ECONET HARARE —  Minority shareholders of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Limited  voted overwhelmingly in favour of the group’s voluntary delisting from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE)  and migration to an Over‑the‑Counter (OTC) trading platform , with all resolutions receiving more than 95 percent support at an Extraordinary General Meeting held in Harare. The special resolution to delist and migrate to an OTC platform was approved by 95 percent of minority votes after the majority shareholder recused itself from the vote. Shareholders also approved an Exit Offer entitling investors to US$0.50 per share, comprising US$0.17 in cash and US$0.33 in Econet InfraCo ordinary shares for each Econet share tendered. Two further resolutions — amendments to the company’s Articles of Association and authorising directors to implement the transaction — each received 97.3 percent approval. What the approvals mean for investors Delisting and OTC migration: The company will remove its primary listing from the ZSE and migrate minority trading to an OTC platform, changing how shares are traded and potentially affecting liquidity and price discovery for retail and institutional investors. Exit Offer mechanics: Minority shareholders who accept the Exit Offer will receive a combined consideration of US$0.50 per share: US$0.17 cash plus one Econet InfraCo ordinary share valued at US$0.33 per Econet share tendered. Governance changes: Amendments to the Articles of Association and the board’s authority to implement the transaction clear the legal and corporate governance path for the delisting and related corporate actions. Rationale and likely next steps Company management has previously argued that delisting and migration to an OTC platform can reduce regulatory and compliance costs associated with a primary exchange listing, while enabling strategic restructuring of group assets and capital allocation. The board will now proceed to implement the approved resolutions, which typically involve: Regulatory filings with the ZSE and relevant authorities to effect the delisting. Operational steps to establish or confirm OTC trading arrangements for the remaining minority shareholders. Execution of the Exit Offer, including timelines for tendering shares, payment of cash consideration, and issuance of Econet InfraCo shares to participating shareholders. Communications to shareholders and market participants detailing timelines, tax implications, and practical steps for those who wish to remain invested or to exit. Minority investors who did not tender shares will retain holdings that may trade on the OTC platform under new liquidity conditions; those considering the Exit Offer should review the terms, tax consequences, and the valuation of Econet InfraCo shares before deciding. Market and investor considerations Liquidity and valuation: Migration to OTC markets typically reduces trading liquidity and may widen bid‑ask spreads, affecting retail investors more acutely than institutional holders. Shareholder choice: The Exit Offer provides a cash-and‑stock option for investors seeking an immediate exit; others may prefer to remain exposed to the group via OTC trading or by holding the InfraCo shares received. Corporate restructuring: The transaction may form part of a broader group restructuring that separates infrastructure assets (InfraCo) from operating businesses, a model used elsewhere to unlock value or attract different investor types.  Econet minority shareholders approve delisting 2026

GEORGE CHARAMBA HARARE —  The Government of Zimbabwe  has publicly criticised the Zimbabwe College of Public Health Physicians  for what officials described as improper conduct after the medical body stated that collapsed negotiations with the United States over a bilateral health funding agreement. Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications George Charamba  said the physicians had overstepped their professional remit by commenting on a matter the government regards as one of national security and sovereignty. Charamba said the issue involved factors beyond the technical expertise of medical professionals and should have been handled through official diplomatic channels. Government position and key criticisms Charamba said the ZCPHP’s public intervention was “out of order” and questioned the choice of platform used to air concerns. He criticised the use of X formerly Twitter to lobby on a sensitive matter and suggested the statement risked creating confusion about the proper channels for technical input. Key points from the Government response Scope of the issue: The matter was routed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade rather than the Ministry of Health because it involved sovereignty and diplomatic considerations. Professional propriety: The Government said professional bodies should confine technical input to their parent ministry and avoid public interventions on matters that extend into national security. Transparency concerns: Charamba asked whether the physicians’ public stance implied links to foreign funding and urged clarity on motivations behind the statement. What the physicians said The Zimbabwe College of Public Health Physicians had expressed concern about