The upcoming 25th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit presents an opportunity for the regional bloc to move beyond trade agreements and political declarations towards deeper economic integration, industrialisation, investment and expanded intra-regional trade. Scheduled for October 22 this year at Mt Hampden, outside Harare, the summit is expected to place productive integration at the centre of the regional agenda with a particular focus on building industries, strengthening regional value chains and creating an economic environment in which member states can produce more of the goods they consume. The gathering comes at a critical time for COMESA, which has established an extensive framework of trade facilitation instruments and regional institutions but continues to grapple with relatively low levels of trade among its members compared with the bloc’s overall trade with the rest of the world. Under the theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA”, the Harare summit is expected to push for a more practical approach to integration, linking policy commitments to investment projects, manufacturing capacity and opportunities for businesses across the region. The summit will also mark Zimbabwe’s return to hosting the regional bloc’s highest-level meeting after 17 years. The country’s previous hosting of the summit was in Victoria Falls in June 2009 when the 13th COMESA Summit was held. This year’s meeting is expected to provide both a diplomatic milestone for Zimbabwe and an opportunity to advance the bloc’s economic transformation agenda. The official programme places considerable emphasis on implementation with industrialisation, regional value chains, critical minerals, agriculture and manufacturing expected to feature prominently in discussions. A major outcome will be the launch of COMESA’s 2026-2030 Medium-Term Strategic Plan, which is expected to provide a framework for advancing the bloc’s development priorities over the next five years. The emphasis on implementation follows growing concern over the region’s continued dependence on primary commodity exports and its limited manufacturing base. Assistant COMESA secretary general for administration and finance Dev Haman said the Industry Ministerial Declaration of September 8 this year highlighted these structural weaknesses and the need for a more coordinated response. He said the Harare summit was expected to advance a delivery framework built around corridor-based projects, supplier-development programmes, and common standards to strengthen industrial capacity and facilitate cross-border trade. Such measures could help member states move up regional and global value chains by processing more of their raw materials, expanding local manufacturing and creating stronger links between producers, suppliers and markets. The underlying challenge is that opening markets does not automatically translate into higher levels of production. For regional integration to generate meaningful economic benefits businesses must have the capacity to supply those markets competitively. The summit’s industrialisation
focus is intended to shift the conversation from market access alone towards building the productive capacity needed to make regional trade more balanced and sustainable .
GREEN economy minister Gilbert Siame is in Rome, Italy for the Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum.
According to Precious Mulenga, the First Secretary – Press and Public Relations at Zambian Embassy in Rome, Lusaka is open for sustainable agrifood investment.
The statement was jointly issued by Mulenga and Ministry of Green Economy and Environment principal public relations officer Harriet Malambo Chimuka.
The duo said Zambia had continued to make positive strides in promoting agricultural trade and investment aimed at economic transformation and improving the living standards of its citizens.
“To intensify this path, Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon. Dr Gilbert Siame has arrived in Rome with a delegation to attend the 2026 FAO Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum being held from 13th to 16th October 2026 at FAO Headquarters in Rome under the theme: ‘Accelerating Agrifood Systems Transformation through Investment and Partnership for the Sustainable Development Goals’,” reads the statement in part.
The Hand-in-Hand Initiative is FAO’s flagship programme that supports investment in high-potential agrifood territories to accelerate transformation and eradicate poverty and hunger.
The duo said Zambia’s participation is anchored on the Grow Zambia Agenda, “President Hakainde Hichilema’s flagship strategy to turn agriculture into a business and main driver of economic growth, jobs and food security, moving the country from a net importer to a net exporter”.
“Following a data-driven analysis supported by FAO, Zambia will present bankable investment plans in four priority value chains [of] soybeans, honey, beef and common beans. These value chains were selected for their potential to increase smallholder incomes and youth employment, enhance value addition and agro-processing, strengthen export earnings and promote climate resilience,” explained the duo. “The plans offer opportunities across production, aggregation, processing, cold-chain logistics, certification and market access.
While in Rome, the delegation will also explore partnerships through thematic sessions on unlocking finance for resilient coffee value chains and artificial intelligence for bridging investment gaps in agrifood systems. Zambia is open for sustainable agrifood investment.”
Source : The Magnet
Africa’s path to prosperity lies not just in its abundant natural resources, but in its ability to transform them into higher-value products, industries and jobs.
