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  • Refurbishment of Parirenyatwa main hospital begins. . . Nurses’ residence 95 percent complete

    THE refurbishment of the main hospital building at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has begun, marking the most extensive rehabilitation of the country’s largest referral health centre since its opening as Andrew Fleming Hospital nearly 70 years ago.

    The project is being carried out in three phases covering student accommodation, maternity facilities and the 1 400-bed main hospital.

    Presently, the first phase, focusing on the refurbishment of Adlam House, the nurses’ residence, and surrounding infrastructure, is 95 percent complete, while the second phase, targeting Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital, is now 25 percent complete.

    The residence, which had deteriorated to the point of accommodating only 40 student nurses out of a possible 353, has since been transformed.

    The revamp includes the installation of eight new boreholes, a 30 000-litre water tank and a 120-kilowatt solar system, along with a swimming pool for recreation.

    Renovations of the Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital will include removal of old floors and ceilings, plumbing repairs and upgrades to patient reception areas, nurseries and infection control systems.

    The third and most extensive phase will focus on the 1 400-bed main hospital block.

    Artisans and engineers are currently conducting a full assessment to determine priority areas and design a phased approach that will allow the facility to remain operational during the renovations.

    In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said works were progressing well.

    “Refurbishment of Parirenyatwa is being done in three phases,” he said.

    “The first phase involved the refurbishment of the nurses’ residence, which is called Adlam House, and the surrounding infrastructure. That one is almost 95 percent complete. I think they are just polishing up, but all the work has been done.”

    He said the second phase, which is underway, will see the overhaul of the Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital.

    “The work has just started,” said Dr Mombeshora.

    “They are in the process of removing the old floors, the old ceilings, repairing the plumbing. There is still quite a lot of work to be done. I would say they are about 25 percent at this stage.”

    The physical work, Dr Mombeshora said, had not yet started at the main hospital, but assessments of the planned renovations were at an advanced stage.

    “Then the third one is the main hospital,” he added.

    “For the main hospital, we are at the stage of making assessments.

    “That is a very huge hospital, and we are planning on how we will have to do the work in phases because we cannot close the whole hospital, which has 1 400 beds.

    “We can say the work has started but the real knocking down of the walls and things like that has not yet started.”

    The Parirenyatwa modernisation programme is expected to serve as a blueprint for other public health institutions and forms part of a wider national exercise to rehabilitate critical health infrastructure to improve service delivery.

    Earlier this year, President Mnangagwa made an unannounced tour of Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where he expressed concern over its dilapidated state and directed the authorities to expedite refurbishment.

    Posting on his X (formerly Twitter) account last week after handing over 10 state-of-the-art ambulances to all provinces, the President reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to prioritising public healthcare.

    “Today, I had the distinct honour to preside over the handover of 10 brand-new state-of-the-art ambulances that will be deployed across all 10 provinces,” President Mnangagwa said.

    “This milestone reaffirms the Second Republic’s unwavering commitment to prioritising public healthcare, modernising health facilities and ensuring that no place and no citizen is left behind.”

    Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association president Dr Johannes Marisa welcomed the hospital refurbishment project.

    “Upon completion, there is set to be an increase in confidence among patients in their healthcare system, which is the first step to healing and recovery,” he said.

    “There is also set to be improved healthcare services and retention of staff because some medical personnel are leaving due to the deterioration of infrastructure.

    “So, basically, all this will lead to a reduction of morbidity and mortality rates. We applaud the Government, and we hope this exercise cascades to all healthcare centres across the country.”

    The Government recently signed several landmark cooperation agreements with Belarus for, among other things, the reconstruction of central hospitals, procurement of state-of-the-art medical equipment and establishment of local health technology manufacturing partnerships.

    The deals, signed during President Mnangagwa’s official visit to Minsk in May, are expected to complement domestic efforts.—Sunday Mail

     

     

  • Mazowe Walk transforms district with new shopping mall and jobs

    ONCE regarded as a quiet satellite district along the Harare-Kanyemba Highway, Mazowe is now rapidly transforming into a modern commercial hub, with new infrastructure reshaping its economic and social outlook.

    The latest milestone is Mazowe Walk, a state-of-the-art shopping mall that has already injected fresh vibrancy into the district, creating jobs, boosting business confidence, and improving convenience for travellers and residents alike.

