Zimbabwe’s Mutapa Investment Fund says reforms introduced in 2024 are improving oversight and performance across its portfolio of 30 state-owned enterprises. Annual audits, professional management and new public-private partnerships have helped identify gaps, restore assets and attract investment. The fund is backing projects in rail, energy and mining, including up to US$950 million for mineral expansion, aiming to grow jobs, output and long-term national wealth.

The National Railways of Zimbabwe refurbished over 80 wagons and locomotives through a public-private partnership with Zimasco, strengthening capacity as policy shifts bulk freight from road to rail. The program supports fleet modernization and improved efficiency under NDS2. However, NRZ remains under financial pressure, having delayed December salaries and failed to pay 2025 bonuses, underscoring ongoing cash-flow challenges despite operational gains.

Zimbabwe has given foreign-owned businesses operating in reserved sectors three months to regularize or exit. New empowerment regulations set clearer thresholds, compliance rules and divestment requirements. The effort is to boost local participation in low-barrier industries. While reaffirming openness to foreign investment, government says the move prevents locals from being crowded out and ensures growth translates into broader economic inclusion.

Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector rebounded strongly in 2025, driving economic recovery after an El Niño-hit season. Improved rainfall, government support and tighter market coordination lifted maize output, restored grain reserves and cut imports. Tobacco achieved record production and exports, while wheat reached full self-sufficiency. Horticulture and floriculture expanded export earnings. Farmers enter 2026 optimistic, though high input costs and climate risks remain key challenges.

The Harare Magistrates’ Court fined Pride Kings Energy US$3,000 for importing LP gas from South Africa without authorization from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. The company imported fuel worth nearly US$179,000 in 2025 without approval. The company was given until the end of March to settle the fine. Failure to comply could result in seizure of the company’s property. The ruling reinforces tighter enforcement of fuel-import rules as authorities seek to stabilize Zimbabwe’s energy sector.

Zimbabwe begun enforcing a 15% Digital Services Withholding Tax on payments to offshore digital platforms. The government is targeting services such as streaming subscriptions, e-hailing, online advertising and satellite internet. Introduced under the Finance Act, the tax is withheld by banks and mobile money operators and remitted to Zimra. The government says the measure addresses revenue leakages, base erosion and unfair advantages enjoyed by untaxed foreign digital companies.