Rich in resources, poor in value capture
Africa’s persistent poverty presents a striking economic contradiction. The continent possesses vast mineral deposits, energy resources and fertile agricultural land, yet much of its economic potential remains unrealised. The problem is not simply a shortage of resources, but the failure to transform them into higher-value products, competitive industries and sustainable employment.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, Africa holds substantial shares of global mineral, oil and natural gas reserves. The Africa Finance Corporation’s Compendium of Africa’s Strategic Minerals 2026 estimates the continent’s mineral wealth at approximately US$29.5 trillion. Yet much of this wealth leaves Africa in raw form, only to return as finished products at considerably higher prices.
The same challenge exists in agriculture. African countries export unprocessed crops while importing cooking oils, processed foods, animal feeds and other products manufactured from similar commodities. This results in lost industrial opportunities, employment and income.
The central question is therefore not whether Africa has enough resources to prosper, but whether it can capture more value from what it produces.
Value addition: Breaking free from the commodity trap
Value addition involves more than processing raw materials. It includes any activity that differentiates a product and increases the value consumers are willing to pay for it. In agriculture, this may mean processing maize into breakfast cereals, soybeans into cooking oil and animal feed, or sunflower seed into refined oil. Improved packaging, branding, certification and direct marketing can also enhance value.
Under a commodity-based model, farmers primarily compete on price and production costs. Their profitability depends on productivity, input prices and prevailing market conditions. When production costs rise while commodity prices stagnate, profit margins come under pressure.
Value addition offers an alternative by allowing producers to capture a greater share of the final product’s value. Smallholder farmers can participate through cooperatives, collective processing facilities and partnerships with established manufacturers, without necessarily investing in large factories individually.
However, processing is not automatically profitable. Capital, electricity, logistics, technical skills and market access all affect commercial viability. The price premium must justify the additional costs.
The consumer determines value
A fundamental principle of value addition is that value is determined by the consumer, not the producer. A product may be locally manufactured, but consumers will only pay more if they perceive meaningful benefits.
These benefits can include quality, convenience, nutritional value, reliable supply, attractive packaging and traceability. Locally produced goods may also appeal to consumers who wish to support domestic businesses, provided quality and pricing remain competitive.
For African businesses, branding and marketing are therefore economic necessities rather than optional extras. Products must offer compelling reasons for consumers to choose them over imported alternatives.
Innovation is equally important. Competitors can replicate products and packaging, making continuous improvements essential. Successful enterprises must understand changing consumer preferences and develop products that respond to actual market demand.
Following demand to unlock opportunities
Changing consumer behaviour creates opportunities for agricultural value addition. Health-conscious consumers may seek nutritious grain blends, fortified foods and protein-rich products. Urbanisation and increasingly demanding work schedules can stimulate demand for convenient foods, including packaged legumes, ready-to-cook cereals and prepared grain products.
There are also opportunities in premium and specialised products. Traditional African grains, indigenous foods, distinctive fruit products and specialty oils can be developed for consumers seeking particular tastes, cultural connections or differentiated products.
Local identity can provide a competitive advantage, but it must be supported by consistent quality, reliable supply and appropriate packaging.
The broader lesson is that agricultural innovation should not focus exclusively on producing more at lower cost. It must also identify unmet demand and develop products that consumers are willing to purchase at prices that sustain profitable businesses.
Turning agricultural production into industrial growth
The benefits of value addition extend beyond individual farmers. Domestic processing creates opportunities in manufacturing, transport, packaging, storage, marketing and distribution. It also strengthens links between agriculture and industry.
A soybean-processing plant, for example, creates demand for farmers’ produce while supplying cooking oil to households and oilcake to livestock producers. Such linkages can reinforce domestic supply chains and reduce dependence on imported finished goods.
For Zimbabwe, locally grown maize, wheat, soybeans, sunflower and other crops offer opportunities to expand domestic processing. Realising this potential requires predictable supply contracts, accessible finance, reliable infrastructure and transparent pricing arrangements.
Investments in irrigation, electricity, roads, storage, and research and skills development can reduce production costs and improve competitiveness. Import substitution should nevertheless be strategic: domestic production must become commercially sustainable rather than depend indefinitely on protection from competition.
Financing the transition
Access to affordable finance remains a major obstacle. Farmers need seasonal funding for inputs and production, while processors require longer-term capital for machinery, storage and working capital.
Banks, development finance institutions and private investors can support agricultural value chains through supply contracts, equipment leasing, credit guarantees and partnerships between producers and processors. Governments can complement these efforts by improving infrastructure, ensuring predictable regulations and strengthening agricultural research and extension services.
