AGP Executive Report

AI Governance & Strategy: IoDZ is drafting a board-level AI governance framework for Zimbabwe as the National AI Strategy (2026–2030) rolls out, aligning with global risk principles while fitting local realities. Digital Transformation: NetOne says it is embedding AI into network management for predictive operations, and the ICT ministry has handed South Korea its new AI strategy while pushing universal digital literacy. Education 5.0: The AU is reviewing Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, with Cambridge University Press & Assessment exploring how to blend heritage, research, innovation and technology into curricula. Responsible Mining & Conservation: WWF Zimbabwe and ZELO launched a five-year project to promote environmentally and socially responsible mining across Southern Africa’s energy-transition minerals; meanwhile, conservationists warn Zimbabwe’s elephant numbers have surged past carrying capacity. Health & Tech: Government is scrambling to avert a medicine crisis, while Malawi’s IMPALA AI monitoring system shows how low-resource hospitals can cut child mortality. Local Tech & Compliance: PRAZ says public procurement is now a strategic tool for industrialisation, and ZRP recruitment continues alongside public warnings about fraud. Security & Enforcement: Police unmasked an illicit “njengu” brewing operation in Bulawayo, seizing ethanol, counterfeit labels and equipment.

AI in telecom: NetOne is rolling out AI for predictive network management, shifting from reactive operations to real-time optimisation to improve service delivery and customer experience. Digital access: Google’s Ask Gemini in Chrome is expanding to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing built-in AI search help to more users across the region. Mobile-first fintech: Bola Group launched Chatbet, a WhatsApp-native betting platform that lets users place bets via messages or voice notes to cut data costs. Women in ICT: IFIP Women in ICT Africa was launched in Harare to boost women’s digital leadership and create a stronger continental network for innovation. Health tech upgrade: Zimbabwe received more advanced cancer treatment equipment, including LINAC radiotherapy machines, as government moves through phases to improve oncology care and diagnostics. Conservation pressure: Zimbabwe’s elephant numbers have surged to over 85,000, exceeding estimated carrying capacity and raising ecosystem concerns. Public safety & policing: ZRP opened recruitment for 2026 and also warned the public about recruitment fraud while urging crime reports directly to authorities. Regional business shift: A trade mission shows Zimbabwean firms are increasingly targeting Zambia for growth, citing tougher conditions at home.

AI in Browsers: Google is rolling out “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing built-in AI search and help to more African users (desktop and iOS first; Android via a power-button shortcut). Women in ICT: The IFIP Women in ICT Africa platform has launched in Harare to boost women’s digital leadership, research and innovation across the continent. Cancer Care Upgrade: Zimbabwe has received a second batch of advanced radiotherapy machines (LINACs) for more precise cancer treatment, with plans to expand diagnostics and decentralise services beyond major cities. Education for Innovation: The AU Commissioner is in Zimbabwe to study the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, positioning it as a scalable link between education, innovation and economic transformation. Health & Safety Tragedy: Investigations continue after a Gweru school kombi inferno killed seven pupils, with negligence suspected and calls for stronger enforcement on school transport. Trade & Industry: ZimTrade reports a 48% jump in export earnings (Jan–Apr 2026) and a narrowing trade deficit, driven by value-added products. Regional Business Push: 25 Zimbabwean firms are in Zambia seeking partnerships in agriculture and construction services. Mining & Local Content Pressure: New data shows a sharp spike in imports of specialised underground mining machinery, raising questions about local manufacturing capacity. Rabbit Breeding Tech: Zimbabwe sends a delegation to Rwanda for rabbit artificial insemination training to accelerate genetic improvement. Cricket Tech & Media: Zimbabwe Cricket confirms a broadcast deal for India’s tour, with FanCode streaming and Zee’s Unite8 Sports airing the T20Is in July.

