Zvishavane water treatment plant infrastructure Residents of Zvishavane are facing reduced water supplies after sludge from illegal mining activities contaminated the Ngezi River, significantly increasing the cost of treating water for the town. The chairman of the Zvishavane Town Council (ZTC) , Takarangana Keta, said the local authority has been forced to cut the town’s daily treated water output to manage the rising costs. Speaking in an interview, Keta said the council previously supplied about 28 megalitres of treated water per day but has now reduced production to 23 megalitres. He attributed the situation to sludge flowing into the river from illegal mining activities upstream, particularly during the rainy season when flooding worsens the problem. “We appeal to law enforcement agents to monitor and arrest illegal miners upstream of Ngezi River. Residents should bear with us especially during the rainy season because the water is too muddy,” Keta said. Keta explained that treating the heavily contaminated water now requires large quantities of aluminium sulphate to remove the sludge. According to the council, about 40 bags of aluminium sulphate, each weighing 50 kilograms, are needed every day to make the water safe for consumption. The chemical costs around US$0.70 per kilogram, significantly increasing operational expenses for the council. Zvishavane, which has a population of more than 60,000 people, requires about 28 megalitres of water daily to meet demand. However, the reduced production means many residents are experiencing limited water supplies. Keta urged the government and law enforcement agencies to take action against illegal miners operating along the river. He said the miners are not only polluting the water source but are also damaging infrastructure by vandalising pipelines and valves that carry water to the town. Keta added that the council is planning to rehabilitate the town’s water treatment plant as water demand continues to grow. However, the Zvishavane Original Residents and Ratepayers Association has accused the council of failing to ensure a reliable water supply because it has not upgraded the town’s ageing water infrastructure. The association’s chairperson, Kamino Simango, said the water treatment plant requires urgent rehabilitation to keep pace with the town’s growing population. “Council should stay ahead in terms of expanding services in line with population growth,” Simango said. He also suggested that the council should invest in alternative power sources to ensure uninterrupted water treatment operations. “Council should not rely entirely on electricity from ZESA. It should consider solar-powered systems as a backup to avoid water supply backlogs,” he said. Simango also called for the installation of new pipelines from the Ngezi Water Works into town to improve water delivery. Residents have increasingly raised concerns about water shortages in the mining town as demand continues to grow. Zvishavane water supply illegal mining Ngezi River

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine speaking at a rally Bobi Wine has announced that he has left Uganda, saying he fled the country to escape what he described as a military-led manhunt following January’s disputed presidential election. In a video posted on the social media platform X on Saturday, Wine said he had been in hiding for weeks after security forces allegedly raided his home shortly after the January 15 vote. “By the time you see this video I will have left the country,” Wine said in the recording, appearing unshaven and speaking from an undisclosed location. He thanked supporters who he said had helped conceal and protect him while he remained in hiding. “I thank all the brave Ugandans who concealed and protected me during this difficult time,” he said, adding that he would return to the country “at the right time.” Wine did not reveal where he had travelled. The opposition leader said the search for him had intensified in recent weeks. According to reports, the effort has been led by Muhoozi Kainerugaba , a senior military officer widely viewed as a potential successor to the country’s longtime leader. Kainerugaba has posted several messages on X targeting Wine, referring to him with insults and accusing him of criminal activity. While the Ugandan police have publicly stated that they are not seeking the opposition politician, Kainerugaba has suggested that Wine could face arrest over unspecified offences. Wine contested the presidential election against Yoweri Museveni , who has ruled the country since 1986. Official results released by the country’s electoral authorities gave Museveni 71.6 percent of the vote. Wine and his supporters rejected the outcome, alleging widespread irregularities and voter intimidation during the election process. The opposition leader has repeatedly called for independent investigations into the vote. Museveni, who is now 81 years old, is expected to be sworn in for a seventh term in office in May. Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, rose to political prominence after building a large following as a musician before entering politics. Over the past several years, he has become a key figure in Uganda’s opposition movement, particularly among younger voters frustrated by unemployment, corruption, and a lack of political change. His supporters see him as a symbol of generational transition in a country where Museveni has been in power for nearly four decades. Wine’s announcement that he has fled Uganda has raised fresh concerns among activists and political observers about the safety of opposition figures and the broader political climate following the contested election. Bobi Wine exile

