Zimbabwe, Zambia Forge US$2 Billion Rail Corridor

A landmark rail deal between Zimbabwe and Zambia aims to boost regional trade and redefine transport links.

US$2 Billion Rail Deal Signed Between Zimbabwe and Zambia

Zimbabwe and Zambia formalize a US$2 billion rail pact linking Lion’s Den to Kafue.

Zimbabwe and Zambia have cemented a significant infrastructure partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding for a new railway line. This US$2 billion project aims to redefine regional transport and trade, connecting Lion’s Den in Zimbabwe to Kafue in Zambia. The proposed route traverses key Zimbabwean areas including Chirundu, Hurungwe National Park, Makuti, Denis, Chakuti, and Lion’s Den, as well as four districts in Zambia. This initiative is poised to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic activity across the region, facilitating smoother movement of goods and people. The deal underscores a shared commitment to bolstering regional integration through strategic infrastructure development.

Zimbabwe Seeks IMF and AfDB Financial Support

The country is seeking financial assistance from the World Bank and the Africa Development Bank to manage rising public debt.

Zimbabwe is actively pursuing financial support from major international institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Africa Development Bank (AfDB). This move is intended to address the growing challenges associated with rising public debt and to bolster the nation's economic stability. The government's engagement with these financial bodies signifies a critical step in managing its fiscal obligations and seeking avenues for sustainable economic management. Securing this support could provide the necessary resources to implement economic reforms and ensure fiscal discipline.

Civil Servants Receive Salary Reviews Effective April 1

Zimbabwe implements revised salaries for civil servants, with uniformed forces set to benefit first.

Zimbabwe has rolled out a new salary structure for its civil servants, effective April 1. The revised pay scales will see uniformed forces being the first to receive the adjusted remuneration. This move aims to improve the living standards of public employees and address concerns over compensation. The salary adjustments are part of broader efforts to stabilize the public service and ensure fair compensation across government departments. The government has also appealed to businesses to refrain from increasing prices to avoid undermining the intended benefits of the salary hikes.

Churches, Rights Groups Reject Constitutional Amendment Bill 3

Religious and civil society groups call for withdrawal or referendum on the proposed bill, citing democratic concerns.

Zimbabwean churches and rights organizations have voiced strong opposition to the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3). The Zimbabwe Council of Churches and the Constitution Defenders Forum are among those calling for the bill's withdrawal or a national referendum, arguing it compromises constitutional integrity and democratic principles. Concerns include potential extensions of parliamentary and local authority tenures. Critics, including opposition figure Tendai Biti, accuse the ruling party of attempting to consolidate power. The Election Resource Centre Africa also noted that public hearings failed to meet democratic standards, highlighting widespread apprehension about the bill's implications for governance.

Zimbabwe Introduces 12-Month Minimum Contract for Mineworkers

New labor rules ban 30-day contracts, mandating a minimum 12-month employment period for mineworkers.

Zimbabwe's mining sector has implemented new labor regulations, prohibiting short-term contracts and establishing a minimum employment period of 12 months for all mineworkers. These changes, detailed in Statutory Instrument 71 of 2026, are part of a collective bargaining agreement registered under the Labour Act. The reform aims to provide greater job security and stability for workers in the vital mining industry. This policy shift is expected to impact labor relations and potentially improve working conditions by ensuring longer-term employment commitments from mining companies.

Zimbabwe Tightens Minerals Beneficiation Standards

Cabinet adopts stricter standards to curb losses from raw mineral exports and promote value addition.

Zimbabwe's Cabinet has approved stringent new standards for minerals beneficiation, aiming to significantly reduce losses incurred from the export of raw minerals. This policy follows a recent ban on raw lithium exports and signals a strategic shift towards a value-adding economy. The framework is designed to transition the country from primary resource extraction to a more sophisticated processing and manufacturing sector. By encouraging domestic processing, Zimbabwe seeks to capture greater value from its mineral wealth and foster industrial growth.

US$3 Billion Fertilizer Mega-Deal Nears Completion

Negotiations for a large-scale fertilizer and chemical manufacturing plant are in advanced stages.

Zimbabwe is on the verge of finalizing a significant US$3 billion deal for an integrated fertilizer and chemical manufacturing plant. This initiative aims to decisively end the country's long-standing dependency on fertilizer imports. Negotiations with Jinfeng Chemical are reportedly at an advanced stage. The project represents a major investment in the agricultural sector's value chain, promising to boost domestic production capabilities and enhance food security. This move aligns with the government's broader strategy to strengthen local industries and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.

New Law Punishes Councils for Failing Basic Services

Minister Garwe warns of dismissals and travel bans for non-performing local authorities.

Zimbabwean councils that fail to deliver basic services will now face punitive measures under a new law introduced by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. Minister Daniel Garwe has warned that non-performing councils risk suspension, demotion, and travel bans. This legislation aims to improve service delivery across the country, ensuring that residents receive essential services like water, sanitation, and refuse collection. The government's move signals a commitment to accountability and effective local governance, with the expectation of enhanced public service provision.

Zimbabwe Bans 30-Day Mining Contracts

A new regulation mandates a minimum 12-month employment period for mineworkers.

Zimbabwe's mining sector has introduced new labor rules under Statutory Instrument 71 of 2026, effectively banning short-term contracts of 30 days. The regulation mandates a minimum employment period of 12 months for all mineworkers, as part of a collective bargaining agreement registered under the Labour Act. This policy aims to enhance job security and stability for those employed in the mining industry, a critical sector for the national economy. The shift towards longer contracts is expected to foster better labor relations and provide a more predictable employment landscape for mineworkers.

The Jeere 2026-04-15  ·  stories

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