Zimbabwe's lithium deadline meets a processing bottleneck
Zimbabwe's only operating lithium sulphate plant says it cannot process third-party material, turning the 2027 concentrate ban into a capacity test.
ZimRate Blog
Insights on Zimbabwe's forex market, USD/ZiG rates, and financial news.
MMCZ's US$2.53bn H1 exports put beneficiation policy to the test
MMCZ says mineral exports rose 84% to US$2.532 billion in the first half, with PGMs, spodumene and processed products driving the gain.
ZB Bank's Smile Mall puts MSME market access to the test
ZB Bank's Smile Mall links small businesses to buyers, but its real test is whether transactions can improve market access and credit data.
Mutapa Gold's H1 output gives Zimbabwe a stronger export signal
Mutapa Gold produced 1,826kg in the first half and is targeting up to 3.6 tonnes for 2026, strengthening Zimbabwe's gold export story.
Zimbabwe mining wage floor rises to US$418 under 2026 deal
Zimbabwe's mining wage floor has risen to US$418.78 a month under a 2026 agreement covering grades 1 to 13.
Shuntai cement launch could reset Zimbabwe's supply balance
Shuntai Investments says its Chegutu cement plant is on course for September operations, adding a new supply test for Zimbabwe's construction market.
US lithium stockpile puts Zimbabwe's value-addition test back in focus
A US plan to buy lithium for strategic stockpiles strengthens the battery-minerals story, but Zimbabwe still has to prove it can sell higher-value product.
Zimbabwe-China exports test the value-addition push
Zimbabwe's exports to China have grown sharply, but the real test is whether the trade push moves beyond tobacco and minerals into value-added goods.
Tigere REIT targets US$100m NAV as acquisition push widens
Tigere REIT is targeting US$100 million in net asset value by the end of 2026 as it lines up acquisitions and a wider property mix.
Willdale's 70% capacity target turns on working capital
Willdale wants to lift plant utilisation to at least 70% by Q4, but the target depends on working capital and land-sale cash flows.
CFI revenue jumps, but informal competition squeezes margins
CFI Holdings grew half-year revenue by 51.3%, but informal-sector price pressure and monetary losses left profit sharply lower.
RBZ puts ZiG10m behind schools monetary policy challenge
RBZ has launched a schools monetary policy challenge backed by ZiG10 million, using financial literacy as part of its broader currency-stability message.
IMF review gives Zimbabwe reform credit, but social spending gap remains
IMF staff have backed Zimbabwe's first programme review, but the missed social spending target keeps the reform story incomplete.
Gold boom lifts Zimbabwe forex receipts to US$10.7bn, but import pressure remains
Zimbabwe's foreign currency receipts have jumped on stronger gold, tobacco and mineral earnings, but the trade account still shows pressure from imports and commodity concentration.
What Would Make ZiG More Useful in Everyday Transactions?
RBZ says stronger reserves and tight money can support ZiG, but inflation data and IMF caution show confidence and reserve depth still matter.
ART says Zimbabwe's stability has not fixed demand
ART's latest warning suggests Zimbabwe's steadier prices and currency have not yet translated into stronger demand, easier liquidity or healthier business conditions.
Dinson's Manhize steel project is becoming a power story for Zimbabwe
Dinson's US$1.5 billion Manhize steel project is not just an industrial investment. It is also a test of whether Zimbabwe can supply enough electricity for large-scale beneficiation.
What Econet's Delisting Says About Value Discovery on Zimbabwe's Stock Market
Econet's exit from the ZSE is not just a telecom story. It is also a test of whether Zimbabwe's main stock market can still price large companies properly.
Zimbabwe Holds to 2027 Lithium Deadline as Miners Seek More Time
Zimbabwe says the January 2027 lithium concentrate deadline still stands, even as miners warn that most processing capacity is not yet ready.
Union red-flags salary delays by govt-contracted firms
ZCATWU says some government-contracted firms are using Treasury payment delays as an excuse to delay salaries and suppress wages.
Zimbabwe lithium miners seek more time before 2027 concentrate ban
Zimbabwe’s lithium producers want more time before the January 2027 concentrate export ban, saying beneficiation plants are not yet ready.
ZimTrade targets Namibia's export market
ZimTrade is targeting Namibia as a regional market for Zimbabwean leather and horticultural exporters.
Zimbabwe adds second gold refinery as rising output tests processing capacity
Zimbabwe has licensed a second gold refinery in Bulawayo as rising output tests the country's processing setup.
Zimbabwe Cabinet Sets Domestic Worker Minimum Wage at US$90
Cabinet has approved revised minimum wages for domestic workers, with the new floor set at US$90 and the changes taking effect immediately.
