Elite College in Harare faces backlash over abrupt teacher retrenchments alleged to violate Zimbabwe’s labour laws ( image source ) HARARE — Elite College has come under fire after a wave of sudden retrenchments left several teachers jobless and raised questions about compliance with Zimbabwe’s labour laws. Parents, educators, and labour advocates say the dismissals were abrupt, lacked formal consultation, and omitted the severance and notice procedures required by statute. Teachers at the private institution report being told their contracts were terminated with immediate effect and given no written notices. One dismissed teacher, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, said administrators convened a brief meeting last week and handed out termination letters without prior consultation or explanation. “This was done overnight. No consultation, no package, nothing,” the teacher said. The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) has issued a formal complaint to the Ministry of Labour, calling for an urgent investigation and immediate reinstatement or fair compensation for affected staff. ZIMTA’s leadership described the college’s actions as a breach of the Labour Act, which requires employers to engage a Retrenchment Board and follow due process where collective redundancies are contemplated. “Retrenchment must be a process, not an edict. Educators deserve respect and lawful procedures,” said ZIMTA Secretary-General Tapson Sibanda. Legal experts warn Elite College faces exposure to litigation and penalties if investigations confirm procedural breaches. Labour lawyer Rudo Mupambirei explained that employers who fail to consult employees and the Retrenchment Board risk court challenges and orders for reinstatement or compensation. “If an employer cannot produce evidence of meaningful consultation and a valid business case, retrenchments can be declared null and void,” Mupambirei said. The retrenchments come amid declining enrolment rates at some private schools and rising operating costs driven by inflation and utility instability. School administrators privately cite cashflow pressures and shrinking tuition revenue as drivers of cost-cutting measures, although Elite College’s management has not issued a public statement to confirm the rationale. Parents and local community groups are organising to demand transparency. A parent representative said caregivers were blindsided by the dismissals and want assurances that the quality of instruction will not be eroded. “We pay for continuity and professionalism. Sudden staff losses undermine the education our children receive,” the parent said. The Ministry of Labour has acknowledged receipt of complaints and confirmed it will investigate whether the college complied with retrenchment rules. Observers say the case will test Zimbabwe’s regulatory enforcement in the private education sector at a time when schools increasingly face economic pressures.

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is set to invest US$1 billion in Zimbabwe’s cement, coal, and power sectors ( image source ) HARARE — Africa’s richest man, Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, is set to visit Zimbabwe in mid-November to finalise a landmark US$1 billion investment package spanning cement manufacturing, coal mining, and power generation. The deal marks one of the largest foreign direct investments in Zimbabwe in recent years and is expected to significantly boost industrial capacity and energy security. “The richest man in Africa is coming to Zimbabwe at the invitation of President Mnangagwa,” said Paul Tungwarara, the President’s investment adviser. The investment, structured by Bard Santner Markets Incorporated, will establish an integrated cement factory, a limestone quarry, a coal mine, and a thermal power station. These projects align with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goals to become an upper-middle-income economy and reduce reliance on imports. “This is a game-changer for our industrialisation agenda,” said Senziwani Sikhosana, CEO of Bard Santner. Dangote’s interest in Zimbabwe dates back to 2015, when an initial visit was aborted due to logistical challenges. This time, the visit has received formal endorsement from President Mnangagwa, with Josephine Mahachi, a journalist-turned-business adviser, playing a key role in facilitating the engagement. The investment is expected to create thousands of jobs, stimulate local supply chains, and improve access to affordable building materials and energy. Zimbabwe currently imports over 40% of its cement and faces chronic power shortages, with rolling blackouts affecting productivity. “Dangote’s entry will disrupt monopolies and bring competition,” said Dr. Tapiwa Nyatsanza, an industrial economist. The coal and power components of the deal are particularly significant, as Zimbabwe seeks to diversify its energy mix amid regional grid instability. The new power station could add up to 600MW to the national grid, easing pressure on the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA). The investment comes amid renewed efforts by the government to attract foreign capital and rebuild investor confidence. It also signals a shift in regional investment flows, with Nigerian capital entering Southern Africa’s industrial space. “This is not just a business deal; it’s a vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s future,” said Mahachi. Dangote’s delegation is expected to meet government officials, tour proposed sites, and sign preliminary agreements. If successful, construction could begin in early 2026, with phased rollouts over five years. “We are keen to ensure that he makes a significant investment and avoid what happened in 2015,” Tungwarara added.

