Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
Zimbabwe’s macroeconomic reform agenda, including progress under the Staff Monitored Programme (SMP), debt and arrears clearance, foreign exchange market reforms, fiscal sustainability, public debt management and measures to strengthen confidence in the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, came under the spotlight during a high-level engagement between the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday.
The Monday meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen dialogue between policymakers, international financial institutions and the private sector as Zimbabwe pursues economic reforms aimed at achieving macroeconomic stability, restoring investor confidence and unlocking sustainable growth.
The IMF delegation was led by Resident Representative Dr Daniel Gurara and included economist Andrew Ziswa and Petronella Chishawa.
In a statement following the engagement, ZNCC said the discussions centred on key reforms being undertaken by the Government and the role of the private sector in supporting economic transformation.
“Discussions focused on Zimbabwe’s macroeconomic reform agenda, including progress under the Staff Monitored Programme (SMP), debt and arrears clearance, foreign exchange market reforms, fiscal sustainability, public debt management, and measures to strengthen confidence in the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency,” said ZNCC.
The Staff Monitored Programme is viewed as a critical platform for rebuilding Zimbabwe’s economic credibility and strengthening prospects for re-engagement with international financial institutions and development partners.
The engagement also examined measures aimed at deepening financial sector development and strengthening public sector accountability and transparency.
“The meeting also explored policy options to deepen financial sector development, improve public financial management systems, enhance debt transparency, and create an enabling environment for private sector growth and investment.
“ZNCC shared private sector perspectives on industrialisation, access to affordable and patient capital, tax reforms, and regulatory improvements necessary to improve business competitiveness and economic growth.”
The private sector has consistently advocated for reforms that lower the cost of doing business, improve access to long-term financing and create a predictable policy environment that encourages domestic and foreign investment.
The discussions come at a time when Zimbabwe is implementing a range of fiscal and monetary measures aimed at consolidating economic stability, strengthening the ZiG currency and maintaining discipline in public finances.
Debt and arrears clearance remains a central pillar of Zimbabwe’s re-engagement strategy, with authorities working alongside international partners under the Structured Dialogue Platform to resolve longstanding external debt obligations and restore access to concessional financing.
As part of efforts to broaden engagement and foster continued dialogue on economic policy issues, ZNCC extended an invitation to the IMF to participate in its flagship annual gathering next year.
“As part of strengthening collaboration and policy dialogue, ZNCC extended an invitation to the IMF to participate in the 2026 ZNCC Annual Congress.”
The chamber said it remained committed to working with key stakeholders to advance reforms that support economic growth and private sector development.
“ZNCC remains committed to constructive engagement with key stakeholders in advancing policies that support sustainable economic growth, private sector development, and Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.”
