AGP Executive Report

Ecosystem & climate resilience: The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) is calling for urgent investment in ecosystem restoration, afforestation and wetland protection, warning that droughts, floods, deforestation, wetland destruction, pollution and biodiversity loss are already undermining livelihoods and sustainable development. Waste & local clean-ups: In Beitbridge, Minister Albert Nguluvhe urged councils to improve solid waste management with regular door-to-door collection, proper waste transport and compliant landfills, using the town’s anti-litter marathon as a public push for cleaner streets. Plastic-free push: Zimbabwe marked World Environment Day with a renewed anti-plastic pollution drive, with officials warning that poor waste disposal clogs drainage systems, pollutes rivers and harms ecosystems. Water & public health risk: Harare’s Budiriro sewer tragedy—where an unguarded sewer pool reportedly led to multiple deaths—has again spotlighted dangerous municipal infrastructure and the need for safer, better-managed sanitation systems. Mining & pollution legacy: A new focus on Zimbabwe’s gold boom highlights mercury pollution risks, adding pressure for stronger controls in mining areas. Climate-smart farming at Bonn: A pan-African food alliance urged UN negotiators in Bonn to put agroecology at the centre of climate action, arguing it can rebuild soils, cut reliance on bought inputs and strengthen food sovereignty.

Mining & Youth Jobs: Government’s reserved small-scale gold mining push is framed as a chance for young Zimbabweans to build syndicates and businesses—if they meet legal, skills and environmental assessment requirements, not treat it like a handout. Plastic-Free Drive: Zimbabwe marked World Environment Day with renewed calls for a plastic-free environment, warning that waste clogs drains, pollutes rivers and harms biodiversity as climate change strains water and food security. Mercury in Artisanal Gold: Despite commitments under the Minamata Convention, mercury use remains widespread in artisanal mining areas like Penhalonga, with easy access to the toxic metal raising serious health and ecosystem risks. River Restoration: A major river rehabilitation programme has started after a state-of-disaster declaration for degraded riverine ecosystems, with mining and other activities suspended in affected waterways to restore damaged systems. Water Safety & Climate Stress: Global reporting highlights unsafe drinking water risks across Africa, while El Niño warnings point to shifting rainfall patterns that could worsen drought and water stress. Food Safety Crackdown: Bulawayo stepped up inspections, issuing tickets and destroying unsafe food—including rotten elephant meat—after hygiene and licensing violations were found.

River Restoration: Zimbabwe has started the country’s biggest river rehabilitation push, with a 90-day emergency suspension of mining, farming and other activities in heavily degraded river systems after 17 rivers were declared disaster zones. Water Safety: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—highlighting how weak sanitation and climate pressures are driving preventable illness. Mercury Pollution: Despite commitments under the Minamata Convention, mercury use remains widespread in artisanal gold mining, with reports of ongoing contamination risks around mining communities. Food Safety Crackdown: Bulawayo intensified enforcement after inspecting 1,715 premises, issuing tickets and destroying about 1,500kg of rotten elephant meat, alongside other hygiene and licensing violations. Zero Waste Push: Zimbabwe’s community-led waste and circular-economy work was showcased at the Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul ahead of COP31, with First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa highlighting local solutions. El Niño Watch: The WMO warns a strong El Niño is building, likely reshaping rainfall across the region—raising stakes for drought planning and flood preparedness. Flood Tragedy: Heavy flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape killed two Zimbabwean nationals and left a third missing, underscoring how extreme weather is turning deadly.