Zimbabwe’s top female artists — Feli Nandi, Tamy Moyo, Gemma Griffiths, Shashl, and Nisha Ts — unite for Nubian Notes: The Rise of Her Sound, an all-female concert at the HICC blending performance, advocacy, and empowerment in Zimbabwe’s music industry ( image source ) Zimbabwe’s female music stars have flipped the script on concert promotion, taking to the streets to drum up support for Nubian Notes — an all-female showcase billed as “Mambokadzi: The Rise of Her Sound” that will headline Feli Nandi, Gemma Griffiths, Tamy Moyo, Shashl, and Nisha Ts at the Harare International Convention Centre (HICC) on November 8. Organisers Gateway Stream Media, a subsidiary of the Rainbow Tourism Group, say Nubian Notes is intended as a landmark celebration of women in music and a direct response to a male-dominated live circuit. The campaign has mixed conventional publicity with grassroots outreach — artists have been seen engaging fans in townships and city centres, handing out flyers and performing acoustic sets to build momentum ahead of the main show. “I feel this is a moment to show we belong at the forefront of our music scene,” Feli Nandi told media while outlining the concert’s intent to spotlight female creativity and commercial clout. The street-level push underscores a practical reality of Zimbabwe’s entertainment economy — visibility and direct fan engagement can be as important as radio play or awards in selling seats and sponsorships. Proponents say the visible outreach challenges stereotypes about how headline acts must behave. Supporters contrast the women’s grassroots approach with how some male stars typically promote big shows, arguing that the female artists’ hands-on marketing signals both hunger and humility. Critics, however, caution against implying that street promotion equates to lesser status, noting that the strategy builds fan loyalty and broadens access for audiences who may not follow mainstream channels. Event planners say the HICC concert will blend spectacle with advocacy. Alongside performances, there will be segments highlighting women’s roles in the music business, mentorship slots for emerging artists, and a marketplace for female-led creative enterprises. Gateway Stream Media insists the event is both commercially viable and culturally consequential, aimed at creating a recurring platform for women’s live music in Zimbabwe. Industry analysts view Nubian Notes as part of a wider trend in African music where female artists increasingly claim space through curated festivals and themed shows. The success of the Harare event could encourage promoters to invest more in female lineups and in the artist development pipelines that feed them. Organisers and artists have called for civility and support from fans, noting that the concert’s message extends beyond entertainment to a broader push for equal representation and professional opportunity. If ticket sales and sponsorship targets are met, Nubian Notes could become a blueprint for how Zimbabwe’s music industry balances commercial returns with intentional inclusion.