the collapse of negotiations for a bilateral health funding agreement that, according to the college, would have given the United States access to sensitive health data, including pathogen samples and epidemiological information. The college warned that the breakdown could jeopardise efforts to combat HIV AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. The medical body framed its statement as a defence of patient privacy and public health interests and urged scrutiny of any agreement that would affect control over national health data. Tension between technical advice and diplomatic protocol The dispute highlights tensions that can arise when professional associations speak publicly about agreements that straddle technical, legal, and diplomatic domains. Government officials emphasised that technical input is welcome but should be channelled through established institutional pathways to ensure coordinated policy responses. Health sector stakeholders and legal experts say there is a balance to be struck between protecting national sovereignty and allowing professional bodies to raise legitimate public health concerns. Observers note that transparent, consultative processes can reduce misunderstandings and ensure that technical evidence informs diplomatic decisions without undermining official negotiation strategies. Reactions The Government reiterated that health service delivery remains a priority but said Zimbabwe will not compromise its independence or allow external actors to use aid as a tool for interference. Officials invited professional bodies to submit technical comments through the Ministry of Health for formal consideration. The ZCPHP has not issued a follow-up statement at the time of reporting. Analysts expect further exchanges between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and professional associations as the government clarifies the scope of permissible public commentary on sensitive diplomatic matters. Government rebukes ZCPHP public statement 2026

Sub Aqua Unit responding to a recovery operation GWERU — Two men drowned on 24 February 2025 while taking part in traditional rituals at Clydesdale Dam, authorities confirmed. Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said 15 people 10 women and five men, had gathered at the dam when the incident occurred. Rescue teams, including officers from the Sub Aqua Unit, recovered the bodies the following day. One of the deceased has been positively identified as 46‑year‑old Philemon Matavire of Woodlands, Gweru. The second man remains unidentified as investigations continue, Inspector Mahoko said. Police have opened an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Rescue response and investigation Rescue and recovery operations were carried out by specialised teams after the fatalities were reported. Inspector Mahoko urged members of the public to avoid taking unnecessary risks around deep water bodies and warned that even culturally significant gatherings can become dangerous without proper safety measures. Authorities said the investigation will establish the precise sequence of events and whether any safety or criminal issues contributed to the drownings. Police asked anyone with information to come forward to assist with inquiries. Safety message The tragic incident underscores the hazards posed by rivers, dams, and other deep water bodies. Officials reminded communities to: Avoid entering deep water without appropriate safety equipment and trained supervision. Keep vulnerable people, children, the elderly, and non‑swimmers away from open water during gatherings. Notify local authorities before holding events near water so safety arrangements can be considered. Report missing persons immediately to speed up search and rescue efforts.  Clydesdale Dam drownings 2025

Zambia reviews US global health aid agreement Zambia has declined to sign part of a proposed US$1 billion-plus global health funding agreement  with the United States, saying aspects of the deal do not align with the country’s national interests. According to a draft agreement reviewed by Reuters , the proposed deal would see Washington provide more than US$1 billion over five years to support Zambia’s response to HIV and malaria, strengthen disease outbreak preparedness, and improve maternal and child health services. In return, the agreement requires the Zambian government to contribute about US$340 million in co-financing over the same period. Deal delayed after controversial clause The agreement was initially scheduled to be signed in November 2025, but talks stalled after revised drafts introduced a section that Lusaka found problematic. A spokesperson for the Zambia Ministry of Health  confirmed that the disputed section did not reflect the government’s position or interests. While officials declined to disclose the exact wording, they said further revisions had been requested before Zambia could proceed. The move signals Zambia’s growing caution around the structure and conditions attached to large-scale foreign aid agreements, particularly those involving long-term commitments. Health aid tied to broader cooperation In December, the United States said it had reached an understanding with Zambia to unlock a major grant package in exchange for cooperation