Future Visions Zimbabwe by shingayi Jena
Majestic Zimbabwe is emerging from the mists with vast opportunity in tow. agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and of course tourism, have been at the helm of resuscitating the southern african country’s economy. The outcomes of which are eagerly anticipated as the world watches it succeed. Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located between two rivers, the majestic Zambezi River in the north and limpopo to the south. The country in the southern region of africa is bordered by Mozambique to the east, south africa to the south, Zambia to the north, a slight tip of namibia to the north-west, and Botswana to the south-west. Zimbabwe has an estimated population of 12-million in the country, with another estimated 3-million in the Diaspora. a national census is expected to be held in 2012. The staple diet of Zimbabweans is maize and it therefore forms a large industry. Zimbabwe has recorded one of the most plausible declines in the hIV/aIDs prevalence rate in the sub-saharan region, pegged at 14 percent. The nation of peace loving people has a literacy rate well
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above 90 percent and takes pride in a resilient hard working people. The three official languages include english, shona, and ndebele. There are other minority groups scattered within the developing country notably the nambya, Kalanga, Tonga, Venda and suthu. There is vast mineral wealth and an abundance of wildlife, including the big five of elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, and buffalo. The country gained its independence in 1980 after a protracted armed liberation struggle from the British self-governing colony of southern Rhodesia. In september 2008, the current Government of national unity was formed between three principals: President Robert Mugabe as the head of state and Commander in Chief of the armed forces, Morgan Tsvangirai as the Prime Minister; and Professor arthur Mutambara as the Deputy Prime minister. The country is recovering from a decade of economic decline which witnessed hyperinflation from 2008-2009 which rose above 200-million percent at the peak of economic instability. however the adoption of a multi-currency system in 2009 has brought down inflation to single digit year-on-year inflation and brought much needed stability. Agriculture agriculture has been a major contributor to Zimbabwe’s GDP, recording a steady growth since the adoption of the multi currency system three years ago. Tobacco, cotton, Diplomat africa
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maize and sugar have been projected to experience steady growth in 2012. small-holder farmers now constitute the bulk of the country’s farming population. The production of the golden leaf has surged with well over 40,000 registered farmers of the cash crop. however power shortages, liquidity constraints and climate change have worked negatively towards recuperation of the Zimbabwean economy’s backbone. Global decline in prices of cotton has also had a negative impact on the production of the crop as most contracted small-scale farmers no longer view it as a viable farming activity. Maize production is projected to experience 24 percent growth; however this remains hinged on timely distribution of inputs and an increase in lines of credit available to cash strapped small-scale farmers. Mining The mineral rich country has been on a steady recovery path after a decade-long economic meltdown buoyed by a number of setbacks. There are vast investment avenues within the mining sector, although many international players have adopted a wait-and-see policy due to risks associated with the on-going indigenisation and empowerment regulations. Zimbabwe has enormous diamond reserves, and is presently the seventh largest producer of the mineral globally, with China and India being the biggest consumers of the product. The land-locked country has a potential to churn out 25 percent of the world’s diamond demand. The industry has experienced a steady surge in the production of platinum and gold, with both metals experiencing doubledigit growth in production. other notable mining products anticipated to experience a bolt in production include coal and chrome. Manufacturing sector Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector took a nosedive during the turn of the 21st century. Capacity utilisation is presently hovering around 45 percent, with the rebound of 18
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agriculture and mining predicted to have a domino effect on the sector. The medium-term plan set for the duration of 2011-2015 will further boost recovery efforts as policy makers continuously make strides to improve the situation in Zimbabwe. however shortage of lines credit and energy remain stringent in a country tangled in huge debts to suppliers and money lenders. This has resulted in industry experiencing power cuts whilst recapitalisation of many firms remains in limbo. nevertheless a green fuel initiative has taken root with production of blended fuel in the eastern highlands region of the country. The biofuel project has also had a spill-over effect on the production of sugarcane and is anticipated to reduce Zimbabwe’s dependence on imports. unemployment is pegged at around 80 percent. Tourism The sector has resurfaced from the doldrums following an aggressive marketing campaign by the Zimbabwe Tourism authority (ZTa) and the tourism portfolio. The leisure industry is foresighted to contribute 15 percent to the GDP by 2015. In 2013, the country (which has one of the seven Wonders of the World) will jointly host the united nations World Tourism organisation (unWTo) annual general meeting with Zambia. The improved image of the country compounded by a prevailing peaceful environment has catapulted International tourist visits to its resorts. according to ZTa, tourism has great potential to become the largest industry in terms of foreign currency generation in Zimbabwe with the country enjoying a broad tourism product base that avails immense investment potential for both locals and foreigners. local tourism is also on the steady recovery path as locals now have more disposable income buoyed by the stabilising economy. The improved positive image has also lured visitors from western countries whose foreign relations had soured with Zimbabwe, whilst tourists and investors from the east hinged on the look-east policy have catalysed the return to vibrancy of the sector.
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