    The completion of the mall’s first phase has been met with enthusiasm from the community, which views the project as a direct contribution to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.

    “We are happy with developments happening in this region, especially this building. It’s big, state-of-the-art, and will create jobs while giving the area a facelift in line with Vision 2030,” said local resident Lloyd Mukonyo.

    Other residents echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how the project is providing employment and convenience to motorists and travellers.

    For the past two years, the construction of Mazowe Walk has created opportunities for locals to gain new skills and improve their livelihoods.

    “I have been working with Gateway Construction for two years. I learnt new systems like operating a dumper and placing pavers, and I even managed to buy a stand in Chiweshe,” said one worker.

    “I now operate a concrete mixer here in Mazowe and have learnt about safety and technical skills in the process,” another added.

    The public–private partnership behind Mazowe Walk brought together the Mazowe Rural District Council (land contribution), Fidelity Asset Management (financiers), and Gateway Construction (construction and project management).

    Gateway Construction’s Head of Marketing, Panashe Kakono, said the success of phase one had paved the way for the remaining two phases, with tenants already moving in.

    Mazowe RDC Chairperson, Alderman John Mudzonga, said the project was aligned with the district’s development vision and the President’s call to ensure that “no place is left behind”.

    “Mazowe is near Harare and the new city, so our standards must match that. The money from Mazowe must be retained locally through such developments,” he said.

    The development also complements the Mazowe Road Dualisation Project, which is expected to increase inflows into the town and further cement its role as the gateway to Mashonaland Central Province.

    With Mazowe Walk now open, plans are already underway to formalise surrounding informal activities, signalling continued urbanisation and growth for the district.—ZBC

  • Willdale Limited’s Q3: A struggle for survival or a turning point?

    HARARE – The story of Willdale in F25 has been one of contrasts: a company squeezed by working capital shortages and depressed production capacity, yet still standing on what could be transformative opportunities in real estate and new technology. The Q3 update, when read alongside the half-year unaudited results, paints a picture of a business fighting for its core relevance in Zimbabwe’s construction value chain while laying bets on a property pivot that could either redefine its fortunes or expose deeper structural weaknesses.

    The macroeconomic backdrop remained relatively stable during the quarter under review. Inflation and exchange rates were broadly contained, reflecting the government’s persistence with tight monetary policy. In theory, such stability should have created a conducive environment for capital expenditure and demand. In practice, however, the liquidity squeeze meant that Willdale was unable to fully participate in the opportunities that an expanding construction sector offered.

    Demand for bricks remained strong across urban and peri-urban housing projects, as well as in commercial developments. Yet Willdale found itself unable to meet this demand, not because of lack of buyers, but because working capital shortages throttled production. This paradox—high demand but low supply—became the defining feature of F25’s trajectory.

    The most glaring issue was production. Year-to-date extrusion volumes fell by 52% compared to the previous year, while fired production contracted by 41%. Sales volumes dropped by 34%, reflecting the supply-side constraints rather than waning demand.

    The Q3 numbers echoed the H1 narrative where extrusion volumes had already fallen 43%, leading to a 30% decline in sales. The constraints were starkly visible: stockouts became common and all available inventory was quickly absorbed by the market. It was not a demand problem; it was a production and funding problem.

    The financial hit was equally heavy. At H1, revenue had collapsed by 48 % to US$3.1 million from US$6.1 million a year earlier. By Q3, year-to-date revenue was down 45 %, a decline that combined the effect of lower volumes and intense price competition in the commoditised common brick market.

    Average prices rose by 10% in Q3 compared to the prior year, a strategic decision to push higher-value product lines. This provided some cushion but could not offset the broader contraction. At H1, however, pricing had fallen 26% year-on-year due to intensified competition, highlighting the uneven dynamics in different product segments.

    The result was an operating loss of US$1.8 million in H1, narrower than the US$3.8 million loss in the prior year but still symptomatic of structural fragility. Exchange losses and cost pressures added to the strain, though cost rationalisation measures brought some relief.

    Liquidity remained precarious. By March 2025, cash balances had shrunk to just US$25,275 from US$142,791 in September 2024. Payables climbed to US$6.2 million, a signal of delayed settlements and stretched supplier relationships. Short-term borrowings were minimal at US$70,000, consistent with management’s policy of low gearing to reduce default risk. This conservative stance, while prudent, also left the company under-leveraged at a time when funding was desperately needed to scale production.

