AGP Executive Report

Lake Kariba Blue Economy: Zimbabwe and Zambia’s new Lake Kariba Blue Economy Strategy and Investment Plan is expected to spur fisheries, aquaculture, ecotourism, water transport and renewable energy as improved Zambezi rains lift lake levels. Plastic pollution crackdown gap: A new investigation says Zimbabwe’s long-standing bans on thin plastics and polystyrene aren’t being enforced, while there’s still no binding system forcing producers to recover the waste they generate—despite plastic waste rising sharply. Human-wildlife conflict: Communities are finding new ways to coexist as climate stress and recovering wildlife populations push lions and other animals beyond protected areas, increasing livestock losses and tensions. Mining and environment: Zanu-PF launches nationwide training for small-scale miners to improve safety, productivity and environmental sustainability, while smart mining tech is being pitched as a way to boost control, reduce risks and strengthen competitiveness. Energy transition at home: Fidelity rolls out Zimbabwe’s first large-scale residential piped gas pilot to supply LPG to thousands of homes via underground reticulation, aiming to cut cylinder hauling and improve cooking energy reliability. Climate risk finance leadership: ARC appoints David Maslo to expand parametric insurance and risk-financing for climate and disaster shocks across Africa. Water and sanitation pressure: Harare’s Mbare sewer crisis and wider water pollution concerns are flagged as looming public health risks.

Victoria Falls Clean-Up Funding: Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe pledged US$30,000 over three years to the Pristine Victoria Falls Society to boost waste management and conservation, aiming to keep the resort town “the cleanest city in Africa.” Climate & Food Security: In Chipinge, nearly 1,000 smallholder farmers are reviving drought-resistant traditional crops through community seed banks supported by FAO and the Global Environment Facility, as shifting rains threaten harvests. Mining Safety & Environment: Zanu-PF launched a nationwide training drive for small-scale miners with the Zimbabwe School of Mines, focusing on safer drilling, explosives and chemical handling, and mining without damaging the environment. Water & Pollution Watch: A report flags a looming Harare water pollution crisis, warning it could become a public health emergency if not addressed. Energy Grid Reality: A new regional focus highlights Africa’s grid constraints as demand surges, warning that new generation without transmission investment risks underuse. Livestock Climate Adaptation: Government is prioritising protection of the national cattle herd in its climate adaptation planning ahead of a “Super” El Niño.

Victoria Falls Clean-Up Funding: Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe has pledged US$30,000 over three years to the Pristine Victoria Falls Society to boost waste management and conservation, aiming to position the resort town as “the cleanest city in Africa.” Climate & Food Security Prep: Zimbabwe is stepping up 2026/27 summer cropping preparations as El Niño odds remain high, with government urging early action while monitoring rainfall forecasts. Water & Sanitation Pressure: Harare is dealing with a worsening Mbare sewer crisis, raising public health concerns. Wildlife Conservation & Tourism: Chiefs Tented Camps has opened a seasonal private-use camp near Victoria Falls inside the Jafuta Reserve, linking guest experiences to elephant corridor conservation education. Regional Migration Stress: Xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant crackdowns in South Africa are driving large numbers of Zimbabweans back through Beitbridge, where aid groups are providing medical support and transport. Governance & Corruption Watch: ZACC and the Local Government ministry have set up a joint task force to investigate suspected corruption in councils, including in resource-rich areas.

Climate Risk & Food Security: Zimbabwe is stepping up preparations for the 2026/27 summer season as forecasts point to a high chance of El Niño, with government urging farmers to prepare early while monitoring conditions. Gendered Climate Impacts: A warning from CARE says “super El Niño” will hit women hardest, turning it into a major women’s health and household burden issue. Water & Sanitation: Harare City Council has started sewer pipe rehabilitation in Mbare to tackle chronic blockages and raw sewage spills, aiming to improve sanitation and public health. Local Governance & Corruption: ZACC and the Ministry of Local Government have formed a joint special taskforce to investigate suspected corruption in councils, including in Victoria Falls, amid resident complaints over land deals and procurement. Wildlife & Tourism: ZimParks says visitor numbers and revenue rose in 2024, while traditional leaders push for Victoria Falls benefits to reach local communities. Conservation & Community Livelihoods: Agrotourism is being promoted as a rural transformation tool, linking agriculture, culture and women’s empowerment. Return Migration Pressure: Bulawayo is bracing for rising pressure on services as Zimbabweans return from xenophobic violence in South Africa. Biodiversity & Seeds: Community seed banks are helping farmers revive indigenous crops and build resilience against climate shocks.

