Zimbabwean farmers are making steady progress in preparations for the 2026/27 summer cropping season, with nearly 9.5 million Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots already established as authorities intensify efforts to protect food production from the potential effects of an El Niño-induced dry spell.
Data from the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) indicates that 9 477 090 plots had been prepared by the end of the latest reporting period, representing 59 percent of the national target of 16 million plots. More than 3.7 million farmers have participated in the programme, underscoring the growing importance of climate-smart agriculture in the country’s farming systems.
The rollout of agricultural inputs is also gathering pace. Deliveries of maize seed under the Presidential Inputs Programme have exceeded planned targets, providing farmers with critical support ahead of planting and helping to ensure timely crop establishment.
Pfumvudza/Intwasa remains central to Government efforts to strengthen resilience against climate shocks. The conservation agriculture model promotes efficient use of soil moisture, improved fertility management and sustainable production practices aimed at maintaining yields under challenging weather conditions.
Farmers have so far prepared over 592 000 hectares under conventional Pfumvudza/Intwasa techniques, while mechanised conservation agriculture has contributed a further 163 000 hectares. Combined, the area prepared now approaches 756 000 hectares nationwide.
Several provinces are recording notable progress. Masvingo and Mashonaland West are leading the programme, while Mashonaland Central, Matabeleland North and Manicaland have each surpassed the one-million-plot threshold.
Beyond land preparation, efforts are underway to improve soil health and water retention. Thousands of farmers have collected mulch and applied agricultural lime as part of broader initiatives to boost soil productivity. Authorities continue to encourage the use of organic manure, compost, minimum tillage and efficient fertiliser application to support sustainable production.
Irrigation development is also receiving increased attention as part of broader drought preparedness measures. More than 14 000 hectares of irrigated maize have already been planted, with Masvingo emerging as one of the strongest-performing provinces. Expanding irrigation capacity is expected to reduce the sector’s vulnerability to erratic rainfall patterns and strengthen cereal production prospects.
Meanwhile, agricultural extension services are scaling up farmer support through training programmes, field demonstrations and advisory visits. These interventions are helping farmers adopt best practices and respond more effectively to changing climatic conditions.
With the planting season approaching, Government and farmers are working together to strengthen preparedness, improve productivity and safeguard national food security in the face of increasing climate uncertainty.
The refinery represents a major milestone in Zambia’s efforts to diversify its economy and reduce its long-standing dependence on copper exports. Although the country remains one of Africa’s leading copper producers, policymakers are increasingly looking to gold as a strategic resource capable of broadening export earnings and strengthening economic resilience.
At present, Zambia produces around 3.5 tonnes of gold annually, but authorities believe production could rise substantially if small-scale miners are integrated into formal markets and supported through improved infrastructure and investment. The new refinery is expected to provide a reliable outlet for gold produced by artisanal and small-scale miners, many of whom have traditionally operated outside formal trading systems.
By refining gold domestically, Zambia aims to retain more value within the country rather than exporting raw minerals for processing abroad. The move is also expected to improve transparency in gold trading, curb illicit mineral flows, and increase government revenues from the sector.
The refinery’s commissioning comes at a time when many African economies are pursuing value-addition strategies to maximize returns from their natural resources. Rather than relying solely on the export of unprocessed commodities, governments across the continent are investing in local processing facilities that create jobs, attract investment, and stimulate industrial growth.
For Zambia, the initiative could mark the beginning of a broader transformation in the mining sector. Rising international gold prices and growing global demand have created favourable conditions for expansion, offering the country an opportunity to turn gold into a meaningful contributor to export earnings.
Economic analysts view the refinery as a key piece of infrastructure that could encourage exploration, increase formal gold deliveries, and support the growth of ancillary industries linked to mining. With copper accounting for roughly 70 percent of export revenues, the development also aligns with Zambia’s broader objective of building a more diversified and sustainable economy.
If supported by effective regulation, access to finance, and continued investment in small-scale mining, the refinery could help Zambia unlock the full potential of its gold resources. More importantly, it signals a shift from simply extracting minerals to creating value at home, a strategy increasingly seen as essential for long-term economic development.
As Zambia seeks new drivers of growth, the country’s first gold refinery may prove to be more than just a processing plant. It could become the foundation of a growing gold industry capable of complementing copper and strengthening the nation’s position in regional and global mineral markets.
