Op-Ed: Mthuli Ncube - This is how Zimbabwe’s economy will overcome its hurdles

Zimbabwe’s economy will overcome the numerous hurdles which lay before us on the path towards prosperity. These obstacles are patent, and in some cases potent. But with hard work, proper planning, and monetary and fiscal discipline, Zimbabwe will get out of the current economic rut.

Some of these challenges are out of our control. Take Cyclone Idai in March of last year for example. The extreme weather phenomenon destroyed lives and livelihoods. This meteorological mess was followed by another, as drought struck across our lands. Food output has thus been severely hampered by these outside forces; and we have been left with no choice but to subsidise, import and rely on help from the international community to avoid total crisis. While there were some real achievements in 2019, including a balanced budget for the first time in living memory, we have a commitment to subsidise where necessary to make sure our nation is fed.

As we move into the 2020s, we will continue to learn from these “unknown unknowns”. We are already investing in ‘climate proofing’ our agriculture, including new irrigation techniques, and drought resistant crops. We must now double up our efforts with our international partners – new and old – to protect our agriculture and food supply.

Despite all the hurdles and all the barriers, Zimbabwe in 2019 leapt 15 places in the Global Ease of Doing Business rankings. As we look to improve this in 2020, privatisation is a big part of this story. ‘‘

As we look forward to growing our economy, it is incumbent upon us to rein in infl ation as quickly as possible. This is crucial for investment. This is vital for job creation. Month on month infl ation is already stabilizing, down to approximately 16%. Of course, annual infl ation remains high. We do not hide this, nor was this unexpected. That is what happens when you liberalise a currency. But this process of reforms is a long-term necessity for our economy.

We are taking steps to prop up the currency, drip-feeding in cash injections in a non-infl ationary manner. This has involved exchanging electronic currency for the physical currency. We will also be introducing higher denomination notes over the course of 2020 to make it easier for citizens to transact. We know the current environment is tough. But Zimbabwe’s economy needs tough reforms, not superfi cial ones. In the current environment, both wages and purchasing power have taken a big hit. Government therefore has a responsibility to support consumers and the private sector as a whole. As part of the currency reform agenda, we have had inevitable wage compression. This is part of the liberalisation process. We have responded by propping up the wages of the civil servants, and we hope the private sector acts in kind. Dollarisation inertia unfortunately means that retailers are still pricing in USD and simply translating it to the local currency. This is squashing the purchasing power of current wages. We are closing that gap by allowing wages to rise.

In order to fi nance these moves and reboot the Zimbabwean economy as a whole, it is crucial to reform state-owned companies. We have already passed the fi rst hurdle, which was to decide which ones should be partially privatized, which ones should be liquidated, and which ones should be departmentalized, and of course to highlight those which should not be touched. 2020 is now about implementing and enacting these moves. We will advance the partial privatisation of the telecom company (Netone) and motor-vehicle assembly company (Willovale Mazda Motor Industries), capitalise our Silo Foods Industries, privatise banking assets and more. We want to have a private sector-led economy in Zimbabwe. And for the private sector to lead, we must privatise!

Despite all the hurdles and all the barriers, Zimbabwe in 2019 leapt 15 places in the Global Ease of Doing Business rankings. As we look to improve this in 2020, privatisation is a big part of this story.

For the fi rst time in living memory, Zimbabwe achieved a balanced budget. We have our fi scal and monetary fate

We are already investing in ‘climate proofing’ our agriculture, including new irrigation techniques, and drought resistant crops. We must now double up our efforts with our international partners – new and old – to protect our agriculture and food supply. ‘‘

in our own hands. We have a talented, educated and devoted workforce, ready to get to work. And we have natural resources a-plenty, ready to drive our economy forward. The Zimbabwean future is, therefore, an exciting one. With patience and discipline, we will overcome all the hurdles that lay in our path and build a better future for all.

As we look forward to growing our economy, it is incumbent upon us to rein in inflation as quickly as possible. This is crucial for investment. This is vital for job creation. Month on month inflation is already stabilizing, down to approximately 16%. ‘‘

BURATAI: In Defence of Nigerias' Territorial Integrity

The best welfare a Commander can give his troop is training and retraining for high performance and efficiency. General Buratai holds training, professionalism and regimentation as the hallmark in realisation of his vision. ‘‘

The 20th Nigerian Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai was appointed on 13 July 2015. The COAS on assumption of office unveiled his vision, which is “To Have a Professionally Responsive Nigerian Army in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles”, an indication that he was ready to take the Nigerian Army to a greater height.

