Pretoria – A Zimbabwean national has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in South Africa after fatally striking a fellow Zimbabwean with a stone during a dispute over a missing mobile phone. Leonard Khoza (42) was convicted by the Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court for the murder of Aluwisi Verengere, who died after being hit on the head during an altercation on 4 February 2023. The court also imposed an additional two-year sentence for immigration violations, with both sentences set to run concurrently. Khoza will be deported to Zimbabwe after serving his term. The incident occurred behind a Virgin Active facility in Wonderboom, Pretoria, where a group of Zimbabwean nationals had gathered. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), tensions escalated after Verengere realised his phone was missing and asked to search those present. While some agreed, Khoza and his two brothers reportedly refused. “Following their refusal, Verengere indicated that he would consult a traditional healer to identify and bewitch the person responsible,” the NPA said. A confrontation ensued, during which Khoza allegedly picked up a stone and threw it at Verengere. The rock struck the victim on the head, causing fatal injuries. He was declared dead at the scene. Khoza evaded arrest for nearly six months before being apprehended on 4 August 2023. During the trial, he pleaded not guilty and claimed he was not in South Africa at the time of the incident. However, the State presented eyewitness testimony that contradicted his defence. Regional Court Prosecutor Lufuno Manena led the case, calling witnesses who placed Khoza at the scene and described the attack. During sentencing, the defence argued for leniency, citing Khoza’s lack of prior convictions. However, the prosecution opposed the request, emphasising the seriousness of the offence. “The offence was serious and Khoza showed no remorse, as he continued to deny responsibility,” the NPA said. Magistrate Pieter Nel agreed, finding no compelling reasons to deviate from the prescribed sentence. The court ordered that Khoza be deported to Zimbabwe upon completion of his sentence. The NPA welcomed the ruling, saying it reflects the justice system’s commitment to holding offenders accountable, regardless of nationality. The case highlights ongoing challenges involving undocumented migrants and disputes within migrant communities in South Africa, where tensions can sometimes escalate into violence. Legal experts say the ruling reinforces the importance of the rule of law and accountability, particularly in serious violent crimes. Zimbabwean jailed South Africa murder

Harare – Zimbabwe Air Charter Safaris is positioning itself as a key player in Zimbabwe’s tourism recovery by addressing long-standing connectivity challenges that have limited access to remote safari destinations. Through tailored aviation solutions and close collaboration with tour operators, the company is transforming how both international and domestic travellers explore the country’s diverse tourism offerings. Zimbabwe’s tourism sector has historically relied on major hubs such as Victoria Falls. However, limited infrastructure has made it difficult for visitors to access lesser-known but equally attractive locations. Zimbabwe Air Charter Safaris is tackling this challenge by offering flexible charter services that allow travellers to move seamlessly between multiple destinations within a single itinerary. Industry experts say improved accessibility is critical to unlocking the full potential of Zimbabwe’s tourism economy. “When travellers can easily connect to remote areas, they tend to extend their stay and spend more, benefiting a wider network of communities and businesses,” said a Harare-based tourism analyst. To support its expansion, the company has incorporated the Pilatus PC-12 NGX into its fleet a modern aircraft designed for performance in rugged and remote environments. The aircraft’s ability to land on shorter, less-developed airstrips makes it ideal for accessing isolated safari camps while maintaining high standards of safety and passenger comfort. This technological upgrade is seen as a major step in improving operational efficiency and expanding reach across Zimbabwe’s vast wilderness areas. Chief Pilot Anastasios Zaverdinos said the company’s growth strategy aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which emphasises infrastructure development and tourism growth. “We are building capacity to meet the evolving demands of modern travellers while supporting sustainable development in the sector,” he said. The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, led by Chairman George Manyaya, has been pushing for diversification beyond traditional destinations. Private aviation is increasingly seen as a critical enabler in this strategy, helping to distribute tourist traffic more evenly across the country. Improved air connectivity is expected to have a ripple effect across the tourism value chain from lodges and tour operators to local communities. Economists note that enhanced mobility encourages longer stays, higher spending, and broader economic participation, all of which are essential for sustainable growth. As Zimbabwe continues to position itself as a premier safari destination, companies like Zimbabwe Air Charter Safaris are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of travel within the country. Zimbabwe Air Charter Safaris