in the mining sector and reforms aimed at improving the business environment. Zambia is Africa’s second-largest copper producer, after the Democratic Republic of Congo, and also holds significant reserves of cobalt, nickel, manganese, graphite, lithium, and rare-earth elements minerals that are critical to the global energy transition. Analysts say this growing strategic importance has strengthened Zambia’s bargaining position, allowing it to push back on aid terms it views as misaligned with national priorities. Part of a wider African trend Zambia’s stance reflects a broader shift across Africa, where governments are increasingly scrutinising foreign aid agreements for clauses that may affect sovereignty, data control, or long-term policy autonomy. Zimbabwe recently withdrew from negotiations on a US$350 million US health funding agreement  after objecting to provisions that would have granted Washington extended access to national health data. Harare argued that such clauses could expose sensitive population-level information and undermine national control over public health systems. Balancing support and sovereignty While Zambia has not rejected US health assistance outright, officials stress that any agreement must respect national priorities and governance frameworks. Public health experts warn that prolonged delays could affect planning for HIV, malaria, and maternal health programmes. However, governments across the region appear increasingly determined to strike a balance between securing much-needed funding and maintaining control over strategic sectors and sensitive data. Zambia US health aid deal

Vendors 4ED Leader The vendor lobby group Patriotic Vendors4ED  says it is preparing for a historic provincial launch in Matabeleland North, describing the upcoming event as an initiative “never seen before” in the province. The launch is scheduled for Sunday, 1 March 2026, starting at 8 am, and will take place at the Lupane District Centre Terminus Vending Site  in Lupane . In a statement, the organisation said preparations are at an advanced stage, with a strong turnout expected from vendors across the province and beyond. A province-wide mobilisation Matabeleland North Province comprises seven administrative districts Binga, Bubi, Hwange, Lupane, Nkayi, Tsholotsho, and Umguza, covering Zimbabwe’s north-western region. The province is home to key economic and tourism hubs such as Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park. According to Patriotic Vendors4ED, the provincial launch is designed to unify vendors operating in both urban and rural areas under a shared vision and organisational structure. “A transformative journey for vendors” National Chairman Sawu Jere  said the Lupane event marks the beginning of what he described as a transformative journey for vendors across Zimbabwe. “We are a very organised, registered and affiliated group to the ZANU-PF National People’s Party. This launch ignites a movement that leads the masses and is joined by almost every vendor nationwide,” Jere said. He added that the organisation will unveil a clear roadmap for vendors, aimed at promoting oneness, order, and unity within the informal trading sector. Emphasis on discipline and loyalty Jere said Patriotic Vendors4ED has positioned itself as a champion of discipline, accountability, and loyalty among vendors, particularly in relation to empowerment programmes. “We pioneered a new way that was well appreciated by vendors across the country — to shun corruption, be loyal to our Head of State, Emmerson Mnangagwa, walk in his footsteps and respect his principles on the disbursement of empowerment funds,” he said. He stressed that financial discipline is critical, warning against the diversion or misuse of empowerment resources. Membership drive underway As part of the organisation’s consolidation drive, all Patriotic Vendors4ED members are now required to obtain official membership cards. Jere urged vendors to engage their provincial and national leadership structures for assistance. “It’s high time every vendor inclines to order to attain our Vision 2030 goals,” he said. Call for mass attendance Matabeleland North Provincial Chairperson Ruth Sibanda  called on vendors from all ten provinces to attend the launch in Lupane. “We invite all our Matabeleland North vendors and vendors from across the country to sacrifice time and attend this special event that will redefine our future as vendors,” Sibanda said. She described the launch as a turning point for the informal trading sector in the province, urging vendors not to miss what she called “the beginning of something significant.” Zimbabwe vendors organisation; Lupane vendors launch; informal traders Zimbabwe; Vendors4ED ZANU-PF