Reserved Sectors Compliance: Zimbabwe received 432 applications from foreign-owned firms seeking to keep operating in 21 sectors reserved for indigenous citizens, after SI 215 of 2025; over 280 have already been approved, with wholesale/retail, haulage and brick moulding among the most active. Constitutional Debate: In Parliament, CCC MP Agency Gumbo attacked CAB3 as a threat to Zimbabwe’s democratic architecture, arguing reforms should strengthen institutions rather than concentrate power. Trade & Industry: ZimTrade says export earnings rose 48% to US$3.57bn (Jan–Apr 2026), narrowing the trade deficit to US$295m, driven by faster growth in value-added products like engineering steel. Mining Local Content Pressure: New data shows a spike to US$23.2m in April imports of specialised underground mining machinery, raising questions about whether mining growth is translating into local manufacturing. Lithium Progress: Premier African Minerals reports preliminary spodumene presence in concentrate from its Zulu lithium project, as commissioning of a flotation plant advances. Healthcare Tech Upgrade: The Health ministry has taken delivery of more advanced cancer treatment equipment, including LINAC radiotherapy machines, with phase two focused on diagnostic tools and wider access plans. Digital Connectivity & Learning: POTRAZ says Starlink has been deployed to 98 digital centres, solarised 59, and supplied 25,264 computers to 1,419 schools. Border Modernisation: Zimbabwe is upgrading border posts to decongest crossings and streamline trade with Malawi and Mozambique. AI in Industry: Pavcon Industries says it is adopting AI and modern tech to improve concrete production efficiency and quality control. Rabbit Biotech Push: Zimbabwe sends a delegation to Rwanda for specialised rabbit artificial insemination training, aiming to speed genetic improvement and support export-ready value chains.

Rabbit biotech push: Zimbabwe is sending a high-level delegation to Rwanda for specialised training in rabbit artificial insemination, aiming to speed up genetic improvement and boost productivity in a fast-growing commercial industry. Land as capital: A ZNCC-linked business leader argues rural farmland titles could unlock “billions” by making land bankable for formal finance. Diplomacy for exports: Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Rwanda backs the rabbit export drive across Africa, citing strong bilateral cooperation since 2019. Financial crime fight: The FIU challenged university students to build solutions that strengthen transparency and accountability against money laundering, fraud and cyber-enabled scams. AI in manufacturing: Pavcon Industries says it is adopting AI and modern tech to improve concrete production efficiency and quality control. Connectivity upgrade: POTRAZ says it has rolled out Starlink to 98 digital centres, solarised 59 sites, and deployed thousands of school computers. City infrastructure funding: Bulawayo City Council seeks a US$13.16m loan for water, roads, ICT upgrades and renewable energy. Critical minerals race: Brazil moves to regulate rare earths to attract investment as US-China competition heats up. Fire at research station: Kutsaga Research Station reports a fire in its analytical chemistry building, with investigations pointing to an electrical fault. Security tech: ZRP plans a regional biometric firearm-tracking system using ballistic fingerprinting to trace legally owned weapons across borders.

Public Safety & Justice: A survivor, Naomi Sibanda, has narrated how serial rapist and murderer Bright Zhantali robbed and raped her but spared her life, as he faces 23 murder charges after a terror spree around Marondera. Border & Trade Tech: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique launched a drive to clear bottlenecks on regional transport corridors, targeting border delays, fragmented procedures and infrastructure gaps that raise costs for traders. Healthcare Innovation: Cimas Health Group opened registration for Healthathon 3.0, a digital health innovation challenge seeking ICT solutions to improve access, affordability and patient experience. Agricultural Science: Zimbabwe is training rabbit breeders in Rwanda on artificial insemination to speed up genetic improvement and boost productivity. Research Infrastructure: Fire damaged parts of Kutsaga Research Station’s Analytical Chemistry Services building, with preliminary indications pointing to an electrical fault. Security Systems: ZRP plans a regional biometric firearm-tracking system using ballistic fingerprinting to trace legally owned weapons and share data across borders. Mining & Environment: CNRG warned that Zimbabwe’s state of disaster for river rehabilitation could be exploited by miners, urging stronger safeguards as 17 rivers are targeted. Digital Identity & Land: Bhutan launched a digital consent mechanism tied to its national digital ID to reduce fraud in land ownership verification. Energy & Water: First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa called for stronger African cooperation and infrastructure investment to tackle chronic water insecurity. Tech & Culture: Zimbabwe’s AI music boom is sparking debate over creativity, ownership and royalties as AI-generated songs gain online traction.

