating Early Warning–Early Action to protect the national cattle herd, including 240 solar-powered boreholes at dip tanks and stronger tick control as El Niño risks intensify. Human-wildlife conflict: Fear is rising in Gwayi, Matabeleland North after reports of a stray lion killing livestock, with calls for faster local response. Climate-smart farming push: Winter wheat farmers report improved conditions after more stable electricity and better water allocations, while officials warn that El Niño could still hit maize and household food security hard. Livestock recovery: Parliament is hearing how the cattle herd rebuild will focus on genetics, disease control and pastures to lift communal productivity. Urban environment and safety: Harare has issued 465 notices for dilapidated or unsafe buildings, targeting CBD and major roads to reduce public risk and improve city appearance. Sustainability in media: Zimpapers signs up with the Green Building Council of Zimbabwe to embed sustainability into its operations and content. Mining pollution spotlight: A parliamentary probe flags possible underground water contamination linked to mining around the Deka River, raising health concerns for nearby communities. Regional trade and resilience: Zimbabwe and South Africa are urged to treat the North–South Rail Corridor as an economic security lifeline for trade, food security and industrialisation.

Climate Risk Planning: Government validated the Children’s Climate Risk Index and Disaster Risk Model to guide adaptation and disaster risk reduction, targeting districts where more than four million children live in high or very high climate risk areas. Early Warning Systems: Zimbabwe launched the Early Warnings for All initiative to strengthen the full warning chain—monitoring, communication and community action—after tragedies like the Lake Kariba ferry disaster showed what happens when warnings don’t lead to timely response. Mining Pollution Watch: Parliament’s Environment, Climate and Wildlife committee flagged possible underground water pollution linked to mining, with the Deka River cited for contamination from acid mine drainage, industrial effluent and coal runoff—raising fears the problem could spread beyond one site. Urban Environment & Safety: Harare issued 465 statutory notices and Abatement Orders to property owners over dilapidated or unsafe buildings, with inspections focused on the CBD and major roads to protect public safety and the city’s environment. Regional Resilience via Transport: Zimbabwe and South Africa were urged to treat the North–South Rail Corridor as an economic security tool to boost trade, food security and industrialisation. Sports Infrastructure (Public Interest): CAF granted the National Sports Stadium Category 3 approval, ending years of exile from hosting international matches and bringing more home fixtures to Harare.

Mining pollution probe: A Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife says underground water near the Deka River may be contaminated by acid mine drainage, industrial effluent and coal runoff—raising fears of wider health risks across mining areas. Early warnings push: Zimbabwe has launched the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative to strengthen the full warning chain, after officials pointed to tragedies like the Lake Kariba ferry disaster as proof that warnings must trigger timely action. Climate risk for children: Government validated the Children’s Climate Risk Index and Disaster Risk Model, warning that over four million children live in high or very high climate-risk districts and should be prioritised in adaptation planning. Urban environment enforcement: Harare says it has issued 465 notices and Abatement Orders for dilapidated or unsafe properties, with compliance at about 30%, after building-inspector blitzes focused on the CBD and major roads. Agriculture and resilience: Women-led groups in Mutoko are producing export-ready sugar snap and mangetout peas under a project aimed at linking smallholders to formal markets and building climate-resilient incomes. Water and health link: The city’s building crackdown and the climate-risk model both underline the same theme—protecting people from preventable hazards, whether from unsafe structures or worsening climate impacts.

Climate Adaptation & Early Warning: Zimbabwe has validated a Children’s Climate Risk Index and Disaster Risk Model to guide adaptation and disaster risk reduction, after findings that over four million children live in high or very high climate-risk districts. Weather Preparedness: Government also launched the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, aiming to strengthen the full early-warning chain so warnings reach people in time and trigger action—highlighting lessons from the Lake Kariba ferry tragedy. Drought-Resilient Support: China will fund a two-year drought-shock protection programme for more than 210,000 people in drought-affected districts, focusing on nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, child protection and civil registration. Agriculture Exports & Resilience: In Mutoko, women-led farmer groups are piloting high-value sugar snap and mangetout pea production under the WESRP project, linking smallholders to formal export markets with support from ZimTrade and partners. Mining & Value Addition: Women artisanal miners are calling for stronger participation in SADC critical mineral value chains, pushing for beneficiation and local value creation rather than raw exports. Transport Safety Oversight: Parliament launched a nationwide oversight exercise on how councils use Zinara road rehabilitation funds and fuel, flagging delays, equipment breakdowns and workmanship issues.

Lake Kariba ferry disaster: Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba death toll climbed again to 97 after two more bodies were recovered, with police releasing additional names as the inquest continues into overloading, weather warnings and maritime safety gaps. Regional infrastructure: South Africa and Zimbabwe agreed to prioritise the Third Limpopo Bridge and the Beitbridge One Stop Border Post to speed up trade, logistics and industrialisation across the North–South Corridor. Mining safety and governance: Parliament launched a nationwide oversight drive on how Zinara funds and fuel are used for road rehabilitation, after concerns over delays, equipment breakdowns and workmanship. Climate and drought support: China will fund a two-year drought-shock protection programme for 210,000 people in Zimbabwe, focusing on nutrition, water, sanitation, child protection and civil registration. Environment and policy: Zimbabwe joined IATA’s CORSIA carbon market push to help airlines access eligible emissions units, as aviation emissions rules tighten from 2027. Wildlife and land: A new study says Angola’s peatlands are far larger than thought, boosting hopes for better carbon and water-flow protection across southern Africa. Local livelihoods: Umzingwane MPs urged formalisation of unregistered gold mining, linking registration to safer, more productive operations.