High-capacity asphalt plant launched in Skyline, Harare The government has commissioned a high-capacity asphalt plant in Skyline, Harare , a move expected to significantly speed up road construction projects while reducing reliance on costly subcontractors and imported materials. The launch, led by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development , coincided with the reopening of a refurbished section of Harare Drive, which was officially reopened to traffic following resurfacing works. Boosting local capacity and cutting costs The newly installed, fully automated asphalt plant produces dense-graded hot mix asphalt using locally sourced aggregates, marking a strategic shift towards domestic production of critical construction materials. Officials say the facility will help reduce foreign currency outflows by limiting asphalt imports, while also simplifying supply chains that have previously slowed down road projects. Project Manager Elvis Chaperuka said the plant is capable of producing between 90 and 100 tonnes of asphalt per hour, making it suitable for both routine road patching and large-scale construction projects. “This asphalt plant has a production capacity of between 90 and 100 tonnes per hour for road patching and full-scale construction,” Chaperuka said.“The process begins with quarry stones, which are fed into the main tower where bitumen and aggregates are blended. This facility will significantly enhance the pace and quality of road works.” Faster response, fewer delays The plant is expected to reduce delays caused by long procurement processes and dependence on private suppliers. By producing asphalt in-house, government road authorities can deploy repair teams more quickly, particularly during emergency maintenance and high-traffic corridor upgrades. Transport analysts say this could translate into shorter project timelines, improved road durability, and better value for money on publicly funded infrastructure projects. A strategic infrastructure investment Speaking at the launch, Felix Mhona , Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, said the project underscores the government’s commitment to modernising Zimbabwe’s road network. “Government recognises the magnitude of our road network, which spans approximately 90 000 kilometres, larger than that of many countries,” Mhona said.“Our thrust is to produce our own asphalt rather than rely heavily on private suppliers. This shortens tender processes and allows us to respond swiftly to infrastructure demands.” Part of a broader road rehabilitation drive The commissioning of the Skyline asphalt plant forms part of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and upgrade key urban and intercity roads across the country. Authorities say similar investments are planned to support sustained road maintenance and expansion. With traffic volumes increasing in major cities such as Harare, officials believe strengthening in-house production capacity is critical to keeping pace with infrastructure demands and improving overall road safety. Zimbabwe asphalt plant

Joachim Chivayo and Ayanda Brian Gungwa, Joachim “G6” Chivayo, a Zimbabwean social media personality known for flaunting a lavish lifestyle online, has been declared wanted by South Africa’s elite crime-fighting unit, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, after failing to appear in court in connection with a R15 million gold case. The move follows a November 28, 2024, report by Independent Online detailing the arrest of Chivayo, 33, and Ayanda Brian Gungwa during a Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation operation in Brakpan, Gauteng. The pair was allegedly found in possession of six bars of unwrought gold valued at approximately R15 million. Authorities also seized a Mercedes-Benz SUV at the time of the arrest. Hawks national spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo confirmed this week that both accused were granted bail of R20,000 each by the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on November 28, 2024. Strict bail conditions were imposed. The court ordered that neither accused was permitted to leave the Republic of South Africa or the province of Gauteng pending finalisation of the case. They were further required to report weekly to the Brakpan Police Station every Sunday from December 1, 2024. The matter was postponed to February 25, 2025, for further investigation. However, according to Mbambo, both Chivayo and Gungwa failed to reappear in court following their release on bail. On March 11, 2025, the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court issued J50 warrants of arrest for both men. The Hawks have since circulated their details as wanted suspects. Chivayo, widely known by his online moniker “G6,” frequently shares images and videos portraying a high-end lifestyle, including luxury vehicles and designer fashion. On Facebook, he has posted content showing himself driving high-performance cars and handing over luxury vehicles, including what appears in posts to be a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Gungwa, identified by the Hawks as a South African citizen, is also known online as “Pharaoh.” In some Zimbabwean social media discussions, he is referred to as “Naison Chivayo,” creating confusion around his identity. Chivayo has also been publicly linked to Zimbabwean businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo. In May 2025, Wicknell Chivayo referred to Joachim “G6” Chivayo as his “dear little brother” in a Facebook birthday tribute, praising his growing business interests. Social media posts further show Joachim “G6” Chivayo attending events in Harare, including a graduation ceremony at the Chitepo School of Ideology, a political training institution associated with Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU-PF. The Hawks have not disclosed whether investigators believe the accused remain in South Africa. Joachim G6 Chivayo