Climate Risk for Women: CARE warns this year’s “super” El Niño will hit women hardest, turning it into a women’s health and household burden issue as drought and floods intensify across the region. Community Seed Banks: In Chipinge, farmers are reviving indigenous crops through community seed banks, adjusting planting times as rains shift and drought bites. Drought Preparedness: Government says it has started El Niño adaptation ahead of 2026/27, including expanding irrigation by 20,000ha and pushing early warning and climate-smart farming. Urban Sanitation: Harare City Council begins sewer pipe rehabilitation in Mbare to cut blockages and sewage spills, targeting chronic trouble spots. Water Stress & Returnees: Bulawayo braces for pressure from returnees fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with residents citing already stretched water and services. Justice & Trauma: Squatters in Bulawayo say Gukurahundi and Murambatsvina left generations without secure housing, water or sanitation while waiting for justice. Conservation & Tourism: ZimParks reports revenue and visitor gains, while traditional leaders urge that Victoria Falls benefits reach local communities. Wildlife Trade Enforcement: Two Bulawayo residents were jailed for illegal pangolin scale trade. Child Protection: Government declares zero tolerance on child labour and launches new child online protection and action plan frameworks.

Climate Adaptation: Government has started El Niño preparations, including expanding irrigation by 20,000 hectares and pushing early warning info to farmers, after models show an 80% chance of El Niño and likely below-normal rainfall. Mining & Community Rights: Rights groups accuse a senior official of intimidating community activists after Parliament testimony on alleged environmental damage, water contamination, unsafe working conditions and dust pollution linked to a Chinese-owned mine in Buhera. Border Conservation & Health: Botswana and Zimbabwe are using traditional regiments on parts of their shared border to support anti-poaching, reduce cross-border crime, and tackle issues like foot-and-mouth disease. Energy & Industry Link: African Energy Chamber calls for an interconnected electricity market to unlock industrial growth, citing fragile grids and climate-driven demand pressures across the continent. Water Pollution Warning: Zimbabwe’s Harare water pollution crisis is flagged as a looming public health disaster, underscoring the need for urgent protection of water sources.

Border Security & Wildlife: Botswana and Zimbabwe have added patrols by traditional regiments along their shared border to curb cross-border crime, with training that includes anti-poaching and foot-and-mouth disease awareness. Child Protection Online & Offline: Zimbabwe launched the National Action Plan for Children IV (2026–2030) and a National Child Online Protection Policy, with leaders stressing action against child marriage, labour, adolescent pregnancies and cyber violence. Water & Public Health Risk: A report warns Harare’s water pollution crisis could become a public health emergency if not urgently addressed. Illegal Wildlife Trade Crackdown: Zimbabwe Republic Police secured convictions and long prison sentences for pangolin scale traders in Bulawayo, reinforcing protections for endangered species. Circular Economy & Packaging Costs: Strait of Hormuz disruptions are pushing plastic prices up sharply, renewing calls for reuse and a real circular economy to cut reliance on volatile imports. Climate Floods Across Southern Africa: Coverage highlights how climate change and weak planning are driving repeated floods across the region, displacing hundreds of thousands. Education Infrastructure: Government signed a US$420m deal to build up to 1,000 primary and secondary schools nationwide, aiming to close the infrastructure gap. Energy & Industry: The African Energy Chamber argues Africa needs an interconnected electricity market to unlock industrial growth as demand rises and grid failures persist.

Child Protection & Online Safety: Vice President Kembo Mohadi launched the National Action Plan for Children IV (2026–2030) and the National Child Online Protection Policy in Bulawayo, stressing action against child marriage, labour, adolescent pregnancies and cyber violence. Local Governance Accountability: The Ministry of Local Government rolled out a WhatsApp-based Citizens Scorecard so residents can rate council services like water, sanitation, refuse collection, roads and health, with feedback collected anonymously. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Zimbabwe Republic Police secured convictions in Bulawayo pangolin scale trafficking cases, with one suspect sentenced to an effective nine years and others receiving prison terms. Circular Economy & Packaging Costs: A report links Strait of Hormuz disruptions to plastic price spikes and argues for stronger reuse and circular economy policies to reduce reliance on volatile imports. Climate Disaster Reality Check: A continent-wide review of recent floods highlights how repeated rainy-season impacts are treated as “disasters” after the fact, calling for better planning and preparedness. Education Infrastructure Push: Government signed a US$420 million MoU with MAGCOR to build up to 1,000 modern primary and secondary schools across all provinces. Investment & Finance Rules: Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls International Financial Centre backed TSL’s listing on VFEX, pointing to new arbitration and supervisory legal tools to boost investor confidence. Mining, Land Rights & Communities: African Ecofeminism Convening participants demanded land compensation “in kind” and stronger community land rights as mining and development projects displace families and pollute livelihoods.

Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Two Bulawayo residents were jailed after being convicted for illegal pangolin scale trade, with police recovering 20 scales and sentencing one man to an effective nine years. Local Governance & Services: Harare City Council is rolling out an Operational Stabilisation Turnaround Plan to speed up service delivery and rebuild public trust, after a ministerial push for underperforming councils to act fast. Public Accountability: Government launched a WhatsApp-based Citizens Scorecard so residents can rate local authority services like water, sanitation, refuse collection, roads and health, directly shaping council decisions. Conservation & Biodiversity: ZimParks has started translocating selected plains game to Equatorial Guinea under a conservation cooperation deal, with habitat checks done before releases. Tourism & Environment Economy: Zimbabwe won a global Gold Award for digital tourism marketing in China, boosting attention on the country’s nature-based tourism appeal. Climate Disaster Context: A continent-wide flood review highlights how climate change and poor planning are driving repeated deadly flooding across Southern Africa and beyond.

Local Governance & Service Delivery: ZimStat and the National Competitiveness Commission have started a nationwide RUCCI survey to assess and rank all 92 local authorities, looking at governance, infrastructure, services, innovation, investment appeal, sustainability, inclusiveness and resilience. Wildlife & Biodiversity: ZimParks has begun translocating selected plains game to Equatorial Guinea under a government-to-government conservation deal, after habitat suitability checks, aiming to restore biodiversity without harming Zimbabwe’s wildlife. Public Health & Environment: A report on silicosis in Kwekwe highlights the deadly risks facing artisanal miners, with workers described operating without proper protective gear deep underground. Energy & Climate Resilience: Zimbabwe announced another fuel price cut amid Middle East supply worries, while separate coverage flags how climate shocks like El Niño could intensify drought risks. Economy, Resources & Sustainability: Zimbabwe’s gold reserves have topped 4.5 tonnes and foreign currency receipts hit a record US$10.72bn in the first half of 2026, strengthening ZiG backing. Conservation Culture: An exhibition at the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe reimagines indigenous taboos as conservation tools, linking culture and environmental stewardship.

Fuel & Energy: Zimbabwe cut diesel to US$1.87/litre and blended petrol to US$1.93/litre, its second reduction in two weeks, but motorists fear the cuts may not last as Middle East conflict threatens oil supply. Water & Pollution: Harare faces a looming public health risk as a water pollution crisis threatens residents’ safety and livelihoods. Wildlife & Biodiversity: ZimParks has started translocating plains game to Equatorial Guinea under a conservation deal, with ecological checks and animal welfare standards cited; Zimbabwe also plans further zebra, giraffe, hyena and other transfers. Conservation Culture: Artists are reviving indigenous taboos as conservation tools in an exhibition at the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe, linking cultural memory to protection of forests, water and wildlife. Climate & Governance: SADC finance ministers in Harare pledged deeper financial integration and climate resilience financing, pushing blended finance and private-sector participation as donor support declines. Health & Environment Link: Zimbabwe’s Medical Services Amendment Act, 2026 updates patient-rights and healthcare obligations, but coverage warns laws alone can’t fix shortages and underfunded systems. Regional Wildlife Trade: Zimbabwe exports wildlife to Equatorial Guinea as part of the same biodiversity restoration push.

Water & Pollution Watch: Harare’s water pollution crisis is worsening, with residents’ groups warning that failing sewer systems, industrial effluent and weak enforcement could tip into a public health and environmental disaster. Biodiversity & Conservation: Zimbabwe has started capturing and relocating selected plains game to Equatorial Guinea under a government-to-government conservation deal, after habitat suitability checks. Climate Risk for Livestock: Farmers welcome a new Zimbabwe Feed and Fodder Dashboard, built with AU-IBAR support, to help plan for drought-linked El Niño conditions. Energy Transition & Justice: African ecofeminists in Harare are calling for a just, feminist energy transition that protects communities, women’s rights and ecosystems as demand for transition minerals rises. Wildlife Crime Reporting: An Inside Climate News series on China’s global environmental impact has been named a finalist for the John B. Oakes Award, highlighting cross-border harms. Urban Liveability: A global liveability index places Harare among the bottom cities worldwide, with healthcare and stability concerns dragging down overall scores.