River Restoration: Zimbabwe has started its biggest-ever river rehabilitation push after declaring 17 major rivers disaster zones, with a 90-day suspension of mining and other activities in heavily degraded river systems under SI 91 of 2026. Water Security: Even with a wet 2025/26 season, Bulawayo and Harare still face water shortages and rationing, showing how infrastructure and governance gaps keep hitting households hardest. Safe Water Risks: A global Environmental Performance Index review flags unsafe drinking water as a major health threat across many African countries, pointing to weak sanitation and ageing water systems. Youth & Climate Action: On World Environment Day, the Environment ministry urged young people to cut plastic pollution, push recycling, and lead the shift to a circular economy. Renewables: Centragrid’s Nyabira solar plant is now feeding 25MW into the national grid, boosting supply reliability in several load centres. Wildlife & Communities: The NPRC criticised a wildlife law that “criminalises” killing troublesome animals, arguing villagers need compensation and that culling policy must balance conservation with human safety. Tourism Environment Pressure: Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls faces growing threats from infrastructure developments, as legal moves challenge permits for commercial activity near sensitive sites. Governance & Oversight: Parliament is rolling out performance contracts and independent evaluations under an Integrated Results-Based Management model to measure impact, not just activities. UN Spotlight: Zimbabwe’s UNSC election is a diplomatic win, but it also raises the stakes for how Harare supports peace and environmental priorities internationally.

Urban Environment & Housing: Harare City Council moves ahead with a demolition blitz targeting over 5,000 homes, after a task force surveyed 22,255 sites; authorities say structures on wetlands, vleis, open spaces and land reserved for schools, clinics and roads will be razed, with families and small businesses already losing goods worth thousands of US dollars. Water Security: Presidential adviser Dr Paul Tungwarara commissions the Presidential Borehole Scheme in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, as the solar-powered programme aims to expand safe water access nationwide. Climate & Youth Action: Environment Minister Tino Machakaire urges young Zimbabweans to cut plastic pollution, push recycling and drive a circular economy during World Environment Day at Mukuvisi Nature Reserve. Wildlife & Conservation: Zimbabwe’s Matusadona sees black rhinos return after 30 years, while a new African savanna elephant is welcomed at San Diego Zoo Safari Park—highlighting ongoing conservation and breeding efforts. Mining Safety & Impacts: The Mines ministry launches a National Safety Enforcement Blitz after 64 miner deaths in Q1, with ground collapses and unsafe practices flagged as preventable. Policy & Governance: Zimbabwe wins a UN Security Council seat for 2027–2028, with climate change and peace and security cited as priorities.

Road Safety & Digital Enforcement: Government rolled out an AI-powered Electronic Traffic Management System using automatic number-plate recognition and surveillance cameras to flag offences like speeding, red-light running and illegal parking, feeding data to police for automated penalties. Water & Power Governance: Zambezi River Authority joined the International Hydropower Association, aiming to align Kariba rehabilitation and the Batoka Gorge project with global safety and sustainability standards. Urban Land & Environment Protection: Harare City Council says a demolition blitz could hit thousands of homes and businesses after a task force inspected 22,255 sites, targeting structures on wetlands, open spaces, farms and school/clinic land. Mining Safety & Mercury Cuts: Mines ministry launched a National Safety Enforcement Blitz after 64 miner deaths in Q1, while planetGOLD Zimbabwe moves to reduce mercury use in artisanal gold mining by supporting formalisation and mercury-free technologies. Biodiversity Funding: Zimbabwe secured a US$5.7m GEF grant (plus US$25.6m co-financing) for conservation and sustainable land management in the Sebungwe wildlife corridor. Climate Risk & Food Resilience: ICRISAT renewed calls for traditional grains like sorghum and millet as climate-resilient “superfoods” ahead of expected Super El Niño impacts.

