The International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged Zimbabwe to clarify its plan to phase out the US dollar and adopt the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) as the sole currency by 2030. The Fund noted that uncertainties around the transition and the handling of existing US dollar deposits could undermine economic stability. It recommended stronger fiscal discipline, improved monetary frameworks, and transparent communication to build public confidence and support a credible shift to a mono-currency system.

Zimbabwe plans to open its State-owned railway network to private operators under a new open access framework aimed at improving efficiency and attracting investment. Deputy Transport Minister Joshua Sacco said the government will retain track ownership while private firms run freight and passenger trains. An independent regulator will oversee access fees, safety, and compliance. The reforms, aligned with SADC’s regional infrastructure agenda, are expected to boost trade connectivity across the North-South Corridor.

Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry produced a record 354.8 million kilograms in 2025, earning growers US$1.178 billion, the highest in the nation’s history, according to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB). Farmers expanded irrigation and adopted climate-smart methods, while sustainability efforts included planting fast-growing trees for curing and fruit trees for food security. Local tobacco processing increased from 2% to 10%, supported by new investments in processing facilities.

Parliament’s Budget and Finance Committee launched public consultations for Zimbabwe’s 2026 National Budget, with citizens calling for higher spending on health, education, and social services to ease economic hardship. Participants in Bindura urged better pay for teachers and dedicated funding for mental health programs. Others proposed tax incentives to spur growth and youth employment. The consultations, held nationwide, will conclude on Oct. 10, 2025, before Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube presents the budget next month.

Zanu-PF will hold its annual conference in Mutare from October 13 to 18, focusing on Vision 2030 and economic empowerment. The party’s Information Director, Farai Marapira, said the meeting will not address President Mnangagwa’s succession, which is reserved for the 2027 congress. Analysts note ongoing factional tensions between President Mnangagwa and Vice President Chiwenga. Delegates will review progress under the Second Republic and adopt development resolutions.

The Treasury delayed US$27.5 million for cancer machines. Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare and Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo have been without equipment for three years. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora told Parliament that procurement contracts are complete, but Treasury has not paid the required deposit. Suppliers plan to install machines within 36 weeks. MPs raised concerns over rising cancer cases, diagnostic shortages, and delayed treatment despite the Sugar Tax, which is intended to fund hospital equipment.

Bikita South MP Energy Mutodi accused Finance Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga of demanding 5–10% kickbacks from contractors for Treasury payments and ignoring repeated parliamentary summonses. Mutodi claimed the scheme harmed government credibility, delayed payments, and withheld Parliament’s own funds. He urged the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate and called for a lifestyle audit of Guvamatanga.

A new political movement, the National Progressive Democrats (NPD), launched in Harare, pledging to end decades of authoritarian rule and build a “capable democratic developmental state”. Led by former police officer Togara Fambi, the party condemned corruption, poverty, and poor governance, promising economic reform, social welfare, and political freedom. Fambi urged citizens to unite for the 2028 elections, declaring that only organized citizens can bring lasting change to Zimbabwe’s leadership.

Unifreight Africa reported a 231% year-on-year revenue increase to ZWG 545.5 million for the half-year ended June 30, 2025, driven by cross-border operations and growth in Beira Corridor trade. Profit before tax rose 154% to ZWG 51.6 million, supported by a ZWG 150.7 million tax credit. Higher costs, narrowed margins, with EBITDA declining to 18.5%. Management credited regional expansion for the gains but highlighted inflation, high interest rates, and liquidity pressures as ongoing challenges.