Harare – Two men from Harare have been sentenced to prison after assaulting a peace officer during an eviction operation in Waterfalls, in a case highlighting rising tensions around property disputes in the capital. Thulani Nyamhunga (18) and Kudakwashe Masusa (25) appeared before the Mbare Magistrates Court, where they were convicted of assaulting a peace officer. The court sentenced both men to 20 months imprisonment, with six months suspended on condition of good behaviour, leaving an effective 14-month jail term. The court heard that the incident occurred on October 9, 2025, at around 10:30 am in Stoneridge Park, where a team of officials was carrying out an eviction. Peace officer Charles Chikosa was on duty alongside colleagues Jeteri Rugube, Nyasha Madamombe, Marcus Name, Farai Marwa, Kunyenya Nyika, Tafadzwa Potoria, Tatenda Sithole, and Blessed Saymore Mushowe. During the operation, Nyamhunga and Masusa reportedly arrived at the scene in a white Toyota Wish and a Honda Fit, accompanied by other individuals who are still at large. Prosecutors told the court that the group resisted the eviction and attacked Chikosa using sticks and tree branches. The accused allegedly demanded that the officer leave the premises, claiming ownership of the property. They also forced him to return items that had already been removed during the eviction process. Despite the violent encounter, the court noted that Chikosa did not sustain visible injuries and was not medically examined. Following the incident, Chikosa reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of the two accused. The court found sufficient evidence to convict both men, emphasising the seriousness of assaulting law enforcement personnel during official duties. Legal experts say the case reflects increasing confrontations linked to evictions and land disputes in Harare’s high-density suburbs. “Assaulting peace officers undermines the rule of law and cannot be tolerated, regardless of the underlying dispute,” said a Harare-based legal analyst. Authorities have urged members of the public to resolve disputes through legal channels rather than resorting to violence. Harare assault case

There is a generation in Zimbabwe’s economy and governance crisis that has never experienced a fully functional system. For them, inefficiency in Zimbabwe is not an interruption, it is the baseline. They grew up on roads where potholes are older than policy promises in Zimbabwe's infrastructure. They learned early that turning on a tap does not guarantee water in Zimbabwe service delivery, that electricity is a privilege rationed by schedules, and that a price today is merely a suggestion for tomorrow in Zimbabwe inflation. By the time they entered adulthood, the idea of a stable currency in Zimbabwe had already become historical, something to be spoken about in the past tense. This is not just a story of hardship in Zimbabwe. It is a story of conditioning in a fragile economy. Zimbabwe’s youth have been shaped by persistent systemic failure, not in theory, but in lived, daily repetition in the Zimbabwe crisis. They have mastered adaptation. They know how to budget in uncertainty, how to trade in volatility, how to build livelihoods in an economy that does not behave predictably. The “hustle economy” in Zimbabwe is not a trend here; it is a necessity engineered by dysfunction. But adaptation comes at a cost in Zimbabwe’s youth economy. When inefficiency becomes routine, expectations begin to shrink in Zimbabwean society. A burst pipe is no longer a service delivery failure it is just part of life. Loadshedding in Zimbabwe is not questioned it is scheduled into existence. A collapsing currency is not resisted, it is navigated, exploited, and survived. The danger is subtle but profound, a generation that stops expecting systems to work in Zimbabwean governance. And systems, when not demanded to function, rarely do in any economy. It would be convenient to frame this purely as a resilience and feel-good narrative of Zimbabwean ingenuity and youth resilience. And yes, the ingenuity is real. Informal markets in Zimbabwe are dynamic. Young people are building digital income streams, trading, freelancing, and creating parallel economies where formal structures have faltered. But resilience is often romanticized when it should be interrogated in Zimbabwean analysis. Because what is being celebrated is, in many ways, a response to failure. A generation spending its prime years compensating for broken systems is not progressing at full capacity it is surviving at high intensity in Zimbabwe’s economy. Time that could be invested in scaling businesses, deepening skills, or innovating is instead spent navigating instability. There is a ceiling to survival in fragile economies. And beneath the surface, there is fatigue among Zimbabwean youth. Spend enough time in kombis, in queues, in WhatsApp business groups in Zimbabwe, and a pattern emerges. Young people are not just hustling, they are recalibrating their ambitions. The goal is no longer necessarily to build within Zimbabwe, but to build beyond it. Migration from Zimbabwe is not only about opportunity; it is about predictability. Remote work is not just convenient; it is an escape from systemic inconsistency. Why anchor your future in an environment that refuses to stabilize in Zimbabwe? This is where the conversation becomes uncomfortable in governance discourse. Because inefficiency at this scale is not accidental. It is produced through policy inconsistency, weak accountability, and a governance culture in Zimbabwe that too often shifts the burden of adaptation onto citizens. When systems fail repeatedly without consequence, inefficiency stops being a glitch and starts becoming a feature. And it is the youth who have absorbed that reality most deeply in Zimbabwe. They are learning, consciously or not, that: Systems are unreliable in Zimbabwe. Institutions are negotiable Stability is temporary in fragile economies Over time, this reshapes not just behaviour, but belief in Zimbabwe society. Saving becomes irrational when value evaporates in Zimbabwe inflation. Planning becomes risky when rules change overnight. Trust becomes fragile when delivery is inconsistent. The result is a mindset that prioritizes immediacy over longevity earn now, spend now, move now. The long-term horizon collapses in uncertain economies. Yet this same generation holds the country’s most important variable, its future leadership, formal or otherwise, in Zimbabwe. The question is no longer whether Zimbabwe’s youth are resilient. They are. The question is what resilience is preparing them for. Will they replicate the systems they inherited, having normalized dysfunction as the operating environment in Zimbabwe? Or will they become the generation that refuses to inherit inefficiency quietly? Signals are pointing both ways in Zimbabwean society. On one hand, there is a growing assertiveness visible in digital spaces, in community-led initiatives, and in an emerging language of accountability in Zimbabwe. On the other hand, there is also a quiet resignation, a coping mechanism that says: this is how things are. And resignation is far more dangerous than outrage in governance systems. Because outrage demands change. Resignation adapts to stagnation. Zimbabwe does not just face an infrastructure deficit or an economic crisis. It faces a normalization crisis where dysfunction risks becoming culturally embedded, passed down not through policy, but through expectation in Zimbabwe. A nation is shaped not only by its leaders, but by what its people are willing to tolerate. If this generation begins to demand systems that work consistently, predictably, and accountably in Zimbabwe governance, then inefficiency becomes untenable. It becomes a liability, not a lifestyle. But if the current trajectory holds, the bigger risk is this: Not that systems will continue to fail, but that fewer people will believe they were ever meant to work in the first place. And once that belief takes hold, rebuilding becomes exponentially harder in Zimbabwe. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership, and governance scholar as well as a media expert writing in his personal capacity. Zimbabwe youth

