ZFN FRIDAY DRINKS

Join Tinashe, Ranga, and Rufaro as they discuss the anti-immigration protests in South Africa and the return of more than 56,000 Zimbabweans, exploring the impact on both countries. We ask the important question: Is the South African state complicit in anti-immigration protests? What role does South Africa state play in preventing or enabling the anti-immigration protests? Is this about policy, political rhetoric, unemployment pressures, or failure of protection for migrants? Or is the state struggling to manage deeper structural issues like high unemployment and public service strain? What does reduced migration mean for South Africa’s labour market, skills needs, an...

Tinashe, Ranga, and Rufaro are back with another episode of Friday Drinks. The team unpacks Cuba's new free-market reforms, widely regarded as the country's biggest economic shift since the Cuban Revolution. They examine what these reforms could mean for Cuba's economy and discuss why free markets are often associated with investment, productivity, and economic growth. The conversation also explores the long-standing relationship between Zimbabwe and Cuba, including the bilateral teacher training programme established in the mid-1980s, through which hundreds of Zimbabwean teachers received training in Cuba. We turn to South Africa's illegal immigration debate, including reports that more...

🎙️ In this episode: Tinashe, Ranga and Rufaro explore: Why are platinum miners reportedly owed around US$228 million in unpaid export income under the foreign currency retention system. What does this mean for investor confidence, and the wider economy. The conversation also explores whether Zimbabwe is overregulating businesses, the challenges facing the formal sector, and what policymakers can do to build trust and encourage investment. Topics covered: • Platinum miners and the US$200 million payment backlog • Bank policy rates and money supply • Inflation and monetary policy • Regulation vs overregulation • Investor confidence and economic growth • Taxation and the formal sector. Join the conversation and...

Join Tinashe, Ranga and Rufaro as they unpack some of the week's biggest ideas. ls colonizing Mars a worthy human pursuit? The markets certainly seem to think so, with investors continuing to back SpaceX. But is this humanity's next great frontier or simply 21st-century colonialism? Rufaro reflects on his Comrades Marathon experience and explores what inspires ordinary people to take on one of the world's toughest endurance races. The team also discusses the ZSE's approval to launch an Entrepreneurship Exchange and what it could mean for entrepreneurs and growing businesses seeking capital. Plus, the Government of Zimbabwe plans to...

Tinashe, Rufaro and Ranga unpack two major developments: they discuss the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange(ZSE) approval of a new Entrepreneurship Exchange and what this could mean for startups, small businesses, and access to capital in the country. Could this be a game-changer for local entrepreneurs? The team also explores the Government’s proposed Local Content Act, aimed at reducing imports and promoting local industry. Is this the right move to strengthen Zimbabwe’s economy, or are there risks that need to be considered? Join the conversation as they break down the opportunities, challenges, and bigger questions behind these policy and...

Join Tinashe, Ranga and Rufaro begin with agriculture, unpacking the difference between lifestyle farming and commercial farming, and debating whether successful farming requires full-time presence on the farm. The discussion then moves into deeper economic issues, including RBZ money supply growth, inflation risks, and what rising liquidity could mean for prices and stability in the economy. The panel also explores tax pressure and enforcement by ZIMRA, following recent concerns raised by Delta, and what this signals for investor confidence and the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe. At the centre of the debate is a key question: is Zimbabwe...

In this episode, Ranga and Rufaro discuss Zimbabwe’s mining sector amid major policy shifts, including the ban on foreign participation in small-scale gold mining and requirements for 98% local representation in senior and middle management roles across mining operations. They unpack what these changes mean for investment, skills development, and the long-term competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s mining industry. The discussion explores key questions around regulatory risk, ease of doing business, and whether policy is aligned with the realities of large-scale mining development and global capital requirements. Zimbabwe holds significant mineral wealth, including lithium and gold, and continues to attract inve...

Join Tinashe, Ranga and Rufaro as they unpack why Command Agriculture failed? Why is Zimbabwe struggling to attract meaningful foreign direct investment (FDI)? And what does it mean for the economy when the US dollar dominates everyday transactions? Zimbabwe’s banking sector, low deposit levels, the decline in agricultural funding, the shift from maize to tobacco farming, the US dollar economy and ZiG, and the broader economic and political challenges affecting growth and investment. The team also discusses: Millers and GMB The impact of politicised agricultural funding Why bank deposits in Zimbabwe remain low The dominance of the US do...

