AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Restoration: Black rhinos have returned to Matusadona National Park for the first time in over 30 years, after poaching wiped out the species locally; the airlifted animals complete a long conservation effort led by ZimParks and African Parks. Climate & Water: Zimbabwe’s hydro-power worries are tied to Lake Kariba’s shrinking water levels, with climate change flagged as a key driver of reduced inflows and higher pressure on clean electricity. Carbon Markets: Zimbabwe’s carbon credit push still isn’t paying off: only four projects are registered out of 30, and government credits have yet to be monetised despite new regulations. Renewable Energy in Cities: WestProp’s Millennium Heights now runs from a 1MW solar plant covering its car park, cutting grid dependence and boosting cleaner urban living. Regional Food Security: SADC is calling for urgent coordinated action as hunger risks rise, warning that climate shocks, conflict and input disruptions are hitting farms and livestock across the region. Veld Fires: A new wave of veld fire losses is destroying grazing and homes, with communities blaming land-clearing burns and warning the damage is becoming routine. Critical Minerals Governance: UN ECA launched a €15m SADC project to build environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains across the region, including Zimbabwe. Policy on Water: Government is moving to amend the Water Act and ZINWA Act to strengthen constitutional alignment, accountability and environmental sustainability in water management. Youth & Online Safety: Cabinet approved a National Youth Policy (2026–2030) and a National Child Online Protection Policy (2026–2030), targeting unemployment, substance abuse, and safer digital spaces for children.

Veld Fire Crisis: Beitbridge and other communities are stepping up the 2026 fire season campaign as veld fires keep destroying grazing, homes and livelihoods, with warnings that land-clearing burning is still common and preparedness must improve. Climate Risk & Drought Impacts: New research links prolonged drought to a higher risk of violence against adolescents in southern Africa, adding urgency to drought planning that protects young people. El Niño Warning: Scientists and the WMO warn a major El Niño is likely to develop soon, raising the odds of drought, heavy rainfall and heatwaves across the region. Green Governance & Climate Finance: Zimbabwe faces a major climate funding gap to meet 2030 commitments, with calls for stronger governance so climate money reaches adaptation and mitigation priorities. Policy for Children Online: Cabinet approved the Zimbabwe National Child Online Protection Policy (2026–2030), aiming to safeguard children in the digital space while enabling safe access to ICT opportunities. Solar & Cleaner Power: Millennium Heights in Ruwa commissioned a 1MW solar plant, showing how local energy projects can cut grid reliance and improve resilience. Livestock Sector Pressure: Livestock stakeholders want faster rollout of promised reforms on levies, licences, fees and permits to support investment and production. Biodiversity & Conservation Funding: Zimparks is reported to need US$9 million to revive tourism, a reminder that protecting wildlife and habitats also depends on sustainable financing.

Climate Governance & Finance: Zimbabwe needs US$4.8bn by 2030 to meet climate commitments, but approved funding is only US$35.4m, with calls for reforms and stronger accountability in how climate money is managed. Policy-to-Action Adaptation: Communities in informal settlements want locally led climate adaptation turned into policy-ready proposals after a Settlement Climate Forum, with a task team set to submit recommendations to Parliament and city committees. El Niño Preparedness: The UN weather agency warns a moderate to possibly strong El Niño could raise temperatures and worsen drought and heavy rains, urging early planning for heatwaves and extreme weather. Fire Risk Management: Beitbridge launches its 2026 fire season campaign with Forestry Commission and EMA support, pushing fireguards, safer burning and better local response tools. Energy & Environment: Millennium Heights in Harare powers ahead with a 1MW solar plant to cut grid reliance, while Zimbabwe’s electricity import bill fell 44% in 2025 as Hwange Units 7 and 8 boosted generation. Mining Safety & Rule Enforcement: Government pledges full backing for mine inspectors to shut unsafe operations without political interference, as 64 artisanal miners died in Q1 2026, mainly from ground collapses. Critical Minerals Watch: A watchdog warns Zimbabwe’s new strategic minerals policy may be on weak legal footing, risking regulatory uncertainty for investors. Plastic Pollution Push: Ghana’s styrofoam ban from 2027 is debated, with calls for stronger enforcement beyond announcements.

