@MthuliNcube01 The approval of the Integrated Provincial SEZ marks a strategic shift towards decentralised industrialisation, investment attraction, balanced regional economic development and the promotion of rural industrialisation, which is critical for accelerating growth in Zimbabwe.
The Mid Term Economic Review is here!
This exclusive platform brings together policymakers, industry leaders and investors to take stock of economic performance of the first half of 2026 and explore the economic outlook for the remainder of the year. https://t.co/reFCEVGXrH
Africa’s Economic Resilience Amid Global Uncertainty
According to the 2026 Africa Macroeconomic Performance and Outlook (MEO) Report released by the African Development Bank Group, Africa remains one of the fastest-growing regions globally, with economic growth outperforming the world average.
Key Highlights
Africa’s real GDP growth increased from 3.1% in 2024 to 4.2% in 2025, exceeding the global average of 3.1%.
Economic growth is projected to remain stable at 4.3% in 2026 and rise further to 4.5% in 2027.
22 African countries recorded growth above 5%, while six countries exceeded 7%.
East Africa remained the fastest-growing region, driven mainly by strong performances from Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Inflation declined significantly from 21.8% in 2024 to 13.6% in 2025, indicating improving macroeconomic stability.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rebounded strongly, increasing by more than 75% to US$97 billion.
Remittances rose sharply to US$104.6 billion, becoming Africa’s largest source of external non-debt financing.
Happy Africa Day to the cradle of humanity, a continent richly blessed with vast natural resources, resilient people, deep culture, wisdom, and limitless potential. Africa is not poor!!! Africa is powerful, gifted and rising. The future of our continent depends on unity, innovation, industrialisation, good governance and our collective commitment to believe in ourselves and build Africa for Africans. Together, we can transform our resources into prosperity and make Africa a global force for generations to come. #AfricaDay #Agenda2063 #ProudlyAfrican
NEWS | Government, industry unite to tackle soaring import costs
HARARE - Economist and Africa Economic Development Strategies Executive Director Professor Gift Mugano says Zimbabwe is spending over US$4.5 billion importing products that could be manufactured locally, including pharmaceuticals placing massive strain on the economy.
Speaking to our reporter Kudakwashe Chibvuri, Professor Mugano said the upcoming industrialisation indaba, led by Africa Economic Development Strategies in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in July, aims to bring together key industry players and serve as Government’s market-driven platform to accelerate Zimbabwe’s transformation into a competitive regional manufacturing hub.
Interview and Update by Kudakwashe Chibvuri
—
In 2026, ZiFM Stereo News continues to provide dependable, fact-based reporting from Zimbabwe and beyond. Our newsroom remains committed to accuracy, objectivity, and timely updates, ensuring the public is informed with verified and relevant news as it happens.
Follow the ZiFM Stereo News WhatsApp Channel: https://t.co/O9g7Xpckcw
Join Africa Economic Development Strategies for the 2026 Economic Outlook Breakfast. 📅 9 April 📷⏰ 8:00AM–13:30PM 📷 $100 Insights from RBZ Governor & top economists. https://t.co/aGWn9vOH2S #AEDS#ZimbabweEconomy#EconomicOutlook#BusinessLeadership
Listen to Reserve Bank Of Zimbabwe Governor Dr. John Mushayavanhu speak on the upgraded BiG5ZiG banknotes series which will be in circulation from April 7, 2026.
#FinallyHere#Zveduzvazoita#YithiLabaSesifikile
@AEDS_ZW Commends @ReserveBankZIM for Providing Clarifications on Transition to Mono-Currency and Handling of USD Obligations
The RBZ argued that the transition to the exclusive use of ZiG for settling of all domestic transactions will be a gradual process anchored on macroeconomic stability and attainment of the set conditions.
In addition, the RBZ further made the following clarifications:
(a) The transition to monocurrency is not date-based but is dependent on the achievement of the Conditions Precedent outlined as follows:
i. Durable macroeconomic stability, characterized by low and stable inflation at single-digit levels.
ii. Adequate foreign currency reserves of at least 3 - 6 months of imports cover in the medium to long-term.
iii. Efficient FX management system that promotes ease of access to FX by importers.
iv. Stable exchange rate dynamics with minimum over-/undervaluation of ZWG.
v. Increased demand for local currency (ZWG) – recalibration of the percentage of Government taxes and broadening payment of public sector goods and services in local currency.
vi. Financial sector stability.
vii. Efficient and secure National Payments System to promote ease of payment in ZWG locally.
viii. Fiscal and monetary policy cohesion with non-monetisation of the budget.
