Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's digital economy faces mounting security challenges as police arrest 11 EcoCash scammers with $22,000 in assets, while Starlink ends service restrictions in major cities and tax authorities acknowledge implementation problems with new digital services levies.

Zimbabwean authorities have arrested multiple individuals including a fake police officer trafficking drugs and an armed robbery gang member, as courts impose significant jail terms in response to rising criminal activity across the country.

Regional central banks tighten currency oversight as Botswana's Bank of Botswana prohibits Valentine's Day cash bouquets citing defacement laws, while Zimbabwe's Reserve Bank prepares to issue new ZiG banknotes under strict monetary controls.

Zimbabwe's government collected US$18 million from vehicle number plate issuance in H1 2025, while releasing ZiG20 million to complete a registry office delayed for two decades, signaling improved fiscal collection and infrastructure investment.

Zimbabwe will commission Africa's first lithium sulphate processing plant within a month, while state-owned Mutapa Gold Resources plans US$150 million investment to more than double production to 250,000 ounces annually.