Responsible Mining: Officials from the Ministry of Mines, EMA and planetGOLD Zimbabwe are assessing small-scale gold mines in Filabusi, including Maholokohlo, to understand current processing methods and how to cut mercury use and environmental and health risks. River Protection vs Extraction: CNRG says Zimbabwe’s State of Disaster for 17 degraded rivers could be exploited by miners if safeguards are weak, warning rehabilitation may become a cover for further damage. Digital Healthcare: Cimas Health Group launched Healthathon 3.0, a digital health innovation challenge seeking ICT solutions for access, affordability, data fragmentation and delayed care; registration runs June 22–July 12 with a Demo Day on August 28. Cancer Care Upgrade: Government says Mpilo Hospital’s cancer equipment rollout is advancing, funded partly by the sugar content tax, with more machines planned. Fertiliser Security: Zimbabwe is accelerating local fertiliser production and pushing regional procurement to reduce exposure to global supply shocks. ICT Inclusion Scrutiny: Masvingo’s digital centre launch drew criticism over sustainability concerns after 15 laptops and services were rolled out. Agriculture Tech: UNDP and the Green Climate Fund support 230 rural women farmer field schools with labour-saving tools to boost climate resilience. Local Food Production: Gweru expanded wheat cultivation at Go Beer Farm from 40 to 43 hectares after a 120-tonne harvest last season. Wildlife Conservation: KAZA states meet in Victoria Falls to align on elephant conservation and elephant product trade positions.

Lithium rebound: Zimbabwe’s lithium export ban on unprocessed concentrate is framed as a push for downstream value, after the global lithium market springs back following a three-year slump, with prices rising sharply as supply projects restart and demand expectations cool on weaker EV sales. Climate-smart farming: Govt, UNDP and the Green Climate Fund are equipping 230 rural women farmers with labour-saving tools like earth augers and grinder-choppers to boost productivity and resilience. Wildlife diplomacy: KAZA states meet in Victoria Falls to align on elephant conservation and elephant-product trade, with EU funding earmarked for updated regional plans. Fertiliser localisation: Zimbabwe accelerates plans to localise fertiliser production and coordinate regional procurement to cushion farmers from global supply shocks. Health tech upgrade: Mpilo Central Hospital is installing new radiotherapy machines, with engineers working on a lower-energy unit and preparations for higher-energy equipment. Digital inclusion debate: Masvingo’s new digital centre launch—15 laptops, free WiFi and services—sparks questions over scale and sustainability. Cyber/fintech: SECZIM-approved Ndarama says it’s moving into secondary trading and token-backed lending after a month in operation. Governance & tech policy: CAB3 constitutional reform continues to dominate political debate, including claims about how electoral systems could be reshaped.

Constitution Tech & Governance: Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi defended the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill in Parliament, framing CAB3 as a “living” reform to improve governance and institutional efficiency. Cancer Care Upgrade: Mpilo Central Hospital has started installing new radiotherapy machines, with engineers working on a lower-energy linear accelerator while a multi-energy unit and CT scan are still expected—aimed at restoring access for patients in the south. Connectivity & Internet Policy: Zimbabwe is reportedly targeting Starlink’s regulated entry by end of July, with officials saying it should complement mobile networks rather than replace them. Digital Campaigning: A new push highlights how bulk SMS platforms can help politicians reach voters with personalised, language-specific messages and timely updates. Mining & Health Risks: A report renews concern over mercury use in artisanal gold mining despite Zimbabwe’s Minamata Convention commitments, pointing to ongoing, largely unregulated practice. Tech Finance for Investors: Tharisa launched a Level 1 US ADR programme (JP Morgan as depositary), giving US investors dollar-denominated exposure to critical minerals including planned Zimbabwe output. Regional Migration Pressure: South Africa’s Ramaphosa promised action on illegal immigration while warning against xenophobia and vigilantism, as tensions rise across the region. Public Safety: Police in South Africa intercepted a vehicle carrying about R300,000 worth of dagga, remanding a Zimbabwean suspect for further investigations.

Satellite Internet: ICT minister Tatenda Mavetera says Zimbabwe hopes to finalise Starlink’s regulated entry by end of July, with the service expected to complement mobile operators rather than replace them. Public Health Tech: Finance minister Mthuli Ncube toured Mpilo’s radiotherapy centre, pledging Zimbabwe will acquire a full range of cancer diagnosis and treatment machines using proceeds from the sugar content tax; new equipment has already arrived and installation is underway. Mining & Environment: Reporting highlights how mercury remains widely used in artisanal gold mining despite Zimbabwe’s Minamata Convention commitments, with mercury reportedly easy to buy in mining areas. Digital Economy & SMEs: A focus on how Zimbabwean SMEs are integrating cybersecurity and digital tools to compete in the online era. Sports Development: Zimbabwe Table Tennis Union unveils a youth-mixed senior men’s squad after selection trials, aiming for long-term growth. Education Policy: National Education Summit Zimbabwe plans to expand into a regional education dialogue for SADC and beyond. Wildlife Conservation: Matusadona National Park reintroduces 17 critically endangered black rhinos using drones and trackers to curb poaching. Climate Outlook: WMO warns strong El Niño could reshape rainfall patterns across the region this summer.