    The Board’s decision not to declare an interim dividend at H1 was a rational response. Every dollar mattered for survival and reinvestment. Yet the longer-term question looms: can Willdale generate sustainable returns for shareholders without fundamentally altering its capital structure?

    Industry-wide concerns: Radar’s Macdonald Bricks story

    At its recent AGM, Radar Holdings said Chinese-controlled brick producers are capturing significant market share through cost efficiencies driven by state-of-the-art, scalable manufacturing technologies, thereby placing traditional players at a competitive disadvantage. Radar’s brick division continues to incur operational losses, with inventory levels reaching approximately US$8 million, raising liquidity concerns despite the absence of official disclosures on short-term cash positions.

    The company’s cost structure remains inflexible due to reliance on antiquated, capital-intensive machinery and a sizable workforce, which is increasingly unsustainable given declining production volumes. Management acknowledged that personnel levels have not been reduced in tandem with output reductions—an untenable situation in the current market climate.

    Strategic options under consideration include the potential discontinuation of brick manufacturing operations altogether, especially as asset values—such as land housing kilns—may surpass the enterprise value. Previously, the company leveraged its property development assets to offset brick sector losses; however, land asset sales are occurring at near-cost levels, diminishing this support.

    Industry dynamics favor competitors with lean operational models, mobile equipment, and flexible pricing strategies, enabling Chinese firms to operate at significantly lower costs and set highly competitive prices. Despite plans to diversify into higher-value industrial bricks and upgrade to more efficient kilns, the outlook remains challenging. The management’s willingness to contemplate shutdown signals the severity of financial strains and restructuring needs. Radar’s future sustainability hinges on its ability to divest non-core assets and overhaul its operational model to restore competitiveness.

    Willdale’s strategic diversification: The property development gambit

    The most striking theme in Q3 was the pivot to property development. Willdale signaled that land sales and stand development would become material cash flow drivers from the next quarter. The company received a development permit for one land parcel in May 2025, while illegal occupants were being cleared to enable servicing and sales.

    Most notably, the Smartsuburb project in Mt Hampden, located within the boundaries of the New City, is scheduled to begin servicing and sales in September 2025. If executed well, these projects could unlock substantial liquidity, fund the acquisition of a modern all-weather common brick plant, and recapitalize working capital.

    The irony, however, is hard to miss. A company historically positioned as Zimbabwe’s leading brick manufacturer is now betting on property development to bail out its core operations. This raises existential questions: is Willdaleevolving into a hybrid real estate-manufacturing firm, or is it using property as a temporary bandage for deeper structural wounds?

    Competitive dynamics became fiercer in Q3, with new manufacturers entering the industry. The common brick segment remained highly price-sensitive, with some players allegedly avoiding VAT compliance to undercut prices. This distorted competition eroded margins and pressured Willdale’spricing strategy.

    The company’s focus on premium product lines is logical in this environment. However, without scale and capital injection, even premium positioning risks being undermined by persistent supply constraints.

    Willdale projects a highly positive outlook, expecting property sales and capital raising to drive a turnaround in Q4 and beyond. Management is confident that servicing land, selling stands, and channeling proceeds into new technology will modernize production, restore liquidity, and expand market share.

    The outlook is encouraging, but skepticism is warranted. Execution risk is immense. Land development is capital-intensive and often slow, subject to regulatory and logistical delays. Even if proceeds are realized, converting them into efficient production capacity requires careful sequencing and disciplined reinvestment. A misstep could leave the company with fragmented focus and further liquidity strain.

    Last Word: Between a rock and a brick

    Willdale’s Q3 performance shows a company caught between structural vulnerability and strategic reinvention. Working capital shortages have crippled production and sales, leaving Willdale unable to meet robust demand in the construction sector. Yet the pivot into property development offers a potential lifeline, if not a fundamental transformation.

    The critical question is whether Willdale is building a bridge to sustainable growth or merely postponing the inevitable reckoning. For investors, the story is both compelling and cautionary: a chance to back a turnaround grounded in real estate monetization, but also a reminder of how thin the margins are between resilience and fragility in Zimbabwe’s industrial landscape.
    —fx

  • Khayah Cement on the rebound: Historic rescue plan secures future with Hima Cement

    HARARE —Khayah Cement is on the brink of a historic revitalisation, marking a new chapter in its tumultuous journey. After years of financial turmoil, operational setbacks, and external pressures, the company has found a saviour in Hima Cement — a formidable player prepared to inject over US$60 million into the beleaguered firm.