ZB Financial Says Exchange Rate Stability Helped Core Business Recover
ZB Financial says exchange-rate stability helped improve underlying business performance in 2025, even as headline profit fell because foreign-exchange gains dropped in a calmer currency environment.
Zimbabwe Brings Crypto Firms Into the Regulatory Perimeter
Zimbabwe is moving to formalise crypto oversight through SI 99 of 2026, requiring virtual asset businesses to register with the Financial Intelligence Unit and comply with a new licensing regime.
Afreximbank Regains Investment Grade, a Positive Signal for African Trade Finance
S&P has assigned Afreximbank a BBB+ long-term rating with a stable outlook, improving the backdrop for African trade finance and funding conditions watched closely in Zimbabwe.
Mutapa Expansion Push Lifts Gold Output Outlook and Future Dividend Case
Mutapa Gold's US$75 million Shamva funding package and wider mine expansion plan are strengthening the case for higher output, export earnings and eventually larger shareholder payouts.
Treasury Opens 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, 2027 Strategy to Public Input
Zimbabwe's finance ministry is inviting businesses, labour, civil society and citizens to submit proposals for the 2026 Mid-Term Budget and Economic Review and the 2027 Budget Strategy Paper before June 24.
Government Bans Mining and Blasting at Heritage Sites
Zimbabwe has imposed a strict ban on mining and blasting at cultural heritage sites, warning that such operations threaten national identity and risk irreversible damage to historic landmarks.
FML Hails RBZ Policy Stance as Key to Economic Stability
First Mutual Life says the RBZ's tight monetary policy was the foundation of its strong 2025 performance, with profit jumping 313% to $3.5 million.
Zimbabwe Seeks $150m AfDB Loan to Tackle $23bn Debt Default
Zimbabwe is in talks with the African Development Bank for a $150 million Transition Support Facility loan aimed at clearing billions in debt arrears and normalising relations with international creditors.
Old Mutual Insurance Profit Surges 208% as Premiums Top ZiG1bn
Old Mutual Insurance Company reported a 208% jump in profit before tax to ZiG101.4 million for the year ended December 2025, with gross written premiums crossing the ZiG1 billion mark.
Masimba Flags ZiG Payment Risks for Contractors
Masimba Holdings warns that government payments in local currency are creating cash-flow and planning risks as USD-denominated costs keep rising. The infrastructure contractor is rebalancing its order book toward private sector contracts.
Construction Boom Lifts Zeco's Outlook
ZECO Holdings is riding Zimbabwe's construction wave. Despite a 3.4% revenue dip in Q1 2026, the diversified group sees sustained building activity boosting demand for its core window and door frame products.
Caledonia says Motapa hits could strengthen Bilboes
Caledonia says high-grade Motapa drill results could strengthen the economics and mine-life potential of Zimbabwe's larger Bilboes gold project.
AfDB says Zimbabwe tax reform project is delivering gains
AfDB says Zimbabwe's tax reform support project is delivering measurable gains, with TaRMS emerging as the clearest proof point for compliance and efficiency.
RBZ's First ZiG Bill Auction Sets a Real Benchmark
RBZ's first ZiG bill auction produced a 10.9849% benchmark rate and gave the market its clearest short-term reference point for pricing ZiG risk.
RBZ rolls out new ZiG bills to mop up liquidity
RBZ has launched new 30, 60 and 90-day ZiG bills to lock up liquidity, support exchange-rate stability and reinforce confidence in the local currency.
Why Fiscal Discipline Matters for ZiG Stability in 2026
Zimbabwe's recent stability gains have reopened the debate over what it will take to make ZiG credible. IMF and World Bank signals suggest fiscal discipline is the real test.
Why Zimbabwe firms still flock to the dollar
Why Zimbabwe firms still flock to the US dollar, and what that means for deposits, lending conditions and SME access to credit in a dollarised economy...
Zimbabwe Eyes Higher Lithium Earnings With Huayou Plan
Zimbabwe is weighing a higher-value lithium future as Huayou moves from sulphate exports toward possible carbonate production at Arcadia.
South Korea Enters the Race for Zimbabwe's Lithium as Global Supply Chain War Escalates
South Korea is entering the race for Zimbabwe's lithium, joining China and the US in competing for access to Africa's largest deposits of the battery metal.
Defying Cost Volatility: Why Zimbabwe's Businesses Need Strategic Pricing, Not Just Survival
Zimbabwe's economy demands more than reactive price adjustments. Businesses that build pricing discipline as a strategic capability will protect margins and outlast the volatility cycle.
UAE Buys Half of Zimbabwe's Exports in Q1 2026 - Overtaking South Africa as Top Market
Zimbabwe exported USD 1.401 billion to the UAE in Q1 2026 - 50% of total export earnings. Bilateral trade projected to surpass USD 6 billion for the full year.
