Syd

@Dr_JAMavedzenge You never tire to misrepresent this obiter dicta passage. Make no mistake, the correct presidential term limit is 91(2) and not 95(2)!

CZI Confirms Historic Single-Digit Inflation is Legit: Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) has delivered a definitive, evidence-based report on inflation and currency trends in its January 2026 report [czi.co.zw/inflation-and-…], demanding immediate attention and broad dissemination. The report’s authoritative analysis unequivocally validates the government's and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe's (RBZ) announcement: January 2026 marked the first single-digit annual inflation rate in the ZiG currency in over three decades—a transformative 4.1% year-on-year drop that signals significant economic revival in the country. CZI’s confirmation exposes the baseless dismissals of this feat by social media detractors, who recklessly fell on each other last month to offer nothing but inane claims and unsubstantiated ridicule and mockery masquerading as insightful commentary. The data in the CZI report reveals that the ZiG's is becoming an unparalleled stabilising force: a month-on-month inflation rate of precisely 0.0%, bolstering purchasing power, igniting investor confidence, and fuelling economic resurgence. USD price pressures remain minimal at 0.2%, mirroring U.S. benchmarks and purging historical distortions. With market premiums consistently below 20%, businesses are able to plan with certainty in a low-volatility landscape. This development promises sustained single-digit inflation, unlocking enduring macroeconomic stability and prosperity. Unlike the fly by night claims of social media malcontents—rooted in scavenging X-posts and TLs rather than providing rigorous analysis—CZI stands as the preeminent voice of Zimbabwe's economic stakeholders, wielding unmatched credibility in policy discourse! Because it is a must read, below is a verbatim text of the very important CZI report for ease of access: “1. Price stability under ZiG has extended into 2026, signalling sustained macroeconomic calm ZIG month-on-month inflation began 2026 at a very low level of approximately 0.0% in January 2026, (Figure 1) representing a 0.2 percentage point decline from the 0.2% recorded in December 2025. A month-on-month inflation rate below 1% is considered notably low and is generally supportive of economic activity. Such price stability helps preserve purchasing power, enhances price certainty, and contributes to improved confidence in the use of the local currency, thereby fostering a more conducive environment for business and investment. Zimbabwe's year-on-year inflation fell sharply to 4.1% in January 2026, marking a rare return to single-digit inflation and reflecting improved macroeconomic management, with sustained low month-on-month price growth suggesting that this stable, low-inflation environment is likely to continue into Q2 2026. On a year-on-year basis, ZIG inflation declined sharply to 4.1% in January 2026, down from 15.0% in December 2025, representing a significant drop of 10.9 percentage points (Figure 2). This marks a return to single-digit annual inflation, a milestone that has not been attained for an extended period. The attainment of single digit inflation also exposed a serious gap in Zimbabwe's historical statistical archives, as various sources cite different periods as the last month and year in which Zimbabwe experienced single- digit inflation. Annual average trends show that Zimbabwe last had an annual average inflation in single digits for local currency in 1988. Single digit inflation reflects improved macroeconomic management and strengthened price stability. Sustained low month-on-month inflation has been a key driver of this outcome. Continued discipline in monetary and fiscal policy will be essential to preserve these gains. Indications are that the current conditions are likely to be maintained going forward, hence the low inflation environment is likely to remain in place into the second quarter of 2026. 2. Price pressures in USD terms continue to be contained The USD month-on-month inflation rate started the year at a very low level, of 0.2% (Figure 3). The modest increase from 0.0% in December 2025 to 0.2% in January 2026 reflects a largely stable pricing environment. This indicates the absence of any major shocks over the period, which could have been translated into USD price increases. Overall, the trend reinforces confidence that USD inflation pressures remain contained into 2026. The USD inflation rate in the United States of America (USA) was 2.7%1 in December 2025. Traditionally, the USD inflation recorded in Zimbabwe was higher than the rate recorded in USA, reflecting distortions that created inflationary pressures. Achieving a USD inflation rate that is broadly aligned with USA inflation would therefore represent a significant confidence‑building development, signalling that the legacy of “fictitious” USD created in Zimbabwe in earlier years has effectively been addressed. 3. ZiG continues to exhibit sustained consistency across the formal and parallel market An analysis of currency dynamics between December 2025 and January 2026 reveals a marginal appreciation of the ZIG across both official and parallel markets, with a parallel market premium still below 20% (Figure 5). Crucially, this current premium level is significantly lower than the figures recorded during the same period in 2025, suggesting that exchange rate volatility is being better managed compared to previous cycles. For businesses, this relative stability facilitates more accurate financial forecasting and reduces the risks associated with rapid currency devaluation. The year started with a very low inflation, which will allow business and all stakeholders to focus more on their internal strategies. This sustained absence of inflationary shocks reflects a stabilising economic environment and more effective macroeconomic management. In the outlook, it is expected that these stable economic conditions and prudent policies will be maintained. Thus, the ZiG is projected to remain within single digit inflation territory over the short to medium term. 4. Inflation Outlook The year started with a very low inflation, which will allow business and all stakeholders to focus more on their internal strategies. This sustained absence of inflationary shocks reflects a stabilising economic environment and more effective macroeconomic management. In the outlook, it is expected that these stable economic conditions and prudent policies will be maintained. Thus, the ZIG is projected to remain within single- digit inflation territory over the short to medium term. Zimbabwe's year-on-year inflation fell sharply to 4.1% in January 2026, marking a rare return to single-digit inflation and reflecting improved macroeconomic management, with sustained low month-on-month price growth suggesting that this stable, low-inflation environment is likely to continue into Q2 2026. On a year-on-year basis, ZIG inflation declined sharply to 4.1% in January 2026, down from 15.0% in December 2025, representing a significant drop of 10.9 percentage points (Figure 2). This marks a return to single-digit annual inflation, a milestone that has not been attained for an extended period. The attainment of single digit inflation also exposed a serious gap in Zimbabwe's historical statistical archives, as various sources cite different periods as the last month and year in which Zimbabwe experienced single- digit inflation. Annual average trends show that Zimbabwe last had an annual average inflation in single digits for local currency in 1988. Single digit inflation reflects improved macroeconomic management and strengthened price stability. Sustained low month-on-month inflation has been a key driver of this outcome. Continued discipline in monetary and fiscal policy will be essential to preserve these gains. Indications are that the current conditions are likely to be maintained going forward, hence the low inflation environment is likely to remain in place into the second quarter of 2026.” czi.co.zw/inflation-and-…