Zim poised for economic growth in 2016

To say 'Zimbabwe is in dire straits' is an insult to the Government which is making tangible efforts on a daily basis to resuscitate the economy.

The period of economic hardships that the country is currently experiencing is a phase that will eventually pass. A number of countries, China included, have been in such terrible situations but managed to sail through and now China is the second largest economy. In the same manner, Zimbabwe is on the path to revive its economy.
 
And just as the skeptics were saying that civil servants will not be paid their January 2016 salaries, the Government has proved wrong these doomsayers wrong by timely paying most of the civil service this month.

With Zim-Asset being the economic driver, there are a number of projects presently underway which when accomplished can drastically transform Zimbabwe's economy into a force to be reckoned in Southern Africa .                                                                                                                     

There are quite a number of foreign investments that are in the pipeline, waiting for implementation. Foreign investors are much welcome in the country as they support in boosting the nations' economy. Zim-Asset advocates for employment creation. Hence, implementation of the mega deals signed between the Chinese government and the Zimbabwean government will witness a number of jobs being created.
It is pleasing that the Chinese government pledged $60 billion aid to develop African countries. Zimbabwe is one of the countries that will benefit from that aid.

It is heartening that, a Nigerian billionaire, Aliko Dangote was last year issued with licenses for three projects by the Zimbabwe Investment Authority. The three projects on which the Dangote Group wishes to invest on are energy plant using coal, cement manufacturing plant and a coal mining venture. Full implementation of such deals will indeed add value to the economic growth of the nation.
Implementation of mega deals that were signed between Zimbabwe and foreign investors will definitely assist in improving the country's ailing economy.

With the hot dry weather conditions being experienced in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe included due to El Nino, it is inspiring that the Government is putting measures to mitigate drought. The Zimbabwe's Meteorological Services Department has started cloud seeding countrywide. If cloud seeding happens as expected, crop production will improve thereby increasing food security in the country.

As much as the government is making efforts to revive the economy, it is also the responsibility of every Zimbabwean. The private sector should chip in and support the Government in recovering the economy. There is really need for unity of purpose from all sectors of the economy in addressing the issue economic growth.

Economic recovery should be part of the broader community recovery effort, and should not be a preserve of government alone. Economic revival is beneficial to every Zimbabwean as it will provide basic necessities of life such as jobs to sustain the economy in terms of income and tax revenues as well as reinstatement of wealth through the return of property values.

First and foremost, the issue of corruption should be put to rest. Zero tolerance to corruption will go a long way in ensuring sustainable economic growth. Responsible authorities should ensure that all corrupt officials are axed. If left unchecked corruption can erode most Government programmes and the nation left in a lurch.  
 
It is pleasing that Chinese government has recently released $ 1.2 billion for major refurbishment and expansion of Hwange Thermal Power Station. Electricity is one of the major economic recovery enablers. In fact, it is key to economic growth. Adequate electricity supply and distribution will witness industrial revival. Most companies in industries are lying idle because of insufficient electricity. Big companies like Sable Chemicals, a fertilizer manufacturing company and Zisco Steel requires huge megawatts to cater for their processes.

Also, skeptics were saying nothing would come out from the Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) that were signed between Zimbabwe and China in previous years were also proved incorrect, as President Xi Jinping signed for the release of the funds.

It is a shame that myopic opposition politicians are hiding behind the mantra of economic decay whilst in actual fact they are pushing for their agenda of regime change. Criticizing Government for a natural disaster such as drought depicts how shallow minded most opposition politicians are. Instead of foolishly waffling on the status of the economy, the opposition must find lasting solutions that assists in reviving the economy.  

Lastly, 2016 will never be a bad year for Zimbabwe if the Government, the private sector and the entire nation join hands together in trying to revitalize the economy.