Zimbabwe has assumed a prominent leadership role in regional economic affairs after President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa was handed the Chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) at the 25th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Mt Hampden.
The chairmanship was officially transferred by Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, who led the regional bloc over the past year. His tenure was marked by efforts to advance digitalisation, strengthen regional value chains and deepen economic cooperation among COMESA member states.
For Zimbabwe, the handover represents more than a ceremonial transition. It places the country at the forefront of shaping the economic agenda of one of Africa’s largest regional trading blocs at a time when the continent is accelerating efforts to promote industrialisation, intra-African trade and investment-led growth.
As Chair of COMESA for the 2026-2027 period, President Mnangagwa will steer the organisation under the theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA.”
The theme reflects growing recognition that regional integration must move beyond trade liberalisation to include industrial development, value addition, infrastructure connectivity and investment promotion. It also speaks to the need for inclusive growth that creates opportunities for businesses, farmers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs across member states.
Zimbabwe’s leadership comes as regional economies seek to build resilience against global economic uncertainties by expanding intra-regional trade and strengthening production networks. Greater cooperation in manufacturing, agriculture, mining and services is expected to play a key role in unlocking the region’s economic potential.
The chairmanship also offers Zimbabwe an opportunity to showcase its vision for value addition, beneficiation and industrial transformation. These priorities have consistently featured in the country’s economic policy framework and are closely aligned with COMESA’s broader objective of creating competitive regional value chains.
Business leaders and policymakers will be looking to the new Chair to champion initiatives that reduce barriers to trade, attract investment, improve infrastructure links and enhance the movement of goods, services and capital across borders.
As Zimbabwe takes up the mantle of leadership, expectations are high that its tenure will help strengthen regional integration and accelerate economic transformation throughout Eastern and Southern Africa. The challenge now is to translate the vision of “One Market, One Future” into practical outcomes that deliver growth, jobs and shared prosperity for the millions of people who call the COMESA region home.
Rice connects farmers, millers, traders, transporters and consumers across West Africa. New efforts to strengthen regional business links are drawing attention to the importance of processing capacity, reliable supply, quality standards and cross-border trade in developing a more competitive rice industry.
Rice Is More Than a Staple Food
Rice is a key food commodity across many African markets, generating business opportunities throughout the value chain from seed suppliers and farmers to millers, wholesalers, retailers, and food-service businesses. For agribusinesses, opportunities extend beyond paddy production to milling, grading, storage, packaging, transportation, and supplying consistent products to local and regional buyers. However, agricultural production alone does not guarantee a competitive domestic industry. Farmers may struggle to access suitable inputs, millers may face inconsistent supplies, and traders may encounter high transport costs or difficulty meeting buyer specifications. These challenges raise operating costs and hinder local rice’s ability to compete. Strengthening the rice value chain therefore requires coordination across multiple businesses, not just a focus on production.
West African Businesses Explore Stronger Commercial Connections
On 28–29 September 2026, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) convened business support organisations and SMEs for a Rice Value Chain Activation Programme focused on West Africa. The initiative aimed to encourage commercial partnerships, strengthen regional value chains, and support intra-African rice trade. According to UNECA, more than 150 SMEs in the rice sector participated in consultations.
Discussions highlighted constraints relevant to many agricultural businesses, including limited access to finance, weak market connections, inadequate processing capacity, and obstacles to cross-border trade. This focus on business linkages is significant because regional trade depends on more than produce availability. Buyers need suppliers who can deliver agreed volumes, meet quality requirements, and provide goods on time. Sellers need dependable payment arrangements, clear market information, and practical routes to reach customers beyond their immediate communities. Stronger connections between these groups can help businesses identify opportunities difficult to pursue independently.
Why Processing and Quality Matter
Rice milling is a key stage in determining the marketability of the final product. Equipment, handling methods, grain condition, and milling practices influence the proportion of whole grains, product appearance, and consistency. Buyers may also require specific packaging sizes, labelling, and food-safety standards. For millers, investment decisions should be guided by local supply and market demand assessing whether enough paddy rice can be secured to use equipment efficiently, whether customers will pay for the resulting product, and how it will compete with established brands.
