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Zimbabwe banks on cows as inflation soars

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HARARE – They are an investment on four hooves. Cattle have become a safe financial option for some Zimbabweans.

Hyperinflation in the southern African nation has led to a loss of public confidence in banks and conventional pension systems.

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Zimbabwe’s annual inflation rate jumped to 192% in June, the highest level over a year. The reason behind this is the war in Ukraine, which is driving global commodity prices higher.

Over the last 20 years, many citizens have lost savings in banks and pension funds.

The “mooing bank”

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Some are now looking for safer ways to protect their investments. And one option is investing in cattle.

Ted Edwards is the chief executive officer of Silverback Asset Managers, which some also mockingly call a “mooing bank.”

It is a unit trust primarily based on cattle. But, according to Edwards, business is booming.

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“Cows seem to be a safe option for some,” Edwards said, adding that some asset management companies are creatively coming up with the old tradition of investing in cattle to create wealth for investors.

Edward’s asset company has established a unit trust investment vehicle where citizens can invest in cattle using the local currency.

Cattle holds stable value

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Over time, cattle have proven that they can absorb inflationary shocks, Edwards told DW.

“What we have done is to create a unit trust fund called Mombe Mari trust fund. We have essentially unitized cattle into the trust fund as a means of attracting investment into the cattle industry.”

Currently, one unit is equivalent to hundred kilograms of live cattle.

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“It is open to investment for anyone out there who wants to buy units in the unit trust.”

While a cattle unit trust may be a new phenomenon in Zimbabwe, cattle have traditionally been a source of wealth for rural farmers.

Investing in cows gives you more control: farmer

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In the southern part of Zimbabwe, a region predominantly suitable for cattle ranching, farmer Zenzele Ndebele says he has never regretted investing in cattle.

Ndebele has managed to withstand the inflation pressures that the country is experiencing.

“I have a certain control over what I can do with my cattle,” Ndebele told DW.

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“You can really calculate. Your cattle will add value over a period. Then, you can sell if you want to sell.”

Cattle essentially retain their value regardless of inflation swings.

In addition, they yield value long-term due to their potential reproduction rate of around one calf a year.

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How the cow scheme works

While a group of investors can, for example, invest in a whole cow, individuals can buy shares in a cow or calf.

When a cow produces offspring, the value of that calf is added to the client’s portfolio.

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Male calves can later be sold as a bull, and proceeds are used to procure the equivalent value in female calves.

Selling high-quality specimens also adds to the returns.

Risks involved: Droughts and diseases

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Cattle have long been considered a measure of wealth across Africa.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), livestock accounts for 35 percent to 38 percent of Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Investing in livestock has its own challenges though. Just as monetary investments could be eroded by inflation, cattle can be affected by droughts and diseases.

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However, economists like Gift Mugano say the investment option is far much safer in a volatile environment like Zimbabwe.

Gold coins or cash cows?

“To have investments in cows or animals is a better investment opportunity than gold coins,” Mugano told DW.

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“When the animals drop their offspring, that is your interest rate. It is a better bank than going to the bank and put money that is eroded by inflation.”

Zimbabwe’s central bank started selling gold coins to the public in July to help protect people’s savings against the country’s runaway inflation.

The gold coins are sold in local currency, US dollar, and other foreign currencies.

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The Mosi-oa-Tunya gold coin, named after Victoria Falls, is mostly made of gold and can be used for purchases in shops as well as be used as security for loans and credit facilities. – DW

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ZimParks salutes brave rangers on World Ranger Day

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

Today marks World Rangers Day, a commemoration of the critical work that rangers do in protecting the world’s wildlife and natural resources. The day is significant as it recognizes the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices made by rangers who often put their lives on the line to safeguard the environment and conservation efforts.

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In commemoration of World Rangers Day, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has issued a statement. Below is the full statement:

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) joins the rest of the world in recognizing the work of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line in protection of wildlife.
It is also a day to remember those who have lost their lives in line of duty and some who are still missing to date.

This year’s theme, “Rangers,Powering
Transformative Conservation,” speaks to the important role Rangers play, not only as protectors of wildlife but also as leaders who bring change and help shape the future of conservation.

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From patrolling wildlife protected areas and stopping poachers to working with local communities and educating the public, Rangers are at the heart of everything we do to look after our wildlife heritage for current and future generations.

Rangers work across vast landscapes and often spend weeks in the bush facing dangerous conditions, tough weather, and limited resources but despite these challenges, they carry on with strength and dedication, knowing that their work makes a difference.