HARARE — In a robust effort to restore traffic order and curb rising criminal activity, police in Harare have intensified their operations against illegal transport operators. Over the past two weeks, law enforcement authorities have impounded more than 200 vehicles in a widespread blitz across the Central Business District (CBD). The operation specifically targets unregistered taxis, locally referred to as “Mushikashika,” which have become a significant source of traffic violations and security concerns within the capital. A critical component of the ongoing operation involves investigating the history of the impounded vehicles. Authorities have noted that many of these vehicles exhibit visible damage, raising suspicions that they may be linked to unreported hit-and-run accidents. Officer Commanding Harare Metropolitan Province, Maxwell Chikunguru, has issued a strict mandate regarding these vehicles: “Every driver must explain how their vehicle was damaged and prove that it is not linked to a hit-and-run case”. The police have clarified that the impounded vehicles will not be returned to circulation without thorough verification. To retrieve their vehicles, owners must comply with stringent legal requirements mandated under the Road Traffic Act. The police are currently undertaking a rigorous scrutiny of ownership records to ensure: Registration Compliance: All vehicles intended for passenger transport must be properly registered. Legal Transfers: All ownership documentation must adhere to formal legal transfer procedures. Beyond regulatory compliance, the police are actively warning the public to avoid using Mushikashika services. Commissioner Chikunguru cited that these illegal transport networks are often linked to broader criminal activities, and the current crackdown is designed to dismantle these illicit operations. Furthermore, the authorities have issued a stern warning against attempts to circumvent the law through corruption. Motorists attempting to evade arrest by "name-dropping" senior officers have been placed on notice; Commissioner Chikunguru stated that such tactics will be investigated thoroughly as part of a wider effort to combat internal corruption. As the operation continues, police have indicated that the holding bays are expected to fill further, marking a sustained commitment to clearing the city’s roads of unregistered and illegal transport operators. Harare Mushikashika crackdown

