Tuesday 18 February 2025 *EVENING NEWS UPDATES* _• USD: ZiG Official Exchange – Z$25.69_ • _Black Market Rate - Zig 30:USD1_ • _Innscor in-store – Z$35_ • _KFC, Slice, Eat'n'Lick – Z$35_ New members who wish to receive detailed local, regional and international news from Ignite Media Zimbabwe should "follow" our channel on the link below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaASRLX6mYPM2XphWy2n *For advertising inquiries call, text or Whatsapp us on +263 778 242 692* *THE HEADLINES* *Zanu-PF to elect new leader upon expiry of Mnangagwa's term* *Kazembe-Kazembe Makes Serious Threats to Those Opposing Mnangagwa’s 2030 Term Extension Bid* *I’m sure if Wicknell criticized Mnangagwa, evidence of corruption will suddenly be found! Mbofana* *Police Withdraw Summons Against HSTV Journalist Who Interviewed Geza* *Controversial Presidential War Veterans Fund extends to Mashonaland West* *Harare City Council executive milking the coffers dry, earning half a million US dollars in salaries monthly* *Private School In Chegutu Fights Construction Of Chinese Cement Plant In Close Proximity* *Truworths To Finalise Corporate Rescue Plan And Delisting At 25 February Meeting* *Teenage Girl Wearing Earphones Struck By Train In Chegutu* *The International Commodity Summit calls on foreign direct investment to invest in Zimbabwe’s Kuvimba Mining House* *ZMX mobilises finance for commodity trading* *Men outnumber females in borrowing money – RBZ* *Mayor Mafume fined for misleading Harare probe team* *THE DETAILS WITH IGNITE MEDIA ZIMBABWE* _*Zanu-PF to elect new leader upon expiry of Mnangagwa's term*_ Zanu-PF is set to elect a new leader to take charge of both the ruling party and the country once President Emmerson Mnangagwa's second and final term concludes in 2028. The party's leader and First Secretary, President Mnangagwa, confirmed this during an interactive engagement with media editors at State House on Monday. While acknowledging that some party members are eager for him to extend his term beyond 2028, Mnangagwa reiterated his commitment to the constitutional two-term limit and stated he would engage the party to reinforce his long-standing position. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. "I am very clear, that I have two terms, and these terms are very definite and I am so democratic. When they come to an end, I will step aside and my party will elect my successor. That is as clear as day. Those who have other imaginations, it's a democratic society for people to dream but facts will carry the day," he stated. The engagement provided President Mnangagwa an opportunity to share his strategic vision, while media representatives discussed developments in journalism and sought clarifications on pressing national issues, including economic and political matters. Responding to questions about ongoing efforts to amend the Constitution to extend his term until 2030—following a resolution passed at Zanu-PF's annual people's conference in Bulawayo last year—Mnangagwa emphasized the need to adhere to constitutional provisions. “will persuade the persuaders not to persuade me so that I remain constitutional," he said. His remarks come amid heightened political speculation regarding Zanu-PF's future leadership and succession plans as the ruling party prepares for a post-Mnangagwa era in 2028. _*Kazembe-Kazembe Makes Serious Threats to Those Opposing Mnangagwa’s 2030 Term Extension Bid*_ In a startling revelation that underscores deepening divisions within Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu PF, Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe has accused party members of engaging in a dangerous competition to insult President Emmerson Mnangagwa. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The remarks highlight the escalating internal strife within the party, as factions vie for power and influence ahead of key political events. Speaking at a recent party gathering, Kazembe Kazembe expressed concern over the growing trend of public disparagement directed at the president. “People are now competing to insult the president, Emmerson Mnangagwa,” Kazembe stated. “This is unacceptable and must be stopped immediately. Such behavior undermines the unity of the party and disrespects the office of the president.” The war of words within Zanu PF has intensified in recent months, with factions aligned to different party heavyweights openly criticizing one another. Observers note that the infighting is largely driven by succession politics, as various groups position themselves for influence in the post-Mnangagwa era. The president, who has been at the helm since the ouster of the late Robert Mugabe in 2017, has faced increasing scrutiny over his leadership style and the country’s economic challenges. Sources within the party reveal that the factional battles have become increasingly personal, with some members resorting to public attacks on Mnangagwa’s policies and leadership. This has sparked fears of a potential split within the party, which has dominated Zimbabwean politics since independence in 1980. Political analyst Tendai Moyo commented on the situation, stating, “The open criticism of Mnangagwa by his own party members is unprecedented. It reflects the deep-seated frustrations within Zanu PF and the growing desperation among factions to secure their positions ahead of the next election cycle.” The infighting has also raised concerns about the stability of the government, with some fearing that the public airing of grievances could weaken the party’s grip on power. Opposition parties have seized on the divisions, calling for unity and reform within the ruling party. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. As the war of words continues, Kazembe Kazembe has called for discipline and loyalty among party members. “We must remain united and focused on the goals of the party,” he urged. “Insulting the president will only serve to divide us further and weaken our collective resolve.” Despite these calls for unity, the factional battles show no signs of abating, with analysts predicting further turmoil within Zanu PF in the coming months. As the party grapples with internal discord, the future of Zimbabwe’s political landscape remains uncertain. For now, all eyes are on President Mnangagwa and his ability to navigate the growing tensions within his party. Whether he can restore unity or the divisions will deepen further remains to be seen. _*I’m sure if Wicknell criticized Mnangagwa, evidence of corruption will suddenly be found! Mbofana*_ PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent remarks seemingly defending controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo have once again laid bare the selective nature of justice in Zimbabwe. During a meeting with media editors, Mnangagwa was asked about Chivayo’s questionable dealings, particularly how he has been splashing money around, gifting luxury vehicles to ZANU PF sympathizers, many of whom publicly thanked Mnangagwa instead. Rather than addressing the serious allegations, Mnangagwa dismissed the concerns, joking about the matter and portraying Chivayo as merely a philanthropist. He even challenged those raising allegations of corruption to provide evidence and report to the police. He sarcastically asked, “Where would I get the money to give him? Investigate where you think I’m getting the money to give Chivayo to distribute, rather than wasting my time worrying about someone who is using his own money. “You can’t bother me about someone who is philanthropic. If anyone’s money was stolen, then they should report to the police.” This attempt to exonerate Chivayo is nothing short of alarming. It is the same man who was convicted of money laundering and even spent time in prison—but that was during Robert Mugabe’s presidency. Since the so-called “Second Republic” came into power, Chivayo has established a suspiciously close relationship with Mnangagwa, and his fortunes have changed dramatically. He has been photographed at State House with Mnangagwa and was also pictured alongside him and visiting Kenyan President William Ruto in April last year. In a leaked audio recording, someone believed to be Chivayo was heard boasting about his deep influence over Mnangagwa, confidently declaring, “Ndakachibata kuti dzvii” (I have him firmly in my grip). This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. This has led many Zimbabweans to believe that it is precisely this close relationship that is shielding Chivayo from any real investigation or prosecution over his numerous corruption scandals. One of the most glaring scandals is the $100 million Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) election material procurement deal, in which Chivayo, along with Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, was implicated. This was not the first time Chivayo’s name had surfaced in corruption allegations. He was also involved in the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) Gwanda Solar Power Plant scandal, in which he received a $5 million advance payment for a 100MW solar project that was never delivered. Despite the public outrage, authorities have done nothing to bring him to account. Instead, in a shocking twist, when the ZEC scandal was exposed, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) announced that it was keen to interview some of the alleged culprits, including Chivayo, Chimombe, and Mpofu. However, to the surprise of many, only Chimombe and Mpofu were arrested—not for the ZEC scandal, but for an entirely separate case involving a presidential goat scheme. As it stands, Chimombe and Mpofu remain behind bars, repeatedly denied bail by the courts. It is widely believed that their arrests are not about justice but rather a way to punish and silence them for exposing Chivayo. After all, their alleged crime of siphoning $7.7 million from the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme reportedly occurred between 2021 and 2022—so why were they only arrested in 2024, just after they supposedly exposed Chivayo in the ZEC scandal? This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. This is a common pattern in Zimbabwean politics. Those who remain in good books with the ruling elite are shielded from any investigation or prosecution, but once they fall out of favor, cases that had seemingly