    This infusion of capital is not merely a lifeline but a catalyst poised to transform Khayah Cement’s future.

    Khayah Cement Limited’s creditors approved Hima Cement as the new investor that will inject over US$60 million into the business while also diluting and buying out major shareholder Fossil Mining Company as part of the company’s corporate rescue plan.

    The funds are aimed at settling outstanding indebtedness to creditors and strengthening the company’s financial position, thereby facilitating a return to a healthy balance sheet and sustained profitability.

    Khayah Cement, formerly Lafarge Cement, rebranded in May 2023 following Fossil Mining’s purchase of the majority stake, but has since faced significant operational hurdles.

    Frequent mechanical breakdowns, particularly in critical areas like the kiln plant and Vertical Cement Mill, have disrupted production. The aging kiln’s need for refurbishment has further reduced output. Sales volumes have also declined over the past few years. Moreover, US sanctions on the company’s major shareholder, Fossil Group, have restricted access to funding, worsening Khayah’s financial struggles.

    The company is also saddled with a legacy debt of US$42.9 million, including interest, inherited from Holcim Group. This longstanding loan has severely strained the company’s finances, ultimately leading to its placement under corporate rescue.

    Hima Cement has been chosen as the preferred investor for Khayah Cement by the creditors, following a bid process that opened and closed on August 8, 2025. Other bidders included Chinese companies XIAMEN and ZTTEW.

    Khayah’s corporate rescue practitioner, Bulisa Mbano, told FinX that “Creditors have voted for Hima Cement as the investor that will inject over US$60 million into the business.” This financial infusion is crucial for settling creditors, reducing liabilities, and restoring the company’s balance sheet, potentially paving the way for improved profitability.

    Hima Cement is owned by the Sarrai Group, a diversified manufacturing conglomerate headquartered in Uganda with subsidiaries in Uganda, Kenya and Malawi. Hima Cement was previously owned by Lafarge Holcim, past owners of Khayah Cement. The Sarrai Group is owned by East African Indians.

    With three state-of-the-art plants strategically located in Uganda – including the Hima Plant in Kasese, the Namanve Blending Station in Kampala, and the Tororo Grinding Station in Tororo – Hima Cement boasts a total cement production capacity of over 2 million tonnes.

    Hima Cement is set to invest US$100 million in expanding its Kasese plant to boost production capacity. Upon completion, the new cement production line will rival the mother plant in Kenya’s capacity and become one of Africa’s largest. Currently producing 300,000 tonnes of cement annually, the company aims to increase production by 700,000 tonnes within two years.

    Meanwhile, Khayah Cement is already showing signs of revival, having produced 25,000 tonnes of cement in August, with its kiln slated for commissioning in November.

    Overall, the transaction represents a positive step toward salvaging Khayah Cement, with potential for significant capacity expansion and financial stabilization. However, its success hinges on effective management of operational risks, strategic execution of infrastructure upgrades, and navigating external pressures.

    As of 2024, the Zimbabwe cement market has an installed annual production capacity of 2.6 million tonnes and an annual demand of around 1.6 to 1.8 million tonnes. However, local production often falls short of demand due to high costs and frequent plant breakdowns, leading to reliance on imports.

    The market is dominated by two major producers, PPC Zimbabwe and Khayah, though several smaller players are also active. These include Sino-Zimbabwe Cement Company, which is the third-largest producer in the country. Emerging players include JainQiang Cement – this company is nearing completion on a new plant in Hwange, which will have a production capacity of 600,000 tonnes annually –, Shuntai Holdings with a US$70 million investment is constructing a cement plant near Chegutu with an expected annual production of 0.8 million tonnes. Construction has proceeded despite legal challenges. Other smaller manufacturers include Mortal Investments Manufacturing Company (Livetouch Cement) and Pacstar Cement & Concrete Limited.—fx

  • Kavango Resources reports strong progress in Zimbabwe gold projects, capital expansion

    Kavango Resources, a mineral exploration and mining group with assets in Zimbabwe and Botswana, has reported significant advancements in its Zimbabwean gold projects alongside successful capital raising efforts to support its 2025 exploration and development goals.