A Nyanga herder has been jailed for two years after admitting to a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old pupil ( image source ) A Nyanga cattle herder has been sentenced to two years behind bars after the Nyanga Magistrates’ Court found him guilty of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old Form 2 pupil, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said on Thursday. Panashe Chingoza, 28, pleaded guilty after prosecutors said the relationship began in August 2025 when the teenager encountered him while walking home from school. Investigations revealed the pupil occasionally skipped classes to visit Chingoza at his homestead, where the pair met away from public scrutiny. The matter came to light when fellow pupils alerted the girl’s father that she had been visiting the herdsman’s home during school hours. The father confronted the situation, accompanied the child to the police station, and filed a formal complaint, NPAZ said. “The victim, a 14-year-old girl, and the offender were boyfriend and girlfriend. Their relationship began in August 2025 when the offender met the victim on her way from school,” the prosecuting authority said in a statement. Chingoza admitted guilt in court and was handed a 36-month sentence, with 12 months suspended for five years, leaving an effective custodial term of 24 months. The court emphasised that Zimbabwean law treats anyone under 18 as a minor incapable of consenting to sexual relationships. NPAZ urged communities to be vigilant and proactive in protecting children from exploitation. “Parents and guardians are reminded to monitor children closely and report any suspicious relationships early to protect them from exploitation,” the authority added. Child-rights groups and local activists welcomed the conviction as a key enforcement of laws protecting minors but stressed that prosecution alone is insufficient. They urged for stronger community education and school-based protection mechanisms to prevent recurrence. Advocates also called for improved reporting channels and support for victims, including counselling and assistance for school reintegration. Local police and social-welfare officials said they will continue outreach programmes in rural areas to raise awareness about the legal age of consent and to encourage communities to report suspected abuse. The case has renewed calls for parents, teachers, and community leaders to strengthen supervision of children’s movements and social interactions to reduce opportunities for exploitation. .

A 42-year-old Zimbabwean man in Khayelitsha has been arrested under Operation Shanela II for selling unregistered medicines from his home ( image source ) A 42-year-old Zimbabwean man has been arrested in Khayelitsha after police discovered large quantities of unregistered and potentially dangerous medicines being sold from his home, authorities confirmed. The arrest forms part of Operation Shanela II, an ongoing campaign targeting illegal trade and public-health risks across the Western Cape. Police intelligence led officers to a property in Ilitha Park, where the suspect was found with boxes of medicines hidden under a bed. During questioning, he allegedly admitted to selling the drugs to members of the local Zimbabwean community, according to a statement from the South African Police Service (SAPS). The suspect faces charges under South Africa’s Medicines and Related Substances Act for possession and sale of unregistered pharmaceuticals—offences carrying severe penalties due to the potential health dangers posed by unregulated products. Authorities warned that such sales not only endanger consumers but also undermine legitimate pharmacies and health systems. Community safety and health officials welcomed the arrest, calling it a key success in a wider effort to dismantle illicit medicine markets that often target vulnerable and migrant populations. Operation Shanela II has led to several intelligence-led raids across the province, seizing contraband and disrupting suspected syndicates. The suspect is expected to appear before magistrates in Khayelitsha as investigations continue. Authorities are also tracing the broader supply chains linked to the illegal trade. Health regulators have urged residents who purchased medicines from informal sources to report any side effects and seek treatment at accredited facilities, warning that counterfeit or unregistered drugs may contain contaminants or incorrect dosages. Community leaders have further called for awareness campaigns among migrant communities, emphasizing the need for accessible and affordable legal medication channels. They stressed that enforcement must go hand-in-hand with education to reduce reliance on illegal sellers and prevent future public-health risks.

Herentals FC has been fined US$5,000 and ordered to play three home matches behind closed doors after violent incidents involving security personnel ( image source ) The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has fined Herentals Football Club US$5,000 and ordered the team to play its next three home matches behind closed doors following violent incidents involving the club’s security personnel during a league match against Caps United at Rufaro Stadium on 13 September 2025. The PSL Disciplinary Committee said Herentals pleaded guilty to breaching league regulations after one of the club’s security officers assaulted a fan in the VVIP area and another attacked a police officer. The ruling cited repeated misconduct by the same two officials, Paradzai Afa and Tairos Ngoma, who had previously appeared before the committee for similar offences. “The previous sanctions imposed on the club and its officials have not been effective in deterring further misconduct,” the committee noted, stressing concerns over spectator safety and competition integrity. Both Afa and Ngoma have been banned from performing official club duties at PSL matches for the next three seasons. The sanctions take effect from Matchday 32, beginning with Herentals’ upcoming home fixture against Yadah FC, where only accredited personnel will be allowed entry for the next three home games. The league’s decision reflects frustration with Herentals’ failure to address persistent security lapses. PSL Communications and Media Liaison Officer Kudzai Bare reaffirmed the league’s commitment to maintaining safety standards, urging clubs to ensure all staff are trained and compliant with PSL regulations. The punishment highlights broader concerns about crowd control and professionalism in Zimbabwean football. Analysts warn that repeated misconduct not only attracts financial penalties but also harms clubs’ reputations, discourages sponsors, and diminishes match-day revenue. Herentals now faces the challenge of hosting matches without spectators and restoring discipline within its ranks. Observers will be watching whether these sanctions prompt meaningful reforms or further strain relations between clubs, security teams, and law enforcement. For the PSL, consistent enforcement of rules remains crucial to safeguarding fans, officials, and the fairness of the competition.

