Zimbabwe Faces Key Economic Shifts

New currency notes circulate, RBZ drops dollar exit plan, and businesses welcome fee cuts.

ZESA Targets Year-End for Load Shedding End

ZESA aims to eliminate load shedding by year-end through grid upgrades.

Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) is targeting the complete cessation of load shedding before the close of the year. This goal is part of intensified efforts to stabilize the national electricity supply and reinforce the national grid. The utility is implementing infrastructure upgrades and expanding its generation capacity. Reliable electricity is fundamental for economic activity and daily life. This move signals a shift towards greater energy security and improved operational conditions for industries.

New ZiG Notes to Boost Cash Availability

Introduction of new ZiG banknotes expected to improve cash in southern Zimbabwe.

The rollout of new ZiG banknotes is expected to improve cash availability in parts of southern Zimbabwe. In these regions, foreign currencies have predominantly served as the medium of exchange. Areas like Bulawayo and Matabeleland South are expected to see the most impact. The introduction of these notes is viewed as a crucial step toward enhancing liquidity and facilitating local transactions. This development is critical for the Zimbabwean economy, directly affecting cash availability and the stability of the local currency.

RBZ Drops 2030 Dollar Exit Plan

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe drops plan to remove US dollar, creating currency uncertainty.

Fresh uncertainty surrounds Zimbabwe's currency policy as the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has effectively dropped its 2030 plan to phase out the US dollar. This decision creates uncertainty about the long-term economic roadmap and confidence in the local currency.

Businesses Welcome Fee Cuts

New regulations dismantle multi-licence requirements, reducing costs for businesses.

New government regulations have significantly cut business fees. Statutory Instrument (SI) 41 of 2026 effectively dismantled the multi-licence requirement, a long-standing administrative bottleneck. This move is expected to address key cost drivers within the retail and wholesale sectors. By simplifying the licensing process, business owners will no longer face the burden of multiple payments. These fee reductions are anticipated to lower operational costs and potentially stimulate economic activity across Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe Drops Borehole Levy

Annual fees for borehole water abstraction are removed, registration fees remain.

Zimbabwe has eliminated the levy previously charged on borehole water abstraction. Households will no longer pay US$150 and businesses US$250 annually per borehole abstraction fee. Under the new policy, these abstraction fees are scrapped. However, registration fees will still apply. This removal is a positive development for both households and businesses, potentially reducing operational costs and improving access to water resources.

Harare Mayor Admits Water Crisis Needs Aid

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume states he cannot fix the city's water crisis without presidential intervention.

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has admitted he cannot perform “abracadabra” to fix the capital's devastating water crisis, pleading for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to ride to the rescue. This admission comes amid ongoing challenges in providing adequate water to residents. The Mayor's plea highlights the scale of the problem and the need for high-level intervention to address the persistent water shortages affecting the city.

Bona Mugabe Appointed EmpowerBank Deputy Chair

Bona Chikore, daughter of the late Robert Mugabe, takes on a leadership role at EmpowerBank.

Bona Mugabe has been appointed Deputy Chairperson of the board of EmpowerBank. This appointment follows the approval of a new seven-member board by the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Employment Creation. Her position at the bank is notable within state-linked entities. The move places her in a significant leadership role within a financial institution focused on youth empowerment.

High Court Halts EMA Crackdown on Arcturus Mine

Court orders suspension of stop-work order against Arcturus Mine, citing potential ruin.

The High Court of Zimbabwe has granted urgent interim relief suspending an EMA stop-work order and penalty against TN Gold Arcturus Mine. The court described the disruption as potentially ruinous to the mine's operations. This ruling provides relief to the mine. The court's intervention underscores the need for careful consideration of consequences when enforcing environmental regulations, especially concerning significant mining operations.

The Jeere 2026-03-09  ·  stories

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