Every day in Africa, the Zebra wakes up ready to outrun the fastest and hungriest Lion for survival. The Lion also wakes up early, ready to pounce on the slowest Zebra for its breakfast. Whether you are a Lion or a zebra, with each daybreak, you'd better be running! -------African saying. Why the Guerrilla Mindset? The world of business does not operate on an even playing field. There are rugged terrains, disruptions, valleys, and cliffs that the entrepreneur should navigate. The word “guerrilla” conjures rebellion, conflict, and insurgency. Put it next to “business”, “research”, “marketing”, “public relations or “selling”, a lot of people will ask “Huh?” “What did you say?” When you go guerrilla, you are rebelling against the conventional or the usual. When the classical formulas aren’t working or delivering, one should go the unconventional route. This is the road less travelled that Robert Frost was referring to in his famous poem “The Road Not Taken”. Contemporary businesses are fast going guerrilla as they scream and compete for attention. Formulaic textbook-based methodologies are fast losing out in favour of fresh approaches. The guerrilla mindset is not fixated on strait jackets. It breaks out of all established patterns and suggests newer, stranger, and sometimes preposterous ways of looking at things. In this article, when all things aren’t equal, I challenge the modern entrepreneur to embrace the guerrilla route. Guerrilla Warfare Tactics In guerrilla warfare, freedom fighters are aware that they are fewer in numbers than the conventional enemy armies. They are under- resourced and cannot compete on a plain field, yet they should make so much noise and make their presence felt by any means necessary. They therefore adopt the following tactics to complement their shortfalls: Intelligence: they gather quick, valuable intelligence using ‘shoe-string’ budgets or resources for reconnaissance missions against the enemy Ambushes: they launch surprise, targeted attacks and quickly disappear into the civilian population Raids: they attack in unexpected places to gain attention Deception: they mask themselves from recognition or deliberately mislead their enemy Sabotage: they disrupt, interrupt, or interfere with the normal day-to-day run of things in order to be heard or noticed Espionage: they carry out surveillance and spying missions on enemies In like manner, the entrepreneur should be ready to responsibly deploy guerrilla tactics in business (marketing, selling, etc.), the intention being to get mileage and acquire trophies at the lowest budget by elbowing potential competition (lions) out of the game. Guerrilla marketers use intelligence gathered from guerrilla research. They ambush unsuspecting customers with publicity material and even raid unexpected places to gain maximum audience and exposure. They are aggressive, extraordinary, subtle, and innovative in their approaches. You simply cannot resist them. The Nature of Guerrilla Methods These are quick and low-budget approaches that yield or give leads and pointers to reliable results. Guerrilla methods are not there to provide detailed results per se but to generate quick insights to help you make informed decisions. They help you to minimize the “dangers of flagrantly assuming”. They either rubber-stamp or quash your “gut feelings”. Classical methods tend to be silo-based and ritualistic, yet guerrilla methods are about “getting out of the building and experiencing the world” as is. Guerrilla methods are about mesmerizing your audiences as you register your presence and visibility. Their effectiveness and possibilities are as limitless as your creativity, innovation, daringness, and audacity. Guerrillas will look for surrealistic visuals and situations that passers- by will always remember. Guerrillas are interested in knowing what sets them apart from the competition. They are interested in harnessing that which gives them a slight edge, winning edge, competitive edge, or cutting edge. As creative thinkers, guerrillas are constantly having to think of new and exciting ways to grab people’s attention and admiration. Key Guerrilla Tactics Companies Can Use In contemporary business, companies can deploy word of mouth, blogs/blogging, podcasts/viral videos trending on social media, graffiti, publicity stunts, treasure hunts (with awarding of prizes at the end), creative billboards, and stealth marketing. Example of a creative guerrilla billboard advertising a food outlet. Professor Mufaro Gunduza coaches and mentors Business Intelligence at Mount Carmel Institute (Harare), Indian School of Management (New Mumbai), and UNISA, among others. He is the SADC Investments Advisor for the Future Trends Group. He has written several books, including Unleashing Blue Sky Thinking, Spotting Business Opportunities, and Big Picture Thinking (Bookboon Publishers, London & Denmark). He has just assumed the Presidency of the Southern African Chamber of Commerce. He can be contacted on WhatsApp: +263774868896 Phone: +263718925350 Email: mgunduza@yahoo.co.uk Guerrilla business tactics Zimbabwe