been ignored for years suddenly resurface, and they find themselves in legal trouble. What are we to say about the arrest and continued detention of Chimombe and Mpofu? Their supposed crimes occurred three to four years ago, yet they were only arrested now. Would they have been arrested had they kept their mouths shut about Chivayo’s involvement in the ZEC scandal? A similar fate seems to have befallen Blessed Geza, the outspoken war veterans’ leader who has been calling for Mnangagwa to step down, citing his failure to develop the country, fight corruption, and improve ordinary citizens’ livelihoods. Geza has also been fiercely opposed to plans within ZANU PF to extend Mnangagwa’s term beyond his constitutional two five-term limit. Strangely, only after Geza became a vocal critic did the state decide to act against him. Now, he faces charges of theft, inciting public violence, and even insulting the president. Even more bizarre, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi recently suggested that Geza could be linked to a murder case from years ago—one that had never gone to trial. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. If Geza was truly involved in such serious crimes, why were these allegations never pursued all these years? Why are they only being brought up now, conveniently after he started speaking out against Mnangagwa? The answer is clear: in Zimbabwe, justice is not about the rule of law, but about who is in power and who is not. The legal system is a weapon used to silence critics while protecting those who remain loyal to the ruling elite. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Opposition leaders like Job Sikhala, Jacob Ngarivhume, and Jameson Timba have all experienced the full force of this selective justice. Their crime? Daring to challenge those in power. After hearing Mnangagwa’s remarks on Chivayo, where he effectively exonerated him and dared anyone with evidence to come forward, I could not help but wonder—what would happen if Chivayo were to turn against Mnangagwa? What if he suddenly started criticizing him? Would he remain blameless and a free man for long? Or would all these corruption allegations that have been ignored suddenly be revived, and new charges miraculously appear? It is not difficult to imagine. The same authorities who currently insist there is no evidence of Chivayo’s wrongdoing would, almost overnight, “discover” mountains of incriminating material against him. It would be as if the evidence had been there all along, conveniently hidden until it was needed. That is just my thinking, but I could be wrong. However, given this regime’s track record, it seems all too possible. Justice in Zimbabwe is not blind—it is selective. It is a tool used by those in power to crush their enemies while shielding their allies. And unless this changes, Zimbabweans will continue to witness the same cycle—where those in favor can loot with impunity, while those who step out of line suddenly find themselves drowning in legal troubles. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a social justice advocate and writer. Please feel free to WhatsApp or Call: +263715667700 _*Police Withdraw Summons Against HSTV Journalist Who Interviewed Geza*_ The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has withdrawn the summons against Heart and Soul TV (HSTV) journalist Blessed Mhlanga. Three people armed with pistols reportedly visited Mhlanga’s offices in Harare on 17 February 2025 looking for him. In a post on the X platform (formerly Twitter) on 17 February 2025, Mhlanga said: It’s not a laughing matter at all. Three persons armed with pistols came to my office this morning looking for me. They did not say why they needed me. Then minutes later, I got a call inviting me to Law and Order. I will be presenting myself to the police with my lawyers 2mrw (tomorrow). According to MISA Zimbabwe, Mhlanga’s lawyer Chris Mhike, said he contacted the police over the matter and was told the summons had been withdrawn. Earlier this month, Mhlanga was summoned to Harare Central Police Station by the ZRP Law and Order Section. Concerned about the police’s intentions, Mhlanga attended the station accompanied by Mhike, MISA Zimbabwe’s External Legal Counsel. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. It was later revealed that the police wanted to discuss the status of a six-year-old case involving former Deputy Finance Minister Terrence Mukupe. The summons followed Mhlanga’s interview with ZANU PF Central Committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza, who had been making critical remarks about President Emmerson Mnangagwa. In the interview, Geza accused Mnangagwa of corruption, nepotism, tribalism, and failing to address the country’s economic challenges, while calling for his resignation. On Saturday, HStv posted a statement on X quoting Geza as saying that he was safe, not arrested, nor in hiding. _*Controversial Presidential War Veterans Fund extends to Mashonaland West*_ Details to follow… _*Harare City Council executive milking the coffers dry, earning half a million US dollars in salaries monthly*_ At a time when the Harare City Council is