Storage is equally important. Poorly managed storage can expose grain to moisture, pests, and contamination, reducing quality and financial returns. Better drying, handling, and storage practices help businesses protect produce between harvest and sale. Farmers can contribute by harvesting at the appropriate stage, drying grain correctly, and following buyers’ quality requirements. Clear communication between producers and millers can reduce disputes over grading and rejected deliveries.
Regional Trade Requires More Than a Market Agreement
Cross-border rice trade can offer access to a larger customer base, but expansion into neighbouring countries requires careful planning. Traders need to understand applicable customs procedures, product standards, transport arrangements, taxes, and any restrictions affecting agricultural goods. Market information is another essential factor. Businesses must compare selling prices with the full cost of delivering a product to its destination, including transport, handling, storage, financing, and border-related expenses. A market that appears attractive based on selling price may not be profitable once these costs are included.
Business associations, chambers of commerce, farmer organisations, and trade-support institutions can help companies understand requirements and identify potential commercial partners. Digital platforms can also support communication between suppliers and buyers, though personal verification and clear written agreements remain important.
Opportunities for Farmers, Millers, and Young Entrepreneurs
A stronger rice industry can create opportunities for businesses of different sizes. Farmers may access more organised buyers, while aggregators can earn income by collecting and supplying grain in commercial quantities. Millers can develop differentiated products, and entrepreneurs can offer transport, warehousing, packaging, equipment maintenance, and other services. Young people can participate without necessarily owning large farms depending on local demand, opportunities may exist in grain trading, digital market information, quality assessment, machinery services, and distribution. However, these opportunities depend on commercially sound operations, including transparent pricing, responsible financial management, and sufficient working capital. Small suppliers also need protection against unclear contract terms and delayed payments.
Building a More Connected African Rice Economy
The UNECA initiative underlines the importance of connecting agricultural businesses with the markets and services they need to grow. For West Africa, stronger regional rice value chains could support more commercial activity between farmers, processors, and buyers, provided practical barriers are addressed. The opportunity extends beyond rice similar approaches can support other regional agricultural industries where production, processing, and trade remain disconnected. For agribusiness leaders, the challenge is to turn discussions into dependable commercial relationships by investing in quality, understanding market requirements, and creating supply chains that work for producers and buyers alike .
Zimbabwe has stepped up preparations for the 2026/27 farming season after Cabinet approved an updated Summer Plan that integrates a drought mitigation strategy in response to forecasts of a super El Niño and ongoing global supply chain disruptions.
The plan comes as authorities seek to avoid a repeat of the devastating drought that affected agricultural production and livelihoods in recent years. Government has identified six priority areas, including strengthening the Strategic Grain Reserve, promoting climate-smart agriculture, improving financing, protecting livestock, enhancing imports and strengthening early warning systems.
Although cereal production is projected at 1.6 million tonnes, national requirements are estimated at 2.27 million tonnes, leaving a shortfall that will be covered through strategic grain purchases and imports. To boost food security, Government aims to build a 600 000-tonne Strategic Grain Reserve by October 2027, supported by newly introduced AI-powered grain storage facilities.
The Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme remains a cornerstone of the country’s climate resilience efforts. More than 7.6 million plots have already been established, representing nearly half of the 16 million plots targeted for the season.
Government is also accelerating irrigation development, with over 112 000 hectares identified for maize production under irrigation as part of efforts to reduce dependence on rainfall.
To ensure adequate supplies of key farming inputs, duty-free importation of fertilisers will be permitted amid concerns over rising prices and possible shortages. The extension of duty-free imports for basic commodities is also expected to cushion households from inflationary pressures.
In the livestock sector, authorities estimate that more than two million cattle could be affected by drought conditions in 2027. As a result, the expansion of Ward Drought Mitigation Centres will continue across rural communities, providing feeding, dipping and marketing services while promoting more drought-resilient enterprises such as goat production, poultry and fisheries.
The latest strategy reflects a growing focus on building resilience in agriculture and safeguarding national food security against climate risks and global economic uncertainties.
“Africa is losing billions of dollars in potential revenue by exporting raw hides and skins instead of processing them into finished leather products” Africa Economic Development Strategies (AEDS) Director General, Professor Gift Mugano.