Chinhoyi Magistrates Court CHINHOYI —  The Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court  has sentenced Trynos Mpofu (38) to 48 months’ imprisonment after convicting him of unlawfully cultivating dagga , court records show. Police detectives, acting on a tip‑off, visited a farm in Chinhoyi on 20 February and were led by Mpofu to a vegetable garden where officers found 130 cannabis plants ranging from 20 centimetres to one metre in height. Magistrates treated the offence as a serious drug‑related crime. Sentence breakdown and conditions The presiding magistrate imposed a 48‑month custodial term, but eight months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, leaving an effective 40‑month jail term to be served. The court emphasised that cultivation, possession, and trafficking of illicit drugs remain serious offences under Zimbabwean law. Law enforcement message and community appeal Authorities used the sentencing to urge communities to remain vigilant and to report suspected drug cultivation or trafficking to law enforcement. Officials warned that involvement in drug‑related activities endangers public health and safety and attracts significant criminal penalties. Chinhoyi man jailed for cultivating dagga 2026

A Harare Traffic police officer manually directs vehicles At several major intersections along Harare’s busiest corridors,  Seke Road and Dieppe Road , Chiremba Road and Glenara Avenue, and Robert Mugabe Road and Julius Nyerere Way, a curious scene unfolds almost daily. The traffic lights are fully operational. The signals change as designed. Yet traffic police officers stand in the middle of the junction, whistles sharp against the noise, manually directing vehicles. The infrastructure at this point is not failing. We are. Gridlock at Seke Road and Dieppe: A Case of Driver Indiscipline During peak hours at Seke and Dieppe, vehicles edge forward even when the light is red. Kombis veer into opposing lanes to gain an advantage . Motorists block the yellow box, trapping cross traffic when the lights change. Within minutes, a regulated intersection in Harare degenerates into gridlock, not because the system malfunctioned, but because drivers chose not to respect it. The same pattern repeats at Chiremba and Glenara. Impatient right turns cut across oncoming traffic. Drivers ignore lane discipline. Others accelerate through amber lights long after they have turned red. At Robert Mugabe and Julius Nyerere, a junction at the heart of the capital’s administrative and commercial zone, the choreography of disorder is just as familiar. This is not merely a traffic problem. It is a civic one. Traffic lights are built on trust. They function efficiently only when road users voluntarily comply. Red means stop, even if no police officer is present. Green means go without hesitation or obstruction. The entire system depends on a shared understanding that rules matter, not because someone is watching, but because order benefits everyone. The Deeper Issue: A Deficit of Civic Responsibility in Zimbabwe When officers must override functioning lights to impose discipline, it signals a deeper societal issue: a deficit of internalized civic responsibility. Harare’s congestion is often blamed on population growth, informal transport operators, or aging infrastructure. While these factors play a role, they do not explain why working systems still collapse into chaos. The more uncomfortable truth is behavioral. Many motorists operate with a short-term, individual mindset. The logic is simple: if I can squeeze through, I save time. If I block the junction, someone else can wait. If I ignore the lane marking, I gain an advantage. Multiply that calculation by hundreds of drivers, and the result is paralysis. The Economic and Cultural Cost of Road Chaos The economic cost is substantial. Seke Road links industrial and commercial zones where delays translate directly into higher transport costs, missed deliveries, and lost productivity. Employees arrive late not because distances are vast, but because intersections become bottlenecks of impatience. Fuel consumption increases as engines idle in unnecessary congestion. Public transport operators compensate for delays through aggressive driving, further compounding risk. There is also a cultural cost. When rule-breaking becomes normalized, compliance begins to look naïve. Law-abiding drivers feel punished for their patience. The message subtly communicated is that systems are optional and enforcement is the only real authority. Over time, this mindset extends beyond traffic. Queue jumping, informal shortcuts in business processes, disregard for public spaces, these are manifestations of the same civic erosion. A society that struggles to respect a red light may struggle to respect procurement procedures, environmental regulations, or institutional norms. Solving Harare’s Traffic Crisis: Four Key Pillars So what can be done? Civic Education: Road rules are not merely technical instructions; they are expressions of mutual respect. Media campaigns, schools, and driver training institutions should emphasize that compliance is a