Charamba praises Mugano

Presidential Mnangagwa's spokesman George Charamba has commended economist Professor Gift Mugano for his recent remarks acknowledging the damaging effects of U.S. sanctions on Zimbabwe, saying his shift toward constructive engagement marks a positive turn in national discourse.

Writing on his X (formerly Twitter) account under his widely followed handle @Jamwanda2, Charamba shared a YouTube link to Mugano's interview titled "End of ZIDERA Could Unlock a Billion", in which the economist discussed the potential economic rebound Zimbabwe could experience if the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZIDERA) is lifted by the United States.

Charamba described Mugano's analysis as "real, professorial sense," commending him for demonstrating intellectual maturity and national commitment.

"It makes real, professorial sense which we expect from such high-flown intellect," Charamba wrote. "Thank you, Mukwambo. We applaud that, including your visit to the RBZ for discussion."

However, the outspoken presidential spokesman also used the opportunity to reflect on Mugano's past approach, accusing him of having once adopted a "sensational tendency" that fostered economic pessimism.

"Your past sensational tendency to pay hellfire vision on the economy was toxic and dispiriting," Charamba said. "It did not mobilize citizens for change; it broke the sinews of citizen initiative by cultivating cynicism."

Charamba welcomed Mugano's call for unity of purpose in addressing Zimbabwe's economic challenges but said it should be anchored on a "shared sense of belonging" and sovereignty. He also expressed regret that Mugano's strong critique of sanctions came only after Washington signaled a review of its policy.

"I really wished your steady admission and penetrating critique of American sanctions had come much earlier, preferably as and when those sanctions were imposed," Charamba wrote. "It suggested we only criticize American wrongdoing when it permits it through its own policy reversal. That doesn't make us sovereign scholars or professors we should be."

Charamba concluded by describing the interview as "great with policy value and right stresses," noting that Mugano's renewed tone could contribute to constructive national dialogue as the country seeks to rebuild its economy and re-engage with the international community.

The exchange between Charamba and Mugano comes amid renewed optimism in Harare that the United States could soon lift the two-decade-old sanctions under ZIDERA — a development government officials say could unlock significant investment and credit opportunities for Zimbabwe.