(b) Under monocurrency, domestic products and services will be exclusively paid for and settled in local currency while foreign currency will be reserved for external payments.
(c) The RBZ underscored that the adoption of mono-currency will not eliminate foreign currency accounts – the foreign currency – denominated pension fund holdings or USD based equities which inter alia include shares on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX) and Treasury Bills.
(d) Foreign currency loans and advances made to domestic individuals and non-exporting corporates shall remain denominated in foreign currency.
The above pronouncements and further clarification on the transition to mono-currency and the fate of USD obligations after mono-currency addresses uncertainties which were associated with impairment of assets or losses resulting from currency changeovers.
Before these pronouncements, two risks characterised the currency debate, that is, credit squeeze and capital flight.
With respect to credit squeeze, as time was ticking on a daily basis, tenure for medium and long term financial facilities such as mortgages was narrowing to the loans for mortgages or mortgage facilities had virtually collapsed. Likewise, access to offshore credit was getting constrained on a daily basis.
With respect to capital flight, it is our understanding that a number of financial facilities which had been secured by private sector as offshore loans were being put on hold and some were being called off.
These two risks have been effectively mitigated by clarifications made in (a), (b), (c) and (d).
Specifically, the emphasis made by the RBZ that mono-currency is exclusive use of ZiG on domestic transaction and USD-denominated liabilities with either domestic creditors or external creditors will be serviced in USD and USD accounts will not be closed, is a master stroke.
CZI Confirms Historic Single-Digit Inflation is Legit:
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) has delivered a definitive, evidence-based report on inflation and currency trends in its January 2026 report [https://t.co/qF06if3z4Q],
demanding immediate attention and broad dissemination. The report’s authoritative analysis unequivocally validates the government's and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe's (RBZ) announcement: January 2026 marked the first single-digit annual inflation rate in the ZiG currency in over three decades—a transformative 4.1% year-on-year drop that signals significant economic revival in the country.
CZI’s confirmation exposes the baseless dismissals of this feat by social media detractors, who recklessly fell on each other last month to offer nothing but inane claims and unsubstantiated ridicule and mockery masquerading as insightful commentary. The data in the CZI report reveals that the ZiG's is becoming an unparalleled stabilising force: a month-on-month inflation rate of precisely 0.0%, bolstering purchasing power, igniting investor confidence, and fuelling economic resurgence. USD price pressures remain minimal at 0.2%, mirroring U.S. benchmarks and purging historical distortions. With market premiums consistently below 20%, businesses are able to plan with certainty in a low-volatility landscape.
This development promises sustained single-digit inflation, unlocking enduring macroeconomic stability and prosperity. Unlike the fly by night claims of social media malcontents—rooted in scavenging X-posts and TLs rather than providing rigorous analysis—CZI stands as the preeminent voice of Zimbabwe's economic stakeholders, wielding unmatched credibility in policy discourse!
Because it is a must read, below is a verbatim text of the very important CZI report for ease of access:
“1. Price stability under ZiG has extended into 2026, signalling sustained macroeconomic calm
ZIG month-on-month inflation began 2026 at a very low level of approximately 0.0% in January 2026, (Figure 1) representing a 0.2 percentage point decline from the 0.2% recorded in December 2025. A month-on-month inflation rate below 1% is considered notably low and is generally supportive of economic activity. Such price stability helps preserve purchasing power, enhances price certainty, and contributes to improved confidence in the use of the local currency, thereby fostering a more conducive environment for business and investment.
Zimbabwe's year-on-year inflation fell sharply to 4.1% in January 2026, marking a rare return to single-digit inflation and reflecting improved macroeconomic management, with sustained low month-on-month price growth suggesting that this stable, low-inflation environment is likely to continue into Q2 2026.
