The cost of living for an average family of five in Zimbabwe increased to $26,560 in March from $25,900 in February, according to data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat). The Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL) rose to $5,312.19 per person, indicating a 2.4% increase from February. The Food Poverty Line (FPL) also saw a 2.5% rise. The economic crisis is worsening, with many professionals and state employees at risk of malnutrition due to earnings below the TCPL. The private sector is struggling with a shrinking consumer base and job losses, exacerbated by COVID-19. Despite a decline in the annual inflation rate, the cost of living continues to soar.

Technological advancements, particularly in cryptocurrency, have simplified and made financial transactions more practical. The study aims to analyze the behavioral intentions of bitcoin investors, identify factors influencing consumer behavior, and evaluate technology acceptance among investors. Key factors include ease of use, social impact, convenience, trust, and privacy. The study highlights that cryptocurrency investors tend to be more male, have larger portfolios, and engage more in online banking and securities trading. Understanding early cryptocurrency adoption can provide insights into future financial technology adoption.

Invictus Energy, an Australia Stock Exchange-listed oil and gas explorer, has requested the Zimbabwean government to expand its exploration claims in Muzarabani by tenfold. The company, which is currently exploring a 100,000-hectare special grant in the Zambezi Valley, aims to increase its oilfields to about one million hectares. Technical director Brent Barber highlighted the need for competitive grant sizes to attract investment. The government has shown support by considering tax reliefs for drilling equipment imports. Invictus recently signed a petroleum exploration development and production agreement with the government, granting them production rights for 25 years and Special Economic Zone status. They plan to drill their first test well in the final quarter of 2021 and have raised about US$6 million for the project.

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.

National Building Society (NBS) has introduced NBS Instant Cash, a local remittances product aimed at both banked and non-banked customers, offering low-cost forex transfers. The service is designed to enhance financial inclusion, particularly for low-income earners, by allowing transactions as small as US$10. NBS head of marketing, Mildret Kujinga, emphasized the product's role in bridging the financial inclusion gap and creating a formal transactional history for the informal sector. The service is available at NBS branches and authorized agents across Zimbabwe.

Mining industry executives have praised the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe's decision to transfer the responsibility of collecting fees and commissions from the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. This move aims to reduce bureaucracy and help mineral exporters navigate issues related to economic sanctions. The mining sector, which faced significant challenges due to COVID-19, is expected to recover, with projections of achieving US$12 billion in annual revenue by 2023. The Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe highlighted ongoing capital constraints but expressed optimism for a rebound in the second quarter.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is spearheading efforts to revive Zimbabwe's tourism sector, particularly in Victoria Falls, which saw a significant drop in arrivals due to COVID-19. The initiative aims to attract international airlines back to the region, with British Airways, Emirates, Air Zimbabwe, and fastjet already resuming routes. The strategy is part of the Zimbabwe Destination Development Programme (ZDDP), supported by multiple agencies including the Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry ministry, the Transport ministry, and the government of Japan. The goal is to restore Victoria Falls as a competitive tourism and air transport hub, thereby reviving thousands of jobs lost during the pandemic.

Colin Chibafa, the new president of the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe, aims to work closely with the government to address challenges in the mining sector. He succeeds Elizabeth Nerwande and will be supported by Thomas Gono and John Musekiwa. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has set ambitious targets to transform the mining industry into a US$12 billion sector by 2023. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has introduced measures to provide relief to the industry, including increased foreign currency retention for exporters. Despite progress, issues like the Mines and Minerals Act amendment and foreign currency retention levels remain unresolved.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized the urgency for Zimbabwe's mining sector to increase output and achieve the goal of generating US$12 billion in annual forex revenues by 2023. Currently, the sector generates about US$2 billion annually. Mnangagwa highlighted the need for unity, collaboration, and increased investments to reach this target, despite the challenges posed by international sanctions. He also noted the importance of beneficiation and value addition in the mining industry, particularly in gold and diamonds.

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.