🇿🇼ZimbabweSouthern Africa
Zimbabwe celebrates 46th Independence Day in Maphisa with focus on rural development
via NewsDay Zimbabwe6 min read
Zimbabwe is commemorating its 46th Independence Day in Maphisa, Matobo Rural District Council, Matabeleland South Province, continuing the government's decentralisation policy. The event, approximately 120 kilometres south of Bulawayo, follows last year's celebrations in Gokwe North. State media, including ZBC and The Herald, have highlighted accelerated infrastructure and socio-economic projects in Matabeleland South, framing the event as a catalyst for rural development. Treasury allocated about ZiG$14 million for preparations, covering infrastructure upgrades and logistics. The Rural Infrastructure Development Agency has re-gravelled nearly 395km of roads in the Kezi–Maphisa corridor, upgraded the 66km Gwanda–Maphisa Road, and performed maintenance on key regional links. The government has also rolled out 136 boreholes and 24 Village Business Units in Maphisa as part of a rural industrialisation strategy. Additionally, 43 legacy projects are nearing completion, including expansions at Mahetshe Primary and Secondary Schools and upgrades at Kezi District Hospital. Maphisa Stadium underwent significant refurbishment for the main proceedings. Authorities expect over 50,000 attendees, with military parades, cultural performances, and youth exhibitions aligned with Vision 2030 themes. Government officials state that these developments are part of the devolution and decentralisation policy, aiming to transform host venues into permanent centres of economic and social activity. Ho
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
Unifreight has entered into a US$2.08 million agreement to acquire the local FedEx Express partner. This business development is part of a series of recent economic and business news from Zimbabwe. Other reports indicate that tobacco exports have surged by 62% due to strong global demand, while March rains in 2026 have improved some crop conditions. Conversely, power outages and raw material shortages have negatively impacted ART operations, with the manufacturer reporting a 6% decline in export volumes and a 26% decline in paper division volumes for the third quarter ending June 2022. Edgars' financial year performance suggests a recovery and strategic shift, with retail operations increasingly complemented by financial services as a significant profit driver. The VFEX shows stability, though underlying value concerns persist.
Unifreight has entered into a US$2.08 million agreement to acquire the local FedEx Express partner. This business development is part of a series of economic news items, including a 62% surge in tobacco exports due to strong global demand, and Edgars' financial year performance indicating recovery and a strategic pivot. Edgars' retail operations are increasingly complemented by financial services, which are now a significant profit driver. Conversely, ART operations have been impacted by power outages and raw material shortages, leading to a 6% decline in exports and a 26% decline in paper division volumes in the third quarter to June 2022. The VFEX stability is noted to mask underlying value, while 97% of exhibition space has been taken up at ZITF.
Zimbabwe's business landscape sees Unifreight in a US$2.08 million deal to acquire a local FedEx Express partner. The country's tobacco exports have surged by 62% due to strong global demand. Edgars' full-year performance indicates recovery and a strategic pivot, with retail operations increasingly complemented by financial services as a significant profit driver. The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair has seen 97% of its exhibition space taken up. Discussions are also ongoing regarding electoral democracy and constitutional coloniality, as well as the stability of VFEX masking underlying value. Political tensions at grasslands plots have led to violent attacks and forced evictions.
As Zimbabwe celebrates its 46th independence anniversary, NewsDay reflects on the contributions of key figures in the country's liberation struggle. Josiah Magama Tongogara, a commander of the Zanla guerrilla army, played a crucial role in the fight against white minority rule and attended the Lancaster House conference. Herbert Wiltshire Hamandishe Chitepo, the first black lawyer in Rhodesia, led the Zimbabwe African National Union until his assassination in 1975. Leopold Takawira served as the vice president of the Zimbabwe African National Union and was detained for his political activities. Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, a prominent politician and founder of the Zimbabwe African People's Union, served as Vice-President of Zimbabwe from 1987 to 1999. Edgar Zivanai Tekere, the second secretary-general of Zanu, was a key organizer during the Lancaster House talks. Enos Mzombi Nkala, one of the founders of the Zimbabwe African National Union, served as treasurer on the Zanu High Command. Robert Gabriel Mugabe served as Prime Minister from 1980 to 1987 and then as President from 1987 to 2017.