Addressing stakeholders in the leather sector, at the 19th COMESA Business Forum and Exhibition at the Harare International Conference Centre ,Prof. Mugano noted that the real value lies in manufacturing, not raw material exports. He explained that a salted hide worth as little as US$5 to US$10 can generate around US$110 once processed into finished leather, highlighting the vast opportunities in value addition and beneficiation.
Despite controlling about 11 percent of the world’s cattle population, Africa continues to export raw leather while importing large volumes of finished products. The continent exports roughly US$169 million worth of leather products annually but imports around US$1.1 billion worth of finished leather goods, a trade imbalance that Prof. Mugano said amounts to exporting jobs and industrial opportunities.
He also called for greater adoption of circular economy principles, arguing that leather waste such as trimmings, off-cuts and wastewater can be transformed into valuable products. According to estimates cited by Prof. Mugano, the circular economy could unlock up to US$546 billion in economic value across Africa while creating millions of jobs.
Prof. Mugano identified limited financing, weak processing capacity and inadequate standards infrastructure as some of the major challenges holding back the sector. He urged governments, development finance institutions and pension funds to channel more long-term capital into leather processing and manufacturing industries.
To drive growth, he recommended discouraging raw leather exports, establishing dedicated industrial financing facilities, developing leather industry clusters and leveraging public procurement to support local manufacturers.
” Africa must stop exporting jobs and start exporting finished products,” he said, emphasizing that industrialisation and value addition remain critical for sustainable economic growth and job creation across the continent.
Zimbabwe’s capital is hosting a series of business activities ahead of the 25th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State and Government Summit, with trade, investment and industrial development expected to feature prominently.
The Green Industry Connect and a three-day Multi-Sectoral International Exhibition begin in Harare today, bringing business and investment activities into focus ahead of Thursday’s summit, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to assume the COMESA chairmanship.
The events provide an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products, engage potential investors and explore new markets across the regional bloc.
The Green Industry Connect is expected to highlight opportunities in sustainable industrial development, including environmentally friendly production methods and technologies that can improve efficiency while reducing environmental damage.
The international exhibition, meanwhile, will bring together companies from different sectors to display their products and services, exchange ideas and establish business contacts. For local companies, the platform offers an opportunity to attract investment and build partnerships that could support expansion into regional markets.
The business engagements come as Zimbabwe and other regional economies seek to increase intra-African trade and strengthen local industries. Greater cooperation among COMESA members could help businesses reach more customers, improve supply chains and reduce reliance on imports from outside the region.
However, businesses continue to face challenges such as high transport costs, border delays, limited access to finance and regulatory differences. Addressing these barriers will be important if regional trade initiatives are to deliver tangible benefits for companies and consumers.
Zimbabwe’s expected assumption of the COMESA chairmanship could provide an opportunity to push for stronger trade cooperation, industrial growth and investment across member states.
The focus will be on turning discussions and business contacts into practical outcomes, including new commercial partnerships, expanded market access and investment in productive sectors.
As the summit approaches, the exhibitions and related engagements are expected to set the stage for discussions on how regional cooperation can translate into stronger business activity and sustainable economic growth.
Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to maintain solid economic growth over the next two years, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projecting regional real GDP growth of 4.5 percent in both 2026 and 2027. The outlook reflects the growing resilience of African economies as reforms, investment and improving macroeconomic management continue to support expansion despite a challenging global environment.
The IMF forecasts that some of the region’s strongest growth will come from East Africa and emerging frontier markets. South Sudan is projected to lead the continent with economic growth of 10.5 percent in 2026, followed by Ethiopia at 9.2 percent and Rwanda at 7.4 percent. These economies continue to benefit from investment in infrastructure, agriculture and industrial development, helping to position them among Africa’s fastest-growing nations.
Ghana has also emerged as one of the region’s notable success stories. The IMF revised the country’s 2026 growth forecast upward to 5.7 percent, reflecting stronger-than-expected economic performance and progress in implementing fiscal and structural reforms. IMF officials have highlighted Ghana’s policy adjustments as an example of how economic reforms can restore stability, strengthen investor confidence and create conditions for sustained growth.
Commodity exporters continue to enjoy a stronger growth trajectory than many import-dependent economies. Higher earnings from oil, minerals and other exports have improved foreign currency inflows and helped support economic activity in several resource-rich countries. Improved export revenues have also strengthened external balances and provided governments with greater room to finance development priorities.
