Zimbabwe positioned bananas from the Burma Valley as a key export to South Africa as it targeted a US$2 billion horticulture industry by 2030. Government officials said the banana value chain aligned with recovery policies aimed at expanding production, improving yields, and supporting out-growers. Matanuska, a major producer, exported about 60% of its bananas to South Africa, benefiting from strong regional demand.

The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union appealed a High Court ruling that dismissed its bid to place RioZim under corporate rescue. The union accused the mining firm of using insolvency protections to block asset seizures while opposing rescue proceedings. RioZim denied insolvency and calls the case abusive. The Supreme Court appeal challenges the union’s legal standing and seeks a rescue order or rehearing.

Air Zimbabwe plans to acquire six aircraft over three years at a cost of $775.5 million under a five-year turnaround strategy. Backed by the Mutapa Investment Fund and Treasury, the plan targets fleet renewal, lower maintenance costs, and network expansion. The airline will add domestic, regional, and long-haul aircraft to restore routes and support tourism and connectivity under the National Development Strategy.

Zimbabwe’s government announced plans to develop a national data center and industrial technology park to support digital transformation and artificial intelligence adoption. ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera said the facility will include expanded power generation for energy-intensive computing and aligns with a national AI strategy due this month. The initiative, developed with Econet Wireless, also aims to lower business costs and strengthen Zimbabwe’s role in the regional digital economy.

Zimbabwe planted 1,885,833 hectares of maize for the 2025/2026 season, exceeding its 1.8 million-hectare target, according to ARDAS. Plantings also surpassed the previous season’s total. Several provinces exceeded their targets, with Mashonaland West recording the highest hectarage at 354,627 hectares, above its 340,000-hectare goal. Authorities reported generally good crop conditions nationwide, supported by adequate rainfall, which also improved livestock grazing and body condition across the country.

Caledonia Mining plans to spend about $132 million in 2026 to begin developing the Bilboes project, expected to become Zimbabwe’s largest gold mine. The investment forms part of a $162.5 million capital program, driven by record gold prices. Bilboes is forecast to start production in 2028 and reach 200,000 ounces annually from 2029. Recent tax and royalty policy reversals have supported the expansion.