Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s gold-backed currency, the ZiG, recently achieved a significant milestone by recording its largest single-day gain against the U.S. dollar in 2023. This remarkable change can be attributed to a surge in gold production alongside a bolstered reserve of foreign currency, reflecting a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s economic narrative. On Friday, the ZiG appreciated by 0.2%, trading at 26.89 per dollar. This shift was particularly noteworthy, considering it marked only the twelfth instance of the currency…

In recent developments, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and various media advocacy organizations have urgently appealed to the Zimbabwean government for the release of Faith Zaba. Zaba, the editor of the Zimbabwe Independent, found herself in legal jeopardy after her arrest on July 1. The charges stem from a satirical piece published on June 27, which provocatively characterized Zimbabwe as a "mafia state," suggesting that a desperate regime was clinging tenaciously to power. Using a law that criminalizes…

The Zimbabwean government finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with unmet commitments regarding essential infrastructure. Promises of upgraded treatment plants, modern pump stations, and prepaid meters have faded into empty rhetoric, particularly following a substantial loan of U.S.$144 million from the China Exim Bank intended for Harare's water treatment system enhancement. As a means to address the escalating debt, a new water levy was instituted in March, placing an additional financial burden on the citizens. The…

After a decade of deliberation, Zimbabwe has finally enacted the long-discussed Mines and Minerals Bill. This pivotal legislation endeavors to address the myriad mining-related challenges that have plagued the nation for years, rekindling hope for transformative solutions. Originally drafted in 2015, the Bill reflects significant revisions to outdated colonial-era statutes that have governed the sector since 1961. The previous laws were rife with ambiguities, allowing some mining enterprises to exploit loopholes at the…

Kirsty Coventry has carved her name into the annals of sports history, becoming the inaugural woman and the first African to ascend to the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). On June 23, 2025, she officially took the reins, succeeding Thomas Bach of Germany, who concluded a twelve-year tenure. Coventry's election at the IOC's 144th Session, held in the picturesque backdrop of Greece in March, signified a pivotal moment for gender representation in global sports governance. Competing against a…

Recent reports have surfaced suggesting that the Zimbabwean government is allegedly backing the controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo in his ambitious bid to supply over $400 million worth of medical drugs and equipment through his South African company, TTM Global Medical Exports (Pvt). This proposition, while highly lucrative, raises significant ethical and legal questions. Wicknell Chivayo, a name synonymous with both ambition and controversy, is officially listed as a director on the company’s website. TTM Global…

The Journey of Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG): A Hopeful Yet Shaky Future In a recent statement reflecting its ongoing commitment to the nation, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed a distinct interest in Zimbabwe's new currency, ZiG. The organization has articulated its desire to see this currency evolve into a “fully recognized national currency.” This development is part of broader considerations regarding placing Zimbabwe under a staff-monitored program. But what does this mean for the everyday…

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has authorized the culling of 50 elephants within the Save Valley Conservancy, a decision framed as a necessary measure to address the growing issue of overpopulation. This announcement was confirmed by ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo, who stated that the required permits for this management exercise have been duly issued. An extensive aerial survey conducted in early 2024 painted a stark picture: Save Valley Conservancy is home to an astonishing 2,550…

The United Kingdom has taken a notable step by lifting sanctions on four former security officials, as well as the Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI). This decision marks a significant moment in diplomatic relations and has implications for both security and governance in Zimbabwe. The individuals removed from the sanctions list are Godwin Matanga, the former Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police; Isaac Moyo, who previously served as the Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO); Owen…

Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has expressed vehement opposition to Zimbabwe's newly enacted Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, labeling it as both "draconian" and "anti-citizen." This law, recently approved by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, imposes a surprising requirement: motorists must now secure a ZBC television and radio license in order to renew their vehicle licenses with the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) or obtain vehicle insurance. Imagine the average commuter, already juggling numerous…