Marshall Munetsi Harare, Zimbabwe- The release of the Zimbabwe national team squad for the upcoming Four Nations Tournament in Botswana has reignited a fierce debate over the selection criteria used by head coach Mario Marinica. At the heart of the storm is the continued exclusion of vice-captain Marshall Munetsi , whose absence is being viewed by many as a snub of the country's most in-form overseas talent. Marshall Munetsi’s exclusion is particularly jarring given his recent "purple patch" in France. Since moving on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Paris FC, the midfielder has silenced critics regarding his fitness by scoring in three consecutive matches. The AFCON Precedent: Marinica previously omitted Munetsi from the AFCON finals in Morocco , citing injury concerns—a claim the player vehemently denied. The "Paris" Revival: Supporters argue that if the "scientific" approach is based on data and performance, Munetsi’s current statistics at Paris FC make him an undeniable starter. The Leadership Gap: Critics point out that while testing new talent is essential, the lack of an on-form vice-captain like Munetsi leaves the squad without a vital bridge between the coaching staff and the emerging youth. The coach’s history with high-performing players has created a narrative of "trivial" decision-making among the fans. Tawanda Maswanhise:  The Motherwell forward was famously sidelined for most of the AFCON group stages , only to be subbed on and named one of the tournament’s best young players. Marinica’s "scientific reasons" for keeping him on the bench were widely panned after his standout performance against South Africa. Tawanda Chirewa:  The "Chirewa Story" remains a sore point for fans, recalling when the then-in-form player was left "out in the cold" during his peak performance window. For a coach whose tenure has been defined by a data-driven approach, the optics of leaving out top-tier players are increasingly difficult to defend. In Zimbabwean football, where loyalty and "on-form" status are the traditional yardsticks for national pride, Marinica's methods are being perceived as a lack of respect for established stars. "A benefactor who bankrolls a team is quickly embraced, but a coach who ignores the people's champions risks losing the dressing room and the terraces alike." Marshall Munetsi Zimbabwe squad snub

Former Health Minister Obadiah Moyo Former Health Minister Obadiah Moyo has suggested that Zimbabwe should consider introducing a tax on food manufacturers whose products exceed recommended sodium levels, arguing that the measure could help promote healthier eating habits and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases. Moyo, who now serves as national health advisor for the National Men’s Forum for Economic Development , said the proposed tax would target companies that fail to comply with sodium limits in processed foods. Speaking on the proposal, Moyo outlined a framework that would require food manufacturers to reduce salt levels in products such as soups, stock cubes, processed meats, and salty snacks. “First, we set sodium limits for processed products, soups, stocks, processed meats, salty snacks,” he said. “Second, manufacturers must reduce salt to meet those limits. “Third, if they exceed the threshold, they pay a higher excise tax; the saltier the product, the higher the rate.” Moyo stressed that the tax would not directly target consumers but rather manufacturers whose products exceed recommended sodium levels. “Consumers are not taxed. You are protected by cheaper, lower-salt options and by warnings about salt use at home,” he said. He added that revenue generated from companies that fail to comply with sodium limits could be directed towards health programmes such as blood pressure screening, public education campaigns, and treatment support in clinics and schools. “The tax itself nudges industry and shoppers toward healthier choices,” Moyo said. Health experts have long warned that excessive salt intake is a major contributor to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Moyo said reducing salt consumption is an important step in addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Zimbabwe. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is among the leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease worldwide. Zimbabwe has already introduced measures aimed at reducing excessive sugar consumption. In 2024, the government introduced a levy on sugary beverages known as the Special Surtax on Sugar Content. The measure was announced in the 2024 National Budget and later implemented through Statutory Instrument 16 of 2024 in February that year. Under the current system, manufacturers of ready-to-drink beverages are charged US$0.001 per gram of added sugar, while cordials and concentrates attract a lower rate of US$0.0005 per gram. Authorities say funds generated from the tax are earmarked for the health sector, particularly programmes aimed at preventing and treating non-communicable diseases. Moyo suggested that a similar approach targeting excessive salt in processed foods could further strengthen national efforts to improve public health. Obadiah Moyo salt tax