    According to the company’s unaudited financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2025, their principal focus this year is the exploration and development of its gold assets in Zimbabwe, particularly the Hillside Gold Project and the Nara Project, as well as expanding early-stage gold production capacity.

    In Botswana, Kavango continues exploration activities targeting the Kalahari Copper Belt.

    On 29 August 2024, Kavango launched a capital expenditure programme aimed at funding value-generating projects, including resource definition, mining plan development, and acquisition of plant and equipment. This programme is primarily centered on Zimbabwe’s Hillside and Nara projects.

    “The primary objective has been to define mineral resources, to develop mining plans and to acquire plant and equipment to expand production. Kavango’s proposed work programmes are focused principally on the Hillside Gold Project and Nara Project in Zimbabwe, In Botswana exploration has been focussed on the Kalahari Copper Belt Project.”

    Shareholders granted Kavango authority in January 2025 to issue up to 1 billion ordinary shares to support a planned secondary listing on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX) and related capital raising.

    This authority was renewed in May 2025. Through VFEX, Kavango raised approximately US$13.5 million, complemented by £1.5 million raised on the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market, providing working capital to advance exploration and development activities.

    Additionally, in April 2025, the Company secured a US$5 million interest-free convertible loan note facility from a consortium of Zimbabwean pension funds, convertible into shares on terms linked to VFEX trading. The first tranche of shares was admitted to trading on 8 September 2025. Kavango appointed Corpserve Registrars as its local registrar and transfer agent, with options allowing Zimbabwean investors flexibility to hold shares locally or transfer them to the London market.

    “On 1 July 2025, post the Half Year, the Company announced that Kavango has received a written commitment from Purebond Limited (the Company’s major shareholder) to subscribe for the equivalent of US$5 million worth of new ordinary shares in the Company at £0.01 per share, to fund the exercise of the Nara option.”

    The Company implemented an employee share scheme to enable eligible employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, subject to certain conditions, to participate in the VFEX listing.

    On its Zimbabwean operations, the company noted that they were concentrating in the mineral-rich Filabusi Archean Greenstone Belt in Matabeleland, near Bulawayo.

    “Kavango is exploring for gold deposits that have the potential to be developed into commercial scale production quickly through modern mechanised mining and processing. The Company is targeting both underground and open-pit opportunities. The Company’s principal activities in Zimbabwe are located in the Filabusi Archean Greenstone Belt in Matabeleland, which form part of the central Zimbabwe craton.

    “The Company has two main projects, the Hillside Gold Project comprising of 44 claims named Bills Luck, Britain, Nightshift and Steenbok, located southeast of Bulawayo, and the Nara Project comprising of 45 claims, covering four historic mines located to the south, near to Bulawayo. In Zimbabwe each gold claim is approximately 10 hectares.”

    Kavango also revealed that they are pioneering the use of spiral decline mining in Zimbabwe, a technique commonly used in Western Australia but not widely adopted locally. This method is expected to unlock value in the country’s goldfields by providing easier underground access.

    “Spiral decline mining is not currently widely adopted in Zimbabwe, despite the apparent geological similarities with Western Australia’s goldfields. Subject to drill results, Kavango believes that spiral decline mining has the potential to unlock significant value in Zimbabwe’s goldfields.”

    The Company’s revealed that its long-term vision is to establish modern mechanised mining and processing operations capable of rapidly scaling gold production. The ongoing drilling and plant construction efforts are key steps toward realising this goal. —Herald

  • PSPF Reaps Strong Returns from Real Estate Investments

    THE Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) is enjoying strong returns from its growing and diversified property portfolio, spanning from residential property to large-scale real estate development projects.

    PSPF chief investment officer, Dr Farai Gaba, revealed this in an interview during the launch of the Midlands Park, a mixed-use complex that provides both residential housing and community facilities in Zvishavane on Tuesday.

    He said the strategic shift to real estate was expected to deliver significant returns that outperform negative real money market returns and the sometimes volatile equities, providing the fund with inflation-hedged stability.

    The PSPF was established to provide decent pensions, gratuities, and other benefits to State employees upon retirement, discharge, resignation, or death.

    The fund is actively expanding its real estate portfolio, focusing on diverse, income-generating projects across Zimbabwe.

    Apart from the Midlands Park project, officially commissioned by President Mnangagwa, the fund is also making a major move into the education sector, with multiple projects aimed at creating student housing and ensuring a steady stream of rental income.