Ranga and Rufaro sit down with Simba Mangwendeza from First Mutual Wealth to unpack the First Mutual Wealth Gold ETF — an innovative investment product now listed on the VFEX. We explore: the ETF is linked to gold, what it offers investors, and why VFEX was chosen over the ZSE for listing. FMW Gold ETF units can also be sold on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), with proceeds remitted in hard currency — adding cross-border liquidity and investor flexibility. This is a key moment for Zimbabwe’s capital markets as new financial instruments continue to emerge.

Ranga, Rufaro and Simba Mangwendeza unpack key issues shaping Zimbabwe’s economy and financial sector. The conversation explores interest rates, monetary policy and the challenge of building confidence in the ZiG within a highly dollarised economy. The panel also discusses banking sector dynamics, including low lending activity, weak long-term deposits and shifting loans-to-deposits ratios. Further topics include ease of doing business, rising tax pressures, IMTT and the complexities of taxing a largely informal and cash-based economy. The discussion also looks at Zimbabwe’s gold reserves, mining sector potential and the estimated US$15.5bn capital requirement needed to fully unlock grow...

Join Tinashe, Rufaro and Ranga coming to you live from Tiger Bay, set on the banks of the Ume River and surrounded by the Matusadona National Park in Kariba. This episode is sponsored by Tiger Bay — a hospitality unit of the Nyaradzo Group.

Key talking points during the show:

How do we promote Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, and are we doing enough to sell Zimbabwe to the world?

• Why Zimbabwe needs to package and market itself better as a tourism destination.

• The challenges affecting tourism accessibility, including poor road infrastructure and potholes...

Join Tinashe, Ranga and Rufaro as they explore May Day in the age of AI — and what it means for the future of work. From the relevance of May Day in the age of AI and whether a four-day work week is becoming realistic, how artificial intelligence is reshaping productivity and the future of jobs, the discussion explores what work could look like in the years ahead. Also joining the conversation is Melody Chikono from Investor Hosting Centre (IHC) as they discuss investment in Zimbabwe and Africa. This episode is sponsored by Investor Hosting Center (IHC) Tinashe, Ranga and Ru...

Join Tinashe, Ranga, and Rufaro as they discuss tobacco farming to fuel pumps, healthcare policy to foreign investment covering the real conversations shaping Zimbabwe’s economy. Ranga shares his experience as a first-time tobacco farmer, navigating low prices and the realities on the ground. The discussion expands into how the tobacco sector is financed, and the evolving role of merchants versus traditional lending. We also unpack the push to separate medical aid societies from service providers, questioning whether regulation is solving a real problem or creating one and where regulators fit into the picture. On the policy front, the co...

Join Ranga and Rufaro as they unpack Zimbabwe's economy: Can Zimbabwe hit the IMF's 5% growth target amid policy inconsistent, a debt overhang, and local currency fixation? Key Topics: IMF forecasts 5% GDP growth for 2026—matching government targets, but is it realistic? Washington debt talks: $2.5B bridging finance to clear arrears and unlock funding Monocurrency: 6 failed local currency attempts in 15 years—what's the fixation? Policy inconsistency killing FDI and business confidence. Elon Musk slams South Africa's BEE as "Apartheid 2.0" This episode is sponsored by Dairibord Zimbabwe.

Join Ranga and Rufaro with Noel Mahombera, Chief Business Development Officer at ZIDA (Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency). Discussion insights: How ZIDA is working to attract investment and position Zimbabwe as a premier destination for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (BKPO). They dive deep into: 🔥 Zimbabwe's BPO Potential: Lower labor costs, skilled English-speaking workforce, and emerging call center hubs make Zimbabwe competitive against other global destinations. 🏢 Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Plans for Joina City to become the first SEZ, creating investor-friendly zones with tax incentives and streamlined regulations. 💼 Capital Markets Growth: How ZIDA collaborates with VFEX and ZSE t...

Join Tinashe, Ranga, and Rufaro as they discuss how the ZiG is fading from the economy and how over 90% of the formal sector runs on the US dollar – with the informal sector effectively at 100%. We ask: how realistic is the mono‑currency? We then turn to energy: independent power producers (IPPs), such as solar projects, rely on long‑term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and government guarantees. But in a high‑sovereign‑risk environment, is banking on a government guarantee actually delusional? What that means for the future solar power projects in Zimbabwe. Finally, we examine fuel: while many governments are cuttin...