Cancer Care Upgrade: Zimbabwe will acquire a full range of specialised cancer diagnosis and treatment machines for major referral hospitals, with Mpilo Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa already receiving new equipment as installation ramps up, funded through the Sugar Content Tax. Healthcare Innovation Push: CIMAS Health Group launches a US$7,000 Healthathon to incubate home-grown tech solutions for Zimbabwe’s healthcare access and affordability challenges, with registration opening June 22. Neurosurgery Breakthrough: A Chinese medical team helped Zimbabwe complete the country’s first Deep Brain Stimulation and Spinal Cord Stimulation procedures, with patients reported stable after successful surgeries. Smart Transport Tech: Government rolls out an AI-powered Electronic Traffic Management System to detect and fine offences automatically using surveillance and number-plate recognition, feeding data to enforcement systems. Digital Media Shift: A new national media audience survey finds internet access overtaking TV in urban Zimbabwe, with online news now far ahead of print. Wildlife Tech & Conservation: Matusadona National Park reintroduces 17 black rhino, using drones and trackers to protect the animals and restore genetics after decades of poaching. Climate & Waste Diplomacy: Zimbabwe is invited to the Global Zero Waste Forum, highlighting community-led waste and circular-economy efforts ahead of COP31.

Neuromodulation Breakthrough: A Chinese medical team helped Zimbabwe complete the country’s first Deep Brain Stimulation and Spinal Cord Stimulation surgeries, with both patients reported stable after successful procedures. Digital Media Shift: A new Zimbabwe Media Audience Study says internet access now beats TV in urban areas, with online newspaper readership reported three times higher than print. Health Innovation Push: CIMAS Health Group launched a US$7,000 Healthathon to incubate home-grown tech solutions for Zimbabwe’s healthcare challenges, with registration opening June 22. Smart Transport Tech: Government rolled out an AI-powered Electronic Traffic Management System using surveillance and number-plate recognition to detect and fine offences automatically. Conservation Tech & Science: Matusadona National Park reintroduced 17 black rhinos—descendants of animals evacuated in the 1990s—using drones and trackers to strengthen anti-poaching. Education Support: Bridging Gaps Foundation awarded 20 fully funded scholarships for medicine and law at the University of Zimbabwe for vulnerable, high-achieving students. Infrastructure Integrity Row: Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart’s claims about shortcuts on the Harare–Beitbridge Highway were rejected by the Roads Ministry, which says technical assessment will be commissioned. Capital Markets Update: TSL plans to delist from the ZSE and list on VFEX, pending shareholder approval.

Traditional Leadership Meets Tech & Heritage: Former NewsDay journalist Thomas Chidamba has become village head in Mazowe, pledging community projects like boreholes and roads while using his archaeological forensic training to map and protect pre-colonial heritage. Women in Farming Innovation: WIFE’s Food for Life Festival in Harare spotlighted women farmers and entrepreneurs, with partners like FAO and hands-on theatre sessions tackling land, markets and empowerment. Road Safety Tech: Government rolled out an AI Electronic Traffic Management System using surveillance and number-plate recognition to detect offences and automate penalties. Healthcare Innovation: CIMAS Healthathon 3 calls on Zimbabwean innovators to build home-grown solutions to cut healthcare costs and improve access. Cancer Care Upgrade: New LINAC radiotherapy machines arrived for Mpilo and Parirenyatwa, aiming to reduce travel and backlog. Conservation Tech: Matusadona National Park reintroduced 17 black rhinos, using drones and trackers to strengthen anti-poaching. Capital Markets for SMEs: ZSE got SECZim approval to launch ZEEX, a tech-enabled exchange to widen funding access for SMEs. Lithium Value Addition Push: Zimbabwe says lithium processing investment is ramping up after policy changes, as the country seeks a stronger industrial minerals role. Media Shift Online: A new ZMAS study shows internet use now beats TV in Zimbabwe’s cities, and online news readership is rising fast.

