The past week has seen significant activity in Zimbabwe.  As anticipated the road is smoothing out but potholes continue to be encountered.

Highlights include:

• US $500 million credit line provided to the Transitional Government, to recapitalize Zimbabwe's economy, by The Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (PTA Bank - $265 million) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank - $250 million).  Funds are being provided to support key industries and in particular the gold sector, tobacco production, commercial banks and for grain importation.  
• Dispora Bond - in a related announcement Afreximbank announced its intention to work with the Transitional Government to float a Diaspora Bond to encourage Zimbabweans working abroad, as well as international investors, to invest in the country's reconstruction and help stimulate economic activity.  Afreximbank will guarantee the bond.
• IMF lifts technical assistance ban on Zimbabwe noting the Transitional Government's significant improvement in cooperating on economic policies to address its arrears problems and severe capacity constraints.  The technical assistance offered includes tax policy and administration, payments systems and is seen as an important step toward normalizing relations with the IMF and the international financial community.
• Dubai Invests in Zimbabwe Game Park - Dubai World announced its first investment in Zimbabwe's wildlife sector.  On Sunday Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem confirmed the move to invest in the Bubye Game Reserve as part of its African branch's plans to boost investment in Africa.  This follows the recent purchase of two South African game reserves. Prime Minister Tsvangari also announced the appointment of British based World Travel Group to help revitalize and rebrand Zimbabwe's tourist industry.
• Duration Gold hosts Zambian President at his birthplace the company's flagship Vubachikwe gold mine in Gwanda, Matabeleland.  The Hon. Rupiah Banda, and a number of high profile government officials from both Zambia and Zimbabwe enjoyed tea and a tour of the mine last Sunday.  The President took the opportunity to visit his birthplace and reminisce with family friends and work colleagues.  
• MDC issues ultimatum to ZanuPF demanding resolution of issues remaining outstanding under the Global Political Agreement (GPA).  These include appointment of provincial governors, permanent secretaries and diplomats as well as rescinding the re-appointment of Gideon Gono as Governor of the Reserve Bank and Johannes Toma as the Attorney General, appointments made unilaterally by Mugabe this January in contravention of the GPA.  Another major issue is the re-detention on Tuesday of 18 political activists including leading human rights campaigner Jestina Mukoko - all of whom have now been released.