Join Rufaro in conversation with runners at the Nyaradzo @25 Run, which saw an impressive turnout of over 5,000 participants at the SEAL Lifestyle Park in Chishawasha. The run celebrated 25 years of the Nyaradzo Group, bringing together runners and fitness enthusiasts. Rufaro sits down with runners to discuss what motivates and inspires them to keep going.Join Rufaro in conversation with runners at the Nyaradzo @25 Run, which saw an impressive turnout of over 5,000 participants at the SEAL Lifestyle Park in Chishawasha. The run celebrated 25 years of the Nyaradzo Group, bringing together runners and fitness enthusiasts. Rufaro sits down with runners to...

Join Tinashe, Ranga, and Rufaro in Victoria Falls at Econet InfraCo listing on the VFEX. They unpack what this record-breaking debut means for investors, the economy, and the future of Zimbabwe’s capital markets. With a valuation of US$1 billion, Econet InfraCo marks the largest initial listing in Zimbabwe’s capital markets history. This is sponsored by Delta Corporation - 'Share a Coke' and join the conversation.

Tinashe and Ranga unpack fuel price increases, Zimbabwe’s fuel reserves, the impact of rising costs, and how policy is shaping investor confidence. This episode is sponsored by O'mari Zimbabwe. Fuel prices in Zimbabwe have gone up again, just three months into 2026. But authorities say the country still has over three months of fuel in reserve. So why are prices rising, and what does this mean for businesses and ordinary households? This episode is sponsored by O'mari Zimbabwe. Tinashe and Ranga also look at what other countries are doing with fuel taxes and reserves, and ask whether Zimbabwe is us...

Join Tinashe as he sits down with Zimbabwe's rugby star turned NFL player TJ Maguranyanga – the second Zimbabwean ever to play in America's premier football league. At just 22, TJ shares his incredible transition from excelling in rugby and the Africa Men's Sevens to signing an NFL contract. Also featuring Paddy Zhanda Jr. from the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) interim management committee. This episode is sponsored by Delta Corporation - Share a Coke and join the conversation. Sport in Zimbabwean primary schools & the power of parental support. TJ's sporting scholarship at Falcon College & balancing academics and athletics. Why Zimbabwe urgently ne...

Join Tinashe and Rufaro with aviation pioneer Captain Obet Mazinyi, with over 40 years of global flying experience. Captain Obet’s journey training in Zambia, then training at the British Airways School in the UK. Post-independence Air Zimbabwe: Needing 1,000 hours to join a mostly white airline, profitable Harare-London routes, and why Zimbabwe became a major aviation hub as the world opened up. This episode is sponsored by O'mari Zimbabwe. Judgment in aviation: Turning hours, experience, and expertise into safe decisions under pressure. Captain Obet's timeless wisdom: "In aviation, the more secrets you keep, the more you endanger others. The more yo...

🏠 Exploring the realities of Zimbabwe’s real estate and property investment markets, including the challenges and opportunities for both middle- and low-income earners.

👨‍⚖️ Insights into city governance with the analogy that “City Fathers” have failed to live up to their responsibilities.

🏢 The concept of decentralizing urban planning—encouraging local communities like Budiriro, Chitungwiza, and Borrowdale to shape their development and solutions.

🏘 Social housing: Harare City Council’s goal of delivering 50,000 affordable housing units— Is it doable or just a pipe dream?

🏦 "Mattress banking" refers to the habit of keeping savings at home due to mistrust in formal ba...

Insights on NicozDiamond Insurance journey, transformation, and future outlook in Zimbabwe and the region. Reinsurance in Zimbabwe: Local reinsurers play a vital role in managing insurer risk. Art and personal items insurance: Spectacles and personal items like glasses can be insured. Small claims (e.g., glasses) can be settled within 24 hours at NicozDiamond. Education and skills challenge: Half-hearted commitment from some graduates and lack of practical training affect industry quality. The informal sector is a target for growth, with insurers developing products (micro/macro insurance) to include more Zimbabweans in insurance coverage. Funny and fraudulent claims: Unique cases like “do...

📊 Budget shows projected 6% GDP growth, driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and mining. Despite positive figures, no meaningful policy shift from the previous budget—missed opportunity. 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe’s economy remains 76% informal—a major structural weakness

🏭 Manufacturing is now the largest formal sector contributor (15% of GDP)

📈 Treasury Bills (TBs) remain unpaid, raising questions about government credibility.

