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Zimbabwe to suspend tariffs on US imports after Trump’s 18% tarrifs
Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, said Saturday he would suspend all tariffs on goods imported from the United States, days after US President Donald Trump levied 18 per cent tariffs against the southern African nation.
The mineral-rich country’s main trading partners are the United Arab Emirates, South Africa and China, and its limited exports to the US comprise mainly tobacco and sugar.
“I will direct the Zimbabwean government to implement a suspension of all tariffs levied on goods originating from the United States,” Mnangagwa said in a post on X.
This announcement was “intended to facilitate the expansion of American imports within the Zimbabwean market, while simultaneously promoting the growth of Zimbabwean exports destined for the United States,” he said.
The total goods trade between the two countries amounted to $111.6 million in 2024, according to US government data.
The relationship between Zimbabwe and the US has been marked by decades-long pressure campaigns against former ruler Robert Mugabe since the early 2000s.
Harare has regularly blamed US sanctions for the disastrous economic crisis that has afflicted the country for more than two decades, and has moved away from the West, strengthening economic ties with the UAE and China.
Washington last year abolished the former sanctions programme but imposed targeted sanctions on Mnangagwa and other senior leaders in Zimbabwe’s government and ZANU-PF ruling party, citing rights abuses and corruption.
Mnangagwa at the time said the sanctions imposed by then-President Joe Biden were “illegal and unjustified”.
Prominent journalist and activist Hopewell Chin’ono said Saturday’s announcement of the suspension of tariffs on US goods was a “knee-jerk reaction”, suggesting it could be an effort by Mnangagwa to get the sanctions removed.
“Acting unilaterally contradicts the principles of regional economic cooperation,” especially with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and risks “sidelining the interests” of Zimbabwe’s main trade partners, Chin’ono wrote on X.
“Does Zimbabwe even export enough to the US to justify trying to appease Trump’s administration in this way?,” he asked.
AFP
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has initiated a search following the theft of a black Toyota Hilux vehicle belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Nuhu Ribadu, which was stolen during Friday’s Juma’at prayers in Abuja.
It was gathered that the vehicle was parked around 1:05pm opposite the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) complex in Area 10, while the official attended prayers at a nearby mosque.
Security source, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the incident via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, revealing that the ONSA official returned from the mosque only to find the vehicle missing.
According to him, a sources said the theft was immediately reported to the Garki Police Division at approximately 2:00 p.m., leading to a swift response by law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command promptly activated a stop-and-search operation at various checkpoints and across all entry and exit points in the capital city.
Police authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and all efforts are being made to apprehend the culprits and recover the vehicle.
The Command said it had intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen Hilux.
In a significant step towards enhancing investment opportunities in Taraba State, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas on Saturday inaugurated the Committee for the International Investment Summit at the Executive Chamber of the Government House in Jalingo.
Senator Manu Haruna, former deputy governor of Taraba State and a serving Senator, a seasoned administrator who chairs Taraba State Mobilization and development Investment Committee expressed gratitude to Governor Kefas for his visionary leadership in organizing an international summit aimed at attracting investment to the state.
He highlighted the potential this initiative holds for fostering economic growth and development in Taraba State.
Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumedu the Chairman of the Taraba State International Investment Summit Committee, emphasized that such summits are crucial for stimulating economic activities and creating opportunities..
According to him, the summit will play a vital role in showcasing Taraba’s investment potential, thereby attracting both local and international investors.
The committee is expected to work diligently to prepare for the summit, ensuring that it positions Taraba State as a favorable destination for investment and economic collaboration.
Governor Kefas remains committed to promoting policies that support economic diversification and sustainable 
development in the state.
This inauguration marks a positive development in Taraba’s ongoing efforts to enhance its economic landscape and improve the standard of living for its residents.
By Kennedy Atevure
Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) rounded up the remembrance of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., with a novelty match at Ughelli Public Field on April 11, 2025.
Speaking shortly after the match, Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete appealed to the Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman’s representative for the council to upgrade the field to a mini stadium.
Dr. Akpodiete stressed that Ughelli Public Field has been in existence since before the state government built the Ughelli Township Stadium.
The novelty match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, thrilled everyone who watched it.
The team of the children of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., scored the first goal, which was equalized by the grandchildren’s team through a penalty kick.
Dignitaries present during the novelty match included Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Meg Atano, Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman, ably represented by Pst. (Mrs.) Rita Nyewhoema; Evang. Nicolas Evwienure; Mrs Efe Akpodiete -Minabowan Barr. Agboka Akpodiete-Omale; Hon . Felix Uloho, Chief Grace Akpodiete; and Mr. Kennedy Otega (Big Daddy), among others.
Other highlights of the event included the presentation of cash prizes to both teams and a group photograph with light refreshments.
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