Entrepreneurs must also develop financial management, marketing, product development and regulatory compliance skills. For smaller producers, shared processing facilities and cooperatives may offer more practical entry points than independent investments in expensive equipment.
The priority should be to finance commercially viable value chains rather than isolated projects.
From resource ownership to economic prosperity
Africa does not need to abandon commodity production. Minerals and agricultural products will remain important foundations of its economies. What must change is the extent to which these resources are transformed into higher-value goods before they leave the continent.
Value addition is not a shortcut to eliminating poverty. Its success depends on productivity, sound investment decisions, infrastructure, competitive pricing and consumer demand. Poorly designed processing projects can waste capital rather than generate prosperity.
For policymakers, the task is to create conditions in which viable industries can emerge and compete. For farmers and businesses, the challenge is to move beyond selling raw commodities and identify opportunities to capture more value.
Africa’s development challenge is not simply to produce more, but to earn more from what it produces. Its long-term prosperity will depend on transforming resource wealth into competitive industries, better incomes and sustainable employment.
As countries grapple with the effects of climate change, governments are increasingly turning to legislation not just to regulate industries, but to shape how economies adapt to future challenges.
France recently drew international attention after introducing measures requiring new commercial buildings to dedicate a portion of their rooftops to solar panels or vegetation. The move is designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce urban heat and promote environmental sustainability.
Zimbabwe’s response to climate pressures is taking a different path, but the thinking behind it is remarkably similar.
Through Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025, Government created a funding mechanism aimed at strengthening the country’s agricultural sector by investing in irrigation infrastructure, an area widely regarded as essential for sustaining production in the face of erratic rainfall patterns.
Agriculture remains one of the pillars of Zimbabwe’s economy, yet recurring droughts and changing weather conditions have frequently disrupted output. The introduction of the Grain Import Levy under SI 87 was intended to provide predictable funding for long-term irrigation development rather than relying solely on annual budget allocations.
Funds collected through the levy are channeled into the Irrigation Development Fund, administered through AFC Land and Development Bank, with a portion supporting Grain Marketing Board operations.
The impact of the programme is already beginning to emerge. More than 35 irrigation schemes across the country have reportedly been rehabilitated and developed using resources raised through the levy. The projects are restoring previously under-utilized land, improving access to water and enabling farmers to maintain production even when rainfall is below normal.
While France is investing in greener cities through rooftop solar installations and vegetation, Zimbabwe is investing in water infrastructure that can sustain agricultural production during dry seasons. Although the sectors differ, both countries are using legislation as a tool to respond to climate-related risks before they become crises.
The broader lesson is that modern policy is increasingly moving beyond regulation. In many countries, laws are now being crafted to direct investment toward strategic national priorities, whether that is renewable energy, environmental protection, food security or climate resilience.
For Zimbabwe, SI 87 represents more than a revenue-collection mechanism. It is part of a wider effort to shift agriculture from dependence on rainfall towards a more reliable and productive system anchored on irrigation.As climate shocks become more frequent across the globe, measures that strengthen resilience are likely to play a growing role in economic planning. In that respect, France’s green-roof initiative and Zimbabwe’s irrigation-focused levy may be addressing different challenges, but they share the same objective: preparing for a future in which sustainability and resilience are no longer optional.
“The future millionaires of Africa will not come from the oil and gas sector, but from agriculture,” said Mr Similo Nkala at the National Agriculture Conference and Expo held on 24-25 September.
Agriculture employs an estimated 54% to 70% of our population, contributes around 16% directly to GDP, and accounts for 53% of export earnings. Minister of Agriculture Mr Anxious Masuka stressed the need to invest in rural communities and harness their population, because those communities must also contribute to, and benefit from, agricultural development.
“Move up the value chain”
Turning agricultural potential into an export machine requires a shift from raw commodity sales to high-value agro-processing, structured market linkages and strategic investment. Zimbabwe should focus on transforming raw crops such as maize, soybeans, fruits and tobacco into higher-value foods, beverages and oils, rather than exporting them unprocessed only to buy them back at a higher price.
Value chain investment should also target high-impact sectors such as blueberries, dairy, beef and horticulture, which command premium global prices. Partnering major export enterprises with local growers, by supplying certified seed, fertiliser and technical guidance, would guarantee a consistent, high-grade harvest and could raise agriculture’s contribution to GDP.
