Zimbabwe recorded single-digit annual inflation for the first time since 1997, with ZiG inflation falling to about 4% in January 2026 from 15% in December. Authorities link the slowdown to exchange rate stability, tight monetary policy, and rising foreign reserves backing the gold-backed ZiG currency. The milestone supports plans to make ZiG the sole currency by 2030, despite ongoing dollarization and sustainability risks.

Libya’s central bank sued Zimbabwe’s finance minister Mthuli Ncube and the National Oil Infrastructure Company for more than US$100 million in a UK High Court. The case involved unpaid loans linked to a 2001 fuel credit facility. Libyan Foreign Bank said Zimbabwe repaid only US$5.5 million, leaving the balance plus interest outstanding. The court ordered Zimbabwean defendants to file a defense by month end.

Zimbabwe recorded a strong export-led performance in late 2025, posting a $240.2 million trade surplus in December as shipments of gold, tobacco, and nickel increased, according to Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency. Cumulative exports rose 27% in 2025, supported by higher gold output and prices. Improved fiscal and monetary discipline, stronger reserves, and reduced food imports helped narrow the annual trade deficit and strengthen external balances.

Air Zimbabwe will resume flights to London by June 2026, ending a 14-year hiatus, Mutapa Investment Fund CEO John Mangudya said. The airline is selling two unused Boeing 777s to fund new domestic aircraft and plans to lease a wide-body plane for long-haul routes. The return of London flights will serve Zimbabwe’s diaspora, revive exports, and strengthen operations. Currently, the airline operates two Embraer ERJ-145s on domestic and regional routes.

Tensions rose in Zimbabwe’s opposition after former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa clashed with Defend the Constitution Platform leaders over how to oppose President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s proposed rule extension to 2030. Chamisa dismissed the move as a distraction and questioned the relevance of the constitution. DCP leaders rejected his view, insisting the 2013 Constitution remained valid and must be defended. Analysts warned the dispute risked weakening opposition unity at a critical time.

Zimbabwe’s High Court blocked efforts to investigate torture and killings linked to the 2008 runoff election. Heal Zimbabwe and a local resident asked the court to compel the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to probe violence in Mashonaland Central. The commission said the law barred investigations before 2009. The court ruled the case was filed incorrectly and struck it off the roll, leaving victims without legal review.

BlackRock Inc increased its stake in Caledonia Mining Corporation to 7.45%, up from 6.2%, deepening its exposure to Zimbabwe’s growing gold sector. The move strengthens Caledonia’s credibility with lenders and co-investors as it develops the Bilboes project. Listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, Caledonia operates Blanket Mine and other projects including Bilboes, Maligreen, and Motapa. The company recently raised US$125 million through convertible notes to advance its local portfolio.

State witnesses testified in Zimbabwe’s High Court that former minister Walter Mzembi lacked legal authority to personally dispose of government property, undermining charges against him. Officials told Justice Benjamin Chikowero that only accounting officers, with Finance Ministry approval, can donate state assets. The evidence relates to alleged unlawful donations of television screens. Mzembi denies wrongdoing, and the trial continues in February. Mzembi was a minister under former President Mugabe.

Zanu-PF held a ceremony at its Harare headquarters to honor long-serving party staff, with Secretary-General Jacob Mudenda thanking President Emmerson Mnangagwa for approving the event. Mudenda praised employees for their loyalty and said the party relied on their continued service. The ceremony took place as Zimbabwe faced ongoing economic strain, drawing public attention to the party’s internal focus during a national crisis.