⚡Power constraints remain a serious threat to productivity in industry and mining

⚠️The numbers look good on paper, but the real economy tells a different story

Misalignment between the Central Bank and Treasury. Without coordinated fiscal and monetary policy, confidence in the economy remains fragile. Central Bank says they're not printing ZiG while Treasury claims discipline and strong collections. But is the market buying it? Debate around the ZiG currency—its gold backing, official exchange rate of 1:26, and why that rate may not reflect reality. Growing trust deficit—not just among exporters and consumers, but even among banks and regulators. Silence from exporters: Why aren’t they speaking out about delayed ZiG payments owed to them by the government? Competition is good. The biggest beneficiary of com...

"Welcome to Friday Drinks! 🍷 This week, Dziya (Ranga Makwata) and Mukanya (Tinashe Murapata) hold it down while Shumba (Rufaro G Zengeni) battles the flu. We dive deep into:

🔥 ZESA’s $10 Billion Power Crisis – Can Zimbabwe end blackouts?

🔥 Leadership Failures – From village Sabukus to national corruption

🔥 Diaspora Divide – Why UK Zimbabweans invest more than SA-based ones

🔥 Entrepreneurs vs Tenderpreneurs – Who’s REALLY building Zimbabwe?

🔥 Health & Winter Colds – Ginger, lemon & whiskey remedies! Join the debate!

👇 Comment your thoughts: Should Zimbabwe dollarize electricity? Can diasporans fix Zim’s economy? Is village mentality holding Zimbabwe ba...

Join Tinashe, Ranga, and Rufaro as they unpack the week’s biggest economic stories - Econet’s delisting from the ZSE, ban on lithium and raw mineral exports, and the latest monetary policy moves—including the shift toward a mono‑currency, the 35% policy rate, and the push for the market to set the exchange rate. This episode is sponsored by Delta Corporation - 'Share a Coke' - and join the conversation. Econet’s delisting from the ZSE and what it means for investors and the capital market. Tinashe, Rufaro and Rufaro analyse the government’s ban on lithium and all raw mine...

Join Tinashe, Ranga, and Rufaro as they discuss key topics shaping today’s world. We take a deep dive into beneficiation and the importance of accessing the right markets. Zimbabwe’s agricultural potential: fertile soils for tobacco farming and emerging opportunities in medical cannabis cultivation. Zimbabwe tea used in blending and exported worldwide. Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) makes a strong move by expanding into South Africa with a US$5.6 million purchase of a property in Cape Town’s CBD. RTG needs focused strategy and flawless delivery to succeed. Explore updates and changes at the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX) Ranga...

Join Tinashe and Rufaro for an exclusive episode featuring Chris Mugaga, CEO of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC). Is Zimbabwe in a crisis? Question from Tinashe to ZNCC: Is the government engaging with the business sector? ZNCC is actively raising concerns about the electricity crisis with the government. Approximately 60% of ZESA’s budget is allocated to administrative costs rather than to maintenance and infrastructure improvements, which negatively impacts electricity reliability. Solutions: Increased private-sector participation in the electricity sector as a potential solution to the ongoing electricity crisis. This includes recommending the removal or easing of certain regulations th...

Join Tinashe and Rufaro on this episode with our new sponsor, O'mari Zimbabwe, as we discuss key topics - gold prices surge, gold is seen as the trusted “old money." Clear, investor-friendly policies are crucial for Zimbabwe to double gold production. Zimbabwe has immense potential to significantly increase its gold production and become a major global supplier. Doubling gold output would attract foreign currency, create jobs, and boost economic stability. Government efforts to slash farming and livestock license fees and taxes, easing business burdens and boosting productivity. Positive step from the government’s reforms in agriculture, but more action is n...

Join Tinashe and Rufaro on our episode as they discuss US Republicans proposed bill on removal of ZIDERA, Zimbabwe - US Relations, the $3.5 billion debt to white commercial farmers, the crucial Paris Club debt, and Zimbabwe's energy sector: the $455 million Jindal Steel - Hwange power plant deal. Republicans proposed bill to repeal ZIDERA, signaling a potential reset in ties. The importance of paying the $3.5 billion debt to white commercial farmers’ to unlock US sanctions relief and economic opportunities. Zimbabwe’s Paris Club debt and its critical role in re-entering the global financial market. The $455 million concession deal with India’s Jind...

Join Tinashe and Rufaro for this insightful episode discussing white farmers’ compensation with Andy Pascoe and Harry Orphanides. The US Republicans proposed bill pressing Zimbabwe to pay the US$3.5 billion debt owed to farmers. This episode is sponsored by O'Mari Zimbabwe. The proposed bill to repeal ZIDERA is conditional on settling compensation within 12 months; farmers and stakeholders consider this timeframe too short. Zimbabwe has been locked out of international capital markets since 1999 after defaulting on debt owed to lenders including the World Bank, the Paris Club, and the African Development Bank. About 1,000 white farmers signed up for the Farmers Co...

