HARARE — Zimbabwe’s government has imposed an immediate ban on exports of raw lithium concentrates and other raw minerals, a move that has forced miners, many Chinese‑owned, to accelerate plans to process lithium locally rather than ship concentrates abroad. The directive, announced by the Mines Ministry, applies to consignments already in transit and will remain in force until further notice, officials said, as authorities restructure export procedures to tighten mineral ac

Philip Morris International (PMI), the world’s largest tobacco company, is preparing to re‑establish a presence in Zimbabwe nearly two decades after exiting the regional market a development that could accelerate the country’s drive to add value to its tobacco crop.

The United States has signalled a clear interest in Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth as Washington moves to secure critical inputs for manufacturing and national security. Announced under Project Vault, a US$12 billion stockpiling initiative, the push aims to diversify supply chains for strategic minerals and reduce reliance on single suppliers. The US Embassy in Harare said Washington is “ready to engage with Zimbabwe on mutually beneficial supply chain transactions,” putting Zimba