struggling to provide basic services to its residents – from uncollected refuse and perennial sewage problems to non-functional traffic lights and a failure to deliver safe drinking water – it has emerged that the council’s top management is essentially bleeding the city dry by awarding themselves exorbitant salaries. During his testimony before the Commission of Inquiry, led by Retired Judge Justice Maphios Cheda, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume revealed that the council’s executive is collectively pocketing half a million US dollars in salaries each month. The Town Clerk, he stated, is earning a staggering US$27,000. “I asked the Human Resources director for a report on salaries,” Mafume testified. “He refused to give it to me, saying it was an instruction from the Town Clerk. He then showed me the document in confidence, and from what I saw, the highest-paid executive is receiving US$27,000.” Mafume added that the lowest-paid member of the executive is taking home a handsome US$15,000. - Harare losing US$10 million a year due to opaque billing system: says Mayor Mafume, last council audit done six years ago - US$4.5 million mysteriously disappeared from Harare City Council; Mayor Mafume tells Commission of Inquiry Commission lead evidence Thabani Mpofu asked Mafume to confirm that these hefty salaries did not include any additional benefits, to which Mafume replied in the affirmative, adding that with other perks factored in, the total remuneration would likely tip the scales at over US$30,000. Justice Cheda then probed Mafume further, questioning why he seemed to lack the authority to curb the lavish spending of the executive, to which he responded that executives are always quick to remind him that he is not an executive mayor and therefore his power is limited. Justice Cheda further inquired about the current relationship between the City Council executive and the councillors, which Mafume described as “not harmonious.” Mafume was also grilled about the proliferation of service stations in residential areas, some of which Harare City Council’s Town Planning Director, Samuel Nyabeza, has pledged to demolish because they pose serious safety issues to residents. He was further taken to task over the non-functional traffic lights in Harare, which have contributed significantly to traffic accidents, some of which have tragically claimed lives. _*Private School In Chegutu Fights Construction Of Chinese Cement Plant In Close Proximity*_ Bryden Country School in Chegutu, Mashonaland West Province, is opposing the construction of a new cement manufacturing plant by Shuntai Investments Private Limited, which is set to have a projected capacity of 800,000 tonnes per annum, due to its proximity to the school. According to Business Times, the project, expected to create 800 direct jobs once fully operational, is part of Shuntai’s broader expansion plans, which include a large-scale cement and lime factory in Bindura with a 1.2 million-tonne cement production line and a 600,000-tonne lime production line. Shuntai also plans to establish a grinding station in Bulawayo with a 400,000-tonne annual capacity. When all projects are operational, Shuntai aims to produce a combined total of 3 million tonnes of cement and lime annually, supporting both the construction and metallurgical industries and generating thousands of jobs. However, Bryden Country School claims it was excluded from key consultative processes, particularly the ongoing environmental impact assessment. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The school’s authorities argue that they only received relevant documentation last year and were not adequately engaged in discussions. In response, the school has taken to social media to rally parents and the local community in opposition to the project. Their main concerns include potential dust and air pollution, noise pollution, water contamination, and increased traffic, given the site’s proximity to the school campus. Shuntai’s General Manager, Bin Zhou, has attempted to allay these concerns, assuring the public that the plant will use advanced technology designed to minimize environmental impact. Said Zhou: This technology is highly advanced and captures air with an efficiency of 95%. It also employs equipment that operates nearly silently, minimising noise within the facility. Furthermore, the plant design incorporates a closed-loop recycling system for underground water water, which will be reused with minimal waste directed to our garden irrigation. We are flexible and open to improvements, subject to the authorities’ approval. We even met with the Bryden board on Monday, where we discussed constructing a road away from the school and keeping them informed at every stage of the project. Shuntai held a meeting at Bryden Country School on Monday, chaired by the school’s board chairman, Ahmed Noor, before proceeding with a tour of the school. During the meeting, Shuntai’s General Manager, Zhou, said the company began on-site operations in late January and is currently focused on constructing staff accommodations. In this initial phase, 250 workers, primarily local hires, have been employed. Zhou