Zimbabwe launched a new online Tax and Revenue Management System (TaRMS), developed under a $10.4 million project co-funded by the African Development Bank. Deputy Finance Minister Kudakwashe David Mnangagwa unveiled the system in Harare. It aims to improve domestic resource mobilization, expand the tax base, and increase efficiency. ZIMRA reported a 238% rise in revenue from new taxpayers in 2024, the first full year after the system’s rollout.

Zanu-PF’s internal succession battles raised concerns about Zimbabwe’s stability. Reports said President Emmerson Mnangagwa seeks to extend his rule beyond constitutional limits, sparking a rift with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. Allegations of corruption, purges, and shifting alliances have intensified the conflict. Analysts and civil society groups warned that prolonged infighting could stall economic growth, disrupt social life, and risk a return to crises seen in 2008 and 2017.

The treasury announced broad spending cuts to reduce the budget deficit. Finance Secretary George Guvamatanga froze new recruitment except for essential posts, cut fuel allocations by 25%, suspended hotel-based workshops, and tightened controls on foreign travel. Ministries must obtain Treasury approval for contracts over US$2 million. Purchases of vehicles and equipment are postponed to 2026, while only high-impact projects will receive funding. The measures aim to restore fiscal stability.

President Mnangagwa cancelled his UNGA trip, citing security concerns linked to Zanu-PF succession disputes. Security sources reported that the CIO warned leaving Zimbabwe could expose allies to arrest. The rift with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga widened after an anti-corruption dossier targeting Mnangagwa’s camp was released. Mnangagwa demoted Obert Mpofu and appointed Jacob Mudenda as secretary-general. Officials stated the changes followed internal party developments.

Kavango Resources reported high-grade gold at its Bill’s Luck Gold Mine in southern Zimbabwe, part of the Hillside Project. Drilling showed 8.05 meters of rock containing 8.09 grams of gold per tonne at a depth of 158.62 meters, with other samples confirming gold presence down to at least 160 meters. CEO Ben Turney said the results exceeded expectations and support plans to expand operations with a fourth shaft level, reinforcing the mine’s long-term potential.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa reshuffled Zanu-PF leadership, moving secretary-general Obert Mpofu to a new role and naming Parliament Speaker Jacob Mudenda as his replacement. Mpofu rejected the change and continued signing documents under his old title. Advocate Thabani Mpofu said the reshuffle violated party rules, which prevent the president from reassigning politburo members outside a congress. Officials warned the dispute could disrupt party operations ahead of the October 13–18 conference.

Zimbabwe’s foreign currency reserves reached US$900 million, supported by US$2.2 billion in inflows that raised total reserves to US$10.4 billion by August, up from US$8.2 billion a year earlier. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe said gold and tobacco exports drove the increase, contributing to a projected current account surplus of US$1.3 billion. The Monetary Policy Committee credited money supply management for exchange rate stability and kept policy rates unchanged, forecasting ZiG inflation near 20% by year-end.

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart said Zimbabwe’s devolution framework is affecting local authorities and service delivery. At a National Residents’ Summit, he said ZINARA diverted funds, limiting councils’ road repair budgets. He highlighted the state takeover of Bulawayo’s water systems by ZINWA and questioned the purchase of Belarusian fire engines. Coltart called for urgent investment in dams and infrastructure to address water supply challenges, including a 130-hour water shedding schedule.