Hurricane Melissa devastates Jamaica as a record-breaking Category 5 storm, causing widespread destruction, power outages, and fatalities ( image source ) KINGSTON — Jamaica has been battered by the full force of Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall on 28 October 2025 as a catastrophic Category 5 storm with sustained winds of up to 185 mph (295 kph). The storm is now regarded as the most powerful ever to hit Jamaica, leaving major destruction, widespread power outages, and multiple deaths in its wake. Melissa made landfall near New Hope in Westmoreland parish, tore across the island toward St Ann in the north, and battered both coastal and interior regions with storm surges reaching up to four metres. The latest official reports confirm at least three deaths, though authorities caution that full tallies will take time as many roads, bridges, and communication lines remain down. Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the entire country a disaster area, warning that “there is no infrastructure … that can withstand a Category 5 storm.” Power was knocked out to more than half a million customers, with St Elizabeth parish reportedly “underwater.” Flooding, roof losses, downed trees, blocked roads, and battered hospitals have been reported nationwide. Hospitals in the hardest-hit parishes are operating under emergency conditions, with generators stretched and some wards inundated. International relief agencies have warned that access to cut-off communities will be extremely difficult. The storm’s economic toll is already immense. Southern parishes known for banana, sugar, and vegetable production have suffered extensive damage to farmlands, while export crops and rural livelihoods face devastating losses. The tourism sector—critical to Jamaica’s economy—has also been severely disrupted. Airports were shut down ahead of landfall, and many hotels sustained structural damage. Analysts warn that reconstruction costs will strain public finances and require substantial donor and international aid support. Relief operations are underway, with the Jamaica Red Cross and global partners having pre-positioned supplies before the storm. However, aid distribution remains slow due to road blockages and power outages. Authorities have urged residents to remain in shelters and avoid unnecessary travel, citing risks of secondary crises such as water shortages, disease outbreaks, and displacement. Meteorologists attribute Hurricane Melissa’s intensity and prolonged impact to unusually warm ocean temperatures—conditions linked to climate change. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has termed it the “storm of the century.” Experts warn that the Caribbean must prepare for more frequent and more destructive storms in the future. In the aftermath, Jamaica’s immediate priorities include restoring electricity and water supplies, reopening hospitals, clearing major transport routes, and enabling access to isolated communities. Officials say full damage assessments may take weeks. As the storm moves toward Cuba and the Bahamas, regional coordination efforts are intensifying. For Jamaica, recovery will be long and costly, with both physical destruction and economic disruption threatening to reverse years of development progress.