    These developments are underway in Kwekwe, Bulawayo and Chinhoyi. 

    In the capital, Harare, the PSPF is already working on two residential projects; Madokero Creek and Westlands properties. 

    According to Dr Gaba, the middle-income housing developments will pilot an innovative rent-to-own programme, which will offer civil servants an alternative route to homeownership.

    In the future, the fund plans a large-scale urban renewal project at the Samora Machel Precinct in Harare’s Central Business District. 

    To safeguard against currency fluctuations, leases for this planned, mixed-use complex will be linked to the United States dollar.

    The PSPF also intends to build dedicated housing for civil servants in Bindura and Lupane.

    The fund’s recent acquisition of the Monomotapa Hotel is also a strategic move to secure a valuable asset. The hotel is expected to generate a significant flow of foreign currency.

    Residential properties, a core component of the fund’s strategy, are expected to deliver net yields of six to nine percent, providing a stable and reliable stream of income. 

    Student housing is a key focus for its high-yield potential, with the sector projected to generate stable returns of eight to 10 percent, underpinned by consistent demand.

    In the hospitality sector, the fund’s strategic acquisition of assets like the Monomotapa Hotel is targeting a robust Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 12 to 18 percent. This is seen as a crucial hedge against currency volatility, as earnings in this sector are often backed by foreign currency.

    The most ambitious projections come from own development projects, which are expected to achieve impressive gross margins of 15 to 25 percent.

    These ventures, including the Madokero Creek and Westlands properties, offer the potential for substantial capital appreciation, positioning them as the most profitable segment of the portfolio.

    “These returns significantly outperform negative real money market returns and volatile equities, giving the fund inflation-hedged stability. Importantly, the drivers of performance are non-traditional investments, housing tied to essential demand, forex-earning hospitality assets, and embedded development margins,” said Dr Gaba. 

    “PSPF has demonstrated that creativity in structuring, from mortgage-linked models to renewable energy projects, increases both returns and sustainability, allowing the Fund to remain resilient even in volatile markets.” —Zimpapers Business Hub

  • Borrowdale Residents and Ratepayers Association hands over community project

    MEMBERS of the Borrowdale Residents and Ratepayers Association (BRRA) scored a first yesterday when they officially handed over community projects to Harare City Council at a colourful function yesterday.

    BRRA handed over the Helenvale business centre bus stop shelter and garden, a waste separation centre and the renovated Borrowdale Clinic.

    Speaking at the ceremony, BRRA chairperson Robert Mutyasira said the residents intended to construct for the country a world-class community recreation centre with facilities that allow locals to showcase their abilities and energy.

    “As you may be aware, most of the recreational facilities in this ward are privately owned and have restricted access, leaving the bulk of our residents, especially the youth, with nowhere to unleash their energy and agility, thus exposing them to inappropriate engagements and activities,” he said.

    “This is not a beginning, but a continuation of a preceding culture of community co-operation and resilience that we have holistically inherited and embraced.”

    Mutyasira said community development contributed to the general national development.

    “It is those aspirations that we have seen as our goal, the pleasure that others may be enjoying while we work tirelessly, committing resources, time, expertise and unwavering dedication to a worthy cause,” he said.

    “Community development precedes national development. It is the more than necessary building block in the transformation of the entire nation.

    “The bus stop perimeter fence is 80% complete and more beautification ideas and lighting are pending. All these developments will require day-to-day maintenance.

    “At this juncture, I wish to make it known to all of us that for 2025, we have once again taken up another ambitious challenge.”

    In a speech read on his behalf by councillor Stanley Manyenga, Harare mayor Jacob Mafume applauded the collaboration between council and BRRA.

    “The BRRA has shown a new and effective way forward, it has not been just an association of home owners, it has been a development partner,” he said.

    “The council’s role is to plan, regulate and provide the framework for progress and have the technical aspect, that institutional capacity, but you the residents have the on the ground knowledge and community spirit,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Charles Tawengwa, in a speech read on his behalf by the director for infrastructure planning and environmental management in his office, Engineer Herbert Parichi, applauded BRRA for setting an example for other communities.

    “What has been done by BRRA comes to us as a learning platform to those who have not started yet and also to our government ministries, departments and agencies we should keep in support of such initiatives,” he said. —NewsDay

  • Angola to Host Africa’s Largest Infrastructure Financing Summit in October

    By Staff Reporter

    The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and the African Union Commission (AUC), in partnership with the Government of Angola, will host the continent’s largest infrastructure financing gathering from October 28 to 31, 2025, in Luanda.

