Zimbabwe raised its 2025 economic growth forecast to 6.6% from 6%, driven by a strong tobacco harvest and higher global gold prices. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced the revised outlook at an economic conference, citing agriculture and mining as key growth drivers. The economy grew 2% last year after an El Niño-induced drought affected crops and hydropower.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa confirmed that Zimbabwe’s 2028 harmonized elections would proceed as scheduled, rejecting calls from some Zanu-PF members to postpone polls to 2030. Speaking at a Central Committee meeting in Harare, he urged the party to focus on preparing electoral strategies to secure victory. Analysts said his statement both reinforced constitutional limits and served as a signal to manage internal party divisions over term extensions.

The US House of Representatives introduced a bill to repeal the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZDERA). ZDERA imposed sanctions limiting Zimbabwe’s access to IMF and World Bank loans for 25 years. The repeal would reopen financial engagement with Zimbabwe and require compensation to white former commercial farmers under the Global Compensation Deed. The bill is under review by the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Deputy General Constantino Chiwenga publicly clashed over party succession. Rumors circulated regarding illnesses, purges, and deaths among senior security officials. Social media amplified claims that financier Kudakwashe Tagwirei plotted against former Chief of the Defence Forces Anselem Sanyatwe. Officials stated that Sanyatwe traveled abroad for medical treatment. Analysts noted factional tension and uncertainty over leadership succession within Zanu-PF.

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced that Zimbabwe has entered phase three of its de-dollarization roadmap, focusing on consolidating stability under the ZiG currency. He noted that past attempts with the Zimbabwe dollar failed, but reforms since the ZiG’s launch last year have strengthened stability. The roadmap forms part of National Development Strategy 2, supporting Vision 2030 to achieve an upper middle-income economy.

Zimbabwe launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2027–2028. President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized the country’s commitment to global peace, counter-terrorism, and African interests. Ambassador Taonga Mushayavanhu said Zimbabwe has engaged more than 70 countries to support its bid. The campaign has endorsements from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union. Zimbabwe previously held UNSC seats in 1983–1984 and 1991–1992.

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) urged the government to ease taxation on the informal sector, warning it could harm livelihoods without addressing deeper monetary problems. CZI Chief Executive Sekai Kuvarika told the Better Future 2025 Summit that raids on backyard businesses overlook the main issue, as currency instability drives citizens to hoard cash. Kuvarika noted that with 76% of GDP in the informal economy, currency reforms should come first.

Businessman Wicknell Chivayo donated luxury vehicles, ambulances, and US$100,000 in cash to Zanu-PF provincial chairpersons ahead of the party’s annual conference. The donations, totaling US$3 million, coincided with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 83rd birthday and aimed to support provincial development projects. Analysts note the gifts could influence support for extending Mnangagwa’s term under the “ED2030” agenda. Critics describe the gifts as political inducements that fuel divisions within the ruling party.

Former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa will launch a new political movement in Gutu on Sept. 27, marking his return to frontline politics. The launch will coincide with the handover of a church he built for the Zion Apostolic Church in Chiwara. Analysts say Chamisa’s grassroots support could reshape Zimbabwe’s opposition ahead of the 2028 harmonized elections. Preparations for the event are underway.