Paul Biya’s disputed re-election at age 92 has sparked deadly protests in Cameroon and renewed debate over France’s influence ( image source ) YAOUNDÉ — At age 92, Paul Biya has secured another term as president of Cameroon with 53.66% of the vote, extending a rule that began in 1982. The announcement by the Constitutional Council triggered deadly protests in major cities and raised urgent questions about the fairness of the electoral process and the enduring influence of France in Cameroonian politics. On 27 October 2025, officials declared Biya the winner, while main rival Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who officially received 35.19%, claimed victory ahead of the announcement and alleged massive fraud. In Garoua, Tchiroma stated on social media that civilians outside his residence were shot at by security forces. Civil society monitors and opposition parties noted numerous irregularities, including deceased names on voter lists and ballot-box issues. With the removal of presidential term limits in 2008, Biya’s eighth term could see him remain in power until nearly 100 years of age. ( image source ) Following the outcome, demonstrations erupted in Douala and Yaoundé. In Douala alone, at least four people were killed as security forces used tear gas and live ammunition against protesters. Internet service was disrupted across large parts of the country amid mounting unrest. The government’s swift deployment of troops and the imposition of gathering bans reflect heightened fears of widespread instability. With few judicial options—since the Constitutional Council’s rulings are final—those contesting the result face limited legal recourse. The re-election of Biya has reignited scrutiny of France’s longstanding role in Cameroon. Paris has historically backed Biya’s regime via diplomatic ties, security cooperation, and economic investments. Analysts argue that France prioritises stability and access to extractive industries—particularly oil and timber—over democratic change. A French Foreign Ministry statement expressed concern about the repression of protests yet stopped short of condemning the election itself. Critics say this response reveals France’s ambivalence: while diplomatically cautious, the country’s economic interests in Yaoundé remain substantial. ( image source ) Biya’s continued leadership comes amid economic uncertainty. Analysts warn that growing political unrest could scare off investors, disrupt regional trade, and hamper extractive-industry projects that rely on political stability. With over 70% of Cameroonians under age 35—many frustrated by unemployment and lack of social mobility—the risk of long-term economic stagnation is rising. The fractured political environment may also complicate relations with the European Union, Francophone neighbours, and regional blocs that value governance as well as stability. For many Cameroonians, the election is not just about leadership—it is about recognition and rights. Tchiroma, a former Biya ally turned challenger, canvassed northern regions like Garoua where discontent is high. He asserted that his supporters had produced a detailed tally showing his victory. Meanwhile, opposition voices and young voters lament what they describe as hollow democracy. A civil-society leader said: “He’s not just a warlord … he’s a symptom of a broken system that rewards violence and punishes accountability.” ( image source ) The coming days will test Cameroon’s ability to channel dissent into peaceful dialogue rather than violent suppression. Observers say regulatory bodies and the French government now face a choice: press Biya to open real dialogue and electoral reform, or risk further polarization. The broader question looms—will Cameroon continue to serve as a strategic outpost for France in Central Africa, or will it face mounting pressure for genuine democratic renewal? If unaddressed, the rift between an aging regime and a youthful majority could deepen into social and economic collapse. Cameroon’s journey from election to enforcement will determine whether this result is seen as continuity or a catalyst for change.

Zimbabwe is drafting a national AI strategy to drive economic transformation, strengthen public services, and position the country as a regional leader in ethical and innovative artificial intelligence ( image source ) HARARE – Zimbabwe is laying the groundwork for a national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy aimed at transforming public services, agriculture, and industrial productivity, according to officials from the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services. The initiative, still in its consultation phase, seeks to position Zimbabwe as a regional hub for ethical and inclusive AI development. The strategy will focus on data governance, digital infrastructure, AI skills development, and regulatory frameworks to guide responsible innovation. “AI is no longer a luxury it’s a necessity for national competitiveness,” said ICT Minister Dr. Tatenda Mavetera during a recent stakeholder forum in Harare. The government is working with universities, tech startups, and international partners to map out use cases for AI in Zimbabwe’s context. Priority sectors include precision agriculture, health diagnostics, financial inclusion, and e-governance. Zimbabwe’s AI roadmap is expected to align with the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan, which envisions a digitally enabled economy driven by innovation and entrepreneurship. The Ministry has also hinted at plans to establish an AI Innovation Fund to support local developers and researchers. “We must build indigenous capacity to create solutions that reflect our realities,” said Dr. Mavetera. Experts say Zimbabwe’s AI push could help leapfrog infrastructure gaps and improve service delivery. For example, AI-powered crop monitoring could boost yields in rural areas, while chatbots and predictive analytics could streamline public service access. However, challenges remain. Zimbabwe faces a shortage of skilled AI professionals, limited computing infrastructure, and fragmented data ecosystems. The government has pledged to invest in AI labs at tertiary institutions and promote coding in schools. “We need to democratize AI education,” said tech entrepreneur Nyasha Makoni. “It shouldn’t be confined to elite institutions.” The AI strategy is expected to be tabled before Cabinet in early 2026 with implementation beginning later that year. Civil society groups have called for transparency and safeguards to prevent algorithmic bias and data misuse. “AI must serve people, not replace them,” said digital rights advocate Rudo Gwatidzo. Zimbabwe joins a growing list of African nations developing AI policies, including Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda. The African Union has also launched a continental AI framework to guide member states.

