🇿🇼ZimbabweSouthern Africa
Senator Timba criticizes Mnangagwa over controversial entourage during Ramaphosa visit
via NewsDay Zimbabwe5 min read
Senator Jameson Timba, Convenor of the Defend the Constitution Platform, has labeled South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent visit to Zimbabwe a "diplomatic embarrassment." This follows revelations that the South African presidency publicly clarified Ramaphosa had "no prior knowledge" of certain individuals in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s entourage. Timba stated that such public distancing by a neighboring head of state is "highly unusual" and significantly harms Zimbabwe’s international standing. He emphasized that diplomacy is defined by the company leaders keep. Timba also pointed out a contradiction between the Zimbabwean government's anti-corruption rhetoric and the presence of "politically connected individuals" facing public scrutiny and misconduct allegations. He noted that some attendees had previously been identified for investigation by senior Zimbabwean figures, arguing their presence undermines public confidence and the government's credibility in fighting graft. Timba concluded that what should have been an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties was instead overshadowed by questions of propriety, governance, and ethical leadership, calling for transparency and accountability.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
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Zimbabwe's economy in 2025 showed a nominal GDP of ZiG 448 billion in Q4, nearly triple the ZiG 142 billion in Q1 2024. However, this apparent growth is largely due to price increases rather than actual production volume. Real, inflation-adjusted growth for the year was in the single to low double digits, while prices for output increased by approximately twenty times compared to the 2023 base year. The Zimbabwe Gold ZiG currency, introduced in April 2024, has not achieved price stability, with the deflator surging from near 100 in 2023 to 2,347 by Q4 2025. This indicates that roughly 95 cents of every ZiG in the 2025 nominal GDP reflects price inflation, not new production. Key sectors contributing to real growth include agriculture, which rebounded significantly from a negative 2024, and information and communication, showing steady expansion in digital services. Transportation and storage also saw growth, mirroring the agricultural recovery. Construction experienced a volatile year, with a strong rebound in the second half, possibly due to delayed projects. Electricity generation also improved. However, sectors like water supply, sewerage, and waste management contracted throughout the year, signaling chronic underinvestment. Mining and quarrying showed volatility, while wholesale and retail trade, reflecting household consumption, grew modestly, barely keeping pace with population growth. Manufacturing showed positive momentum but from a fragile base. Financial and insura
Zimbabwean industry faces significant challenges from policy inconsistency and a volatile operating environment, according to businesses. Conflicting regulations, currency instability, and increasing fuel costs are undermining growth and competitiveness. Data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency shows annual ZiG inflation rose to 4.8% in April, largely due to two fuel price increases. Local content strategy expert Tararama Gutu highlighted that multiple statutory instruments, some of which conflict with each other and regional trade protocols, contribute to policy inconsistency. Competition and Tariff Commission spokesperson Prosper Ziyadhuma noted that high borrowing costs limit investment, particularly in textiles, and emphasized the need for policy consistency and effective implementation. Industry and Commerce permanent secretary Tadeous Chifamba stated that authorities are strengthening enforcement of local content policies, aiming to shift from a voluntary approach to a structured and accountable system. The Local Content Strategy 2026–2035 seeks to boost industrialization by expanding domestic production and value chains, reducing import dependence, and increasing local input utilization from approximately 30% to 75% by 2035, while also targeting a 5% annual growth in manufactured exports' contribution to output.