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Prosper Ndlovu Opinion
THE most exciting moment about dreaming is when the dream comes true. Unless fulfilled, a dream or vision is nothing but mere fantasy. For many years Zimbabweans have lived in the dreamland of a desired economic turnaround, which appears difficult to pin down. Out of frustration, we have tended to trade accusations and in the process ignored our responsibility as citizens. With businesses wanting profits, workers demanding increased wages and both local and central government preoccupied with revenue collection and spending, we have lost sight of the fundamental sense of partnership. In the quest for desiring things done our way, progress has been compromised as discord and mistrust takes toll. Zimbabwe has set a target of creating up to two million jobs and achieving a seven percent economic growth by 2018 under the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset).
The blueprint points to a glorious destiny but the journey towards there is collective. Close to $27 billion private sector financing is needed to spearhead development projects under the blue-print’s four major clusters. Indeed people generally expect the government to provide solutions to the economic development of the country, but the government cannot do this alone without private sector partnership and support from the generality of citizens.
In fact, it is the private sector that should play a leading role and be the engine towards economic turn around. This is the trend the world over. The government’s duty is to listen to private sector concerns and provide an enabling investment atmosphere in the form of policy and legal frameworks that promote growth. So far the government deserves applause for coming up with various measures aimed at stimulating economic recovery despite negative macro-economic environment. Zimbabweans are encouraged by the notable re-engagement efforts between the government and the international community.
The mega investment deals which President Robert Mugabe signed with China and Russia, also demonstrate the government’s commitment to turning around the economy. This week the President tabled, in an answer to industry concerns, key legal reform processes that will be tackled by Parliament in its third session.
About 24 bills will be debated in the august house, a majority of who have a bias on enhancing the ease of doing business. Reforming the companies, labour, special economic zones, establishment of a one stop shop investment centre, refining implementation of the indigenisation law and banking sector, are some of the major highlights.
The ball is now in the legislature’s court to expedite this critical reform process to facilitate a quick recovery. What has the private sector done so far to complement government effort? The nation expects this critical stakeholder to match the government effort and prove its mettle. Zimbabwe is awash with opportunity across different sectors of the economy. Our companies, finance institutions and the civic society should join hands in mobilising resources towards rejuvenating the country’s economy.
Instead of attacking the government just for the sake of it, industry bodies and the academia should proffer solutions and also engage investors and play an active role in resuscitating the economy. In the spirit of partnership, with each interested party playing their role, Zimbabwe can rise again.
This also entails projecting our country positively and creating an attractive brand Zimbabwe that will lure external investors. The working class and the generality of Zimbabweans need to appreciate that negativity and throwing stones at our one’s own home worsens things and repels potential partners.
United we stand, divided we fall. We are equally partners with the government and the private sector in the business of national development. Our local authorities and regulatory bodies should also wake up from their slumber and be proactive. Instead of waiting for directives or instructions from above, councils need to work closely with businesses in their respective areas and collectively find ways of attracting investment.
Online Reporter