Biodiversity & Land Management: Zimbabwe secured a US$5.7m GEF grant (plus US$25.6m co-financing) for conservation and sustainable land management in the Sebungwe wildlife corridor south of Lake Kariba, covering 494,000 hectares of protected areas and improving practices across 380,000 hectares of communal land, with UNDP implementing in partnership with Harare. Climate Finance & Green Buildings: At COP29, President Mnangagwa urged faster green climate finance for Africa, while local commentary warns Zimbabwe risks missing key emissions and waste-cutting gains if green-building rules aren’t built into climate policy and NDC frameworks. Local Adaptation & Food Resilience: With Super El Niño warnings looming, ICRISAT is pushing traditional grains like sorghum and millet as climate-resilient “superfoods,” alongside efforts to boost processing and market demand. Youth & Energy Transition: Schneider Electric and the BOOST Fellowship launched a two-year Energy Transition Innovation Challenge in Ruwa targeting 9,000 young people to build skills for Zimbabwe’s energy transition. Community-led Health (Environment-linked): NAC is expanding community-led HIV response in Bulawayo using social contracting, focusing on young people and adolescent girls and young women. Urban Environment Governance: Bulawayo City Council says financial limits, weak coordination and skills gaps cost it ZITF investment opportunities despite winning a local authority exhibit award. Forestry & Restoration: Stanbic invested US$100,000 with My Trees Trust to plant 40,000 indigenous trees in Hurungwe over three years, supporting smallholder farmers and rural livelihoods. Tourism & Conservation Link: Zimbabwe is marketing its natural attractions at Zambia’s Travel Expo, stressing regional “co-opetition” with Zambia to drive sustainable tourism growth.

Wildlife Restoration: Black rhinos have returned to Matusadona National Park for the first time in over three decades, airlifted in a coordinated operation led by ZimParks and African Parks, as Zimbabwe pushes to recover species wiped out by poaching. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Chinese nationals reportedly abandoned illegal riverbed mining along the Haroni River in Chimanimani’s Rusitu Valley after public scrutiny and regulatory action, leaving behind cabins and fencing where heavy machinery had been operating. Climate Risk Watch: Scientists warn that a likely Super El Niño could intensify climate impacts across Southern Africa, with Zimbabwe urged to prepare for extreme heat and related shocks. Food Security Policy: Indigenous grain millers defend Zimbabwe’s grain import levy framework, arguing it protects local farmers, supports land reform gains, and reduces dependence on imports despite court threats from opponents. Renewables Governance: Stakeholders say Zimbabwe’s renewable energy transition must be anchored in community ownership and stronger implementation, not just new power projects. Energy Transition Implementation: Community ownership is highlighted as key to making the energy transition deliver real benefits, with governance and execution systems seen as the deciding factors.

Wildlife Restoration: Black rhinos have returned to Matusadona National Park after more than 30 years, airlifted in a coordinated operation led by ZimParks and African Parks, reviving a species wiped out by decades of poaching. Illegal Mining & Water Damage: Chinese nationals reportedly abandoned illegal riverbed mining along the Haroni River in Chimanimani’s Rusitu Valley after public scrutiny and investigations, leaving behind cabins and fencing and raising fresh alarms about river pollution and land grabs. Climate Risk for Farmers: Zimbabwe is bracing for a likely Super El Niño in 2026/27, with government saying it has a multi-pronged plan to protect crops and the food basket as drought and heat threaten rainfall patterns. Food Security Policy: Treasury introduced grain import levies to protect local producers and reduce import dependence, while millers’ groups continue to clash over the framework’s legality and impact on prices. Renewable Energy Governance: Stakeholders say Zimbabwe’s energy transition must be anchored in community ownership and stronger implementation, not just new power projects. Public Procurement & Green Standards: Bulawayo City Council is sending a delegation to a public procurement symposium focused on inclusion and sustainable/green procurement practices.

El Niño and food security: Government says Zimbabwe is bracing for a “Super El Niño” in 2026/27, with drought risk prompting plans to protect crops and livelihoods. Grain import levies: Treasury has approved new levy rates on selected grain and oilseed imports under SI 87 of 2025, aiming to shield local producers, fund irrigation infrastructure, and cut import dependence as climate pressure rises. Climate finance gap: A new policy book launch highlights Zimbabwe’s US$4.8bn climate commitments shortfall and the lack of clear pathways to unlock green funding at scale. Green governance push: ActionAid and Green Governance Zimbabwe Trust launched a policy push linking energy transition, climate finance and ecofeminism, arguing accountability is missing in how money reaches communities. Carbon credits reality check: Despite a regulatory framework for carbon trading, only a handful of projects are registered and government credits are not yet monetised—showing a delivery gap. Wildlife conservation win: Black rhinos have returned to Matusadona National Park after more than 30 years, marking progress in restoring protected areas after decades of poaching. Regional food resilience: SADC called for urgent coordinated action on food security and climate resilience, warning that supply disruptions and livestock diseases are worsening hunger risks. Renewables in cities: Millennium Heights’ 1MW solar installation is expanding as a model for cleaner, more reliable urban power.

