Zimbabwe’s New Mines Bill Just Got Gazetted - But What Does That Actually Mean?
On June 21st, 2025, Zimbabwe officially gazetted the Mines and Minerals Bill (H.B. 1, 2025). For those unfamiliar with the term, “gazetted” means it was formally published by Parliament as the first official step in the legislative process. It doesn’t mean it’s law yet, but it means the process has begun. This may sound like just another bureaucratic update but if passed, this Bill could mark a major shift in Zimbabwe’s approach to mining, environmental accountability, and community participation.
Brighton Tandabantu
July 17, 2025
Why This Matters
Zimbabwe’s mining sector still operates under a law from 1961. For decades, industry players, investors, and communities have pushed for reform. But past attempts to replace it have failed - either lapsing in Parliament or stalling before receiving Presidential approval. The result? Legal uncertainty, investor hesitation, and community frustration.
This version of the Bill aims to do more than modernize outdated clauses. It proposes:
- A new Mining Affairs Board for clearer decision-making.
- Better rules for title management and exploration rights.
- Stronger environmental compliance and land rehabilitation.
- Protection for community rights, including benefit-sharing mechanisms.
- Support for small-scale and artisanal miners, often excluded from formal frameworks.
- Alignment with Zimbabwe Vision 2030 and international extractives standards.
It’s Not Just About Mining
At AakiTech, we are not in the mining business - but we are in the business of digital transformation. And laws like these set the tone for:
- Data systems: How will titles and exploration rights be tracked? Will a national mining cadastre finally be digitized?
- Transparency and governance tools: Could there be demand for platforms that help monitor compliance or support community reporting?
- Digital service delivery: From onboarding artisanal miners to streamlining licensing - legislation shapes the tools we need to build
We see this Bill not just as a legal document but as an opportunity to reimagine how institutions function, how technology is adopted, and how ordinary citizens interact with the systems that govern national resources.
What Happens Next?
The Bill now enters the parliamentary process, where it will be debated, possibly amended, and hopefully - passed into law. But after a decade of delays and disappointments, many are watching cautiously. This version might be more comprehensive than previous ones, but the real test is whether it crosses the finish line.
Our Take at AakiTech
The future of digital transformation in Zimbabwe isn’t just about AI, apps, or cloud systems. It’s about the rules and systems that define who has access, who benefits, and who gets left behind. That’s why we’re paying attention.
About the Author
Brighton Tandabantu is the co-founder and CEO of AakiTech, a UCT Computer Science graduate, and a Mastercard Foundation alumnus. Growing up in rural Zimbabwe, he saw firsthand the gaps in tech accessibility. Now, he’s on a mission to bridge that gap by building impactful, scalable solutions for Africa. With experience in software development, entrepreneurship, and leadership, Brighton is passionate about leveraging technology to drive innovation and empower communities across the continent.
We will be tracking this Bill’s journey and sharing what it could mean for tech builders, policymakers, and everyday citizens - follow along, share your thoughts - we would love to hear how you are thinking about it.