Pretoria – A court in South Africa has ordered the return of the body of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, just hours after the Zambian government announced it had taken possession of his remains. The ruling marks the latest twist in a prolonged legal and political dispute between the administration of Hakainde Hichilema and Lungu’s family over funeral arrangements, nearly 10 months after his death in South Africa. Reports indicate that Zambian authorities had earlier secured the transfer of Lungu’s body from a mortuary in Pretoria, citing a High Court ruling that permitted the state to proceed with repatriation and preparations for a state funeral. However, in a dramatic reversal, the same court later ordered that the remains be returned to a designated mortuary, either the original facility or one selected by the Lungu family, pending further legal proceedings. The matter is now set to return to court on May 21, where the dispute over custody and burial arrangements will be revisited. The Zambian government maintains that Lungu, as a former head of state, should be accorded full state honours, including burial at the official presidential burial site in Lusaka. Officials argue that this is in line with national protocol and the recognition due to former leaders. In contrast, Lungu’s family has pushed for a private burial, citing unresolved disagreements with the government over how the funeral should be conducted. Analysts say the dispute reflects deeper political tensions between Lungu and his successor, President Hichilema, whose relationship has been marked by rivalry and mistrust. “The legal battle over burial arrangements is not just about protocol it also reflects broader political divisions within Zambia,” said a regional political analyst. The case has moved through multiple court processes in Pretoria, with earlier rulings appearing to favour the Zambian government before being challenged by the family. The latest order effectively pauses repatriation plans and places the remains back under judicial oversight until the matter is resolved. With the next hearing scheduled for later this month, the final resting place of Lungu remains uncertain. Legal experts say the court will likely consider both state protocol obligations and family rights before issuing a definitive ruling. For now, the case continues to draw regional attention as it raises complex questions around law, tradition, and politics in the handling of former heads of state. Edgar Lungu body dispute

BULAWAYO — The Zimbabwean government has launched a strategic initiative to revive the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) by inviting partnerships with mining houses and bulk commodity movers, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga announced yesterday. Addressing delegates at the International Business Conference during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), the Vice-President emphasized that rehabilitating rail infrastructure is critical to decongesting the nation's roads and facilitating the cost-effective transport of bulk goods, both domestically and internationally. The government has identified several key railway lines for immediate focus to address increasing transport demands. The earmarked infrastructure projects include: Victoria Falls-Bulawayo Bulawayo-Dabuka Dabuka-Rutenga-Beitbridge Chiredzi-Mvuma-Dabuka Beyond these, the government is actively seeking private sector partnerships for additional key railway corridors, including the Lions Den to Kafue (Zambia) link, the Plumtree-Dabuka-Chicualacuala line, the Harare-Bindura-Moatize (Mozambique) link, the Kadoma-Sengwa link, and the Mutare-Mkwasine and Dorowa-Nyazura links. In addition to rail transport, the government is focusing on domestic manufacturing. VP Chiwenga revealed a strategic partnership between Willowvale Motor Industries and Leyland to produce custom-built buses tailored to the Zimbabwean terrain. Production of bus kits is scheduled to commence in Harare by the end of 2026, with an initial target of 50 buses destined for the local market. Reaffirming the government's commitment to "Connected Economies, Competitive Industries," the theme of this year's ZITF conference, the Vice-President stressed that Zimbabwe is pursuing deliberate reforms to protect investments, uphold the sanctity of contracts, and ensure transparent regulation. Key pillars of the government's economic agenda include: In-country Value-Addition: Zimbabwe will no longer export raw resources without deriving maximum benefit, transitioning instead toward beneficiation and manufacturing. Monetary Stability: The introduction of the ZiG currency is part of broader efforts to establish a stable domestic currency and strengthen economic fundamentals. Ease of Doing Business: Continuous improvement in regulatory environments to unlock both domestic and international investment. The Vice-President extended an invitation to the private sector to partner with the government in expanding energy, transport, and digital infrastructure, positioning Zimbabwe as a strategic gateway to regional markets through SADC, COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Zimbabwe NRZ rail revival partnerships

