Mugabe's son pleads guilty to Hyde Park shooting and immigration breaches
via NewsDay Zimbabwe1 min read
Mugabe's son has pleaded guilty to charges related to a shooting incident in Hyde Park and breaches of immigration regulations. This development comes amidst other news from Zimbabwe, including a 62% surge in tobacco exports due to strong global demand, and the recovery of some crop conditions following March rains. Additionally, political tensions at grasslands plots have led to violent attacks and forced evictions, while a Member of Parliament has donated 20 cattle for independence celebrations. In economic news, Edgars' full-year performance indicates recovery and a strategic pivot, with retail operations increasingly complemented by financial services as a significant profit driver. The stability of the VFEX is noted to mask underlying value. The article also mentions a discussion on why the US security strategy is failing in Africa and a realistic roadmap for Zimbabwe's lithium economy.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
Must ReadZimbabwe faces a profound leadership crisis, which underlies issues such as unemployment, corruption, inflation, failing services, and political instability. The ruling party is criticized for lacking internal debate and scrutiny, while opposition parties have failed to present a credible alternative, often being consumed by infighting and division. This has left many Zimbabweans uncertain about who truly represents them. The article argues that too many citizens have retreated from active participation, complaining privately but not standing up to lead. This leadership deficit extends beyond politics to business, local government, churches, communities, schools, and universities. True leadership, defined by accountability and a willingness to identify problems, propose solutions, and be judged by outcomes, is scarce. The author calls on all Zimbabweans to demand better from leaders and institutions, reject silence and complacency, and challenge authority as a form of patriotism. The future of Zimbabwe, the article concludes, depends on its ability to produce leaders with courage, integrity, discipline, and vision.
The Zimbabwean government has launched a US$1 million Youth Economic Fund to enhance financial access for young entrepreneurs across all 10 provinces. Administered by EmpowerBank, the fund was introduced during National Youth Day celebrations held alongside the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair ZITF, which runs from April 20 to 25. The initiative aims to stimulate innovation and job creation through youth-led businesses, addressing the country's high youth unemployment rate. Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation minister Tino Machakaire linked the fund to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 2025 National Youth Empowerment Strategy, emphasizing the integration of young people, who constitute over 60% of the estimated 16 million population, into the economy. The launch was attended by central bank governor John Mushayavanhu and representatives from the United Nations Population Fund UNFPA and the United Nations Development Programme UNDP, highlighting international support. Discussions at the event focused on financial literacy, access to capital, and skills development for sustainable enterprises. Zimbabwe Youth Council chairperson Ruth Mugwagwa encouraged young people to prioritize job creation. EmpowerBank will manage the nationwide disbursement of the fund, though specific eligibility criteria and application processes have not yet been disclosed. This launch is part of Zimbabwe's broader strategy to combat high youth unemployment and prioritize entrepreneurship in its economic reco
Recent headlines in Zimbabwe highlight a range of pressing issues, including calls for graft charges against MPs accepting Chivayo's offer and internal Zanu PF conflict over Chivayo's donation. Teachers' unions express concerns about the impact of independence on their profession, while a report details a 'modern-day slavery' situation at Drummond Ranch. Kadoma authorities are addressing illegal car wash bays, and foreign military attachés have toured ARDA projects, commending Zimbabwe's agricultural efforts. The GMB has started paying outstanding arrears to farmers for grain deliveries. Economic news includes the upcoming debut of a gold-backed ETF on the VFEX and discussions around the VFEX's stability. Political analyses touch on Zanu PF's potential actions towards a referendum and the influence of shadowy cartels. Other reports cover outrage over bicycle distribution to war veterans, Zimbabwe's 46th anniversary and the 'curse of permanent officials' in Africa, and a new ZIDA platform aimed at converting investor interest into deals. The Castellion job evaluation system is also discussed, alongside a roadmap for Zimbabwe's lithium economy and a local athlete's success in the Scottish Premiership.
Tafadzwa Chinamo, chief executive officer of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency Zida, has urged increased investment in biomass and biogas production, stating that Zimbabwe can gain carbon credits and climate financing through waste-to-energy projects. Speaking at the Rural Industrialisation and Economic Empowerment Indaba during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, Chinamo noted that agricultural and industrial waste in Zimbabwe offers significant potential for biomass and biogas energy conversion. He indicated that biomass and biogas plants of 5MW to 10MW could be developed with capital ranging from US$6 million to US$12 million, providing sustainable energy, reducing energy costs, and displacing diesel or grid power. Chinamo emphasized that Zida supports circular economy investments through feedstock agreements, licensing facilitation, and investor engagement to enhance economic resilience. He also highlighted opportunities in eco-tourism, suggesting that mid-market eco-lodges and adventure tourism projects could yield returns of 17% to 24% and create 80 to 150 direct jobs. Zida is facilitating tourism public-private partnerships, improving land access, and connecting investors to opportunities to unlock rural tourism potential. Chinamo stressed the need to incentivize rural industrialization based on regional resources and climate conditions, advocating for industries supported by renewable energy, leveraging historical sites for rural tourism, and establish