Tinashe, Ranga, and Rufaro dive into the significance of the Dangote Group’s visit to Zimbabwe. Discover what this means for the country’s business landscape and future opportunities. This episode is sponsored by Delta Corporation. 'Share a Coke' with friends, and enjoy the conversation.

Join Tinashe, Ranga, and Rufaro for an unfiltered discussion on Zimbabwe's draft Constitutional Amendment Bill. They dive deep into the geopolitics of presidential term extensions, unpack political and institutional risks, and question if Parliament is strong enough to hold power accountable. From frequent regulatory changes scaring investors away, to Zimbabwe's untapped commodity riches, to our cultural hangover around celebrating success. Discussion about the elephant in the room: politics driving (or derailing) the economy. This episode is proudly sponsored by O'mari Zimbabwe. Will 7-year cycles bring policy stability and economic growth? Or just more uncertainty for business? How do investors...

Insightful review of Zimbabwe’s 2026 national budget with Tinashe and Ranga joined by Prof Gift Mugano. This episode is sponsored by Delta Corporation. 'Share a Coke' and join the conversation. Examination of Zimbabwe’s rebased nominal GDP of $52 billion and why it does not reflect real growth or poverty reduction. Analysis of $1.7 billion accumulated expenditure arrears impacting government contracts and services Breakdown of fiscal challenges including unpaid statutory payments to pensions, War Veterans, and savings funds. Exploring the disconnect between macroeconomic figures and citizens’ lived economic hardships. Consequences of budget underperformance on private sector confidence and inflation pressures.

Join Tinashe and Rufaro in an exclusive conversation with Permanent Secretary Mr. George Guvamatanga - Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. Dive into hot topics like the newly proposed gold royalties—where Zimbabwe risked the highest rates in Africa, prompting a promised revisit and miner-friendly adjustments. This insightful episode is proudly sponsored by Delta Corporation— 'Share a Coke' and join the conversation. Unpack the controversy over $60 million in unapproved, unbudgeted car hire spending amid budget pressures and cost-cutting directives. Plus, insights on government service: "You don't go into government; you are called and appointed to serve your coun...

Welcome to the first Friday Drinks episode of 2026 with Tinashe, Ranga and Rufaro where we dive into the escalating geopolitical risks putting state sovereignty back on the global agenda. Zimbabweans overtaxed, debates on writing off Treasury Bills and sovereign debt, we unpack Zimbabwe's budget battles amid "pockets of hope" as Ranga puts it. This episode is sponsored by O'mari Zimbabwe..

Join Tinashe and Rufaro with Advocate Simba Chitando unpacking ZDERA and the legal challenges around Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP). Advocate Simba Chitando discusses his pro bono work with undocumented migrants in South Africa. Activism and advocacy are core to Chitando's fight for migrant rights. This episode challenges borders, sanctions, and what makes the law legitimate. "What makes law, law?" - Tinashe's big question. ZDERA has failed its democracy/rule of law goals after 24 years. Sponsored by Delta Corporation - 'Share a Coke' and join the conversation.

Join Tinashe, Ranga, and Rufaro for an insightful discussion on making Zimbabwe great and making Zimbabwe work. Drawing from Carl Jung's wisdom on life's first half (socialization and ego-building) versus the second (self-actualization) and Tinashe's take on how we can make Zimbabwe work, retain and absorb our talent and graduates at home, so migration abroad isn't the only path, we explore career paths beyond university—trade schools as strong options as entry gets tougher. This episode is sponsored by O'mari Zimbabwe. Making Zimbabwe work: Retain our talent and graduates, so migration to the US or abroad isn't the only pa...

Join Tinashe, Ranga and Rufaro as they discuss the pension funds crisis, capital markets pressures, ZiG inflation hitting single digits, and gold bugs vs skeptics. This episode is sponsored by Delta Corporation - 'Share a Coke' and join the conversation. Over 50% of Zimbabwe's pension funds faced dissolution last year – what's really happening in the industry that never recovered from 2008 hyperinflation? Employers deducting contributions but not remitting them? ZiG year-on-year inflation hits historic single digits at 4.1% in January 2026 – but is it real stability? Ranga says: "The universe of things ZiG can buy is getting smaller." Central bank heavy-handed liquidity controls, mine...