Mnangagwa challenges experts to revive Zim economy

via Mnangagwa challenges experts to revive Zim economy – NewsDay Zimbabwe November 12, 2015

VICE-PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has challenged the academia, policymakers and the private sector to come up with recommendations to make Zimbabwe one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa.

BY TARISAI MANDIZHA

Speaking at the experts’ meeting on inclusive growth, investment and poverty reduction in Harare yesterday, Mnangagwa said the conference had come at a time when the country was beset by challenges such as low capacity utilisation, limited fiscal space to implement development programmes and liquidity constraints.

The experts meeting, which ends today, is organised by the Ministry of Macro-Economic Planning and Investment Promotion in conjunction with development partners.

“We need to see an enhanced interface between scholars and policymakers working together to grow this economy. As the government of Zimbabwe, we are willing to implement your recommendations that we find practical. So, therefore, let’s make sure this is not a talk show, but it’s a serious conference to grow the economy,” Mnangagwa said.

He said Zimbabwe’s growth potential remained enormous and had to leverage on its comparative advantages such as a highly literate population, abundant natural resources, fertile land and tourism.

Mnangagwa said the Office of the President and Cabinet was making efforts to address the Doing Business framework in Zimbabwe.

A 2016 World Bank Doing Business report shows that Zimbabwe has moved 16 places up the ladder to 155 out of 189 on the strength of reforms

Mnangagwa said government’s aim was to see foreign direct investment increasing and would put friendly policies to get more inflows.

He also said the country had been receiving a number of foreign delegations from all over the world scouting for investment opportunities, with the recent one being Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote and government was able to achieve a record breaking time in dealing with his demands.

Mnangagwa said the government was set to host over 50 delegates from China at end of this month to attend the Zimbabwe China Investment Conference to be hosted by the Ministry of Economic Planning.

Speaking at the same event, African Development Bank (AfDB) chief regional economist, Mary Manneko Monyau said the time to unlock Zimbabwe’s potential was now and the continental bank will help.

She said Africa had experienced a delayed transformation and to foster structural transformation and inclusion would require, among other things relevant skills, government human development, inclusive and transformed infrastructure, engagement with the private sector, and linkages with emerging economies such as China, India and South Korea.

“The ability to capitalise on natural resources and achieving transformation involve a greater degree of industrialisation. As AfDB we believe the agriculture sector should remain central to the economy of Africa

“The five priorities areas of the AfDB building strategy for 2022 to take Africa out of poverty are lighting Africa, feeding Africa, industrialising Africa, integrating Africa and improving the social wellbeing of Africa,”she said.

COMMENTS

WORDPRESS: 10
  • comment-avatar

    mnangagwa doesn’t need experts, but rather a little bit of introspection and self-honesty to look at zimbabwe’s leaders.
    here we see a culture of entitlement that embraces corruption, a lack of vision and seriousness about the country, a willingness to undermine the rule of law for political and personal gain; these are the core issues that have brought zimbabwe to its the knees.
    so comrade, look into the mirror carefully and honestly and you will see the changes that zimbabwe needs to make in order to flourish.
    but also ask yourselves this question: are you really the right sort of people to make these changes?
    the answer to this question is that you have had 35 years, and you have brought us here to this destitute condition.
    so now is the time for a complete change with new faces and new minds and new hearts.

  • comment-avatar
    IAN SMITH 9 years ago

    Equal Property and human rights must first be accorded to all Citizens across the tribal and color spectrum.

    The whole country is heading for a Sudan situation. Matabeleland is already there.

  • comment-avatar

    It’s quite simple actually… get rid of Mugabe, repeal the indiginization law, respect private property and take serious action against corruption. Maybe then, investors will start to consider Zimbabwe a safe place to park their money… Bud, once again this country wastes money on another talk shop where nothing happens.

  • comment-avatar

    It’s everyone else that’s to blame or to fix the problem. No sir enough talk one needs to act to see results and I am afraid the Zanoids only think that everyone who has been successful are lucky. No sir luck is when one see’s an opportunity and then acts to execute what needs to be done.
    Stop for God sake looking else where it’s starts with you!!!!!!! Damn it can you not see that!!!!!!!!!

  • comment-avatar
    Okech 9 years ago

    So the public sector crowds out the private sector. Rent seeking from public sector institutions is on the rise. Politicians have proven time and time again that thinking is not their forte. We chase our businessmen and experts to work in other countries and celebrate and promote incompetence at home. We spend time in meetings leaving no time to do actual work. Need I go on? Why do we bend over backwards for Dangote but do not do the same for Zimbabweans?

  • comment-avatar
    Okech 9 years ago

    ED is spewing nonsense. We all know what needs to be done but the experts are not listened to.

  • comment-avatar
    mandevu 9 years ago

    yup the comments above pretty much cover it. As a starting point get rid of ZPF and their “liberation struggle” identity – because that association has all the wrong words for todays modern society

  • comment-avatar
    Tinomunamataishe 9 years ago

    EDM wants people to fix the symptoms without fixing the root cause of the problem. What’s the benefit of coming up with ideas that scratch the surface when the underlying problems still linger?

    There is an elephant in the room here which is corruption. EDM must outline how his government intends to solve this first.

    This is creating a toxic environment where corruption starts from the president and dribbles down to the civil servant at the very bottom – all wanting a cut from the new investment.

    Then there is the rule of law. At the moment Zhuwao is saying this and that and the fact is you can establish your business and if a Zanu PF connected person takes it over that’s the end of it. All you money is gone just like that. There is no recourse to the Zanu PF stuffed courts.

    So how can an investor sink his/her money in a country where there are certain people clearly beyond the law’s reach who can do whatever they want whenever they want?

    You simply can’t have it both ways. People need confidence in the environment where they are investing their money and as long as there are better alternatives in the region they will go there.

  • comment-avatar
    Jackson 9 years ago

    Mnangagwa challenges experts to revive Zim economy:

    I didn’t even need to read through this article. The headline alone needs a short and concise response.

    Mnagagwa don’t pretend as if Zimbabweans of well meaning never adviced on the best course to take on the country ‘s economy. The root cause is you, mugabe and the security sector you have politicized. And according to your own words, you are trained killer, aren’t you? What effect do you think all these have on the economy? If your challenge is focussing on genuine experts, that is what they will tell you needs correction

  • comment-avatar

    Revive? No, pasi ne This economy ,let it die and leave space for a fresh new one!