Monday
Trade between Zimbabwe and China has risen from US$1,8 billion in 2021 to US$4,4 billion in 2025, with Harare recording a trade surplus anchored in exports of minerals, particularly lithium concentrate, to Beijing. Figures released by China’s Ministry of Commerce indicate that Zimbabwe — Africa’s biggest lithium producer — is now the world’s second-largest exporter of spodumene (lithium concentrate) to China after Australia.
Tuesday
The splitting of the former Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion into two separate ministries will sharpen the Second Republic’s focus on robust macro-economic management while accelerating investment and industrial growth, President Mnangagwa has said. Finance will now operate as a standalone ministry headed by Professor Mthuli Ncube, with the Ministry of Economic Development and Investment Promotion also functioning independently.
Wednesday
Zimbabwe will leverage the forthcoming chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa to push for the removal of trade barriers and faster visa liberalisation, in a move aimed at opening up a regional market of over 640 million people to local businesses and tourism operators. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira said the country would use its one-year chairmanship, which begins on October 22, when Zimbabwe hosts the 25th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government, to advance regional integration and create opportunities for economic growth.
Thursday
The Government is building a US$500 million El Niño protection fund, comprising US$250 million in cash and US$250 million worth of grain reserves, as Zimbabwe steps up preparations for a potentially severe drought in the 2026/2027 agricultural season. The fund is expected to provide a financial and food security buffer against the anticipated impact of the adverse weather phenomenon, with the Government prioritising the purchase of maize and other grains from local farmers to strengthen strategic reserves and support domestic agricultural production.
Friday
President Mnangagwa will today officially open the 23rd ZANU PF National People’s Conference in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West province, where the party is set to chart an aggressive course to translate policy resolutions into tangible results. The high-stakes gathering runs until tomorrow at the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT). It comes as the party seeks to consolidate economic development and deepen local empowerment in pursuit of Vision 2030.
