Prof Mugano shifts to constructive criticism of Zimbabwe govt policy

Zimbabwean economics professor Gift Mugano has clarified his position on government policies, signaling a shift from neutral commentary and occasional criticism to a constructive, evidence-based approach. Mugano, whose opinions have often attracted scrutiny and sparked debate, said he will support government initiatives when warranted and offer criticism when necessary, guided by facts and the country's development priorities.

In a public statement, Mugano likened his approach to the biblical figures Daniel and Joseph, who served under multiple governments while using their expertise for the greater good. He acknowledged past criticisms of his commentary and described his change in perspective as a "Damascus moment," saying he had moved on from previous remarks made during his "Saul moment." Mugano emphasized that his future work would be measured and guided by ethical, professional, and objective principles.

Mugano highlighted several areas where he sees positive developments under the current government. He praised the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe for fostering macroeconomic stability and noted that the mining sector has experienced significant growth, with gold output reaching 46.7 tonnes and lithium and base metals emerging as key exports. He also pointed to the construction sector, where housing projects, shopping malls, and road rehabilitation have become prominent, and the agricultural sector, which has seen steady growth in dairy, cereals, and tobacco production. Mugano further noted Zimbabwe's foreign currency generation has been unprecedented and hailed the country's emergence as Africa's top steel producer following a US$1 billion investment by Dinson Iron and Steel Company.

Despite these positive developments, Mugano acknowledged ongoing challenges. Fiscal pressures, high debt levels, unemployment, social ills, and public health indicators remain areas of concern. He stressed that his focus would now be on providing evidence-driven policy advice to help address these challenges while supporting economic growth and inclusive development.

Mugano's public clarification comes amid debates over the role of economists in Zimbabwe's public discourse, with some critics accusing him of "flip-flopping" and others praising his willingness to engage constructively with government policies. His shift to a measured, fact-based approach is seen as a significant step toward fostering informed dialogue on the nation's economic trajectory and development priorities.