Tanzania’s 2025 election is shaping into a one-woman race as President Samia Suluhu Hassan faces little to no opposition after rival politicians are barred or detained, raising concerns over democratic credibility ( image source ) DAR ES SALAAM – Tanzania’s presidential contest has collapsed into what analysts describe as a near-guaranteed victory for incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan, after key opposition figures were disqualified or detained and major parties failed to mount an alternative, leaving the race effectively a one-woman contest ahead of the 29 October 2025 election. Samia, the first woman to lead Tanzania, was formally nominated by the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) earlier this year and has since consolidated power through tight control of the electoral environment and suppression of opposition mobilisation. Critics say the election has been reduced to a symbolic exercise, with the outcome all but assured before voters head to the polls. “The campaign has been reduced to affirming the incumbent rather than offering a genuine choice,” said a Nairobi-based political analyst. The narrowing of competition follows the arrest of leading opposition figures on charges ranging from incitement to treason, and the exclusion of CHADEMA, the largest opposition party, on what many contend were selectively enforced technicalities. Independent monitors have also noted restricted access to rallies, limits on public gatherings, and the detention of senior party organizers — actions that have sharply reduced political contestation. Public reaction remains divided. In rural areas, where the ruling party’s development message resonates, Samia continues to draw strong support. Urban critics and civil society groups, however, warn that excluding legitimate rivals undermines democratic legitimacy and risks fuelling future instability if grievances are not fairly addressed. Regional and international observers are monitoring the situation closely. Diplomats have privately expressed concerns that an uncontested path to victory could damage Tanzania’s reputation as a stable democracy and raise questions about the credibility of the electoral system. As campaigning enters its final stretch, CCM is focused on voter turnout and reinforcing its message of continuity and economic stability. Opposition-aligned voices, where they can still speak freely, continue calling for electoral reforms and constitutional safeguards to restore trust in democratic processes. Analysts warn that even a decisive win will leave pressing questions about representation, accountability, and the future of political competition in Tanzania.

Zimbabwe’s stock market posts mixed results as agricultural and insurance stocks rise while property and retail counters struggle amid tight monetary conditions in 2025 ( image source ) HARARE – The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) closed the week ending 20 October 2025 with mixed performance across sectors, as investors shifted focus toward agriculture and insurance counters amid expectations of a favorable rainy season and stable macroeconomic indicators. The All-Share Index rose marginally by 0.35%, while the Top 10 Index gained 0.45%, reflecting cautious optimism among institutional investors. The market’s movement was largely driven by gains in agro-industrial stocks, particularly SeedCo Limited (+6.61%) and Hippo Valley Estates (+15%), which benefited from bullish forecasts for the 2025/26 farming season. “Agriculture is regaining investor confidence, especially with El Niño risks subsiding,” said Ranga Moyo, a stockbroker at Imara Capital. “SeedCo and Hippo Valley are well-positioned to capitalize on increased planting activity and export demand.” SeedCo, Zimbabwe’s leading seed producer, reported strong half-year earnings, citing increased uptake of hybrid maize and wheat seed varieties. Hippo Valley Estates, a major sugar producer, also posted improved revenue driven by higher global sugar prices and expanded irrigation capacity. Insurance stocks also performed well, with First Mutual Life climbing 8.08% on the back of improved underwriting margins and a growing client base. Analysts say the sector is benefiting from increased demand for life and health cover, particularly among middle-income earners. “Insurance is becoming a defensive play in this market,” said Moyo. “Investors are looking for stability and long-term value.” However, the gains were offset by losses in property and retail counters. Mashonaland Holdings, a commercial real estate firm, shed 7.19%, while Turnall Holdings, a building materials manufacturer, plunged 42.68% following a profit warning and weak consumer demand. The retail sector continues to face headwinds from high interest rates, currency volatility, and subdued disposable incomes. Turnall’s decline was attributed to falling sales volumes and rising input costs, particularly for cement and asbestos products. “The consumer sector remains under pressure,” said economist Dr. Nyasha Kaseke. “Inflation and tight monetary policy are squeezing household budgets.” Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) remained flat, with minimal movement in CSAG and DMCS securities. Market liquidity was moderate, with daily turnover averaging ZWL$1.2 billion, mostly concentrated in blue-chip stocks. The ZSE’s performance reflects broader macroeconomic trends, including the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s (RBZ) continued efforts to stabilize the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency. The central bank has maintained a tight monetary stance, keeping interest rates elevated to curb inflation and support the ZiG’s value. “The RBZ’s policy is anchoring expectations, but it’s also dampening speculative activity,” said Kaseke. Looking ahead, market participants are watching for third-quarter earnings reports and potential policy shifts in the 2026 national budget. The ZSE is also preparing to launch new sectoral indices to improve market transparency and attract foreign portfolio investors.

The U.S. flags Zimbabwe’s restrictive labour laws as a barrier to investment, urging reforms to improve business flexibility and economic competitiveness in 2025 ( image source ) HARARE – The United States government has raised concerns over Zimbabwe’s restrictive labour laws, describing them as a major impediment to business flexibility and economic adaptation. The remarks were made in the recently released 2025 Zimbabwe Investment Climate Statement, compiled by the U.S. Department of State. The report highlights that Zimbabwe’s labour framework makes it extremely difficult for employers to adjust staffing levels in response to economic downturns. It cites stringent retrenchment procedures, limited scope for contract termination, and bureaucratic hurdles that discourage foreign direct investment (FDI). “Zimbabwe’s rigid labour laws limit the ability of businesses to respond to market shocks,” the report states. “This undermines competitiveness and discourages long-term investment.” The critique comes amid a wave of retrenchments across Zimbabwe’s formal sector, as companies grapple with inflation, currency instability, and declining consumer demand. In September, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo announced that the government would investigate improper retrenchment practices, warning employers against terminating staff only to rehire them under temporary contracts. “We will not tolerate exploitative retrenchment schemes,” Moyo said. “Employers must follow due process and respect workers’ rights.” Labour unions have welcomed the government’s stance but say enforcement remains weak. The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has accused some firms of using loopholes to avoid paying severance packages and benefits. “We’ve seen cases where workers are dismissed and rehired under casual contracts to bypass labour protections,” said ZCTU spokesperson Japhet Moyo. The U.S. report also notes that while Zimbabwe has ratified key International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, implementation remains inconsistent. It calls for reforms that balance worker protection with business flexibility, including streamlined retrenchment procedures and dispute resolution mechanisms. Economists say the issue is part of a broader challenge facing Zimbabwe’s investment climate. While the country has made progress in stabilizing its currency and improving infrastructure, regulatory uncertainty and policy inconsistency continue to deter investors. “Labour reform is essential if Zimbabwe wants to attract sustainable investment,” said Dr. Prosper Chitambara, senior economist at the Labour and Economic Development Research Institute of Zimbabwe (LEDRIZ). The government has pledged to review labour laws under its National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), but no concrete proposals have been tabled yet. Business leaders are urging authorities to consult widely and ensure reforms are inclusive and transparent.