On a year-on-year basis, ZIG inflation declined sharply to 4.1% in January 2026, down from 15.0% in December 2025, representing a significant drop of 10.9 percentage points (Figure 2). This marks a return to single-digit annual inflation, a milestone that has not been attained for an extended period. The attainment of single digit inflation also exposed a serious gap in Zimbabwe's historical statistical archives, as various sources cite different periods as the last month and year in which Zimbabwe experienced single- digit inflation. Annual average trends show that Zimbabwe last had an annual average inflation in single digits for local currency in 1988.
Single digit inflation reflects improved macroeconomic management and strengthened price stability. Sustained low month-on-month inflation has been a key driver of this outcome. Continued discipline in monetary and fiscal policy will be essential to preserve these gains. Indications are that the current conditions are likely to be maintained going forward, hence the low inflation environment is likely to remain in place into the second quarter of 2026.
2. Price pressures in USD terms continue to be contained
The USD month-on-month inflation rate started the year at a very low level, of 0.2% (Figure 3). The modest increase from 0.0% in December 2025 to 0.2% in January 2026 reflects a largely stable pricing environment. This indicates the absence of any major shocks over the period, which could have been translated into USD price increases. Overall, the trend reinforces confidence that USD inflation pressures remain contained into 2026.
The USD inflation rate in the United States of America (USA) was 2.7%1 in December 2025. Traditionally, the USD inflation recorded in Zimbabwe was higher than the rate recorded in USA, reflecting distortions that created inflationary pressures. Achieving a USD inflation rate that is broadly aligned with USA inflation would therefore represent a significant confidence‑building development, signalling that the legacy of “fictitious” USD created in Zimbabwe in earlier years has effectively been addressed.
3. ZiG continues to exhibit sustained consistency across the formal and parallel
market
An analysis of currency dynamics between December 2025 and January 2026 reveals a marginal appreciation of the ZIG across both official and parallel markets, with a parallel market premium still below 20% (Figure 5). Crucially, this current premium level is significantly lower than the figures recorded during the same period in 2025, suggesting that exchange rate volatility is being better managed compared to previous cycles. For businesses, this relative stability facilitates more accurate financial forecasting and reduces the risks associated with rapid currency devaluation.
The year started with a very low inflation, which will allow business and all stakeholders to focus more on their internal strategies. This sustained absence of inflationary shocks reflects a stabilising economic environment and more effective macroeconomic management. In the outlook, it is expected that these stable economic conditions and prudent policies will be maintained. Thus, the ZiG is projected to remain within single digit inflation territory over the short to medium term.
4. Inflation Outlook
The year started with a very low inflation, which will allow business and all stakeholders to focus more on their internal strategies. This sustained absence of inflationary shocks reflects a stabilising economic environment and more effective macroeconomic management. In the outlook, it is expected that these stable economic conditions and prudent policies will be maintained. Thus, the ZIG is projected to remain within single- digit inflation territory over the short to medium term.
Zimbabwe's year-on-year inflation fell sharply to 4.1% in January 2026, marking a rare return to single-digit inflation and reflecting improved macroeconomic management, with sustained low month-on-month price growth suggesting that this stable, low-inflation environment is likely to continue into Q2 2026.
On a year-on-year basis, ZIG inflation declined sharply to 4.1% in January 2026, down from 15.0% in December 2025, representing a significant drop of 10.9 percentage points (Figure 2). This marks a return to single-digit annual inflation, a milestone that has not been attained for an extended period. The attainment of single digit inflation also exposed a serious gap in Zimbabwe's historical statistical archives, as various sources cite different periods as the last month and year in which Zimbabwe experienced single- digit inflation. Annual average trends show that Zimbabwe last had an annual average inflation in single digits for local currency in 1988.
Single digit inflation reflects improved macroeconomic management and strengthened price stability. Sustained low month-on-month inflation has been a key driver of this outcome. Continued discipline in monetary and fiscal policy will be essential to preserve these gains. Indications are that the current conditions are likely to be maintained going forward, hence the low inflation environment is likely to remain in place into the second quarter of 2026.”
https://t.co/qF06if3z4Q
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has urged the public not to rush exchanging current notes ahead of the rollout of new ZiG banknotes, saying the transition will be smooth and carefully managed.
RBZ Deputy Governor Innocent Matshe said the new notes, expected later this quarter or in the second quarter, will remain legal tender and feature stronger security and durability.
Follow 263chat whatsapp channel on:
https://t.co/ClLPp0cpcz