also said the company has already built modern housing for 14 families who were relocated and compensated as part of the project. Once all necessary approvals are obtained, the construction of the cement plant is expected to take 10 months before production begins. _*Truworths To Finalise Corporate Rescue Plan And Delisting At 25 February Meeting*_ Truworths, currently undergoing corporate rescue, along with its subsidiaries, Topic Stores and Bravette Manufacturing Company, is set to hold a crucial shareholder meeting on 25 February in Harare. Trading of Truworths’ shares was suspended on 7 March 2024 after the company requested a voluntary suspension. The retailer has been struggling with inflationary pressures and tight liquidity, which have led to reduced demand and declining consumer spending. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. As reported by the Chronicle, the primary agenda of the meeting will be to implement Section 10 of the corporate rescue plan, which includes the acquisition of shares by Valfin Investments for US$1 and the delisting of Truworths from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange. The resignation of the current board and the appointment of a new one will also be discussed. An update on the approval of Valfin as an investor in Truworths, as well as the potential merger of the two businesses, will be reviewed during the meeting. Truworths is a well-known retailer offering a wide range of fashion apparel, including clothing, footwear, bags, shoes, perfumes, and homeware products for men, women, teenagers, and children. _*Teenage Girl Wearing Earphones Struck By Train In Chegutu*_ The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid wearing earphones when near railway tracks. The appeal follows an incident in which a teenage girl was struck by a train near Chegutu. According to NRZ, the girl was walking along the railway line when the accident occurred on Monday, 17 February. She was promptly taken to Chegutu District Hospital for treatment. This incident brings to mind a similar tragedy on 29 October 2022, when a 17-year-old boy from Ruwa was fatally struck by a train while walking along the Harare-Mutare railway line while wearing earphones. _*The International Commodity Summit calls on foreign direct investment to invest in Zimbabwe’s Kuvimba Mining House*_ The 2025 International Commodity Summit (ICS2025) is backing Zimbabwe's mining industry by encouraging worldwide investors to fund Kuvimba Mining House, a Zimbabwean company aiming to secure 950 million dollars for the expansion of its mining operations. Led by CEO Trevor Barnard, Kuvimba is working to reinvigorate its projects, with a focus on lithium, platinum, and gold extraction, to boost the nation's mining potential and economic development. Kuvimba Mining House, which is now 70% owned by the state sovereign wealth fund Mutapa Investment Fund, is actively engaging with development banks, mining companies, and traders to secure the necessary funding for its ambitious projects. Barnard states that even though the country had challenges with developmental banks – all access to funding and major traders have opened and that Zimbabwe’s economy should seize this opportunity. Barnard also highlighted the benefits of the company's new ownership structure has alleviated previous funding challenges. Kuvimba Mining House is set to allocate more than half of the sought 950 million dollars towards its Darwendale project’s underground platinum mine, with plans for a smaller open pit mine estimated to cost fifty million dollars this year. Kuvimba Mining House notes that they are in discussions with development banks to finance both the underground project and processing facilities, targeting a start date within three years. Zimbabwe’s new lithium project in collaboration with Chinese mining companies needs seventy-five million dollars for completion by March this year. Zimbabwe boasts the world’s second-largest platinum reserves, second to South Africa, and is Africa’s leading lithium producer. In the last decade Zimbabwe’s economic has had its fair share of economic woes that has labelled the country as a bad investment through the international investor perspective. Since the early 1990s to the present, the country’s inflation rates surged, unemployment rose dramatically, the country’s politics was in chaos, and foreign investment dwindled. Zimbabwe’s economic collapse was rooted in a web of interconnected issues, including political factors, policy mismanagement, international isolation, and structural economic weaknesses. Both domestic and international influences contributed to Zimbabwe's economic downturn. The Republic of South Africa has rendered support to Zimbabwe by using the BNC mechanism by providing strategic impetus to drive the bilateral relations to a significantly higher level. The two neighbouring African countries has collaborated extensively to explore a variety of issues that affect their states, having further deepened their cooperation. This includes deepening the social ties between the two countries, and the region, through greater people-to-people cooperation. Over the years, the two states worked on critical issues, such as economic cooperation, infrastructure development, energy production, mining, defence, health, transport, migration issues, and information and communication technology. One significant factor contributing to the underperformance of Zimbabwe's mining sector is its inability to secure foreign direct investment (FDI) essential for both Greenfields and Brownfields operations, which are crucial for enhancing the industry's competitiveness. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. It is important to strike a balance between attracting FDI and promoting national development interests, which is why developing nations are linking their growth strategies with mining initiatives. FDI has positive spillover effects, including the transfer of skills and technology, as well as fostering competition in host countries. Zimbabwe's struggle to attract FDI is due to drastic policy shifts, the government's disregard for property rights, and the persistent political instability that has plagued the country for years. However, the abundant and diverse mineral resources in Zimbabwe offer significant opportunities for economic recovery through expanded mining activities, including artisanal, small-scale, and large-scale operations, which could contribute to human development. To capitalize on this potential, Zimbabwe needs to implement a fundamental shift in its policies, creating an investment climate that attracts higher levels of foreign direct investment (FDI). Simultaneously, the country should strive to maximize benefits through fiscal measures and other economic connections. The World Bank has declared Zimbabwe's economic outlook to be positive, with growth expected to increase to 6 percent in 2025, up from 2 percent last year on the back of an anticipated recovery in agriculture and robust growth in industry. "Zimbabwe's economic outlook is positive, with recovery from the 2019/2020 COVID-19 recession and the 2024 El Nino-related drought," the World Bank stated in its latest Zimbabwe Economic Update report. Kuvimba’s strategic initiatives form part of this significant boost that will attract significant interest from investors, including those from Cluff Africa and various European commodity traders, as the company seeks to expand its operations and meet the rising global demand for critical minerals. As part of the ICS2025, the summit will host an engaging dialogue that seeks to convene leading experts, industry executives, and policymakers to discuss the current state and future trajectory of the global metals market in relation to mining. The Global Metals Panel will address crucial topics impacting the mining industry, including the importance of critical metals for the energy transition and strategies for reducing environmental impacts in metal extraction. The impact of trade policies, resource nationalism, and international conflicts that promote illegal conflict mineral supply chains. In addition, investment opportunities and challenges for investors in traditional and emerging metal markets, how automation and artificial intelligence can affect investor sentiment, and a general outlook toward the future of metal extraction, refinement, production, fabrication, and demand in general. This summit presents a unique opportunity for investors to engage with industry leaders and policymakers, paving the way for sustainable development in Zimbabwe, and Africa's mineral sector. _*ZMX mobilises finance for commodity trading*_ THE Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) is working with financiers in banking, pension fund and insurance industries to guarantee sufficient liquidity for commodity sales on their trading platform for the 2025 agricultural marketing season. ZMX chief executive officer, Mr Collen Tapfumaneyi revealed this while giving an update on preparations for the upcoming agricultural marketing season. “With liquidity having been a major hindrance to trading activities in recent times, ZMX is working with financiers in the banking, insurance and pension fund industries to ensure there is sufficient liquidity to support commodity trading. “This will ensure farmers are paid expeditiously while buyers such as agro-processors will be capacitated to offtake the commodities to their maximum requirements,” he said. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The rains currently pounding most parts of the country have raised hopes of improved local grain and other commodity harvests for the upcoming agricultural marketing season. Mr Tapfumaneyi said his organisation was geared for the anticipated improved local grain supply this marketing season. “ZMX is working with various stakeholders to increase storage capacity, including increasing the number of warehouse distribution points across provinces to meet market demand effectively. This is aimed at enhancing utilisation of the warehouse receipt system (WRS),” he explained. In the outlook, ZMX aims to expand its warehouse facilities significantly and increase the number of aggregation centres in each district. “We are also working with farmer organisations and other key stakeholders in order to register a