Wildlife Restoration: Black rhinos have returned to Matusadona National Park for the first time in over 30 years, after poaching wiped out the species locally; the airlifted animals complete a long conservation effort led by ZimParks and African Parks. Climate & Water: Zimbabwe’s hydro-power worries are tied to Lake Kariba’s shrinking water levels, with climate change flagged as a key driver of reduced inflows and higher pressure on clean electricity. Carbon Markets: Zimbabwe’s carbon credit push still isn’t paying off: only four projects are registered out of 30, and government credits have yet to be monetised despite new regulations. Renewable Energy in Cities: WestProp’s Millennium Heights now runs from a 1MW solar plant covering its car park, cutting grid dependence and boosting cleaner urban living. Regional Food Security: SADC is calling for urgent coordinated action as hunger risks rise, warning that climate shocks, conflict and input disruptions are hitting farms and livestock across the region. Veld Fires: A new wave of veld fire losses is destroying grazing and homes, with communities blaming land-clearing burns and warning the damage is becoming routine. Critical Minerals Governance: UN ECA launched a €15m SADC project to build environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains across the region, including Zimbabwe. Policy on Water: Government is moving to amend the Water Act and ZINWA Act to strengthen constitutional alignment, accountability and environmental sustainability in water management. Youth & Online Safety: Cabinet approved a National Youth Policy (2026–2030) and a National Child Online Protection Policy (2026–2030), targeting unemployment, substance abuse, and safer digital spaces for children.

Veld Fire Crisis: Beitbridge and other communities are stepping up the 2026 fire season campaign as veld fires keep destroying grazing, homes and livelihoods, with warnings that land-clearing burning is still common and preparedness must improve. Climate Risk & Drought Impacts: New research links prolonged drought to a higher risk of violence against adolescents in southern Africa, adding urgency to drought planning that protects young people. El Niño Warning: Scientists and the WMO warn a major El Niño is likely to develop soon, raising the odds of drought, heavy rainfall and heatwaves across the region. Green Governance & Climate Finance: Zimbabwe faces a major climate funding gap to meet 2030 commitments, with calls for stronger governance so climate money reaches adaptation and mitigation priorities. Policy for Children Online: Cabinet approved the Zimbabwe National Child Online Protection Policy (2026–2030), aiming to safeguard children in the digital space while enabling safe access to ICT opportunities. Solar & Cleaner Power: Millennium Heights in Ruwa commissioned a 1MW solar plant, showing how local energy projects can cut grid reliance and improve resilience. Livestock Sector Pressure: Livestock stakeholders want faster rollout of promised reforms on levies, licences, fees and permits to support investment and production. Biodiversity & Conservation Funding: Zimparks is reported to need US$9 million to revive tourism, a reminder that protecting wildlife and habitats also depends on sustainable financing.