First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, visiting Anymore Zvitsva in Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison Anymore Zvitsva , the man accused of murdering 25 people in Guruve, has made chilling claims that he consumed human flesh and sold body parts to traditional healers and self-proclaimed prophets. Zvitsva is currently being held at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison after his arrest in connection with a series of killings that have shocked communities across the country. According to reports, First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa , recently visited the suspect at the prison in Harare in a bid to understand the mindset of the man believed to be responsible for one of the country’s most disturbing serial murder cases. During the meeting, Zvitsva, who is reportedly wheelchair-bound after being shot in the leg during his arrest, allegedly told the First Lady that he had cooked human flesh after killing one of his victims. He also claimed that he sold body parts taken from victims to individuals who believed they could use them for ritual purposes. Zvitsva reportedly described what he said was his first killing, claiming the incident happened in 2024 after he broke into a home in search of food. According to his account, he had initially stolen a 10-kilogram bag of mealie-meal from the house when no one was present. Believing there might also be money inside, he said he returned to the property later that night. He claimed that when he knocked on the door, the homeowner recognised him and accused him of stealing the mealie-meal. A confrontation reportedly followed when the woman attempted to chase him away. Zvitsva alleged that the situation escalated into a struggle during which he attacked the woman before fleeing the scene. He said the incident marked the beginning of what he described as his “journey of killing people”. In further claims, Zvitsva allegedly admitted to killing a relative who had accused him of theft. He claimed he cut off body parts and handed them to a man identified as Nathan Churweni, who allegedly promised payment after saying the remains would be used to boost production at a gold mine. Zvitsva claimed he was never paid after the man reportedly learned that police were searching for him. The suspect also claimed he roasted some of the flesh but later burned the remainder and mixed the ashes into lotion, which he said he used together with traditional herbs in fortune-telling rituals. According to his account, he believed this practice gave him the ability to identify houses where money was hidden. He further alleged that he provided blood to self-proclaimed prophets identified as Junioius Kasinauyo and Gidza Dhorobha, receiving about US$200 in return. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the details of these claims. During the prison meeting, Zvitsva reportedly pleaded for forgiveness from Emmerson Mnangagwa, the First Lady, and the nation. The case has shocked communities across Zimbabwe, particularly in Guruve, where residents have been grappling with the impact of the alleged killings. Investigations into the murders are ongoing, and authorities are expected to continue gathering evidence as the case moves through the justice system. Anymore Zvitsva Guruve First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa

ZANU-PF Secretary General Mudenda Jacob Mudenda has urged members of the ruling ZANU-PF in Masvingo to closely monitor the activities of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in the province. Mudenda, who is also ZANU-PF Secretary General, made the remarks while addressing a Masvingo Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting at the Robert Mugabe School of Education. During the meeting, Mudenda warned that some NGOs were allegedly deviating from their mandates and becoming involved in political activities aimed at advancing what he described as a regime-change agenda. He urged party members to remain vigilant and ensure that the activities of NGOs align with national development priorities. “In terms of Section 105 of the Party Constitution, the PCC is mandated to monitor and recommend political and development programmes and initiatives in the province so as to foster an integrated approach among the party, Government and other stakeholders in the implementation of such programmes,” Mudenda said. “You should monitor all NGOs. Be very careful, some of them come in a sheep’s skin and start to deviate from their mandate, dabbling in politics. “You should know them and make sure that all what they do aligns with national development.” Mudenda’s remarks come amid ongoing debate over the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Act , which was signed into law on April 11, 2025. The legislation grants the state expanded powers to oversee, audit, and suspend NGOs operating in Zimbabwe. Organisations involved in governance, human rights, and advocacy have expressed concern that the law could expose them to increased scrutiny and restrictions. Authorities, however, say the law is intended to strengthen accountability and ensure that NGOs operate transparently and in line with national interests. Mudenda NGO monitor ZANU-PF Masvingo meeting

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerai Moyo Masvingo, Zimbabwe- Zimbabwe’s education supervisory system has reportedly ground to a halt as district and provincial offices run out of necessities, including fuel, stationery, and water. A severe funding crisis, exacerbated by a Treasury freeze on critical auxiliary accounts, has left school inspectors grounded and administrative buildings in a state of decay. According to an official from the Ministry who spoke to the Masvingo Mirror , the lack of liquidity has reached a tipping point, affecting the most basic human requirements in public buildings. Logistics & Utilities: Official vehicles are grounded due to a lack of fuel, while electricity and water supplies have been cut off at several offices due to long-standing unpaid bills. Basic Supplies: Offices report a total lack of stationery, printer toners, and even toilet paper. Inspectorate Paralysis: School inspectors, the backbone of quality