River protection and enforcement: Zimbabwe has gazetted emergency measures for 17 degraded river systems, suspending mining and agriculture in affected corridors and invalidating permits, with regulators empowered to shut illegal operations—though critics warn enforcement gaps could blunt the impact. Mining pollution fears in Hwange: Residents of Nekabandama in Hwange say a 2018 “mysterious illness” outbreak was triggered by coal pollution along the Lukosi River, with community members alleging tests were not fully disclosed. Energy and climate resilience: United Bulawayo Hospitals’ 350kW solar plant is cutting costs and powering critical services, while Zimbabwe also reports lower electricity import bills after Hwange Thermal units came online and new solar IPPs feed the grid. Trees and land restoration: Stanbic Bank pledged US$100,000 to plant 40,000 indigenous trees in Hurungwe over three years, supporting smallholder farmers through the Blue Roots/My Trees initiative. Health workforce push: UNFPA and partners marked the International Day of the Midwife with calls for urgent investment to address midwife shortages. Accountability in education: The education ministry warns parents who evade fees undermine children’s right to education, urging clearer action against false claims of inability to pay.

River restoration crackdown: Zimbabwe has declared 17 degraded rivers a state of disaster, suspending mining and agricultural activities along affected river systems and empowering EMA and law enforcement to halt destructive operations—an attempt to tackle siltation and pollution blamed on illegal alluvial mining. Traditional leaders push back: Chief Mutasa says chiefs were left out of river-rehabilitation committees, arguing they are being sidelined despite their role as custodians of affected ecosystems. Conservation finance: Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe pledged US$100,000 with My Trees Trust to plant 40,000 indigenous trees in Hurungwe over three years, supporting smallholder farmers and rural livelihoods. Wildlife and public safety: A swarm of bees attacked pupils at Barham Green Primary School in Bulawayo, injuring 51 learners and a passerby, underlining rising urban wildlife risks. Mining policy and environment: The Zimbabwe Miners Federation says the government’s move to reserve small-scale gold mining for Zimbabweans aims to improve environmental compliance and accountability. Food security push: SADC ministers called for stronger regional cooperation on food security, fertiliser supply and animal disease control as climate shocks strain agriculture.

Water Crisis & River Rehab: Zimbabwe has declared 17 degraded rivers a state of disaster, with reporting pointing to years of alluvial mining choking waterways and leaving communities without clean water, as government pushes “emergency riverine ecosystems rehabilitation.” Soil Degradation: Farmers are battling declining soil fertility that cuts yields and threatens food security, while FAO-backed work is promoting soil testing and sustainable soil management to build rural resilience. Mercury-Free Gold: Officials are assessing mercury-free gold processing options in Mashonaland Central to protect miners and the environment from mercury pollution. Lithium & Pollution Risks: A petition alleges Chinese lithium mining is damaging biodiversity and contaminating rivers, with communities raising concerns about toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and hazardous dust. Waste & Circular Economy: Gwanda District rallied behind a zero waste movement, cleaning the CBD and pushing reduced waste sent to dumpsites. Energy & Environment: A new petroleum production deal for the Cabora Bassa Basin could reshape Zimbabwe’s energy future, while coal-linked health concerns in Hwange highlight the stakes for water safety.