“Make rural producers part of the export strategy”
Another issue is aggregation. Many rural communities do not produce enough volume to meet export demand, and exports are a game of numbers. More than 80% of our fruit and vegetable exports go to Europe, mostly to the Netherlands. Other destinations include Germany, China, Hong Kong and France. This is the profile of our horticultural export markets.
Blueberry production has been performing and expanding well. However, according to figures confirmed by the Horticultural Development Council, we have only about 850 hectares under blueberries. The crop is in high demand and offers considerable potential to boost our exports. There is ample room to expand production of selected crops and become a leading exporter of horticultural produce.
Demand for avocados has also been substantial. Most were previously destined for Europe, but a recently signed protocol with China now opens the Chinese market. Citrus presents another significant opportunity. More than 60% of enquiries are for oranges, and farmers in Beitbridge report that their entire production is already committed for the next three years. This shows the opportunity to invest in and expand citrus production and exports.
Beyond crops, there is considerable potential to export meat products, including beef and pork. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market is estimated at around US$2.1 billion, with the UAE importing approximately US$479 million and Saudi Arabia around US$1.4 billion. This is a substantial market, but compliance is critical: the requirements of these markets must be met to export successfully.
“Meeting demand, building supply and unlocking export competitiveness”
Accelerating the agricultural sector requires us first to meet demand and then to build supply. The market is there. Peas, one of our leading export crops, are shipped to Europe between April and August or September. During certain months of that window, as the Horticultural Development Council can confirm, Zimbabwe is among the few suppliers to that market.
Demand is so strong that farmers need not hide their crops from their neighbours. The market is large enough to absorb increased supply, so we must meet demand, build supply and address logistical constraints, including road access and cold-chain management. We must also move up the value chain by investing in processing, branding, intellectual property and the development of premium export products.
Sugar, as a processed product, has led our exports for some time. Structurally, however, it was exported mainly to Europe and the Far East, and Zimbabwe’s participation in regional markets was not particularly strong. We were also exporting mainly raw material, which was then processed further in destination countries to their own specifications.
What, then, do we need to do to export into the region, compete effectively and displace existing sugar suppliers? The first step is to move away from supplying a vulnerable primary commodity and add value. This is partly what we are doing through processing.
Zimbabwe was historically a breadbasket, with the competence and experience to perform. At one stage, we had the largest sugar-processing mill in Africa. We therefore have a history of leadership, competitiveness and reliable supply, and we need to reclaim that status.
Export barriers often arise from policies and regulations. With free trade and regional trading blocs such as SADC and COMESA, we have access to markets in those countries. To enter them, we must make use of our natural advantages.
“Where will the surplus sugar be sold?”
As noted earlier, Zimbabwe has water resources that can sustain production for years, even during drought. Some countries in the region rely on rain-fed sugarcane and experience fluctuations in supply when rainfall is poor. Zimbabwe’s irrigation capacity can therefore help it become a reliable regional supplier.
The sugar industry recently developed a 10-year strategy that aims to double sugar output over that period. Since current production is broadly sufficient for domestic consumption, the key question is where the additional sugar will be sold. The regional market is a potential destination.
Several countries in the region do not produce sugar, including Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Comoros. Others have production deficits: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Tanzania and Madagascar, while Malawi has also recorded deficits in previous years. Taken together, the region has an estimated sugar deficit of 1.1 million tonnes.
At the same time, some countries produce a surplus. Zimbabwe produces approximately 100,000 tonnes more than it requires, and Eswatini, Zambia and South Africa are also surplus producers. The question, therefore, is how Zimbabwe can compete with these suppliers and improve its performance in regional markets.
More than 35 irrigation schemes across Zimbabwe have been rehabilitated and developed through funding generated from the Grain Import Levy, providing a major boost to agricultural production and strengthening the country’s food security ambitions.
The investments are helping to restore productivity on thousands of hectares of land that had either fallen into disuse or were operating below capacity due to ageing infrastructure and unreliable water supplies. For farmers, the rehabilitation programme is opening the door to year-round production, improved yields and increased incomes.
The significance of the initiative extends beyond the physical restoration of irrigation infrastructure. It reflects a broader effort to equip the agricultural sector with the tools needed to withstand climate shocks, improve productivity and support sustainable economic growth.
In recent years, unpredictable rainfall patterns and recurring droughts have highlighted the need for reliable irrigation systems as a cornerstone of agricultural development. Access to water remains one of the most critical factors determining farm productivity, particularly in regions prone to dry spells.