control in the education system, have been unable to conduct field visits since 2025. Many are reportedly owed Travel and Subsistence (T&S) allowances dating back four years. The crisis deepened in October 2025 when the Ministry of Finance froze the bank accounts of the Better Schools Programme Zimbabwe (BSPZ) . The Cause: Authorities cite "widespread abuse of funds" by provincial and district education officers as the reason for the freeze. The Consequence: BSPZ workers have gone unpaid for months. Furthermore, because many administrative functions were being sustained by parents' contributions to this scheme, the freeze has effectively decapitated the Ministry’s operational budget. In Masvingo, the situation reached a point where District Schools Inspector Ishmael Chigaba  reportedly had to approach the National Association of Primary School Heads (NAPH)  and the Secondary School Heads (NASH)  to plead for funds to settle utility bills. While Chigaba confirmed the dire situation, he declined to specify who eventually covered the costs. Despite the widespread reports of shutdowns, Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro maintains that "operations are continuing smoothly" and that funds are being distributed via Treasury. This claim, however, has been flatly disputed by provincial officers who insist they have not seen Treasury disbursements in over four years. Ministry of Education funding crisis Zimbabwe

Bindura Magistrates’ Court   Bindura, Zimbabwe- A domestic dispute between two co-wives in the Aerodrome suburb of Bindura escalated into a physical confrontation and a subsequent court appearance this week. Precious Matangira (30) was convicted at the Bindura Magistrates’ Court  for the assault of her junior co-wife, Ethel Mavhembu (23), following a heated exchange regarding the whereabouts of their mutual husband. The incident occurred on the night of February 22, 2026, around 10:00 PM. According to the state case presented by prosecutor Sheila Kudzai, the tension began when Matangira visited Mavhembu’s residence in search of their husband, Willard. The Dispute: Upon being told that Willard was not home, the conversation devolved into a provocative argument regarding their marital intimacy and the "removal of pants"—a symbolic and literal reference to their shared domestic rights. The Assault: The verbal spat turned physical when Matangira slapped Mavhembu several times on the face. The Arrest: Mavhembu filed an immediate report with the police, which led to Matangira's arrest. Appearing before Magistrate Seluleko Mathuthu  on Thursday, March 12, Matangira pleaded guilty to the assault charges. The court took a firm stance on the use of physical violence to settle domestic grievances. Sentence Summary: Fine: US$150. Alternative: 45 days of imprisonment if the fine is not paid. Residents of the Aerodrome area noted that while polygamous arrangements are common, the disappearance of a shared breadwinner often heightens emotional and financial stress between households. The magistrate’s ruling serves as a reminder that the "drama" of domestic disputes must remain within legal bounds to avoid criminal records. Bindura co-wives Magistrates Court assault case

Players battling muddy conditions in a PSL match The opening weekend of the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League produced results that may not accurately reflect the strengths of competing teams after several matches were played on waterlogged pitches. Heavy rains left some stadiums flooded, forcing players to adapt to difficult conditions that resembled “water polo tactics” rather than conventional football. Manica Diamonds FC fought hard for 90 minutes to hold Simba Bhora FC to a goalless draw at Gibbo Stadium. However, the visitors conceded a decisive goal two minutes into stoppage time, giving Simba Bhora a 1–0 victory. Manica Diamonds head coach Tafadzwa Mashiri said the team struggled to implement their game plan due to the poor pitch conditions. “The pitch was waterlogged and the conditions were difficult. We had to adjust throughout the match,” Mashiri said. He added that his team failed to deal with a late cross in the 92nd minute, which ultimately cost them a point. In another match played under challenging conditions, Dynamos FC defeated TelOne FC 2–1 at Ascot Stadium. The fixture, a rescheduled Matchday One clash, was played on a rain-soaked pitch that made movement and ball control difficult. Meanwhile, the match between Hardrock FC and Scottland FC ended in a 0–0 draw at Chahwanda Stadium, with reports indicating that the pitch conditions also affected gameplay. The conditions highlight ongoing infrastructure challenges facing domestic football in Zimbabwe. Calls for the league to align its calendar with international football seasons remain difficult to implement without stadiums equipped with proper drainage systems. The government has sought to address the issue through incentives aimed at boosting sports infrastructure development. During the 2026 national budget presentation, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced tax incentives for companies investing in stadium construction or upgrades. Under the proposal, companies that build or upgrade public sports facilities can claim 150 percent of their investment as a tax deduction over two years. “If a company spends US$1 million fixing a stadium, it can deduct US$1.5 million from its taxable income over two years,” Ncube said. The incentives also allow specialised stadium equipment, including turf, seating, lighting, and scoreboards, to be imported duty-free. Companies funding rural sports academies or youth programmes registered with the Sports and Recreation Commission will also qualify for a tax credit of up to US$10,000. Mashiri said Manica Diamonds are now regrouping ahead of their next fixture against FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium on Saturday. Both teams will be seeking their first points of the season after FC Platinum lost 2–1 to Ngezi Platinum Stars FC in their opening match. “We take it as a stumble and not a fall,” Mashiri said. “Our focus is now on the next match, and we hope the pitch conditions will be much better.” waterlogged pitch conditions Zimbabwe Premiership matches

