🇿🇼ZimbabweSouthern Africa
Zimbabwean media house AMH reports on economic shifts, political tensions, and technological advancements
via NewsDay Zimbabwe1 min read
Alpha Media Holdings AMH, an independent Zimbabwean media house, publishes four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, The Standard, Southern, and NewsDay, all with online editions. Recent headlines from AMH cover a range of national issues, including President Mnangagwa's involvement in a mine dispute and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Zimra tightening import regulations. Economically, tobacco exports have surged by 62% due to strong global demand, while the stability of the VFEX is noted. Harare City Council is owed ZiG4 billion by industry, with Councillor Mafume warning that unpaid arrears could derail the city's 2026 budget and service delivery plans. In technology, Econet has launched a dedicated AI unit for digital transformation, and Drone Solutions has introduced a life-saving delivery network in Zimbabwe, with regional expansion plans. Stanbic Bank is connecting Zimbabwean farmers with Chinese buyers to boost exports. Political tensions are highlighted by violent attacks and forced evictions at grasslands plots, and a Zanu PF ambush towards a referendum is anticipated. Three individuals were arrested in South Africa for an alleged Zimbabwe cross-border smuggling operation. An MP donated 20 cattle for independence celebrations. The media house also reported on Afreximbank's US$11 billion investment in South Africa, signaling a new trade order, and the significant windfall foreign firms are allegedly receiving from lithium resources.
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China has announced a new zero-tariff policy for African countries, which Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding stated offers significant export opportunities for Zimbabwean manufacturers, especially women-led businesses. This announcement coincided with the launch of the Zimbabwe Women in Manufacturing ZWIM association in Harare. The policy, effective May 1, 2026, grants duty-free access to the Chinese market for all 53 African nations with diplomatic ties to Beijing, including Zimbabwe. Ambassador Zhou emphasized that this measure will open China's market to Zimbabwean products, fostering new opportunities for local manufacturers and attracting investment in value addition and industrialization. He described ZWIM's formation as timely, aligning with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 2, which prioritize manufacturing, industrialization, and women's economic empowerment. ZWIM unites women entrepreneurs from various sectors, such as agro-processing, textiles, leather, furniture, and paper production. Zhou also highlighted China's investments in Zimbabwe's infrastructure, steel, cement, solar energy, and lithium processing, which are strengthening the industrial base and creating opportunities for small and medium enterprises and women-owned businesses. He reiterated China's commitment to expanding skills training, promoting industrial exchanges, and assisting Zimbabwean manufacturers in accessing the Chinese market under the zero-tariff framework. The
Must ReadVoters have taken legal action against Members of Parliament regarding Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 CAB3. This development occurs amidst various national issues, including the launch of a fire season campaign in Beitbridge due to looming veld fire threats, and efforts by the Education ministry and NAC to reintegrate teenage mothers into schools. Other ongoing discussions include proposed new grain levies to address climate and food security risks, and a program set to benefit 300,000 Zimbabwean farmers through chilli production. Retired generals have also cautioned MPs against supporting CAB3, emphasizing the need for lawmakers to prioritize Zimbabwe's interests. The country is also dealing with political tensions over grassland plots, delays in unlocking green billions from carbon cash, and the arrest of a Bikita RDC finance boss over alleged abuse of office.
Beitbridge has initiated a fire season campaign in response to the impending threat of veld fires. This local news development highlights proactive measures being taken to address environmental risks in the region.
Must ReadBeitbridge has initiated a fire season campaign in response to the impending threat of veld fires. This development comes amidst various local news, including the Marondera council's demolition of structures along the NRZ service line, and voters taking legal action against Members of Parliament over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 CAB3. The Education ministry and NAC are intensifying efforts to reintegrate teenage mothers into schools. Zimbabwe is also exploring new grain levies to combat climate and food security risks, with 300,000 farmers set to benefit from chilli production. Other reports highlight political tensions at grasslands plots leading to violence, power outages and raw material shortages affecting ART operations, and a delay in carbon cash unlocking green billions for Zimbabwe. In a financial update for the third quarter to June 2022, a manufacturer reported a 6% decline in exports and a 26% decline in paper division volumes.