tawandamusarurwa
Charles Mavhunga
AS Zimbabwe celebrates its remarkable progress in preparation for the 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit, it is clear that the country’s unwavering commitment to prosperity and transformation has yielded unprecedented results.
Under the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe has witnessed a stunning metamorphosis in its cities, roads and the tourism industry, cementing its position as a premier destination.
However, as the country looks beyond 2030, it is crucial to sustain the momentum generated by the SADC preparations and continue propelling Zimbabwe towards its aspiration of becoming an upper middle-income economy.
This is a critical moment in Zimbabwe’s history, and it is imperative to explore strategies for maintaining this trajectory for generations to come.
Building on successes
The progress made in roads rehabilitation, city cleanliness, transport efficiency and vendor relocation to designated places should be sustained.
For instance, the rehabilitation of roads has enhanced accessibility to tourist destinations, while city cleanliness has improved the overall aesthetic appeal of urban areas.
The relocation of vendors to designated places has contributed to a more organised and hassle-free tourist experience.
This demonstrates the benefits of sustained investment in urban development and tourism infrastructure.
Zimbabwe should continue to build on these successes to enhance its tourism branding, attract more visitors and increase revenue.
Research by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has shown that for every dollar invested in tourism infrastructure, the return on investment is approximately US$3.
Strategies for maintaining this trajectory include continuing to invest in infrastructure development, promoting public-private partnerships, enhancing destination marketing and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Long-term planning
Building on the momentum generated by the SADC summit preparations, the country can leverage its newfound status as a premier destination to drive sustainable economic growth.
This can be achieved through strategies such as diversifying the economy, investing in infrastructure development, promoting public-private partnerships, enhancing destination marketing and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Economic diversification
Zimbabwe can diversify its economy by leveraging the successes in the tourism industry and investing in other sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing and services.
Through diversifying its economy, the country can reduce its dependence on a few industries and promote sustainable growth, creating a more resilient and prosperous economy for future generations.
Private sector engagement
The private sector can play a vital role in supporting Zimbabwe’s development beyond 2030 by adopting roads, cities and streets for rehabilitation and improvement.
For instance, the private sector can adopt specific roads and invest in their rehabilitation, similar to the Adopt-a-Road programme in South Africa, where companies like Coca-Cola and McDonald’s have adopted major highways and maintained them.
Furthermore, private sector companies can invest in urban development projects, like the City Improvement District (CID) model used in Cape Town, where companies like Cape Town Partners and the Cape Town City Improvement District have invested in urban renewal projects, improving the appeal of cities and attracting more investment.
Through adopting roads, cities and streets for rehabilitation and improvement, the private sector can contribute significantly to Zimbabwe’s development beyond 2030, creating a more conducive environment for business and investment.
Regional and global integration
Zimbabwe can integrate with regional and global markets to promote trade and investment by leveraging its preparations for the SADC summit.
Zimbabwe can enhance its connectivity with neighbouring countries and global markets.
Through streamlining customs procedures, simplifying trade regulations and investing in logistics infrastructure, Zimbabwe can increase its trade competitiveness and attract more investment.
In addition, Zimbabwe can capitalise on its membership in SADC and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to access new markets and increase its exports. International examples, such as the EU’s Single Market and the ASEAN Economic Community, demonstrate the benefits of regional integration in promoting trade and investment.
Environmental sustainability
To ensure that Zimbabwe’s development is environmentally sustainable, measures can be taken to promote eco-friendly practices, conserve natural resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
This can be achieved by implementing policies and programmes that support renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and responsible waste management.
In addition, Zimbabwe can invest in conservation efforts, protect biodiversity and promote eco-tourism to preserve its natural heritage.
Furthermore, the country can adopt green technologies, increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions to minimise its environmental footprint.
International examples, such as Costa Rica’s reforestation efforts and Sweden’s carbon tax, demonstrate the effectiveness of environmentally sustainable practices in supporting economic development.
Overall, Zimbabwe has made remarkable progress in preparing for the SADC Summit and it is essential to sustain this momentum beyond 2030 to achieve sustainable development and economic growth.
Long-term planning, economic diversification, private sector engagement, regional and global integration, innovation and technology and environmental sustainability are critical strategies for maintaining this trajectory.
*Charles Mavhunga has co-authored books in business and enterprise skills. He is currently studying for a Ph.D. in Management at Bindura University of Science Education. He can be contacted at [email protected] or cell: 0772989816
Online Reporter