substantial number of farmers on our platform and conduct awareness campaigns to improve access to the exchange for all stakeholders plus facilitate enhanced trading through our weekly auctions,” he added. Meanwhile, ZMX is ready for the upcoming annual African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Association of African Commodity Exchanges (A-ACX) conference to be held in the country from March 26 to 27. “The conference presents a strategic opportunity for Zimbabwe to enhance its economic position, foster regional collaboration, enhance visibility and open up multiple avenues for growth and collaboration in the commodities sector while promoting sustainable growth within the African continent,” he highlighted. The hosting of the event in Zimbabwe is a thumbs up to ZMX, which was launched in 2021 before joining the A-ACX in 2023 and had its CEO appointed to its steering committee. Mr Tapfumaneyi said hosting the conference highlighted Zimbabwe’s growing role in the continental commodities market. “This reflects the country’s increasing importance as a player in trade and economic development within Africa, as well as commitment to AfCFTA goals,” he noted. The AfCFTA is a major African economic integration initiative whose objectives include boosting intra-African trade and promoting economic resilience across the continent. Sixteen leading African commodities exchanges united to form AfCFTA A-ACX to advance intra-African trade and collaboration in 2023. The ZMX boss said the conference provided Zimbabwe with an opportunity to showcase its contributions to the African commodities market, particularly its innovative frameworks and strategies for market development. “As the host country, Zimbabwe stands to benefit from potential investments in its natural resources and commodities sectors, which are crucial to the economy. The event offers a platform for global investors to explore opportunities in Zimbabwe’s market,” he said. The conference will bring in delegates from across Africa, benefiting Zimbabwe’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Local stakeholders will have the chance to engage with international experts, gaining insights and skills that can help develop Zimbabwe’s commodities market further. Herald _*Men outnumber females in borrowing money – RBZ*_ A Credit Registry database has revealed that men overwhelmingly outnumber women across nearly all eligible age groups seeking loans from financial institutions. The Credit Registry, which went live in 2017, addresses Zimbabwe’s ease of doing business deficiencies relating to getting credit and explores two sets of issues, strength of credit reporting systems and effectiveness of collateral and bankruptcy laws in facilitating lending. According to the latest figures from the Mid-Term Monetary Policy, as of December 31, 2024, the number of men borrowing in the 31-40 age group stood at 665 283, compared to 350 121 women. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. This trend is even more pronounced in the 41-50 age group, where 560 640 men took out loans, more than double the 266 536 women who borrowed during the same period. The report further reveals that in the 18-25 age group, 74 843 men sought loans, while only 22 695 women did the same. In the 61 and above category, the gender gap was equally notable, with 79 739 men borrowing compared to just 24 591 women. As outlined in the mid-term monetary policy, financial institutions and other stakeholders continued to make use of the Credit Registry and private credit bureaus through December 2024. The sharing of credit information enables better credit risk management and informed decision-making, ultimately fostering financial inclusion and enhancing financial stability. By 31 December 2024, the Credit Registry maintained a total of 23,51 million searchable records, a significant increase in the number of credit reports available for reference. Additionally, there was a 27.76 percent rise in cumulative inquiries, up from 4,085,598 on 21 December 2023. Herald _*Mayor Mafume fined for misleading Harare probe team*_ Harare mayor Jacob Mafume has been fined US$300 for lying under oath when he appeared before a commission of inquiry investigating governance issues at Town House since 2017. Recently, the commission of inquiry, led by its chairperson Justice Maphios Cheda, conducted an inspection in loco at a property on Coronation Road in Greendale, Harare, which Mafume had claimed to be his residence. However, the inspection revealed that the property at 110 Coronation Road was a vehicle auction site, contradicting the mayor’s statements. Justice Cheda instructed him to provide an explanation emphasising that the commission sought to establish the truth about his address. Mafume claimed his home was just two blocks away from the auction site, but Justice Cheda indicated that he was wasting time as the commission only wanted to prove he had lied about his address. Justice Cheda said Mafume misled the commission by giving false evidence on his residence because he drove every day, allowing him to clear the issue. Newsday This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production.