Jonathan Moyo launches Zimbabwe sanctions impact study

A department under Professor Jonathan Moyo's ministry, the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF) is planning to carry out a 12-month in-depth study on the impact of sanctions imposed by the West.

A total of $150 000 00 has been set aside.

Deadline for submission of proposal is October 15.

"Through Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF), the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development is launching this call for proposals for grant funding available competitively  to a consortium of local and international researchers for the purpose of carrying out an in-depth scientific study on the economic impact of Western-imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe on ordinary people in particular and the country and SADC in general.

"The total budget limit (direct and indirect costs) for the application will be $150 000 00".

The EU and the United States imposed sanctions against Zimbabwe in 2000 after they accused President Robert Mugabe of trampling on human rights, rigging elections and repression of press freedom - accusations that the veteran leader denied.

The sanctions led to devastating economic challenges, with the country reportedly now sitting at above 90% unemployment.

Mugabe has described the sanctions regime as racist and illegal, but the West has dismissed his comments as a cynical charade meant to divert the people's attention from the real issues.