marker of maturity and national pride. Consistent Enforcement: Sporadic crackdowns create temporary fear but not lasting discipline. Traffic cameras and automated penalties can reduce selective enforcement and embed accountability into the system. Infrastructure Refinement: Clearer road markings, synchronized traffic lights , and visible yellow box enforcement at major intersections would reduce opportunities for gridlock. Leadership by Example: Public officials, corporate executives, and community leaders must model adherence to traffic rules. Ultimately, the question Harare’s roads are asking is simple: who are we when the whistle is silent? If we require constant human supervision to obey functioning traffic signals, then our development challenge is not primarily technical, it is cultural. Infrastructure alone cannot build order. It can only facilitate it. The red light is not an obstacle. It is an agreement. Until we internalize that agreement, traffic police will continue standing at working intersections, not because the lights are broken but because our civic compact is. Harare’s major junctions  are not just traffic points. They are mirrors. And what they reflect should concern us all. Harare Traffic Congestion

Mexican soldiers patrolling after cartel violence in Jalisco Mexico has deployed 10,000 troops across multiple states after violent clashes erupted following the killing of the country’s most-wanted drug lord, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho . Authorities say the unrest has left dozens dead, disrupted transport and tourism, and forced the closure of businesses and schools. According to the Mexican army, Oseguera, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) , was wounded in a shootout with soldiers on Sunday in the town of Tapalpa, Jalisco state, and died while being airlifted to Mexico City. News of his death triggered immediate retaliation by cartel members, who set up road blockades, torched vehicles and attacked businesses in at least 20 states. During the operation and subsequent clashes, authorities reported the deaths of 27 members of the security forces, 46 suspected cartel members, and one civilian. In a separate incident, a prison break in Jalisco saw at least 23 inmates escape after gunmen stormed the facility, according to the state security secretary. States on Lockdown as Fear Spreads The violence sent shockwaves through western Mexico. In Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital, schools were closed, public transport was suspended, and long queues formed outside the few shops that remained open as residents rushed to stock up on essentials. “I couldn’t sleep,” said one resident, while another described a city where “almost everything is closed,” reflecting widespread fear and uncertainty. In Aguillilla, Oseguera’s birthplace in Michoacán state, residents reported early-morning blockades and plumes of smoke rising over the town. Meanwhile, the resort city of Puerto Vallarta, popular with US and Canadian tourists, was also rocked by unrest, prompting travel warnings from Britain, Canada, the United States, and Australia, and the cancellation of dozens of international flights. Government and International Response Mexico’s government said it had sent an additional 2,500 troops to Jalisco, bringing total deployments to 10,000 since Sunday. President Claudia Sheinbaum  confirmed that the operation benefited from intelligence shared by the United States, but stressed that no US forces took part in the raid. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Washington had provided intelligence support, as CJNG is classified by the US as a terrorist organization accused of trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Mexican defence officials said investigators tracked Oseguera after learning of a rendezvous involving one of his girlfriends. During the raid, authorities seized heavy weaponry, including rocket launchers, and confirmed the death of his close associate, Hugo H., known as El Tuli . Power Vacuum Fears With Oseguera’s son already convicted in the United States, analysts warn that the absence of a clear successor could trigger violent internal struggles within CJNG, potentially destabilising the region further. El Mencho killed; Mexico cartel violence; CJNG leader death

Ministry of Local Government building , Harare HARARE —  The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works  has issued a public warning about Oswald Katuwe , formerly a Liquor Licensing Clerk in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province , after receiving reports that he has been soliciting money from members of the public while falsely claiming to be a serving government official. The Ministry said Katuwe was discharged from the Public Service on 7 February 2025  following disciplinary proceedings and is no longer authorised to act on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe in any capacity. Officials say he has been promising to facilitate the processing and acquisition of liquor licences in exchange for payments. Ministry statement and public advisory The Ministry’s advisory stressed that Katuwe is not authorised  to represent the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works or the Government of