Manufacturing & AI competitiveness: Zimbabwe’s packaging and related value-chain firms are under pressure from energy costs, forex shortages, transport disruptions and weak demand, pushing the need for system-wide optimisation rather than basic cost cutting. Higher education reform: The “earn-and-learn” model is reshaping universities globally, forcing Zimbabwean institutions to redesign curricula and support for working students. AI skills push: Students are being urged to adopt AI and digital tools for employability as Zimbabwe’s economy shifts toward tech-driven productivity. Cybersecurity warning: A new analysis says AI will raise the stakes for cybersecurity, making “digital inertia” costly for organisations. Capital markets for SMEs: The ZSE has secured SECZim approval to launch ZEEX, a specialised exchange to improve SME funding access using high technology. Lithium value addition: Zimbabwe is set to host a lithium carbonate processing plant as authorities push investors to beneficiate locally instead of exporting raw ore. Energy transition youth programme: Schneider Electric and partners launched a two-year Energy Transition Innovation Challenge in Ruwa to train 9,000 young people for the power transition. Cancer care boost: New TrueBeam radiotherapy machines have arrived for Mpilo Central and Parirenyatwa, expanding Zimbabwe’s treatment capacity. Illicit arms risk: GI-TOC flags Zimbabwe as an emerging hub for illicit arms flows along the North-South Corridor, citing porous borders and corruption. Local governance: Bulawayo’s public transport system is slipping as illegal operators and unauthorised pick-up points undermine the city’s long-standing policy. Mining skills & youth: The Zimbabwe School of Mines gets renewed government backing, while the Young Miners Foundation prepares for its 16-year Great Stone Summit in Masvingo.

Cancer Care Upgrade: Zimbabwe has received two 22-tonne TrueBeam radiotherapy machines, with installation set for Mpilo Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals—an advanced boost for treating cancer in the country. Mining Skills & Policy: The Mines Permanent Secretary has met Zimbabwe School of Mines leadership in Bulawayo, pledging full support and pushing alignment of training with industry needs. Energy Transition Minerals: SADC launched a five-year push to keep energy-transition minerals’ value chains in the region, targeting beneficiation, jobs and skills across countries including Zimbabwe. Digital Education Sovereignty: Zimbabwe’s eLearning Africa push calls for locally hosted AI and education infrastructure, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign platforms. Health Innovation Funding: CIMAS announced a US$7,000 Healthathon to incubate Zimbabwe health-tech solutions, with a live demo day in August. Industrial Growth: Shuntai Investments signed with China’s CBMI to build a 6,000tpd clinker line in Zvishavane, expanding cement capacity and local supply. Governance & AI: CGIAZ elected Tendayi Kanjanda as president, with a theme on future-proofing governance in the age of AI. Education Access: A Karoi Catholic teacher training college got government backing, while a separate initiative highlights menstrual hygiene support to keep girls in school.

Neuromodulation Breakthrough: A Chinese medical team helped Zimbabwe complete the country’s first Deep Brain Stimulation and first Spinal Cord Stimulation surgeries, with both patients reported stable after May 28–29 procedures. Constitution Tech & Democracy: Parliament debate over CAB3 is heating up, with a committee report claiming 99.4% support from public submissions while critics point to mismatches between physical and email inputs and warn of deeper political toxicity. Energy Transition Governance: Stakeholders say Zimbabwe’s renewable push must be community-owned and better implemented, not just new infrastructure, as the country faces a major climate finance gap. Climate Risk Planning: Government is preparing for a likely Super El Niño, outlining measures to protect the 2026/27 cropping season and reduce drought impacts. Digital Finance Security: EcoCash’s X account hack sparked debate on cybersecurity and trust in Zimbabwe’s mobile money ecosystem after unauthorised explicit posts. AI Creator Shock: YouTube removed AI-generated channels with billions of views, a warning to Zimbabwean creators relying on high-volume automated content to shift toward quality and transparency. Mining Restart Watch: Redwing Mine’s gold revival is underway after water pumping and power upgrades, part of renewed investor interest in Zimbabwe’s gold sector. Investment & Trade Tools: ZIDA launched a DIY electronic platform to simplify access to investment opportunities, aiming to cut red tape and boost ease of doing business.