Weekly news round-up

Monday

Zimbabwe will never be deterred in its efforts to build, modernise and industrialise, albeit under the yoke of unilateral coercive measures imposed by the West, President Mnangagwa has said. In his address at the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day commemorations held in Harare at the weekend, the President said the country was stronger in its conviction that through unity of purpose, peace, focus, hard-honest work, resilience and innovative pursuits, any obstacle, in whatever form, can be overcome.

Tuesday

At least 400 000 houses in urban areas and growth points have been earmarked for connection to the national power grid through private sector participation in electricity distribution and retail, a Cabinet minister has said. The rollout will be implemented in phases, initially targeting areas such as Eyecourt, Retreat, Caledonia and Hopely in Harare, Cowdray Park in Bulawayo, as well as Karoi, Mutare and Masvingo.

Wednesday

The economy is poised for continued growth, buoyed by a resurgent agriculture sector, expanded investment and production in mining and a robust manufacturing base, President Mnangagwa has said. He made the remarks while delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) at a joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate at Parliament building.

Thursday

Statutory Instrument (SI) 87 of 2025 does not apply to the production and sale of wheat, and therefore cannot be used to justify any increase in the price of bread, Government and major milling industry stakeholders have said. The authorities confirmed that the SI is primarily designed to protect local farmers by ensuring they have guaranteed buyers — off-takers — for their grain produce, specifically excluding wheat from its provisions.

Friday

Tertiary institutions are key to the country’s modernisation and industrialisation efforts as they provide import substitution and spur economic growth, President Mnangagwa has said. He made the remarks on Thursday after commissioning Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE)’s Industrial Park, the PALPO Technologies Production Plant, which assembles laptops, tablets and cellphones.