AS the curtain falls on 2025, Zimbabweans reflect on a tumultuous 12 months defined by fierce political battles, severe economic strain, and scintillating sporting moments. It has been a year of stark contrasts, leaving the nation divided on whether to label it an annus horribilis or an annus mirabilis.
These were the stories that dominated the headlines.
Politics: A battle for power
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s allies’ bid to extend his tenure to 2030 ignited significant controversy and sporadic violence, drawing opposition from rival parties and factions within his own Zanu PF.
Zanu PF succession fight: A bitter succession battle has erupted. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has publicly opposed Mnangagwa’s third-term ambitions, levelling grave accusations of corruption and state capture against the president’s allies.
Corruption allegations: Chiwenga alleged that Mnangagwa’s circle siphoned over US$3,2 billion through opaque state contracts and financial manipulations.•
Economic unrest: The crumbling economy, characterised by rampant United States dollar inflation and mass unemployment, has fuelled public discontent and strengthened opposition to Mnangagwa’s rule.
Crackdown on dissent: Protests against the government have been met with police brutality and arbitrary arrests, leading critics to accuse the state of systematically crushing opposition.
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Business: A mixed picture
The economic landscape presented a paradox of sectoral successes against a backdrop of broader crisis.
Tobacco boom: Tobacco export earnings surged past US$1,25 billion, bolstered by strong global demand.
Corporate moves: National Tyre Services is set to delist from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange on December 31. Meanwhile, Nampak Zimbabwe reported a 57% profit surge in FY25.
Gold sector strain: Gold production is on track to beat 2024’s record of 38,4 tonnes. Zimbabwe Stock Exchange: Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is also set to delist from the ZSE.
Sport: Drama and glory
Zimbabwe’s sporting fraternity provided thrilling narratives, particularly in football.
Warriors’ Afcon snub: The shocking omission of stars Marshall Munetsi and Jordan Zemura from the national football squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations sparked national debate.
Footballing honour: TelOne striker Washington Navaya was crowned the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Soccer Star of the Year after a stellar 17-goal season.
Rugby World Cup draw: The Sables face a daunting challenge after being drawn against heavyweights England and Wales in the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
Cricket triumph: Sikandar Raza rose to the number one spot in the International Cricket Council Men’s ODI All-Rounder Rankings, cementing his world-class status.
Netball victory: The Gems began their 2025 Africa Netball Cup campaign with a convincing 48-36 win over Namibia.
Infrastructure: Building for future
Several key national projects advanced, aiming to address long-standing developmental challenges.
Lake Gwayi-Shangani: This critical project aims to improve water security for Bulawayo and Matabeleland North, with potential for irrigation and power generation.
Harare-Beitbridge Highway: Its completion is set to enhance regional trade connectivity and boost economic growth.
Hwange power upgrade: Expansion works at the thermal station aim to guarantee a more stable national electricity supply.
Water security programmes: The Presidential Borehole Drilling Programme and the Kunzvi Dam project seek to climate-proof water access for rural communities and improve irrigation for food security.
Human rights reforms
The year saw a historic advance overshadowed by a tightening of civic space.
Death penalty abolished: Parliament passed the Death Penalty Abolition Act, a move hailed as a “courageous legal transformation” by rights groups.
Shrinking civic space: The Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act has severely restricted the operations of civil society groups.
Crackdown intensifies: Over 160 activists, opposition figures, and journalists were arrested ahead of the Southern African Development Community summit in Harare, with reports of torture and ill-treatment emerging.
Humanitarian crisis: An El Niño-induced drought has left an estimated 7,6 million people facing acute hunger.
High-profile scandals
Allegations of graft continued to make headlines, resulting in significant convictions. The ‘goat scandal’: Businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe were sentenced to 22 and 17 years, respectively, for defrauding the state of US$7,7 million in a failed goat supply scheme, delivering only 4 208 of 632 000 animals.
Chivayo allegations: Businessman Wicknell Chivayo faced renewed allegations of corruption and money laundering, which he denies.
2026 budget highlights
Finance minister Mthuli Ncube’s key tax proposals include:
Value-Added Tax (VAT) Increase: The standard rate rises from 15% to 15,5%.
Intermediated Money Transfer Tax: The rate on ZiG transactions is reduced from 2% to 1,5%. The US dollar rate remains at 2%.
New export taxes: Levies introduced on antimony, lithium, and ferrochrome exports.
