Fungai Lupande-Mashonaland Central Bureau
ZIMBABWE continues to grapple with the far-reaching effects of sanctions on investment, social services, education, and employment, with experts calling for greater domestic innovation and regional cooperation to accelerate economic development.
The discussion emerged during a panel on the impact of sanctions on Zimbabwean society, held as part of the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day commemorations at Bindura University of Science Education on Saturday.
The anti-sanctions symposium brought together economists, academics, political representatives, and student leaders, who examined how sanctions have affected the country’s development and highlighted measures being pursued to mitigate their impact.
Professor of Economics and African Economic Development Strategies Director-General, Professor Gift Mugano, said Zimbabwe has lost access to critical international financing, contributing to an estimated US$30 billion infrastructure funding gap.
He noted that the country’s arrears to international financial institutions stand at approximately US$7 billion, limiting its capacity to access fresh funding and negotiate debt relief.
Professor Mugano also highlighted the impact of restricted financial transactions, saying delays in international payments discourage investors and increase the cost of doing business.
He, however, noted that Zimbabwe has continued attracting investment, particularly in mining, manufacturing, and agriculture, despite the challenges.
Between 2018 and 2023, the country attracted approximately US$5,5 billion in investment, with further projects in the pipeline.
ZANU PF Director of Information and Publicity, Farai Marapira, said sanctions have affected social services, agricultural production, and international financial transactions.
He cited the decline in the country’s tractor fleet from about 40 000 to 6 000, arguing that limited access to equipment has constrained agricultural productivity.
Mr Marapira said the Government has responded by promoting local innovation through Education 5.0, strengthening domestic production, and expanding cooperation with countries in the Global South.
He noted that Zimbabwe’s drive towards food self-sufficiency demonstrates the importance of investing in local productive capacity.
On the impact on women, ZANU PF Women’s League member Cde Catherine Chirongwe said economic challenges have pushed many women into informal trading, hairdressing, tailoring, and other small-scale businesses.
Rising living costs, limited employment opportunities, and difficulties accessing agricultural inputs have placed additional pressure on women, who often shoulder responsibility for household budgets and children’s education.
Cde Chirongwe noted that women have demonstrated resilience by diversifying their sources of income and participating in empowerment programmes.
Student leader Ruvimbo Nyadenga said young people face barriers to accessing international finance, digital payment platforms, and markets for their innovations.
Limited access to machinery and investment makes it difficult for young entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and compete internationally.
However, Ms Nyadenga noted that universities and other institutions are using Education 5.0 to promote entrepreneurship in agro-processing, mineral beneficiation, and manufacturing.
She also highlighted opportunities presented by regional integration, saying young entrepreneurs can look beyond Zimbabwe for markets for their products and services.
Meanwhile, retired applied linguistics professor Charles Pfukwa said universities have faced challenges accessing international research grants, laboratory equipment, specialised software, and academic resources.
He noted that institutions have responded by prioritising available resources, developing local solutions, and strengthening partnerships with the private sector and regional institutions.
Prof Pfukwa said local innovation and regional cooperation are essential in sustaining research, improving the quality of education, and building institutional capacity.
The panel discussion formed part of Zimbabwe’s campaign for the removal of sanctions, with participants emphasising the need to strengthen domestic industries, promote entrepreneurship, and expand regional economic cooperation.