HARARE — In a landmark initiative aimed at fostering deeper regional integration and improving the movement of people, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has proposed a gradual, phased removal of passport requirements for travel between Zimbabwe and Botswana. The proposal was unveiled during the Zimbabwe–Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting held at State House on Wednesday. The proceedings were co-chaired by President Mnangagwa and the President of Botswana, Duma Gideon Boko. Emphasizing the profound historical and cultural bonds between the two nations, President Mnangagwa described the relationship as extending well beyond the confines of formal diplomacy. He stated that Zimbabweans and Batswana are "one family," with connections rooted in shared heritage, solidarity, and common development goals. The President observed that natural movement, including that of communities and wildlife, already occurs across the borders, which reinforces the concept of unity between the two neighboring states. To transition away from traditional passport requirements, President Mnangagwa outlined a structured, phased approach designed to simplify cross-border movement while ensuring security and efficiency. The strategy includes: Initial Phase: Replacing passports with national identity documents for citizens residing in border areas and for short-term travelers. Infrastructure Support: Prioritizing harmonized immigration procedures and the development of One-Stop Border Posts. Technological Integration: Utilizing digital clearance platforms to expedite movement. Economic Facilitation: Implementing efficient trader schemes to streamline the flow of goods and reduce the cost of doing business. "In this regard, we must move decisively to ease the movement of people, goods and services," President Mnangagwa stated during his address to delegates. Botswana’s President, Duma Gideon Boko, expressed his support for closer collaboration, characterizing the Bi-National Commission as an essential platform for reviewing progress and unlocking new opportunities for mutual growth. The high-level meeting is expected to conclude with the formal signing of 10 Memoranda of Agreement covering various economic sectors, further cementing the long-standing friendship that has existed between the two countries since the liberation struggle. Zimbabwe Botswana passport-free travel proposal

Kwekwe – The City of Kwekwe has announced a controversial plan to shoot stray and roaming dogs as part of efforts to contain a rise in rabies cases in the city. In a public notice, the council said the exercise, described as a tie-up order implementation, will run until May 27, 2026, targeting areas with high numbers of stray animals. The operation will be conducted across several suburbs and locations, including: Mbizo Kwekwe Central Business District (CBD) Msasa Newtown Chicago Golden Acres Fitchica Amaveni Ward 6 Mines Authorities say the move is necessary to control the growing population of stray dogs, which have been linked to the spread of rabies. “The schedule for the shooting of stray and roaming dogs will run up to May 27, 2026,” the council said. Rabies remains a serious public health threat in Zimbabwe, primarily transmitted through bites from infected dogs. Health experts warn that once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal if left untreated. The Veterinary Services Zimbabwe recently carried out a rabies vaccination campaign in Kwekwe in a bid to curb infections. Public health officials stress that controlling stray dog populations, alongside vaccination programmes, is critical in reducing the spread of the disease. Residents have been urged to: Vaccinate their pets regularly Avoid contact with stray animals Report suspected rabid dogs to authorities While the move is aimed at protecting public health, such measures often draw mixed reactions, with animal welfare advocates typically calling for humane alternatives such as sterilisation and sheltering. Authorities, however, maintain that urgent action is required to protect communities from a potentially deadly outbreak. Kwekwe stray dogs shooting

Bulawayo – Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe has convened a high-level consultative meeting to address the growing impact of illegal and destructive mining activities in the uMzingwane catchment. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Levi Mayihlome, Deputy Minister of Defence and Member of Parliament, officials from the City of Bulawayo, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the Environmental Management Agency, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, as well as traditional leaders. The engagement followed concerns raised by Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart, who warned of the escalating environmental damage caused by riverbed mining. Coltart said irresponsible mining practices were destroying rivers and streams, reducing water inflows into dams during the last rainy season, and damaging critical infrastructure such as pipelines and bridges. He also flagged the risk of chemical contamination in Bulawayo’s water supply dams, raising concerns over public health and water security. Mayihlome said the crisis extends beyond the city, affecting an estimated 70,000 people in the UMzingwane constituency. He added that traditional leaders, including Chief Sibasa, have reported the destruction of natural ecosystems and cultural heritage sites due to unchecked mining activities. In response, Garwe called for the urgent enforcement of Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024, which prohibits riverbed mining. He directed law enforcement and regulatory bodies, including the ZRP, EMA, and the Ministry of Mines, to act decisively against offenders. The minister also announced plans for an urgent inter-ministerial meeting involving the Ministries of Local Government, Home Affairs, Agriculture, Environment, and Mines to develop coordinated strategies. The measures are aimed at: Curbing illegal mining activities Protecting vital water sources Preserving ecosystems and biodiversity Safeguarding communities and infrastructure Garwe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring access to clean and safe water, particularly for vulnerable communities affected by mining-related degradation. Environmental experts say stronger enforcement and coordinated policy action will be critical in addressing the long-term impact of illegal mining in Zimbabwe’s key water catchment areas. illegal mining Zimbabwe

