Choppies Enterprise Limited, a Botswana-based retailer, is considering exiting Zimbabwe due to financial stress caused by the instability of the newly introduced Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency. The company, which operates 30 stores in Zimbabwe, cites economic challenges such as high inflation, unemployment, and foreign currency shortages as factors impacting its operations. Choppies' CEO, Ramachandran Ottapathu, highlights the company's strategy to reduce debt and exit loss-making areas, with Zimbabwe being a significant concern. The economic situation in Zimbabwe, including declining GDP growth and agricultural output, further exacerbates the challenges faced by Choppies.

The Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX) is preparing to launch the Victoria Falls Commodities Exchange (VCOMEX) to facilitate the trading of minerals, aiming to enhance market liquidity and diversify investment options. Regulations for VCOMEX have been established, and the exchange is expected to be operational by year-end. VFEX is inviting various participants, including commodity dealing companies and warehouse operators, to join the exchange. The VFEX market capitalisation saw a slight decline, but the All-Share Index increased, with Innscor and Simbisa leading in trading values. The exchange aims to secure additional listings, with Kavango Resources expressing intent to list.

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has expressed concerns over the impact of severe power outages on the telecommunications sector, which is already facing challenges due to macroeconomic conditions. The government has introduced penalties for telecom operators failing to meet quality standards, aiming to improve service delivery. Despite investments in broadband infrastructure, persistent power shortages threaten service reliability. The sector is crucial to Zimbabwe's economy but struggles with forex shortages, debt, and currency depreciation.

The article discusses the role of women in African supply chains, emphasizing their contributions to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and territorial markets. It highlights the challenges women face, such as financial exclusion, lack of infrastructure, and intellectual theft, while advocating for policies that support women's enterprises. The text underscores the importance of women's knowledge in promoting indigenous food systems and the need for gender-specific studies to enhance resilience and competitiveness in supply chains. It calls for better infrastructure and financial packages tailored to women's needs, recognizing the interconnectedness of urban and rural women in sustaining markets.

African Sun Limited has terminated its agreements to sell Beitbridge Hotel and Great Zimbabwe Hotel to TD Hotels & Leisure. The deals, classified as category 3 transactions by the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, were intended to raise capital for refurbishing key hotels in African Sun's portfolio. The company did not disclose reasons for the termination but had expected to receive a total of US$6.945 million from the sales. The termination comes as African Sun seeks to enhance its capital-raising efforts for future growth.

Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization of atomic bomb survivors, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to promote a nuclear-free world. The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized the group's dedication to highlighting the dangers of nuclear weapons through survivor testimonies. The award comes amid global tensions involving nuclear powers like Russia and North Korea. The recognition underscores the ongoing threat of nuclear conflict and the importance of maintaining the nuclear taboo. This marks the second time a Japanese recipient has won the Nobel Peace Prize, drawing attention to the historical and current significance of nuclear disarmament.

The article criticizes the Zimbabwean government's involvement in international projects linked to corruption and fraud, highlighting cases involving Errol Gregor and CQC Impact Investors LLC. It underscores the need for transparency and accountability, referencing past investigative reports like Al Jazeera's 'Gold Mafia'. The piece also discusses Zimbabwe's efforts to improve its international image through public relations firms, despite ongoing human rights concerns. The narrative suggests a pattern of governmental oversight failures and calls for internal reform.

RioZim Limited experienced an 8% decline in liquidity and a widening loss in the first half of 2024, primarily due to a 27% drop in gold production. The company's financial performance was impacted by operational challenges at its Cam & Motor and Renco mines, leading to decreased gold output. Despite a 13% increase in gold prices, revenue fell by 20% compared to the previous year. The company is taking steps to improve production in the second half of the year, including enhancing pit development and ore supply. However, the future remains uncertain due to foreign currency shortages and inflation concerns.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has not paid some teachers for their work during the August elections, despite having signed contracts. Payments that were made to some teachers were in local currency, contrary to the agreed United States dollars. The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe and the Educators Union of Zimbabwe are advocating for the teachers, with the former's president, Takavafira Zhou, highlighting the impact of inflation on delayed payments. Zec's deputy chairperson, Rodney Kiwa, expressed unawareness of the issue, while the chief elections officer, Utloile Silaigwana, refused to discuss contractual matters.

Africa's debt exceeds US$1.8 trillion, or 60% of its GDP, as of 2023, which hampers social well-being, particularly education. With high debt servicing, countries allocate less budget to education, leading to teacher shortages, inadequate learning materials, and poor infrastructure. This perpetuates poverty and hinders economic development. Solutions include debt cancellation, combating illicit financial flows, and investing in education to break the cycle and unlock Africa's potential.