The rehabilitation programme has seen investments directed towards repairing canals, upgrading pumping stations, modernising water distribution networks and expanding irrigable land. These improvements are enabling farmers to make full use of their land while reducing their dependence on seasonal rainfall.
The availability of irrigation is transforming farming communities. Instead of producing crops during a single season, many farmers can now harvest multiple crops annually, ensuring a steady flow of income throughout the year. The development also allows producers to diversify into horticulture and other high-value crops that require reliable water supplies.
The benefits are also being felt beyond the farm gate. Increased agricultural production creates demand for transport services, agro-processing facilities, input suppliers and marketing businesses, stimulating economic activity across rural areas. Construction and rehabilitation works associated with irrigation projects have likewise provided employment opportunities in local communities.
Importantly, the irrigation developments support Zimbabwe’s drive to strengthen domestic food production and reduce reliance on imports. As more land is brought under irrigation and agricultural output increases, the country is better positioned to meet local demand while preserving foreign currency.
The revival of more than 35 irrigation schemes is therefore about more than restoring damaged infrastructure. It is about creating a foundation for sustainable agricultural growth, supporting farmer livelihoods and building resilient value chains that can drive rural development for years to come.
As Zimbabwe continues to prioritise agricultural transformation, irrigation development is increasingly emerging as a key pillar of the country’s strategy to achieve food security, boost rural incomes and ensure stable production throughout the year. Through the Grain Import Levy, resources are being channelled into projects that have the potential to reshape the agricultural landscape and secure the future of farming communities nationwide.
Zimbabwe’s banking sector is showing growing confidence in the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency , with the latest Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) figures indicating steady growth in local currency deposits and strong reserve backing for the monetary system .
According to the RBZ’s latest Monetary, Currency Price and Financial Developments Snapshot, banking sector ZiG deposits rose consistently to exceed ZiG31 billion by the close of September 2026, with reserve money holding steady at around ZiG7 billion.
The trend points to increasingly use of the local currency within the formal banking sector , a development authorities view as critical for strengthening monetay stability and supporting economic activity .
The central bank’s figures also show that the country’s reserves continue to provide more than two months of import cover , a key indicator of a country’s ability to meet external payment obligations and cushion the economy against global shocks .
Since the introduction of ZiG in April 2024 , the RBZ has mantained a tight monetary stance aimed at preserving currency stability and containing excessive money supply growth . The latest data suggests that this approach has helped keep more reserve money growth under control while allowing deposits to expand .
A notable feature of the figures is the level of reserve backing behind the local currency . According to RBZ , reseve assets are sufficient to cover reserve money more than six times , while ZiG deposits are backed approximately 1.4 times by reserves .
This level of backing is designed to reinforce confidence in the local currency by demonstrating that adequate reserves exist to support monetary obligation .
The steady increase in bank deposits also signals greater participation in the formal financial system by businesses and households. Rising deposits typically enhance financial intermediation, enabling banks to mobilise savings and support productive economic activity through lending and other financial services.
The maintenance of import cover above the two-month threshold further strengthens Zimbabwe’s external position by ensuring the availability of foreign currency for strategic imports, including fuel, industrial raw materials, medicines and capital equipment.
The latest RBZ data therefore paints a picture of a monetary environment characterised by stable reserve money, expanding banking sector deposits and sustained reserve support for the ZiG.
For businesses, the figures offer another indication of improving monetary fundamentals, while for policymakers they provide evidence that efforts to anchor the local currency through reserve accumulation and disciplined money supply management are continuing to yield results.
As Zimbabwe pursues broader economic growth objectives, maintaining strong reserves and confidence in the financial system is likely to remain central to the country’s monetary strategy.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has recorded a strong performance under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Monitored Programme (SMP), meeting all its third-quarter quantitative targets and reinforcing confidence in the country’s monetary reform agenda.
Data contained in the RBZ’s Q3 Monetary, Currency, Price and Financial Developments Report show that the central bank comfortably achieved the agreed benchmarks on foreign reserves, money supply growth and lending to the public sector.
The strongest performance was registered in the accumulation of net official international reserves. Against a September target of US$291 million, the RBZ reported provisional reserves of US$315 million, exceeding the programme benchmark and signalling improved external sector resilience.