However, the region’s growth outlook is not without challenges.
Inflationary pressures remain a concern across many African economies. The IMF expects median inflation in Sub-Saharan Africa to rise to around 5 percent by 2027, driven by persistent food price pressures, currency fluctuations and uncertainty in global energy markets. While inflation levels remain below the peaks experienced in recent years, rising prices continue to affect household purchasing power and business operating costs.
Fiscal pressures are also becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Interest payments on public debt now consume an estimated 12 percent of government revenues across the region, limiting the resources available for critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare and education. For many governments, managing debt obligations while sustaining economic growth has become a delicate balancing act.
External risks further complicate the outlook. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, volatility in energy markets and uncertainty surrounding global trade conditions could disrupt growth prospects. Sharp movements in oil prices, in particular, have the potential to affect inflation, trade balances and economic stability across both exporting and importing economies.
Meanwhile, South Africa, the continent’s most industrialised economy, continues to face subdued growth prospects. The IMF projects growth of just 1.0 percent, reflecting persistent structural constraints, energy supply challenges and weak investment levels. The country’s sluggish performance highlights the uneven nature of economic recovery across the region.
Despite these challenges, the overall picture remains encouraging. Many African economies are demonstrating greater resilience than in previous decades, supported by reforms aimed at improving fiscal discipline, strengthening institutions and enhancing productivity. Countries that continue to diversify their economies, attract investment and maintain macroeconomic stability are likely to remain at the forefront of the continent’s growth story.
As global economic uncertainty persists, the IMF’s projections suggest that Sub-Saharan Africa remains on a positive trajectory, with reform-minded economies increasingly emerging as engines of growth. The coming years will test the region’s ability to translate economic expansion into broader development gains, job creation and improved living standards, but the foundations for sustained progress appear to be strengthening.
Zimbabwean farmers have received a welcome boost after the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) settled the outstanding United States dollar component for summer crop deliveries made up to 12 October 2026.
The payments were made possible through a US$10 million Treasury disbursement, allowing the GMB to clear all outstanding foreign currency obligations owed to farmers. The development comes at a crucial time as producers prepare for the 2026/27 summer cropping season and require capital for inputs, land preparation and other farming activities.
GMB Chief Executive Officer Dr E. Badarai said total payments for grain delivered during 2026 have now reached US$49 million and ZiG388 million. Included in these figures is ZiG120 million that was paid to farmers during the past week.
The clearance of the forex component is expected to strengthen confidence among producers and improve cash flows across the agricultural sector. Timely payments have long been viewed as a key incentive for farmers to market their produce through formal channels and invest in future production.
At the same time, payments for wheat deliveries have begun, ensuring farmers growing the strategic winter crop receive compensation as grain deliveries continue. Wheat remains central to Zimbabwe’s food security strategy, with authorities seeking to sustain gains in local production and reduce dependence on imports.
The latest disbursements underline Government’s efforts to support agricultural productivity while maintaining momentum towards national food security objectives. For thousands of farmers across the country, the settlement of outstanding payments provides both financial relief and confidence as preparations gather pace for another production season.
Namibia’s livestock sector is facing a fresh setback after a cattle disease outbreak triggered the suspension of several meat imports by the European Union, raising concerns about the country’s export prospects and agricultural earnings.
The restrictions come at a critical time for Namibia’s beef industry, one of the country’s most important agricultural export sectors and a key source of income for thousands of farmers. Access to the European market has long provided Namibian producers with premium prices and valuable foreign currency earnings.
Authorities have moved to contain the outbreak through tighter animal movement controls, enhanced disease surveillance, and strengthened biosecurity measures. The government is also working closely with industry players and trading partners to prevent further disruptions to international trade.
The EU’s decision is expected to place additional strain on producers and meat processors, particularly those dependent on export markets. Any prolonged suspension could weigh on export revenues and affect confidence across the livestock value chain.
Despite the setback, industry stakeholders remain optimistic that swift containment efforts and compliance with international animal health standards will help restore market access. The speed at which the outbreak is brought under control is likely to determine how quickly Namibia can regain full access to one of its most valuable export destinations.
For now, the focus remains on safeguarding animal health, protecting the country’s livestock assets, and preserving the reputation that has helped Namibian beef gain recognition in international markets.
