President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has highlighted the potential security threats associated with the discovery of oil, urging State security agencies to remain vigilant. This statement was made at the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe's annual general meeting in Victoria Falls. Invictus Energy, an Australian Stock Exchange-listed company, has reported progress in its search for oil in Muzarabani district and has signed an agreement with the government for exploration and production. Mnangagwa's cautionary remarks are influenced by the insurgent threats in neighboring Mozambique, which have impacted significant oil and gas investments, including a halted US$20 billion project by French energy firm Total. Invictus Energy is seeking to expand its exploration area and plans to drill its first test well later in the year. The mining conference where Mnangagwa spoke was themed around sustaining mining industry growth amid COVID-19.

The article by Fidelity Mhlanga discusses the challenges faced by Zimbabwe in handling the coronavirus pandemic, emphasizing the stigma and misinformation that are prevalent in the country. Despite the global impact of the virus, with 30,000 deaths and 615,000 infections, many Zimbabweans are not taking the outbreak seriously. The country has recorded its first death, and the government, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has announced a 21-day lockdown enforced by security forces. However, the public's adherence to social distancing is low, and there is a high level of denialism. Myths such as the effectiveness of lemons against the virus are widespread, and there is a surge in demand for masks, lemons, and ginger. The article highlights the need for increased awareness and correct information to combat the pandemic effectively.

Zimbabwe's fuel prices, now the highest in Africa, could have been even more expensive without the reintroduction of blending, according to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera). Despite the recent price hikes due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict affecting global supplies, blending and the removal of the Strategic Fuel Levy have mitigated the increase. Zimbabwe's fuel consumption rose to 1.2 billion litres in the 11 months to November 2021, a 10% increase from 2020. The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe and economist Prosper Chitambara have expressed concerns about the impact of fuel costs on consumers and inflation, which has significantly risen.

John Makamure, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc), highlighted the prevalence of corruption in both public and private sectors at the Zimbabwe Association of Pension Funds conference. He emphasized the need for improved governance in the pension industry and for legal reforms to establish timelines for the prosecution of corruption cases. Zacc is concerned about the delays in prosecuting corruption cases and is lobbying for prosecuting powers and legal reforms to ensure cases are finalized within set timeframes. The commission is also implementing integrity pledges and committees to promote anti-corruption efforts.

A Rwandan business delegation will visit Zimbabwe from November 28 to December 3, 2021, to explore business opportunities and discuss investment and trade relationships. The visit follows a memorandum of understanding signed between the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries and the Rwanda Private Sector Federation in September 2021. The delegation will tour various sectors in Harare, including food processing, construction, and ICT, with a focus on establishing partnerships and joint ventures.

A study conducted by the United States Agency for International Development on artisanal and small-scale gold miners in Zimbabwe found that 23.5% of the 373 participants were HIV positive. The study also diagnosed 11.2% with silicosis and 4% with tuberculosis. The research highlighted a significant health burden among miners, with those testing positive for HIV being 2.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with silicosis. The median duration of employment among those with abnormal chest radiographs was eight years, compared to five years for those with normal radiographs.

Proplastics, Zimbabwe's largest pipe products producer, experienced a significant rebound in the first quarter of 2021 with a 93% increase in sales tonnage compared to the previous year. The company's US$1 million high-tech plant, which began production in 2020, contributed to this growth despite a COVID-19 induced lockdown. Exports grew by 71%, and sales revenues were 29% above budget and 187% ahead of the prior year. Gross profit margins remained flat, but production efficiency improved with plant availability at 94% and utilization at 80%. The company's financial position strengthened, with an improved current ratio and reduced foreign creditors' balance.

Zimbabwe's gold deliveries dropped to 3.97 tonnes in the first three months of 2021 from 5.72 tonnes in the same period last year due to heavy rains flooding mines and affecting artisanal miners' work. Despite a bumper crop harvest following years of drought, the mining sector, which includes about 1.5 million artisanal miners, faced challenges such as late payments from Fidelity Printers and Refiners and foreign currency retention thresholds by the central bank. Large-scale miners delivered 2.99 tonnes, while small-scale miners contributed 1.58 tonnes. Caledonia Mining Corporation's Blanket Mine experienced a slight production decrease but maintained its annual guidance. Economists predict a potential increase in gold output in the remaining quarters if issues like payment delays are addressed, but also warn of increased smuggling to South Africa and the UAE due to these challenges.

The start of Zimbabwe's 2020 tobacco marketing season, scheduled for April 22, is threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tobacco is a significant source of foreign currency for the country, essential for importing necessities. TIMB chairperson Patrick Davenish expressed concern that the pandemic could disrupt the season if not contained. Measures are being considered to adapt to the situation, including educational initiatives and preventative measures on farms. The Zimbabwe Tobacco Association and its president, Rodney Ambrose, are also involved in efforts to protect the industry and its workers. Suggestions have been made to decongest auction floors and pay farmers in US dollars to avoid the devaluation of earnings due to inflation. The RBZ and TIMB have announced that farmers will retain 50% of their proceeds in foreign currency without mandatory liquidation.

The author expresses frustration at the functioning infrastructure and quality of life in Germany compared to their home country, Zimbabwe. They are angry at Zimbabwean politicians for not having the will to implement similar standards in Zimbabwe despite having witnessed Western advancements.