Zimbabwe in need of an Economic blue print.

During political and economic crisis such as the one being experienced by Zimbabwe normally political developments get all the attention at the expense of everything else. There is talk of a new constitution and fresh elections in 24 months.

How ever there is no talk of an economic recovery conference or an economic recovery programme developed with the input of all stake holders. Zimbabwe needs a home grown economic recovery blue print that will guide not just the recovery of the economy but that will also act as the road map for greater economic prosperity.

The current main political players have divergent economic policies and are unlikely to admit failure or any inadequacy in their plans. Already there is conflict over the validity of the current Monetary Policy and the recently announced budget by the then acting Minister of Finance Senator Patrick Chinamasa. The disagreements indicate deep-rooted mistrust of each others policy and ideology. This will scuttle any hope of quick economic recovery.

The way around this is to have an all-stakeholder Economic recovery conference which will include Non Governmental Organizations, business leaders, Bankers, Donors, SADC and many others who can contribute towards mapping out an effective recovery plan and mobilize the human and financial resources required.

The importance of an Economic recovery conference is clear as it allows every stakeholder to take ownership and accept what role they can play in rebuilding Zimbabwe. Any policy developed in isolation and in private is likely to be resisted and resented which will result in a pro-longed economic meltdown.

The traditional Donors are currently overstretched and likely to use every excuse to delay provision of any assistance which Zimbabwe desperately needs. The key to this is to make this process less of a political development and more of a national economic effort beyond the political conflict. The hosting of an Economic recovery conference can assist in un-blocking lines of credit which can assist Zimbabwean banks and companies. There is need to send a clear signal to the international investment community that Zimbabwe needs investors and its ready to welcome them.

The recent trend of haphazard and piecemeal approaches to donors and regional bodies will create a long run problem for the nation and future generations. The process has to be transparent and inclusive in allowing new ideas ,networks and approaches to be used to ensure that the current efforts properly fit into any long term Economic blue print.

Whilst the current Government has a limited mandate which is meant to reduce suffering and assist in stabilizing the Economy it must lay down a clear foundation of how the Zimbabwe economy will be grown and expanded. There is need to identify the key personnel and economic areas which can drive an economy. It is currently unclear if Zimbabwe Economy will be driven by mining, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing or any other sector.

It is important that such sectors be identified and a clear action plan be put in motion .This process is critical in stabilizing the economy as it can attract investors ,increase production and create new desperately needed jobs. The multiplier effect of this is that the Government coffers can start to receive revenue in form of income and corporate taxes in addition to royalties from mining houses.

So whilst politicians get used to their new offices and their newly acquired status the Economic recovery plan has to be quickly devised beyond political lines. Whilst the Government of National Unity is a temporary stop gap measure the Economic blue print is more permanent in nature and as such it requires national and international input