Through personal discipline, show of valour, courage, and motivation, he rekindled the fighting spirit of the Nigerian

Army with various strategies and policies aimed at defeating the once dreaded Boko Haram Terrorists. His efforts resulted in the routing out and subsequent degrade of Boko Haram in an unprecedented record time in the history of the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

The Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lieutenant General Buratai liberated all towns and villages under the Boko Haram terrorists prior to his appointment. To this end, troops are now consolidating, mopping up and clearing the remnants of the highly degraded Boko Haram terrorists. This was achieved in synergy with the Nigerian Air Force and other sister security services in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency.

The leadership of the Nigerian Army also encouraged indigenous production of arms and armament partly to reduce procurement cost and promote self-reliance. A typical example is the recent production of Ezugwu Mined Resistant Armoured Protected (Ezugwu MRAPs),

Infantry Patrol Vehicles, Mine sweepers, among others that were launched into the theatre of operations in the North East and is yielding positive results.

General Buratai’s frequent operational tours to the frontlines in the North East has restore confidence and boast the fighting spirit of the troops. His renewed impressive style of command and control of troops in combats, created new image and attracted commendations from Nigerians and indeed the international communities.

In line with his desire to bequest befitting and comfortable office and residential accommodations for the personnel across Nigerian Army barracks in the country, General Buratai embarks on massive construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure and equipment. Similarly, Nigerian Army witnessed sustained procurement and distribution of logistics and materiel such as uniforms, boots, ballistics helmet, fragment

jackets, arms, ammunition and other equipment.

The COAS has consistently reiterates his resolve to provide welfare packages and improved the wellbeing of troops and their families, through enhanced operational allowances, prompt medical evacuation and payment of entitlements to families of our fallen colleagues. He also introduced other progressive and developmental programmes for the troops’ families and the Barracks residents. The Barracks Investments Initiatives Programme is a scheme aim at economic empowerment and opportunities creation, which was introduced to develop the potentials of the troops’ families and barracks residents.

The best welfare a Commander can give his troop is training and retraining for high performance and efficiency. General Buratai holds training, professionalism and regimentation as the hallmark in realisation of his vision. There are routine and ADVERTORIAL

Through personal discipline, show of valour, courage, and motivation, he rekindled the fighting spirit of the Nigerian Army with various strategies and policies aimed at defeating the once dreaded Boko Haram Terrorists. His efforts resulted in the routing out and subsequent degrade of Boko Haram. ‘‘

periodic reviews of training manuals and packages to ensure that all officers and soldiers are optimally train in Military Professional Education as obtainable in other militaries worldwide.

In addition to reequipping and remodeling of some training institutions, the COAS established Army War College Nigeria, Nigerian Army University and Nigerian Army Resource Centre with the sole aim to advance teaching and learning among the personnel. The period under review revealed significant improvement in capacity building and human resource development through courses in both local and international reputable institutions. General Buratai demonstrated penchant for promotion of research and innovation, a development that witnessed considerable breakthrough in improving combat efficiency and readiness of the troops.

One unique feat and endearing decision by the COAS is the giant strides recorded in observance of Human Rights by troops during training exercises and operations by NA. Through the establishment of Human Rights Desks in all the formations, the issues of Human rights violations have drastically reduced, thereby greatly improved the already existing excellent civil military relations.

In recognition of his outstanding selfless services to humanity and display leadership qualities, the COAS is a proud recipient of several awards and honours presented to him by foreign military, Civil Society Organisations, reputable national and International media houses, traditional rulers and Non Governmental Organisations, among others. Notable among the awards and honours include; Order of Military Merit Brazil, (the highest military honour in the country), Millennium Hero Award by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, Record Breaker Award presented by Sublime Magazine. Other awards are Crystal Trophy Award Security Watch Africa, Doctor in Leadership and Peace by Kaduna State University, Leadership Award by African Leadership Magazine, Professorat-Large by Igbinedion University Okada, Grand Achiever’s Award on Peace and Security by Organisation of Environmental, Agricultural and Health Development by National NGO, Merit Award for Patriotic Service to Our Fatherland by Sarkin Bwari, Heroes Leadership and

Recognition Award by Care for Heroes Organisation and Protector of Environment by Oil and Solid mineral Production Area Landlord Association of Nigeria.

Lieutenant General Buratai, a dogged fighter, visionary and exemplary leader, enjoys intimate interactions with troops and their families in a bid to boost their morale and give them a sense of belonging. In fact, Lieutenant General TY Buratai must be commended in achieving this rare feat within the shortest time.

One unique feat and endearing decision by the COAS is the giant strides recorded in observance of Human Rights by troops during training exercises and operations by NA. ‘‘

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