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.

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.

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.

Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, called for a 24-hour economy to boost growth by using surplus electricity at night. Speaking at the 4th Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference in Bulawayo, he urged participants to seize opportunities for higher productivity and job creation through extended operations. Ncube encouraged industries to move beyond traditional office hours and align their operations with the government’s economic transformation strategy.

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe lost US$34,500 in a cyber fraud after hackers allegedly diverted payments for its Harare Agricultural Show exhibition stand. Prosecutors reported the suspects hacked a contractor’s email, changed bank details, and received two transfers of US$17,250 each. Three people, Rubbie Chinanai, Ashel Chinanai, and Tichawanda Kevin Chinyande, appeared before the Bulawayo Regional Court facing fraud and money laundering charges. Investigations are ongoing

The Zimbabwe Cabinet approved a US$450 million plan to upgrade six older Hwange Power Station units. Jindal (Private) Limited will carry out the work under a Rehabilitate, Operate, and Transfer model. Zimbabwe Power Company and Jindal will finalize agreements before starting the four-year project. The plan will replace turbines and generators, increase energy output, and ease nationwide load shedding.

At the Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference in Bulawayo, Deputy Finance Minister David Mnangagwa urged a new approach to debt management. He stated governments should prioritize strategic, infrastructure-driven borrowing that delivers sustainable growth. Mnangagwa noted that borrowing must generate long-term returns and strengthen self-sufficiency, highlighting the challenges African economies face in the global financial system.

Air Zimbabwe faced a US$210,000 lawsuit from Jetex (Private) Limited after the airline’s Boeing 767 and 14 crew were stranded in Goma, DRC, for 17 days in May. Jetex said it covered food, hotels, crew allowances, logistics, parking fees, pilot training, and fuel costs, which were not repaid. The High Court case requested repayment with interest and legal costs.

Victoria Falls and South Africa’s Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality are finalizing a twinning agreement to boost tourism, infrastructure, and investment under the Trans-Limpopo Spatial Development Initiative. Ba-Phalaborwa Mayor Merriam Malatje visited Victoria Falls, toured key projects, and praised the city’s safety, youth programs, and cleanliness. Victoria Falls Deputy Mayor Lungile Nyoni said the partnership will let both cities share best practices and improve services. A memorandum of understanding will formalize cooperation on development and community projects.