Climate Governance & Finance: Zimbabwe needs US$4.8bn by 2030 to meet climate commitments, but approved funding is only US$35.4m, with calls for reforms and stronger accountability in how climate money is managed. Policy-to-Action Adaptation: Communities in informal settlements want locally led climate adaptation turned into policy-ready proposals after a Settlement Climate Forum, with a task team set to submit recommendations to Parliament and city committees. El Niño Preparedness: The UN weather agency warns a moderate to possibly strong El Niño could raise temperatures and worsen drought and heavy rains, urging early planning for heatwaves and extreme weather. Fire Risk Management: Beitbridge launches its 2026 fire season campaign with Forestry Commission and EMA support, pushing fireguards, safer burning and better local response tools. Energy & Environment: Millennium Heights in Harare powers ahead with a 1MW solar plant to cut grid reliance, while Zimbabwe’s electricity import bill fell 44% in 2025 as Hwange Units 7 and 8 boosted generation. Mining Safety & Rule Enforcement: Government pledges full backing for mine inspectors to shut unsafe operations without political interference, as 64 artisanal miners died in Q1 2026, mainly from ground collapses. Critical Minerals Watch: A watchdog warns Zimbabwe’s new strategic minerals policy may be on weak legal footing, risking regulatory uncertainty for investors. Plastic Pollution Push: Ghana’s styrofoam ban from 2027 is debated, with calls for stronger enforcement beyond announcements.

River protection and enforcement: Zimbabwe has gazetted emergency measures for 17 degraded river systems, suspending mining and agriculture in affected corridors and invalidating permits, with regulators empowered to shut illegal operations—though critics warn enforcement gaps could blunt the impact. Mining pollution fears in Hwange: Residents of Nekabandama in Hwange say a 2018 “mysterious illness” outbreak was triggered by coal pollution along the Lukosi River, with community members alleging tests were not fully disclosed. Energy and climate resilience: United Bulawayo Hospitals’ 350kW solar plant is cutting costs and powering critical services, while Zimbabwe also reports lower electricity import bills after Hwange Thermal units came online and new solar IPPs feed the grid. Trees and land restoration: Stanbic Bank pledged US$100,000 to plant 40,000 indigenous trees in Hurungwe over three years, supporting smallholder farmers through the Blue Roots/My Trees initiative. Health workforce push: UNFPA and partners marked the International Day of the Midwife with calls for urgent investment to address midwife shortages. Accountability in education: The education ministry warns parents who evade fees undermine children’s right to education, urging clearer action against false claims of inability to pay.

River restoration crackdown: Zimbabwe has declared 17 degraded rivers a state of disaster, suspending mining and agricultural activities along affected river systems and empowering EMA and law enforcement to halt destructive operations—an attempt to tackle siltation and pollution blamed on illegal alluvial mining. Traditional leaders push back: Chief Mutasa says chiefs were left out of river-rehabilitation committees, arguing they are being sidelined despite their role as custodians of affected ecosystems. Conservation finance: Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe pledged US$100,000 with My Trees Trust to plant 40,000 indigenous trees in Hurungwe over three years, supporting smallholder farmers and rural livelihoods. Wildlife and public safety: A swarm of bees attacked pupils at Barham Green Primary School in Bulawayo, injuring 51 learners and a passerby, underlining rising urban wildlife risks. Mining policy and environment: The Zimbabwe Miners Federation says the government’s move to reserve small-scale gold mining for Zimbabweans aims to improve environmental compliance and accountability. Food security push: SADC ministers called for stronger regional cooperation on food security, fertiliser supply and animal disease control as climate shocks strain agriculture.

Water Crisis & River Rehab: Zimbabwe has declared 17 degraded rivers a state of disaster, with reporting pointing to years of alluvial mining choking waterways and leaving communities without clean water, as government pushes “emergency riverine ecosystems rehabilitation.” Soil Degradation: Farmers are battling declining soil fertility that cuts yields and threatens food security, while FAO-backed work is promoting soil testing and sustainable soil management to build rural resilience. Mercury-Free Gold: Officials are assessing mercury-free gold processing options in Mashonaland Central to protect miners and the environment from mercury pollution. Lithium & Pollution Risks: A petition alleges Chinese lithium mining is damaging biodiversity and contaminating rivers, with communities raising concerns about toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and hazardous dust. Waste & Circular Economy: Gwanda District rallied behind a zero waste movement, cleaning the CBD and pushing reduced waste sent to dumpsites. Energy & Environment: A new petroleum production deal for the Cabora Bassa Basin could reshape Zimbabwe’s energy future, while coal-linked health concerns in Hwange highlight the stakes for water safety.