Harare

Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, is at the center of several pressing issues in early 2026. Politically, proposed constitutional changes extending presidential term limits are sparking fears of diminished political choice. Economically, Zimbabwe's decision to halt raw mineral exports, including lithium, to prioritize local industry development is impacting trade, particularly with China. The country is also grappling with child labor, specifically waste-picking in areas like Mbare. In health, Zimbabwe is facing scrutiny over 'lop-sided' health funding agreements with the US, which demand access to sensitive data and pathogen samples in exchange for funding, leading to accusations of 'biomedical imperialism.' Zimbabwe even halted negotiations with the US for $350m of health funding. Furthermore, funeral insurance is more popular than health insurance, highlighting the economic struggles of citizens. Despite these challenges, Harare hosted the U-19 Cricket World Cup final, where India defeated England.