Harare – Zimbabwean digital content creators are facing increased tax scrutiny from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority following revelations by popular comedian Madam Boss that she can earn up to US$20,000 in a good month. The disclosure has intensified focus on digital earnings in Zimbabwe, with authorities urging influencers and online entrepreneurs to regularise their tax affairs ahead of a 30 May 2026 deadline. ZIMRA has introduced a Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VDP) aimed at encouraging taxpayers, including content creators earning from platforms like Facebook and YouTube, to declare previously undisclosed income. “Under the programme, taxpayers who make a full and truthful disclosure will have penalties waived in full, although interest on outstanding amounts will still apply,” ZIMRA said. The authority also assured participants that disclosures will not automatically trigger audits or criminal proceedings, offering a rare compliance window for those in the informal and digital economy. However, officials warned that the programme is strictly time-bound. “After the deadline, anyone caught dodging tax will face the full force of the law, including penalties and possible prosecution,” the authority said. The issue gained traction after Madam Boss publicly revealed her earnings, highlighting the growing financial scale of Zimbabwe’s influencer economy. Other prominent figures such as Mai TT, DJ Towers, Ritz, and Mama Vee are reportedly among those expected to align their income declarations with tax regulations. ZIMRA confirmed that online income streams are now a key enforcement focus. “Income earned from online platforms such as Facebook and YouTube is firmly on our radar,” the authority said. Officials also indicated that lifestyle audits may be used to detect non-compliance. “Cases where individuals possess significant assets or property developments inconsistent with declared income will be examined.” The enforcement push comes alongside broader fiscal reforms, including the Digital Services Withholding Tax (DSWT) introduced under Finance Act No. 7 of 2025, which took effect on 1 January 2026. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the tax targets payments to non-resident service providers offering digital services such as streaming, online advertising, and e-hailing. While DSWT primarily affects cross-border transactions, it forms part of a wider government strategy to capture revenue from the growing digital economy. For local content creators, ZIMRA says the compliance requirements are clear: Register as a taxpayer Declare all income, including digital revenue Settle any outstanding tax obligations Those who comply within the disclosure window stand to benefit from penalty waivers, while those who fail to act risk financial penalties and possible prosecution. Tax experts say the move signals a turning point for Zimbabwe’s influencer industry, which has largely operated informally despite rapid growth. “The days of invisible digital income are over,” said a Harare-based tax consultant. “Authorities now have both the tools and intent to enforce compliance.” As the deadline approaches, pressure is mounting across Zimbabwe’s content creation space, marking a shift toward greater regulation in the country’s evolving digital economy. ZIMRA content creators tax

Global – A major new study presented at ESCMID Global 2026 has found that antiretroviral therapy (ART) can significantly reverse accelerated biological ageing in people living with HIV, offering new hope for improved long-term health outcomes. Researchers reported that effective ART reduced biological ageing by an average of 3.7 years, a breakthrough that could reshape how clinicians monitor HIV treatment and patient wellbeing. The study introduced a cutting-edge tool known as a plasma proteomic aging clock (PAC), a model that estimates biological age based on protein patterns in the blood rather than actual years lived. Using data from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS), scientists analysed hundreds of plasma samples to track how HIV infection and treatment affect ageing at a molecular level. Findings showed that during untreated HIV infection, participants experienced accelerated biological ageing of up to 10 years. This aligns with existing evidence linking HIV to chronic inflammation and increased risk of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular conditions. However, after a median of 1.55 years on ART, participants’ biological age began to decline significantly. Lead researcher Barry Ryan from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne said the findings highlight the importance of early and sustained treatment. “Uncontrolled HIV infection is linked to faster ageing, and ART significantly slows this process,” he said. The study also found that biological recovery continues over time, with ageing markers moving closer to normal levels the longer patients remain on treatment. Interestingly, the reversal of ageing was not strongly linked to traditional immune markers such as CD4+ or CD8+ T-cell counts. Instead, the improvements appear to reflect broader changes in inflammation and the body’s innate immune system. This suggests that ART’s benefits extend beyond viral suppression to deeper biological repair. Experts say the findings reinforce global medical guidance encouraging early initiation of ART after HIV diagnosis. “This research strengthens the case for prompt treatment not just to control the virus, but to protect long-term health and ageing,” said a global health specialist. Researchers are calling for further studies to validate the PAC model across diverse populations and better understand the biological pathways involved. Despite this, the overall trend is clear: untreated HIV accelerates ageing, while effective treatment can reverse some of that damage. The study marks a significant step forward in understanding how HIV affects the body over time and how modern treatment can mitigate those effects. For millions of people living with HIV worldwide, the findings offer renewed optimism that early diagnosis and consistent treatment can lead to longer, healthier lives. HIV biological ageing