Let’s be optimistic for 2015
By Stewart Murewa
Judging from the events and interventions made by the government in the past twelve months , the new year seems to be very promising, that is if all stakeholders do not sit on their laurels and sleep on duty. Syllogism that is deductive reasoning shows that the economy of this country is going to improve drastically as opposed to what the prophets of doom in the newsrooms are saying.
Of concern is that the country continues to struggle in attracting meaningful foreign direct investment (FDI), hence our enemies coupled with the prophets of doom who are singing for their supper are pessimistic about the economic future of the country. Progressive and like-minded patriotic Zimbabweans think otherwise and view the country moving in the right direction forthwith.
But notwithstanding the challenges plaguing the local economy, there is now growing optimism that Zimbabwe is now ready to do business. This is epitomized by the mega deals which were signed by the government and other countries in an endeavour to prop up the economy.
The landmark multi-billion dollar deals signed with Russia and China tellingly indicate that Zimbabwe has now allied with cooperating partners that are willing to underwrite projects intended to cover the country’s infrastructural deficit. Thus, once the deals are rolled out they have the potential to provide the stimulus to the economic acceleration.
We have to take cognizance that projects in water, power and telecommunications are largely regarded as key enablers for economic growth. Moreover the platinum mining project in Darwendale, which Zimbabwe entered into with Russia, is considered to be the key to the country’s future economic growth prospects. Three miners already operating in the country- Zimplats, Mimosa and Unki have combined output of about 430 000 ounces a year.
Most importantly, it is estimated that the new platinum project will create more than 8 000 jobs and a smelter will also be established. This dovetails with the country’s economic blueprint, Zim Asset, which mainly emphasizes on value addition and beneficiation.
Already the country is haemorrhaging significant revenues through exporting ore to South African refiners. We should also remember that the country has the second largest known platinum reserves in the world after South Africa and is the world’s third largest producer of the metal.
Through bilateral agreements China has committed to providing financial assistance to critical sectors such as energy, roads, tourism, railway network, telecommunications and agriculture. If all the stakeholders work with a common allegiance we will reach the promised land of milk and honey. Hence Zimbabwe will be the beacon of economic prosperity in the region.
The British and Turkish delegations were recently sent to Zimbabwe to explore investment opportunities in various sectors of the local economy. In addition to this. big brands have returned to Zimbabwe in the likes of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). Chippies and Puma Energy. It would be wise and valid to conclude that Zimbabwe will spring-up and prosper sooner!