River Disaster & Mining Accountability: President Mnangagwa has declared 17 degraded rivers a state of disaster, with reports linking choking waterways to illegal and legal alluvial mining—raising fresh calls for real rehabilitation, not “paper bans.” Soil Health Push: Zimbabwe’s soil degradation is cutting yields and fertilizer effectiveness; FAO-supported work is urging more soil testing and sustainable soil management to protect food security. Mercury-Free Gold: Officials are assessing mercury-free gold processing options in Mashonaland Central, aiming to curb mercury pollution and protect miners and ecosystems. Lithium Under Scrutiny: Communities and a report allege Chinese-linked lithium operations are driving dust pollution, unsafe conditions, and river contamination, as Zimbabwe moves to tighten export rules. Energy & Water Stress: Power cuts worsen as Kariba water levels fall, exposing planning gaps in electricity generation. Zero Waste Movement: Gwanda rallies behind a zero waste push, cleaning the CBD and promoting circular waste practices. Health Funding Ring-Fenced: Government plans to ring-fence sugar-tax and health levies so money meant for health programmes can’t be diverted. Tobacco Farmers’ Losses: Despite good harvests, low auction prices and debt repayments are squeezing tobacco growers’ incomes.

Wetlands & biodiversity: EMA’s EMS board praised Makonde communities for restoring the Ditchwe Wetland, including fencing to stop livestock trampling and curb degradation. Wildlife-health risks: Communities near Hwange are seeing a rise in livestock diseases linked to contact with wildlife, with Zimparks warning about TB, rabies, tsetse and foot-and-mouth disease. Conservation under pressure: Victoria Falls heritage protection faces fresh legal and political heat as activist Larry Norton pushes authorities to halt more commercial developments around the UNESCO site. Climate finance: Government has approved over 190 carbon credit projects after launching a blockchain-based carbon registry to boost transparency and attract green investment. Pollution law: Zimbabwe gazetted “polluter pays” environmental liability rules, making offenders responsible for remediation and restoration. Urban environment & compliance: Police impounded 208 vehicles in Marondera CBD to improve order and road safety. Energy resilience: Zimbabwe unveiled a multi-billion plan to upgrade the power grid and fuel supply chain, including strategic fuel reserves and more local blending of ethanol/biodiesel. Food security & El Niño: SADC urged stronger regional cooperation to build resilience against shocks, including climate disasters and fertilizer supply disruptions.

River Restoration & Disaster Response: Zimbabwe has gazetted a 90-day suspension of activities across heavily degraded river systems, after declaring 17 rivers state of disaster and launching emergency rehabilitation under SI 91 of 2026, targeting damage from alluvial mining, siltation and diverted watercourses. Pollution Accountability: Government has gazetted the “polluter pays principle”, making environmental damage offenders liable for remediation, rehabilitation and restoration, with both criminal and civil exposure. Health & Chemical Safety: EMA introduced new rules banning lead-based paint (SI 82 of 2026), limiting lead in paint to 90 ppm to protect children and reduce hazardous chemical exposure. Wildlife Safety: Buffaloes escaped Nyabango Game Park and are moving toward nearby communities in Sanyati, raising urgent calls for better fencing and faster ranger response. Climate Resilience Funding: UNDP says Zimbabwe’s Resilience Building Fund Phase 2 (2025–2028) will support 450,000 people across seven districts with climate action, natural resource management and food security. Regional Food Security: At a SADC agriculture meeting in Victoria Falls, ministers urged harmonised fertiliser rules and stronger disease control, warning of El Niño risks for 2026/27 and continued food insecurity.

River Restoration: Zimbabwe has started a 90-day suspension of activities across heavily degraded river systems, declaring a national state of disaster for riverine ecosystems and citing damage from illegal alluvial mining, riverbed disturbance, siltation and diverted watercourses. Climate Resilience: With UNDP support through the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund Phase 2, 450,000 people in seven districts will get help on climate resilience, food security and sustainable livelihoods from 2025–2028. El Niño Warning: SADC ministers are urging early preparation for a moderate-to-very-strong El Niño in 2026/27, warning of likely below-average rainfall and harvest failures. Carbon Finance Push: Environment Minister Evelyn Ndlovu says carbon trading could help fund unfunded environmental projects under NDS2, calling for bankable proposals and better understanding of the regulatory framework. Public Health Regulation: EMA has introduced new rules banning lead in paint and coating materials (SI 82 of 2026), setting a 90 ppm limit to protect children and reduce hazardous chemical exposure. Mining Compliance Debate: A renewed call is made for stricter enforcement of mining regulations, especially around illegal alluvial mining that continues to harm rivers and ecosystems.