Trymore Muparinga   HARARE —   Preacher Trymore Muparinga  has lodged a police report accusing fellow preacher Dickson Nhumwa  of cyberbullying  after Nhumwa posted a video alleging Muparinga misused church offerings to seduce women and buy alcohol, Muparinga’s lawyers said. Muparinga denies the allegations and says the video is part of an attempt by Nhumwa to claim a share of the funds he received from businessman Wicknell Chivayo. He has retained legal counsel and asked police to investigate the social‑media post. In the social‑media video, Nhumwa recounted his time ministering with Muparinga since 2007 and accused him of spending altar offerings on alcohol and personal pleasures. Nhumwa also urged the Christian community to intervene, saying Muparinga’s behaviour needed attention. Muparinga rejected the claims, saying: “I have never misused money for personal pleasures or to buy alcohol, as claimed.”  He described Nhumwa as a former ministry colleague who believes he is entitled to Muparinga’s earnings and called the video an act of bitterness. Muparinga said he had faced public abuse before and that he was taking the matter to the police. Legal steps and possible outcomes Police complaint filed: Muparinga has formally reported the matter and engaged a lawyer to assist with the investigation. Potential offences: Authorities will consider whether the video amounts to cyberbullying, defamation or another criminal offence under Zimbabwean law. Evidence and investigation: Police will likely seek the original video, witness statements, and any corroborating material. If the matter proceeds, prosecutors will decide whether to charge Nhumwa. Civil remedies: Separately, Muparinga could pursue civil action for defamation if he chooses, though that would be a distinct legal route. The dispute follows earlier scrutiny after a photo circulated showing Muparinga holding a brown bottle of alcohol. That image has been cited by critics, while supporters say it does not prove wrongdoing. Religious leaders and congregations may be watching closely, as public allegations between clergy can affect trust and church cohesion. Observers say social media disputes among public figures often escalate quickly and can have lasting reputational and legal consequences for both parties. Trymore Muparinga police report Dickson Nhumwa cyberbullying

Late in February, Zimbabwe withdrew from a proposed $367 million United States health funding agreement after objecting to provisions requiring broad American access to sensitive national health data. The five-year programme was framed as support for efforts against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and epidemic preparedness. But the terms demanded extensive sharing of epidemiological surveillance data and pathogen samples without binding guarantees that Zimbabwe would receive equitable access to medical technologies developed from them. Harare described the proposal as an “unequal exchange”, warning that the country risked supplying the “raw materials for scientific discovery” while the resulting benefits remained concentrated in the United States and global pharmaceutical companies. Critics increasingly describe this pattern as biomedical extractivism , a form of scientific exploitation that mirrors the logic of colonial resource extraction. Zimbabwe is not alone in raising concerns. In Lusaka, officials and civil society organisations have questioned a proposed United States–Zambia health partnership valued at more than $1 billion over five years. The draft agreement reportedly requires Zambia to contribute roughly $340 million in domestic co-financing while granting Washington far-reaching access to national health data and pathogen-sharing arrangements. One controversial clause would allow the agreement to be terminated if Zambia fails to conclude a separate bilateral minerals compact with Washington covering resources such as copper and cobalt. Meanwhile, in Kenya, the High Court suspended a similar $2.5 billion health agreement last December after a legal challenge argued that it could expose sensitive health data without sufficient safeguards under the country’s Data Protection Act. Taken together, these disputes point to a broader pattern unfolding across the continent. They come as Washington expands a network of bilateral health agreements under its “ America First Global Health Strategy ”. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation , the United States has signed more than 20 memoranda of understanding with African governments, with implementation timelines ranging from 2026 to 2030 and commitments totaling approximately $20 billion. Although presented as partnerships, a significant share of the funding is expected to come from African governments themselves, increasing fiscal pressure while deepening structural dependence. At least 17 African countries have already concluded similar agreements, many with fragile health budgets and limited negotiating leverage. These programmes finance important work against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, Ebola, and malaria while strengthening surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, and outbreak preparedness. But they also shift bargaining power sharply towards Washington. In Nigeria, for example, some funding provisions reportedly require Abuja to commit to prioritising the protection of Christian populations from violence, demonstrating how political conditions can be embedded within public health cooperation. At the centre of the controversy lies what the United States expects in return: health data and pathogen samples. In the age of biotechnology and pandemic preparedness, such information fuels the global bioeconomy, driving vaccine development, pharmaceutical patents, and artificial-intelligence-assisted drug discovery. Biological data has become as strategically valuable as oil, minerals, or rare earths. Without safeguards, African public health systems risk becoming upstream suppliers of biological information while downstream benefits intellectual property, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and commercial profits remain concentrated in wealthier countries. These anxieties are not abstract. They are shaped by a long and troubling history in which medicine in Africa has often intersected with imperial power. During the colonial era, European administrations used medical campaigns not only for disease control but also as instruments of surveillance and coercive governance. One of the most notorious examples occurred during sleeping sickness control programmes in French Equatorial Africa between 1921 and 1956, when entire villages were assembled for compulsory medical examinations and injected with experimental treatments such as atoxyl, a drug later linked to blindness and death. Modern controversies have only deepened scepticism. In 1996, during a meningitis outbreak in Kano in northern Nigeria, the pharmaceutical company Pfizer tested an experimental antibiotic called Trovan on children at a field hospital. Nigerian investigators later concluded the trial lacked proper regulatory approval, and a government inquiry described it as an illegal study of an unregistered drug. Pfizer ultimately reached a $75 million settlement with Kano State in 2009 while continuing to deny wrongdoing. Today, the stakes are even higher. Public health systems generate laboratory results, genomic sequencing, epidemiological records, and biological samples during outbreaks. The global biotechnology industry is valued at more than $1.5 trillion and is projected to reach nearly $4 trillion by 2030. In other words, biological data is among the most valuable scientific resources of the 21st century. Ethicists have long argued that international medical research must ensure fair benefit-sharing. In a widely cited 2004 study, bioethicist Ezekiel Emanuel and colleagues argued that ethical research in developing countries requires collaborative partnerships with local institutions and equitable distribution of resulting benefits. Yet that principle is often absent from current bilateral health arrangements. The lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic remain fresh. Scientists around the world relied on rapid sharing of viral samples and genomic data to track the virus's spread and develop vaccines. But when vaccines became available, many African countries found themselves at the back of the queue while wealthier states stockpiled supplies. The World Health Organization attempted to address these inequalities through the 2025 Pandemic Agreement, which proposes linking pathogen sharing with fairer access to resulting technologies. Bilateral deals risk undermining those multilateral efforts. By negotiating directly with individual countries, powerful states can secure privileged access to pathogen data without being bound by broader frameworks designed to ensure equitable benefit-sharing. The issue is not whether health data should be shared. Global cooperation is essential for pandemic preparedness. The real question is whether countries providing that data receive fair and transparent access to the vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments developed from it. African governments, therefore, face a delicate balancing act: protecting life-saving health programmes while defending data sovereignty and reciprocal partnerships. One solution may lie in collective negotiation through institutions such as the African Union and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention rather than fragmented bilateral agreements. Formally voluntary negotiations between a global superpower and financially constrained health systems rarely occur on equal terms. Washington has already begun winding down health funding in Zimbabwe, following the collapse of the talks, a reminder of the pressures facing countries that resist such arrangements. History offers a cautionary lesson. In the nineteenth century, colonial powers advanced through divide-and-rule tactics, isolating African societies one by one. Avoiding a new era of scientific extraction will require unity. If African countries share their data and pathogen samples, they must receive equal and transparent access to the knowledge, technologies, and medicines that result. African bodies should never be treated as raw material for someone else’s scientific progress. US Africa health agreements