The central bank also maintained its commitment to fiscal and monetary discipline by recording zero credit to the non-financial public sector, in line with the IMF programme requirement. The outcome reflects ongoing efforts to avoid central bank financing of government operations, a key pillar in maintaining macroeconomic stability.
On liquidity management, the RBZ kept growth in the ZiG monetary base within the prescribed limits. The September ceiling was set at ZiG2.54 billion, while the provisional outturn stood at ZiG2.17 billion, remaining comfortably below the threshold.
The results suggest continued success in the central bank’s efforts to contain excessive money supply growth while supporting exchange rate and price stability.
According to the report, the RBZ not only met all quantitative targets but also made significant progress in implementing structural benchmarks under the IMF-monitored programme following the second SMP review mission conducted in September 2026.
The central bank noted that its self-assessment of third-quarter performance indicates that all agreed targets were achieved with a comfortable margin.
The latest figures are likely to be viewed positively by investors and development partners, as they point to sustained policy discipline and strengthened reserve buffers. Analysts say the performance provides further evidence that the country’s monetary authorities are adhering to reform commitments aimed at consolidating economic stability and enhancing confidence in the ZiG currency.
With foreign reserves rising above target and monetary expansion remaining under control, the third-quarter results underscore the progress being made toward building a more stable and predictable macroeconomic environment.
The government”s irrigation rehabilitation and development programme is making significant progress across Mashonaland , with most projects reaching completion and farmers already benefiting from improved access to water production .
Funded through the Grain Levy , the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen food security , boost agriculture productivity and reduce dependence on rainfall . As of September 1 2026 , four tranches of Grain Levy funds had been disbursed . With 90% channeled to the Irrigation Development Fund through AFC Land and Development Bank and 10% allocated to the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) for administration .
Latest project updates show that irrigation schemes in Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland West are nearing full completion , bringing hundreds of hectares under water supply .
Among the standout projects is the 52,5 hectare Chimhanda Irrigation Scheme in Mashonaland Central , which has been completed and certified . Farmers are already using the facility to irrigate their crops , marking a major milestone in efforts to improve year round agricultural production .
The 25-hectare Musarurwa scheme and the 50-hectare Nyamangara project in Mashonaland West have also been completed and certified, with irrigation activities now underway at both sites.
At Dotito , a 45 hectare irrigation project has reached 99% completion . While minor works remain outstanding , the schem is effectively operational and farmers have already started irrigating their fields .
The largest project under the Mashonaland portfolio is the 120 hectare Mapano irrigation scheme . The project has reached 75 % completion , with installation works largely finalised . Processes related to electricity connections are also progressing after a quotation was received and shared with the relevant authorities .
In total , the five projects cover approximately 292.5 hectares , representing a significant investment in irrigation infrastructure aimed at strengthening agricultural output in the region .
The developments come at a time when irrigation is increasingly viewed as critical tool in building resilience against climate change and erratic rainfall patterns . Reliable water supply allows farmers to maintain production throughout the year , improve yields and diversify cropping activities .
For communities across Mashonaland , the completion of these projects is expected to translate into higher agricultural production , improved household incomes and greater opportunities within agro -processing value chains .The progress also highlights the growing impact of the Grain Levy as a dedicated funding mechanism for agricultural infrastructure . With several schemes already operational and others nearing completion , the initiative is beginning to deliver tangible benefits on the ground , positioning irrigation as a key pillar in Zimbabwe’s drive towards sustainable agricultural growth and food security .
Zimbabwe’s current account surplus is projected to reach US$3.5 billion in 2026, driven by solid export performance, strong remittance inflows, and sustained macroeconomic stability, official figures reveal.
According to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), the projected current account expansion underscores the continued strengthening of the country’s external sector position, providing crucial foreign exchange buffers for the domestic financial system.
RBZ Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu said the current account recorded a surplus of US$1.1 billion in the first half of 2026, an improvement from the US$248.2 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
The expanding current account surplus reflects ongoing structural stability in foreign exchange inflows, supported by diaspora remittances and mining exports.
The strong external balance has helped anchor exchange rate stability for the local currency, the ZiG, while containing imported inflationary pressures across key supply chains.
The central bank noted that the macroeconomic environment remains supported by declining domestic price pressures, allowing monetary authorities room to foster economic growth through affordable commercial credit.
Dr Mushayavanhu said the central bank will continue monitoring emerging external and environmental risks, including global commodity price shifts and potential El Niño climate patterns forecasted for the 2026/27 agricultural season.
