Zimbabwe’s Mutapa Investment Fund reported asset growth and an operating surplus in its 2024 annual report as it restructures state-owned enterprises to improve governance, transparency and investor confidence. Portfolio value rose 22%, driven by mining and energy holdings, alongside tighter risk controls and new reporting frameworks. Authorities say reforms have enhanced fiscal oversight, though analysts note ongoing governance and liquidity risks as the fund expands infrastructure and energy investments.

South African developer McCormick will expand into Zimbabwe with the US$100 million Mall of Zimbabwe. The major retail project is planned for Borrowdale, Harare. Led by WestProp Holdings, the development will offer about 90 000 square meters of rentable space and host over 150 brands. Construction is expected to start this year. The mall is forecasted to create thousands of jobs and support Zimbabwe’s ongoing retail and infrastructure regeneration.

Zimbabwe implemented a new gambling tax regime from January 1, requiring operators to withhold 25% of players’ winnings and pay a 20% levy on gross takings. The measures significantly increase taxes on both bettors and firms, with strict monthly filing and payment deadlines enforced by ZIMRA. Authorities said the reforms aim to boost revenue from a fast-growing gambling sector, alongside the rollout of a new withholding tax on digital services.

Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector expanded sharply in the 2025/26 season, with planted area rising 21.7% to 113,536 hectares, driven by increased irrigation despite fewer registered farmers. Contract farming dominated production, though self-funded growers offered renewed support for auctions. As output targets rose to 360 million kilograms after record earnings above $1 billion the previous season, authorities urged farmers to follow strict harvesting and curing practices to protect quality and returns.

Zimbabwe’s Agricultural Marketing Authority and Africa Economic Development Strategies hosted a high-level meeting on January 15 to address the country’s $2 billion annual food import bill. The talks focused on localizing grain and oilseed value chains amid global supply disruptions. Officials cited food import dependence as a security risk, highlighting new local wheat varieties, strong harvests, and import restrictions under SI 87 of 2025 to boost domestic production.

Zimbabwe delivered humanitarian aid to Malawi to assist families displaced by recent flash floods that affected more than 32,000 people. The consignment was handed over in Harare by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, with officials citing regional solidarity and Pan-African principles. Zimbabwe said the support reflects long-standing ties between the two countries. Malawi’s envoy welcomed the assistance, noting climate-related disasters and economic pressures facing affected communities.

A former Zimbabwe National Army officer now serving in the US military alleged that the army played a key role in manipulating Zimbabwe’s 2018 and 2023 presidential elections. Kelvin Muchineripi claimed military personnel interfered with voter roll data and said opposition leader Nelson Chamisa won both polls. The government, the electoral commission and the army denied rigging allegations, but the claims are likely to renew scrutiny of electoral integrity and civil–military relations.

The Mthwakazi Republic Party announced support for Somaliland’s independence and international recognition, linking the stance to its own campaign for restoring the Mthwakazi state in Zimbabwe. Party leader Mqondisi Moyo praised Somaliland’s governance record and welcomed Israel’s recognition of the territory. He also endorsed closer Africa–Israel ties, criticized South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel, and framed the positions as part of a broader political vision centered on legitimacy, governance and self-determination.