Zimbabwe Fuel Cushion Measures Stay as Global Oil Prices Retreat - But Pump Prices Still 33% Above Pre-War Levels
Despite a global crude correction of 23%, Zimbabwe pump prices are still 33% above pre-war levels. The government tax cuts have helped, but the gap with regional neighbours keeps widening.
Beyond the Lithium Boom: Why Sodium Batteries Are Rising
Sodium-ion batteries are gaining ground globally and Zimbabwe cannot afford to ignore the shift. Here is what the technology means for the country mining ambitions.
RBZ Rate vs Black Market Rate: Understanding the Gap
The gap between Zimbabwe's official and parallel market rates is one of the most watched numbers in the economy. Understand why the premium exists, how it narrowed from 100%+ to below 20%, and what it means for prices and your wallet.
Zimbabwe Bank Rate Today: What You Need to Know
Zimbabwe's bank rate is not a single number. Learn how RBZ interbank, commercial bank TT vs cash rates, and the parallel market spread work. Real data, practical tips, and live tools at ZimRate.
Zimbabwe's 2026 Gold Boom: 12.6 Tonnes in Four Months
Zimbabwe delivered 12,636 kg of gold in the first four months of 2026, led by a 28% surge in large-scale mining output. With prices above US$4,000 per ounce and a 50-tonne annual target, gold remains the backbone of the ZiG currency system.
Zimbabwe Signs First Oil and Gas Production Deal in Cabora Bassa Basin
Zimbabwe signed its first Petroleum Production Sharing Agreement with Invictus Energy, unlocking the Cabora Bassa gas project. The deal could cut fuel imports and ease foreign currency demand.
Millers Fight New Grain Levies That Could Push Bread, Mealie Meal Prices Up 15%
GMAZ demands repeal of SI 87 of 2025, which imposes levies on imported wheat, maize, and soya. The millers say the levies are unconstitutional and will push staple food prices up 13-15%.
OK Zimbabwe Suspends All Worker Salaries, Union Threatens Legal Action
OK Zimbabwe has suspended all salaries indefinitely from May 2026. The Commercial Workers Union of Zimbabwe calls the move illegal and threatens court action.
Zimbabwe's Monthly Inflation Falls to 0.5% as Global Tensions Ease
ZimStat data shows monthly inflation dropped sharply in May across both ZiG and USD, driven by easing global energy tensions.
Zimbabwe Black Market Rate Today: What It Means
Zimbabwe's black market rate is not one number. Understand the parallel market premium, why cash trades at 50% above the official rate, how businesses navigate dual pricing, and the risks of informal trading.
1 USD to ZiG Today: Zimbabwe Exchange Rate Explained
A comprehensive guide to reading the 1 USD to ZiG rate: RBZ official rates, bank TT vs cash, parallel market premiums, common conversion amounts, and the history behind Zimbabwe's latest currency.
Zimbabwe Counterfeit Goods Law Targets Fake Imports
Zimbabwe is weighing a dedicated Counterfeit Act as fake goods threaten consumers, local manufacturers and revenue collection.
ZiG Dollar Shortages Push Firms to Parallel Market
Manufacturers are turning back to the parallel market for US dollars as ZiG forex access strains widen the official-rate premium.
Banks Want Credit Revival as ZiG Facility Stalls
Zimbabwe banks say tight RBZ policy is holding back lending, even as the ZiG1.2bn Targeted Finance Facility remains barely used.
ZERA keeps Zimbabwe fuel prices flat as oil risks linger
ZERA kept diesel and Blend E20 prices unchanged, giving motorists short-term relief while global oil risks remain.
World Bank lifts Zimbabwe 2026 growth forecast to 5%
The World Bank now sees Zimbabwe growing 5% in 2026, supported by agriculture, mining and tighter fiscal policy.
Zimbabwe GDP Growth Forecast Jumps After IMF Programme
Zimbabwe is projecting its fastest growth in 14 years after an IMF staff-monitored programme, but the real test is whether the ZiG, inflation and foreign exchange market stay stable.
Zimbabwe Export Ban Drives Lithium and PGMs to Nearly $1 Billion in Q1 Mineral Sales
Zimbabwe mineral sales hit US$983.85M in Q1 2026, up 79% year-on-year, as the February export ban drives a surge in lithium and PGM beneficiation value.
At US$2.17 a Litre Zimbabwe Fuel Is Now the Most Expensive in Southern Africa
Zimbabweans pay US$2.17/litre for petrol, the highest in SADC. Taxes take a third. Neighbours cut levies. Zimbabwe did nothing.
Delta Corporation ZIMRA Tax Dispute Hits US$97 Million as Currency Conflict Deepens
Delta Corporation faces US$97 million in cumulative ZIMRA tax assessments, up from US$73 million. The dispute centres on retroactive currency revaluation of past liabilities.