River Rehabilitation Disaster Declarations: President Mnangagwa has declared 17 degraded rivers a state of disaster, enabling faster rehabilitation after years of damage linked to legal and illegal alluvial mining, with rivers including Mazowe, Save, Sanyati, Umzingwane, Insiza and others named across Mashonaland, Midlands, Matabeleland South and Manicaland. Road Safety Crackdown: Mnangagwa says fatal crashes are a “bloody trail” after 24 deaths in three major accidents in five days, directing faster road maintenance unit re-establishment and action against reckless driving and unroadworthy vehicles. Mercury-Free Push in Gold Mining: Zimbabwe is moving to reduce mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, where miners still rely on mercury despite known health and environmental harm. Lead Paint Ban: EMA introduced new regulations banning lead in paint and coating materials, setting a strict 90 ppm limit and covering manufacturing, importation, distribution and retail. Climate Risk Planning: Meteorological warnings on a likely El Niño for the 2026-27 season are urging early government action to protect food security and vulnerable households. Lithium Value-Chain Shift: Zimbabwe’s ban on exporting unprocessed lithium is driving new private power generation and beneficiation-linked investment, as companies seek reliable electricity for processing. Education Digital Divide: ZIMTA warns rural learners risk falling behind unless teachers get real digital and AI training, not just gadgets, alongside rural connectivity support. Water & Energy Cooperation: Zambezi River Authority joins the International Hydropower Association, reinforcing basin-wide sustainable hydropower and ecosystem stewardship. Food Security Policy Debate: Grain and oilseed import levies face court threats from millers, while legal and economic experts back the policy as grounded in the Agricultural Marketing Authority Act.

Education & Digital Divide: Zimta warns the push for digital learning will widen the rural-urban gap unless teachers get real AI and digital skills, not just gadgets, as rural schools still struggle with computers, electricity and connectivity. Climate Risk & Food Security: Meteorological warnings of a likely El Niño (88%-94%) demand early government action to protect harvests, water and vulnerable households. Water & Biodiversity: South Africa and Botswana are set to sign a pact to protect water quality and curb invasive aquatic species in the Upper Limpopo River Basin, boosting ecosystem monitoring and climate resilience. Health & Environment: EMA has banned lead in paint and coating materials under new regulations, setting a 90 ppm limit and tightening compliance across manufacturing to retail. Energy & Natural Resources: Zimbabwe’s lithium beneficiation drive is already pulling in new power investment, with mining firms expected to add nearly 1 000MW via self-generation to power processing. Regional Food Systems: SADC officials in Victoria Falls stress resilience and local production as cyclones and climate shocks keep hitting agriculture, with food insecurity figures rising across the region.

Malaria surge: US aid cuts are blamed for a deadly malaria rebound in Zimbabwe, with rural families like one in Mutare reporting confirmed cases after programmes were disrupted. Food security & climate risk: Government is considering new grain import levies (maize, wheat, oilseeds) to fund irrigation via the Agricultural Revolving Fund as El Niño-linked drought risk looms. Water & environment law: Zimbabwe has banned high-lead paints under new EMA regulations, setting a 90 ppm limit and tightening inspections to protect public health. Mining & community impacts: Zimbabwe bans foreigners from small-scale gold mining, while separate scrutiny of lithium mining highlights alleged water contamination, dust pollution and weak oversight tied to Chinese operators. Agriculture resilience: SADC is moving to stabilise fertiliser supply amid global shocks, and Zimbabwe projects a grain surplus above 600,000 tonnes to bolster strategic reserves. Conservation & wildlife: KAZA gets a €6m lifeline for cross-border conservation, and a new “Saving the Wild” wine range links tourism hospitality to anti-poaching support. Policy & governance: CGI Zimbabwe urges a clear ZiG currency and valuation framework for insurance claims to cut disputes and improve settlement trust. Climate-smart livelihoods: Mobility for Africa expands electric mobility and productive-use energy to support rural services and a greener economy.

