ZANU-PF cannot realistically be expected to reform a system that it not only profits from, but on which its rule depends.
Future reform has to dismantle the corrupt political economy, whilst also expanding the productive sector.
The only time in the last four decades there has been a serious attempt at reform was during the Government of National Unity between 2009 and 2013, when I served as the Minister of Finance. During this period, three critical actions were introduced.
One, it was recognised that the government could not spend what it did not have. We described this as the “eat what you kill” philosophy.
This immediately provided confidence and clarity to foreign investors and our international partners.
Two, we dollarised the economy, thereby ridding the country of the opportunities for arbitrage against the inflating Zimbabwean currency.
Three, we opened up the economy thereby incentivising the private sector.
Without governance and transparency, the only investors we will get in Zimbabwe are cowboys and opportunistic traders, a mafia by another name.
Without political change and the necessary will, reform will only amount to empty words. As I often say, it’s just putting lipstick on a crocodile.
Major political, institutional, and socio-economic reforms are required in Zimbabwe. To achieve the confidence required to boost the productive sector, the country requires a transitional mechanism to implement agreed reforms and track economic revival.
Political dialogue should open the way for these long overdue and much needed changes.
Moreover, the opposition should be incorporated into the government. This is our only choice of a more positive future. Only the opposition has the credibility to create such change.
Partners interested in the plight of Zimbabwe’s people, and not just short-term profiteering, should urge Zimbabwe’s government to the negotiating table.
A failure to do so will be measured in a loss of hope and a grave humanitarian crisis which can only be met by increased state repression.
The main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is ready to play its part in Zimbabwe’s recovery.
The ball is now in the court of ZANU-PF and its supporters, foreign and local.
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