Nurses Wages Crisis: Deputy Minister Says Only God Can Reward You as Healthcare Workers Demand US$600-800
Zimbabwe Deputy Health Minister Kwidini told nurses only God can reward them as healthcare workers demand US$600-800/month and the brain drain accelerates.
Zimbabwe Tightens Grip on Raw Mineral Exports, Reviews Lithium Quotas
Zimbabwe tightens grip on lithium exports, reviewing quotas for six producers as the government pushes miners to build processing plants by 2027.
Fidelity Steps Up Gold Mining Formalisation to Plug US$2bn Smuggling Losses
Zimbabwe loses US$2 billion a year to gold smuggling. Fidelity Gold Refinery wants to formalise small-scale miners to plug the leakage.
Mnangagwa Confirms 4.48 Tonnes of Gold Reserves in RBZ Vault Visit
President Mnangagwa confirmed Zimbabwe holds 4.48 tonnes of gold reserves backing the ZiG currency, up from 4.2t in February.
ZiG Stability Fuels 416% Surge in ZSE Trading Turnover for Q1 2026
Stable ZiG exchange rates and single-digit inflation drove a massive 416% surge in ZSE market turnover, pushing VFEX market cap to a record $4 billion.
ZiG is legal tender. So why can't you use it online?
ZiG is Zimbabwe's legal tender, but using it for online payments remains a huge challenge. We explore the payment gateway gaps holding back local e-commerce in 2026.
How Zimbabwe's US$328 Million EU Trade Surplus is Backing the ZiG
Most people assume forex is just draining out of Zimbabwe, but we actually hold a massive positive trade balance with the EU. This new grant boosts exports further, bringing in more USD, easing liquidity, and providing backing to stabilize the ZiG.
ZiG's Real Test: Why Purchasing Power Matters More Than New Banknotes
Economists warn that the success of the new ZiG currency will be judged by its purchasing power, not the physical quality of the banknotes. Here is why street value matters most.
The Minerals Mafia Report: US and China Clash Over Zimbabwe's Lithium Boom
A new US report accuses Chinese firms of smuggling Zimbabwe's lithium. State media is fighting back. We look at how this geopolitical clash impacts the local economy.
Zimbabwe Says It Created 464,000 Jobs in Two Years. The Fine Print Tells a Different Story.
NSSA says Zimbabwe created 464,000 jobs in 2024-2025. But official data shows 77% of the economy is informal and unemployment is still 20.7%.
RBZ has been borrowing millions from a loan shark and paying US$250,000 a week
A High Court ruling revealed the RBZ borrowed millions from a private lender and pays US$250,000 weekly. What it means for Zimbabwe's gold trade and the ZiG.
Zimbabwe Ships Africa's First Lithium Sulphate: What This Means for Jobs and the ZiG
Huayou Cobalt shipped Africa's first lithium sulphate from Zimbabwe. What local beneficiation means for jobs, exports, and the Zi.
RBZ Digital Forex Shift: Algorithm-Based Trading Platform to Transform Zimbabwe Currency Market
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is rolling out an algorithm-based electronic forex trading system aimed at automating price discovery and enhancing market transparency.
ZIMRA Is Coming For Your Side Hustle and Your Facebook Money Too
ZIMRA launched a voluntary disclosure programme targeting informal traders, content creators, and digital earners. Deadline: June 30, 2026.
Some Filling Stations Are Now Accepting ZiG for Fuel. Here's What That Actually Means.
Some filling stations in Zimbabwe have started accepting ZiG for fuel. It's a small step, but it matters. Here's why and what it means for the exchange rate.
Zimbabwe's US$1.2 Billion Forex Reserve Claim - Spin or Substance?
Mnangagwa says the economy is booming with US$1.2 billion in forex reserves. Analysts disagree. ZimRate breaks down the official spin versus what the markets actually think.
Why Zimbabwe's fuel prices are among the highest in Africa right now
Zimbabwe ranks second in Africa for fuel prices at $2.23/litre after the Iran war disrupted global oil supply. Here is what is driving costs up and what the government is doing about it.
Fuel prices dropped. Sort of.
ZERA cut fuel prices on April 17. Diesel down 2 cents, petrol down 15 cents. But the real story is the switch from E5 to E20 ethanol blending.
Zimbabwe's fuel prices are squeezing mines, commuters and the ZiG
Diesel hit US$2.11/litre, up 39% in two weeks. Mining firms are feeling the heat, and the ZiG still cannot buy fuel at the pump.
What is Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)? A Plain-English Guide
ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold) is Zimbabwe's official currency, backed by gold and foreign reserves. A plain-English guide covering ZiG vs ZWG, the BiG 5 banknotes, dual-currency reality, and the road to 2030.