    The summit builds on the momentum of the 2023 Dakar Infrastructure Financing Summit and will focus on mobilising capital to bridge Africa’s infrastructure gap, which exceeds US$100 billion annually. Key priorities include financing cross-border energy, transport, logistics, and digital projects under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA).

    Angola’s President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, the current AU Chair, has made infrastructure development central to his continental agenda. At the AU handover ceremony earlier this year, he emphasised the need to “mobilise all available financial resources” to drive Africa’s trade, industrialisation, and digital connectivity.

    The Luanda Summit will feature curated deal rooms, investment pitches, and project showcases. Flagship corridors such as the Lobito Corridor, LAPSSET, and the Dakar–Bamako–Djibouti route will be presented as integrated models of trade and industrial growth.

    Energy access will be a major theme, with more than 600 million Africans still without electricity. The summit will highlight financing pathways for the African Single Electricity Market and the Continental Power Systems Master Plan, estimated to require US$1.3 trillion by 2040. Sustainable energy, digital innovation, and water security projects will also take centre stage, alongside efforts to attract climate-aligned capital and philanthropic investment.

    The event coincides with the mid-term review of PIDA’s Priority Action Plan, which will assess progress and refine strategies for fast-tracking projects. Domestic capital mobilisation will also be on the agenda, with discussions on leveraging Africa’s US$70 billion in annual pension and sovereign wealth funds for infrastructure.

    As South Africa takes over the G20 Presidency in 2025, the Luanda Summit is expected to amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage, particularly on infrastructure financing, energy access, and climate finance.

    Registration for participants, exhibitors, and partners will open in the coming weeks, with further details to be shared on the official event platform.

     

  • Fake Panels: Solar Scam Costs Homeowners Thousands

    THE soaring demand for solar products, whose prices have been progressively declining over the past decade owing to technological advances and globalised manufacturing, has led to a concomitant influx of imports, including that of counterfeit products.

    As locals adopt climate-friendly practices such as irrigation and use of renewable energy, investments in solar panels, batteries, inverters, water pumps and lighting systems have exponentially increased.

    Unfortunately, unscrupulous dealers are capitalising on the trend by selling poor-quality and counterfeit products to gullible consumers — many of whom lack the technical knowledge to identify fakes or legal protection in such matters.

    Some shops in downtown Harare7, particularly along Kwame Nkrumah Avenue and Julius Nyerere Way, as well as the Gulf Complex, have become the epicentre of this illicit trade.

    The situation is worsened by the widespread use of unqualified and uncertified technicians for solar installations.

    In some instances, the combination of poor workmanship and fake products is having catastrophic outcomes.

    “I bought a 1kVA home solar system from a shop advertising on social media. Instead of improving my life, it brought endless problems,” said Edmore Maredza, a recent victim.

    “The battery would not charge properly and the system eventually caught fire — likely due to poor connections. If we had not been home, the entire house could have burnt down.”

     

    The counterfeit trick

    Investigations reveal that many products — especially inverters, bulbs and batteries — are either counterfeit or deliberately mislabelled.

    Some importers rebrand low-wattage panels to inflate their value.

    For example, a 20W panel may be stripped of its original markings and sold as a 40W unit at a higher price.

    Several companies operating in Harare and other parts of the country have been repeatedly red-flagged for selling faulty or mislabelled equipment.

    Some briefcase dealers also operate from flea markets in Mbare and along Seke Road.

    “This is a classic case of consumer deception,” noted Dr Farai Mandizha, an independent energy consultant.

    “When a panel marked 100W only produces 60W, the customer is robbed twice — first financially, then in performance. It undermines trust in solar energy.”

    According to a South Africa-based legal firm specialising in anti-counterfeiting and intellectual property, the issue is widespread across Africa.

     

    Regulation

    The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has issued warnings on the dangers of counterfeit solar products; they can cause system failures, shorten battery lifespans and pose serious safety risks.

    The authority has launched crackdowns and urged consumers to verify genuine products by checking for engraved power ratings — rather than relying on removable stickers.

    ZERA chief executive officer Edington Mazambani said the regulator is now conducting regular on-site inspections to identify and remove counterfeit solar products from the market.

