shloboe boe
Dereck Goto, @dereckgoto
IN 1980, Zimbabwe emerged from the shadows of colonial rule with a vision of unity, progress and prosperity.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Gabriel Mugabe, the country embraced a policy of national reconciliation — an audacious and visionary approach designed to unite a deeply divided nation. This policy encouraged peace and co-operation between the black majority and the white minority, who had historically controlled the country’s resources. By fostering forgiveness and collaboration, Zimbabwe laid a strong foundation for nation-building and development.
The early years of independence were characterised by remarkable achievements. Under Zanu-PF’s leadership, the Government launched an ambitious mission to expand access to education and healthcare. Zimbabwe rapidly became a beacon of hope across Africa, achieving one of the highest literacy rates in the region by the late 1980s. In tandem, rural healthcare infrastructure was overhauled, significantly reducing infant mortality and enhancing life expectancy. These strides demonstrated a resolute commitment to uplift the lives of all citizens, ensuring their inclusion in the country’s developmental trajectory.
Among the most transformative initiatives was the Land Reform Programme. Designed to address the glaring historical injustices of colonial land ownership, the programme aimed to redistribute fertile land from a small white minority to the black majority. While this endeavour was both moral and necessary, it provoked a hostile and punitive response from Western nations. In 2001, the United States enacted the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (Zdera), imposing severe sanctions that curtailed Zimbabwe’s access to international credit, foreign aid and debt relief. The European Union followed in 2002 with its own sanctions, further isolating Zimbabwe from global financial systems. In subsequent years, the United States escalated its measures through Executive Orders (EOs), including EO 13288 (2003), EO 13391 (2005), and EO 13469 (2008), which targeted individuals and entities alleged to support the Government.
The sanctions’ repercussions were devastating — crippling Zimbabwe’s economy at multiple levels. By cutting off access to international financing, trade and development aid, they stifled growth, decimated industries and exacerbated hardship among ordinary citizens. Foreign investors withdrew en masse; export markets contracted; and vital sectors, including manufacturing and agriculture, struggled to procure essential machinery and capital. The banking sector was similarly paralysed, as restrictions on financial transactions impeded Zimbabwe’s ability to participate in global commerce. Despite being labelled as “targeted,” the sanctions’ broader impacts reverberated across the economy, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable segments of society.
Yet, in the face of these formidable challenges, Zanu-PF’s resilience and dedication to national development remained steadfast. Under the stewardship of President Mnangagwa in the Second Republic, Zimbabwe has witnessed a resurgence — particularly in the realm of infrastructure development. Anchored by the “Vision 2030” agenda, the Government has spearheaded a period of unprecedented growth, with substantial investments in roads, energy and housing. The reconstruction of the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway — now meeting world-class standards — stands as a monumental achievement, enhancing regional connectivity and trade. Concurrently, the Government has prioritised constructing dams, bridges and power plants to underpin sustainable growth and self-reliance.
President Mnangagwa’s administration has also placed a strong emphasis on inclusivity through its devolution programme, ensuring infrastructure development reaches even the most remote areas of the nation. The proliferation of schools, hospitals and housing projects has transformed communities, significantly improving living standards. In agriculture, initiatives such as Command Agriculture and the construction of dams — most notably Tugwi-Mukosi — have revolutionised farming practices, mitigating the effects of climate change and securing the nation’s food supply.
Moreover, the Second Republic has intensified efforts to re-engage with the international community, attracting investments in key sectors such as mining, agriculture and tourism. The establishment of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida) has streamlined investment processes, positioning Zimbabwe as an attractive destination for global partners. These reforms have reinforced the country’s trajectory towards achieving its Vision 2030 goals of attaining upper-middle-income status.
Zimbabwe’s journey — though fraught with challenges — is ultimately a tale of resilience, determination and triumph. From the transformative advancements in education and healthcare under Cde Mugabe’s leadership to the unparalleled infrastructure developments under President Mnangagwa, the nation continues to defy odds and chart a course towards prosperity. Against a backdrop of adversity, Zimbabwe’s leadership has remained unwavering in its commitment to empowering its people and shaping a future defined by self-reliance, growth and hope.