Zimbabwe. It described the reported conduct as fraudulent and criminal  and urged anyone who may have been solicited or defrauded to report incidents to the relevant law enforcement agencies. Key points from the Ministry notice Employment status:  Katuwe was discharged from the Public Service on 7 February 2025 . Allegations:  He is reported to have solicited and received substantial sums while falsely presenting himself as a serving official. Public warning:  The Ministry advised the public to exercise extreme caution and said any dealings with Katuwe are undertaken at one’s own risk. Reporting:  Members of the public and business operators affected are urged to report incidents to the police. Practical advice for licence applicants The Ministry’s notice implicitly highlights common safeguards for businesses and individuals seeking official licences: Verify identity:  Confirm the identity and employment status of any official you deal with by contacting the relevant ministry office directly. Use official channels:  Submit licence applications and payments only through authorised government offices or the Ministry’s official online portals. Request receipts:  Always obtain official receipts and written confirmation for payments and application submissions. Report suspicious approaches:  Notify local police and the Ministry if someone claims to act on behalf of the government but cannot produce verifiable credentials. Governance and accountability context The Ministry’s public warning underscores the risks that arise when former officials continue to present themselves as authorised agents. It also reflects a broader emphasis on protecting small businesses and members of the public from fraud and on maintaining the integrity of licensing processes. At the time of reporting, the Ministry had not published further details about any ongoing investigations or prosecutions related to the allegations. Oswald Katuwe warning 2026

Lithium mining operations in Zimbabwe are affected by the export ban Zimbabwe has made a sudden move that could ripple through global markets: the government has immediately banned the export of raw lithium and lithium concentrates, including shipments already in transit. At first glance, this may sound like a technical mining policy. In reality, it could tighten global lithium supply, influence future prices, and affect everything from electric vehicles (EVs) to battery storage systems. What exactly did Zimbabwe do? The Ministry of Mines announced that no raw minerals, including lithium concentrates, may be exported until further notice. Only companies with approved local processing and beneficiation capacity will be allowed to export finished or semi-finished products. Third-party traders and export agents have been shut out entirely. The government will also test shipments to verify mineral content, with harsh penalties including loss of mining rights for non-compliance. In simple terms: Zimbabwe wants its lithium processed at home, not shipped out raw . Why lithium matters so much Lithium is a critical ingredient in EV batteries, smartphones, laptops, and large-scale energy storage systems. Global demand is being driven by the energy transition, even as prices have struggled after a recent oversupply cycle. Zimbabwe has quietly become one of Africa’s most important lithium suppliers, exporting large volumes of spodumene concentrate, mainly to China for processing. Cutting off that flow even temporarily matters. How big is the supply hit? According to market analysts, Zimbabwe’s lithium mines can collectively produce up to 1.5 million tonnes of concentrate a year. The current export suspension could remove the equivalent of 6–7% of the expected global lithium supply in 2026. That may not sound dramatic, but lithium markets are finely balanced. Even small supply disruptions can move prices. Markets reacted fast While physical lithium prices had not yet adjusted at the time of writing, investors moved immediately. Major global lithium producers saw their share prices jump, signalling expectations of tighter supply ahead. Australian lithium stocks followed, with producers and developers rallying as traders priced in a stronger market outlook. This is typical in commodity markets: equities react first, prices follow later. Why prices could rise from here Lithium doesn’t need a massive shortage to rally. It simply needs: Demand to stay steady (EVs and batteries are doing that) Marginal supply to be disrupted (Zimbabwe just did that) If Chinese battery makers and refiners begin competing for fewer raw materials, prices for spodumene and lithium carbonate could rise faster than expected. The bigger picture Zimbabwe’s decision reflects a broader trend across Africa and the Global South, resource nationalism and value addition. Governments want more jobs, skills, and revenue from their minerals, not just royalties from raw exports. For global markets, this means supply chains are becoming more political, more localised, and less predictable. Bottom line What looked like a slow lithium recovery may be turning into something tighter and sooner than expected. Zimbabwe’s export ban is a reminder that in critical minerals, policy decisions can move markets as much as demand does. Zimbabwe lithium export ban