Lead Paint Ban: Zimbabwe has banned paints with excessive lead, setting a 90 parts per million limit to protect public health and the environment, with inspections and penalties for non-compliance. Mining & Environment: Zimbabwe also banned foreigners from small-scale gold mining, citing job protection, illegal mining crackdowns, and environmental damage concerns. Water & Energy Access: A 120kW Dete Solar Mini-Grid in Hurungwe was commissioned with UNDP support, bringing power to schools, a clinic, homes, boreholes and churches—cutting reliance on firewood. Climate-Smart Agriculture: SADC is moving to stabilise fertiliser supply as global shocks push up input costs, while Zimbabwe projects a grain surplus of over 600,000 tonnes to bolster strategic reserves. Rural Livelihoods & Food Security: School feeding in Gwanda North is boosting attendance after El Niño-linked hunger, and tobacco farmers are warned to destroy stalks to prevent pests and protect next season’s crop quality. Conservation & Wildlife: A women-only anti-poaching ranger unit in northern Zimbabwe is expanding, showing conservation can also create safer, paid work for rural women. Energy Transition Finance: GreenCo secured a US$10m, 10% stake from Sanlam Alternative Investments to scale bankable power-market infrastructure for the region. Education Policy: The National Education Summit Zimbabwe 2026 opened in Bulawayo, focusing on moving education reforms from policy to practice.

Digital sovereignty in action: Zimbabwe opened the ITU Regional Development Forum for Africa in Victoria Falls with a push for homegrown connectivity—8,000 schools linked via the Presidential Internet Scheme and plans to mobilise over US$200m for a communications satellite. Youth and enterprise: Bulawayo hosted the first National Pitch Deck Challenge qualifier, drawing 200+ young innovators on a path to Harare finals in December. Conservation with jobs: Zimbabwe’s women-only Akashinga rangers are fighting poachers while earning a living in rural areas. Governance and permits: Home Affairs is running nationwide public consultations on Zimbabwean and Lesotho Exemption Permits after court challenges. Regional spillover: In South Africa’s Durban CBD, authorities arrested 23 undocumented foreign nationals and shut five non-compliant shops in a crackdown. Sports safety: Zimbabwe’s Sport Ministry condemned violence that forced the abandonment of the HardRock FC–Dynamos match at Chahwanda Stadium.

Digital Sovereignty in Focus: Zimbabwe used the ITU Regional Development Forum in Victoria Falls to push a “home-grown” connectivity agenda, unveiling plans like school connectivity via the Presidential Internet Scheme and mobilising over US$200m for a communications satellite, while POTRAZ DG Dr Gift Machengete was appointed chair of the Africa RDF. Youth & Innovation: Bulawayo hosted the inaugural National Pitch Deck Challenge qualifier, drawing 200+ young innovators ahead of national finals in December. Food Security Pressure: Zimbabwe faces a looming hunger funding gap, with the WFP seeking US$36.5m for basic assistance over six months. Regional Migration Crackdown: Durban’s CBD operation arrested 23 undocumented foreign nationals and shut five non-compliant shops, as authorities cite public safety and illegal trading concerns. Conservation & Safety: South Africa’s Kruger Park tightened security after the killing of a couple found in a crocodile-infested river, with investigations ongoing. Markets Watch: Ariana Resources upgraded its Dokwe Gold PFS, touting a £1bn+ NPV and a 42% reserve increase.