Water Pollution Watch: CHRA warns Harare’s water sources are being harmed by untreated industrial effluent and raw sewage, citing weak enforcement and low penalties that make “it cheaper to pollute than comply,” with Crowborough, Firle and Chitungwiza flagged. Climate Risk & Food Security: UN agencies say El Niño is likely to intensify extreme weather, with drought and other impacts expected across high-risk countries including Zimbabwe, as FAO and WFP seek over $200m to protect 8.8m people. Irrigation Push: Government targets 100+ dams to expand irrigation by 113,000 hectares by 2030, aiming for climate-smart, drought-proof agriculture and progress toward 496,000 hectares under irrigation. Livestock Resilience: Farmers welcome the Zimbabwe Feed and Fodder Dashboard, built with AU-IBAR support, to improve planning ahead of an El Niño-leaning rainfall season. Ecofeminist Energy Debate: African ecofeminists in Harare call for a just, feminist energy transition that protects communities, women’s rights and ecosystems as demand for transition minerals rises. Wildlife Management: ZimParks plans limited translocation of selected plains game to Equatorial Guinea. Policy & Data: Afrobarometer begins Round 11 surveys in Zimbabwe and Gabon, adding new themes as Africa navigates political, economic, social and environmental change.

Water & Food Security: Government has identified more than 100 dams to expand irrigation, targeting an extra 113,000 hectares by 2030 and pushing climate-smart, drought-proof farming as Zimbabwe prepares for the 2026–2027 El Niño. Climate Risk: UN agencies warn El Niño could hit 22 high-risk African countries, including Zimbabwe, with drought and other extreme impacts—prompting calls for cash support, resilient seeds and flood-control measures. Agriculture Markets: The Horticulture Development Council says it’s strengthening market access for smallholder growers through IFAD/OFID-funded support, linking farmers to processors, exporters and contract opportunities across several provinces. Child Protection: Zimbabwe is convening a National Child Protection Conference in Bulawayo to boost systems against violence, exploitation and online threats, with UNICEF and Sweden backing multi-sector action. Energy Reliability: Zimbabwe reported another nationwide blackout after a grid fault, with power restored using imports and key stations—highlighting ageing infrastructure and supply fragility. Governance & Environment Link: The Constitution Amendment No. 3 Act has been assented to, extending presidential and parliamentary terms and changing election rules—raising political debate as climate and water planning depend on stable policy delivery. Conservation & Livelihoods: Communities near Hwange report worsening human-wildlife conflict as elephant corridors are squeezed by settlements and fields, with calls for solutions beyond fences.

Power & Climate Resilience: Zimbabwe restored electricity to most areas after a nationwide blackout triggered by a grid failure, with engineers still reconnecting parts of Harare and generation boosted by Kariba and imports. Energy Projects: Invictus Energy awarded contracts for Musuma-1 site preparation in the Cabora Bassa Project, including wellpad, civil works, access roads and water infrastructure ahead of drilling. Wildlife & Land Use: Communities in the Hwange Mabale elephant corridor say blocked migration routes are pushing elephants into villages and fields, destroying crops and raising fears—calling for space for wildlife, not just fences. Rural Development: Zimbabwe will institutionalise World Rural Development Day as a national calendar event, with the theme focused on financing the “first mile” of food systems. ESG & Industry: Dangote Cement targets a 20% cut in net CO2 emissions intensity and pushes cleaner transport and alternative fuels as part of wider sustainability plans. Governance & Rights (context): Child protection stakeholders met to map funding and strategies to strengthen protection systems, while political debate continues over CAB3.

Water & Power: Lake Kariba’s levels have risen, lifting usable storage to 47.32% and boosting Kariba generation to 520MW, but officials warn against complacency as Zimbabwe still carries drought-era power strain. Climate Risk & Food Security: UN agencies are urging over US$200m for El Niño preparedness across 22 high-risk countries, including Zimbabwe, with support for climate-resilient seeds, livestock protection and flood control. Wildlife & Illegal Trade Watch: A Bulawayo street vendor video went viral after he fed a tiny animal from a pouch, sparking pangolin-trafficking concerns and renewed calls for wildlife law enforcement. Recycling for Tourism: Rainbow Tourism Group and Cresta Hotels donated a glass crusher to a Juliasdale community recycling group to cut transport costs and keep Eastern Highlands tourism areas cleaner. Education & Sustainability: Zimbabwe launched the world’s first Global University of Inclusivity, built on Ubuntu and ecological responsibility, linking equity in learning with environmental sustainability. Returnees & Disruption: Zimbabwe’s repatriation drive from South Africa is accelerating, with Musina and Beitbridge processing thousands, while ZEP holders warn schoolchildren face exam and syllabus crises. Decarbonising Industry: Dangote Cement says it is targeting a 20% emissions cut and cleaner transport as it expands capacity, tying sustainability to competitiveness.