🇿🇼ZimbabweSouthern Africa
New financing model launched for 5,000 Zimbabwean smallholder farmers
via NewsDay Zimbabwe5 min read
A new structured smallholder financing program has been introduced in Zimbabwe, aiming to boost agricultural growth and market access for rural farmers. Facilitated by Zimbabwean entrepreneur David Munowenyu, the initiative brings the global empowerment organization U CAN Company UCANN to implement a market-driven livelihood program focused on commercializing smallholder agriculture. The program, supported by international capital, will roll out this year in selected provinces, targeting 3,000 to 5,000 farmers cultivating high-value crops like chili, paprika, legumes, and horticulture. The goal is to increase incomes, secure off-take markets, and integrate farmers into formal financial systems. Munowenyu stated that the program aims to make agriculture a bankable sector for smallholder farmers and attract global capital into Zimbabwe’s rural economy, addressing the exclusion of productive smallholder farmers from finance. UCANN co-founder Steve Carver noted Zimbabwe's potential for impact-driven investment. The program utilizes UCANN’s Smallholder Inclusive Business Building model, which connects farmers to off-take markets before production, provides structured input financing, and tracks output to build credit histories. A pilot phase is expected to generate data for a national scale-up targeting over 100,000 farmers, supported by a broader international fundraising pipeline of up to US$1 billion.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
The government has approved a new land purchase incentives framework offering significant discounts to war veterans, ex-detainees, civil servants, and other individuals associated with the liberation struggle. This initiative, approved by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and overseen by the Land Tenure Implementation Committee chaired by Kudakwashe Tagwirei, aims to strengthen land tenure and boost agricultural production. War veterans will receive land at reduced rates, ranging from US$10 per hectare in Region 1 to US$1.17 per hectare in Region 5, with an additional 85% discount applied after the concessional rate. Ex-detainees, restrictees, and non-combatant cadres are eligible for a 30% discount, while collaborators will receive 15%. Serving and retired civil servants will benefit from tiered discounts based on their years of service, from 5% for over five years to 30% for over 40 years. The framework seeks to formalize land ownership, expand access to land, recognize contributions to the liberation struggle and public service, and support agricultural investment and rural stability. Beneficiaries must apply through the Ministry of Lands and Rural Development, and those who have already made payments will be reimbursed. Critics, however, suggest the move is intended to placate war veterans who have opposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 and attempts to extend President Mnangagwa’s term.
Zimbabwe Flying Labs recently hosted a masterclass focusing on drone technology, aviation safety, and ethical artificial intelligence. The session, led by U.S. drone expert and Airversity founder Bronwyn Morgan, emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance and new safeguards to protect both operators and the public. A key discussion point was Remote ID, a digital identification system for drones that transmits ownership and flight data in real time, helping to distinguish compliant users from unauthorized operators. Morgan highlighted how flight software in the United States, integrated with aviation authorities, can prevent drones from taking off without proper identification or entering restricted airspace. The masterclass also addressed cybersecurity risks, noting that increased autonomy in drones raises exposure to hacking and electronic interference. Morgan discussed the potential for drones in emergency response, such as delivering medical equipment, but cautioned against adopting technology without clear use cases. She also touched on manufacturing challenges, including chip shortages and the need for lightweight, durable materials. Zimbabwe Flying Labs founder Tawanda Chihambakwe thanked participants and the U.S. Embassy for their support.
The Women's Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence Walpe is organizing an online protest against the dissolution of the gender commission. This initiative highlights concerns regarding the future of gender equality advocacy and institutional support in the country.
The Zimbabwe Farmers Union ZFU has expressed concern that rising fuel prices are negatively impacting agricultural productivity, especially for winter wheat farmers who are currently planting. The ZFU noted that the cost of fuel affects all stages of production, from land preparation and irrigation to harvesting and transportation. According to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory, diesel is priced at USD $2.09 per liter and petrol at USD $2.08 per liter. The union highlighted that before the latest fuel price review on April 17, 2026, wheat farmers required at least 115 liters of fuel per hectare, now costing approximately US$242.65 per hectare, an increase from about US$174.80 in the previous season. The ZFU stated that the mismatch between increasing production costs and stagnant selling prices could lead to losses for farmers, making wheat cultivation less profitable. The union warned that this trend could negatively affect national wheat output and urged farmers to reassess their cost structures and adopt more fuel-efficient farming methods.