We believe that by investing in our Rangers, we are investing in the future of conservation in Zimbabwe.
As we mark this important day, we say thank you to all our Rangers. Your courage, passion, and commitment inspire us every day, you are the backbone of conservation, and we stand with you.

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Malaria cases surge in Zimbabwe

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Zimbabwe is experiencing a dramatic surge in malaria cases, with 111 998 cases and 310 deaths reported as of epidemiological week 23 in 2025.

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This is a significant increase from the same period in 2024, which saw 29 031 cases and 49 deaths.

According to Dr Memory Mapfumo, an epidemiologist at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), “This surge is no coincidence. Prolonged rains have fueled mosquito breeding, while activities like gold panning, fishing, and artisanal mining are exposing more individuals to risk, especially during peak mosquito activity hours.”

The situation is worsened by the low use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs), leaving communities exposed and placing further strain on already stretched health systems. Across Zimbabwe, 115 out of 1 705 health facilities have been affected, highlighting the widespread impact of the disease on healthcare infrastructure.

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Mashonaland Central Province has accounted for 32% of all malaria cases, while Manicaland reported 25% of the malaria-related deaths. The interconnectedness of the countries in the region has also contributed to the spread of the disease.

Zimbabwe’s malaria outbreak is part of a broader regional trend. Other countries in southern Africa, including Botswana, eSwatini, and Namibia, are also experiencing significant increases in malaria cases.

In Botswana, 2 223 cases and 11 deaths have been reported, with Okavango being the hardest hit. eSwatini has recorded 187 cases, with children under 15 and farmers being particularly affected. Namibia has seen over 89 959 cases and 146 deaths, with the majority of cases being local transmissions.

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The Africa CDC emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and investment in malaria control. Governments must enhance their efforts to improve the use of ITNs, strengthen community engagement, and address environmental and social factors driving the outbreaks.

Dr Merawi Aragaw, head of Africa CDC’s Surveillance and Disease Intelligence, notes that “as climate change accelerates, we are witnessing shifts in temperature and rainfall that are expanding the range of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, introducing vectors into previously unaffected regions.”

According to Dr Aragaw, “sustained vector control measures – including environmental management, strengthening surveillance, drug and diagnostic resistance monitoring, and fostering cross-border collaboration – will be critical in mitigating the growing threat of vector-borne diseases, especially malaria.”

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The regional surge underscores a broader global trend, with malaria cases worldwide climbing to 263 million in 2023, up from 252 million the previous year, and Africa accounting for 95% of all malaria-related deaths.

Despite these alarming figures, there have been significant successes: Cabo Verde was certified malaria-free in 2023, and Egypt is poised to achieve the same in 2024. Yet for many countries in southern Africa, the road to elimination remains steep, with outbreaks threatening to reverse years of progress.

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Victoria Falls receives prestigious Ramsar wetland city accreditation

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

The City of Victoria Falls has been recognized globally for its outstanding efforts in conserving and managing its wetlands. Recently, the city was among 31 world cities to receive the Ramsar Wetland City Accreditation at the ongoing Ramsar COP15.

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According to Ntombizami Ncube, Acting Spatial Planning Director, “Efforts that we put as a city, together with our stakeholders and communities, in conserving our property, especially the Victoria Falls, have been significant.” She highlighted the city’s collaborative work with the Forestry Commission, schools, and stakeholders to manage and conserve the property, which benefits the entire city.

The city’s conservation initiatives include participating in joint site management committee meetings with the Zambians to monitor developments and conservation status. They have also developed a tourism strategy and a joint integrated management plan. Additionally, the city has implemented various initiatives, such as collaborative waste management, regular clean-up campaigns, and development control.

Ncube emphasized the importance of preserving the wilderness value of Victoria Falls, stating, “Our community depends on Victoria Falls for livelihood, so preserving it is crucial.” The city ensures that buildings near the forest don’t exceed tree height or 11 meters and plants three indigenous trees for every tree cut.

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The Ramsar Wetland City Accreditation recognizes the city’s efforts in conserving and preserving its wetlands. Ncube expressed the city’s commitment to continuing its conservation work, stating, “We’ll continue working together to conserve and preserve our wetlands, ensuring wise use and remaining an accredited World Heritage city.”

The city is thrilled to receive this international recognition and looks forward to renewing its accreditation, valuing its importance and benefits to the city, stakeholders, and community.

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