    “Our initiative aims to ensure that only genuine and reliable solar products reach consumers,” he said.

    The regulator has linked substandard panels and poor installations to a rise in electrical faults.

    Official statistics show that at least 27 deaths were reported from more than 200 electrical accident notifications last year, while 45 fatalities from electrical incidents were recorded in 2023.

    However, the figures could be much higher as some of the cases go unreported.

    To address the growing crisis, the Government is working on a comprehensive regulatory framework for the rapidly expanding solar energy sector, which is largely unregulated.

    The proposed rules — Energy (Solar Products and Installation) Regulations — are aimed at ensuring safe, high-quality solar energy production.

     

    Victims

    In Mufakose, shop owner Tawanda Moyo invested US$600 in a solar setup for his store.

    “Within weeks, the inverter failed and the batteries stopped charging. The dealer refused to honour a warranty, saying the product was imported voetstoots (as is). I had no choice but to buy new equipment,” he said.

    In Glen View, a small business owner lost nearly US$500 when his solar batteries failed after just three months.

    “When I returned to the shop, the dealer had vanished.”

    Such stories are now common across Harare.

    Experts warn that distinguishing genuine products from fakes is difficult.

    Authentic LED bulbs take two to three seconds to light up, while counterfeits switch on instantly.

    But in a market desperate for affordable solutions, many consumers overlook these signs.

    Most counterfeit products are imported from China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Dubai, Taiwan and African countries like South Africa and Nigeria.

    Some shipments arrive disguised as “household electricals”, thus end up skipping the necessary checks at ports of entry.

    The unchecked inflow of counterfeits, Professor Milton Hare, an energy economist at the University of Zimbabwe, warns, threatens to hurt local industries.

    “Manufacturers spend millions on research, quality control and compliance. Counterfeits kill innovation and drive legitimate players out of the market. In the long run, it is the economy that suffers,” he argued.

     

    Price war

    The rise of briefcase dealers has triggered a brutal price war among traders.

    While certified companies charge more for quality products, counterfeit dealers lure buyers with very low prices.

    For desperate families, the gamble often ends in disappointment.

    “People are literally buying darkness in a box,” said a downtown trader who opted not to be named.

    Globally, counterfeiting costs companies an estimated US$630 billion annually

    In Zimbabwe, the problem threatens to derail the Government’s renewable energy agenda, which aims to increase solar adoption as a sustainable solution to the power crisis.

    Experts warn, unless the authorities tighten border checks, enforce tougher penalties and educate consumers on solar equipment, the country risks turning solar energy into a failed promise. —Zimpapers CheckPoint

     

     

  • 50km of Kadoma-Sanyati Road upgraded

    A KEY section of the Harare-Mazowe road dualisation project was opened to traffic yesterday, marking a milestone in the Government’s ambitious infrastructure upgrade.

    The newly completed 3,3km stretch was met with applause from motorists who have long endured congested and difficult travel on the route.

    The opening was led by a high-level delegation including Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engineer Joy Makumbe, and other senior Government and ZINARA officials.

    In a speech delivered on his behalf, Transport Minister Felix Mhona said the project was far more than just a road upgrade since it eventually means a modern dual carriageway highway all the way to Kanyemba Border Post in northeast Zimbabwe.

    “This project represents a key that will unlock immense potential for Zimbabwe, transforming a neglected corridor into a vibrant economic route,” he said.

    Minister Mhona outlined the project’s wide-ranging benefits, positioning Zimbabwe as a critical transit hub within SADC and creating the shortest route from Harare to Zambia and the DRC.

    He also highlighted the importance of a reliable road network for unlocking the mineral-rich potential of the region and providing direct access to agriculturally rich districts.

    The contractor for the project, Exodus and Company, was commended for its work since starting in February last year.

    Project director Engineer Alex Mashangu confirmed the contractor’s commitment to continuing the work all the way to Kanyemba.

    Zinarachairperson Dr George Manyaya assured the public that funding for such critical road maintenance is available, noting that Zinara has already disbursed ZIG6.1 billion this year alone.

    The Government’s broader road rehabilitation efforts were also highlighted, with over 50 000km of roads reportedly rehabilitated and reconstructed since the start of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP2) in 2021.

    For daily commuters and businesses, the newly opened section promises safer, faster travel and is seen as a vital artery for economic growth, connecting the capital to northern regions and beyond.—Herald