Zimbabwe Roundup: Tourism arrivals, opposition leader arrested, ZiG currency

Tourist arrivals to increase

Zimbabwe's tourism industry is expected to strengthen over 2024, building on a gradual recovery from the pandemic. Despite increasing over 2024, arrivals are expected to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels in 2025. Over the medium term (2025-2028), arrivals will continue expanding, with growth underpinned by diversification in Zimbabwe's key source markets and the country's wide range of travel and tourism offerings. Over 2024, Zimbabwe's tourist arrivals are projected to increase to 2.0 million, up from 1.6 million in 2023, and growing by 27.4% year-on-year. However, they will be lower than the pre-pandemic level in 2019, with a fully recovering period in 2025.

Opposition leader and 80 youths arrested

Zimbabwean police have detained opposition leader Jameson Timba and 80 youths for participating in an unauthorised political gathering. Timba, who recently became interim leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change, alleges the party was co-opted by the ruling ZANU-PF party. The arrests are expected to result in charges of violations of public order laws, the Zimbabwe Mail reports.

Zimbabwean jailed in the UK for removing condom during sex

A Zimbabwean man based in the UK, Guy Mukendi, has been jailed for over four years for removing a condom during sex. The offence, known as "stealthing," is classified as rape. Mukendi claimed he did it because he had not had sex in a long time. The victim contacted police in May 2023 after realising the incident. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 states that someone did not consent to sex if the other person tricked them about the nature of the sex. In April 2024, Mukendi was convicted guilty of rape. A five-year restraining order has been given to the victim, according to local publication The Chronicle.

ZiG currency shows stability

Zimbabwe's Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency has shown stability, trading at 13.5 against the US dollar slightly above its initial launch price, according to the central bank. The central bank maintains this stability through strict actions against street traders and fines for transacting outside the official exchange rate. The government has also removed the 180-day holding rule for stock market transactions. However, concerns remain about the long-term viability of the ZiG currency due to Zimbabwe's history of currency collapses and the sustainability of the currency peg, the Zimbabwe Mail reports.

Wheat surplus

Zimbabwe has planted 121,769 hectares of wheat, 34% above last year, ensuring an even greater surplus over normal consumption and allowing more wheat processed foods to be manufactured and sold. The expected harvest of over 600,000 tonnes will not only meet the ordinary requirements of 360,000 tonnes but will allow a far greater range of wheat products to be manufactured and eaten, according to local media The Herald. The expected surplus of 240,000 tonnes will contribute to the Strategic Grain Reserve, which currently stands at about 400,000 tonnes, to ensure food security.