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WORK is already cut out for the new Cabinet that was sworn into office yesterday. Those that are in have a  cause to celebrate with family and friends but we would appreciate if they get down to serious business immediately to get the country’s engine running again.
The nation has been waiting, not just for the names and faces, but to ensure that whatever projects or programmes had been put in abeyance are immediately implemented.

We would want to believe that it’s so obvious to the team that Zimbabwe needs their muscle and intellect to operate at full capacity so that we get the economy back on track. Some wheels had come off and need urgent realignment.

It is not news that the economy is the number one priority. President Mugabe has said this and we all know it.
In this regard, we expect those with economic portfolios to get down to business and spearhead Zimbabwe’s economic resurgence.
The economy, which has been in positive territory for the past four years, is expected to grow by a revised 3,4 percent.

This is a figure I still feel could even be too low for this economy if we all fully apply our minds, energy and other resources .
Stakeholders in Zimbabwe expect Government to maintain the multi-currency system dominated by the US dollar for purposes of maintaining stability, predictability and to avoid the rampant inflation of the pre-dollarisation era.

There also is an expectation from economic players that Government will adopt policies that encourage investment, access to lines of credit and job creation.

Other areas that Government is expected to look at include reducing public expenditure to increase resources for investment in capital projects, reducing the current account deficit, increasing exports and reducing imports.

Also, there is need for Government to address the issue of the unsustainable debt overhang, agricultural productivity, industrial capacity utilisation and recapitalisation, power shortages and availability of raw materials.

The cost of utilities also remains unsustainably high as is the cost of domestic funding, hence the need to improve the liquidity situation in the economy.

Companies also say the high cost of labour is a constraint to viability.
While the state of infrastructure in Zimbabwe remains generally of better condition in comparison to most parts of the continent, there is need to invest in expansion and rehabilitation of infrastructure after a decade of little fresh investment.

Local companies and products face serious competition from often cheaper or low-priced imports, hence the need for protection of certain threatened sectors or industries such as textiles and vehicle assembly through duty increases. Industry also wants porous borders plugged to avoid illegal entry of imported goods.

The list of those that have been appointed to the key economic ministries is quite impressive and these are people we believe will be equal to the task.

Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa
The former justice minister’s name was never touted as a possible candidate for this ministry and yet his appointment was not such a surprise. He has acted as Minister of Finance a couple of times before and I must say he did not disappoint.
In 2009, he is the one who superintended over the official introduction of the multiple-currency system and other policies from which the economy is benefiting up to this day.

I have had an occasion to interview him on things economic and I have been surprised by his level of knowledge.
You would think if it’s not one’s portfolio, he would not be up to speed with developments, but he has always been articulate.
I would, therefore, bet my bottom dollar that Minister Chinamasa fits the bill and will deliver.
Immediate expectations:

• We expect him to craft a mini-budget statement to direct the economy for the remaining three months of the year.

While we appreciate that former Finance Minister Tendai Biti presented his mid-term budget in July, the new minister will obviously need to panel beat the statement or craft his own to reflect the new dispensation.
The statement should have practical and results-oriented policies to deal with the current liquidity challenges, the debt situation, relations with multilateral and bilateral financiers and dwindling revenue.

The agricultural sector needs to be adequately financed now that the summer cropping season is upon us.
The Government of National Unity failed to do much for the sector resulting in its failure to contribute much to Gross Domestic Product.
The minister will need to balance demand for funds and what is available.
Biti’s mantra was “we eat what we gather” so we await to see which progressive theme will guide the incumbent.
The 2013 Budget was set at US$4 billion

• Minister Chinamasa will need to consolidate relations between Government and the private sector to foster teamwork in infrastructural projects and other capital programmes, particularly those in which the Government alone might to have the wherewithal to perform.

The issue of coins, which continue to affect the retail sector particularly, will need to be dealt with. Should Zimbabwe mint its own coins or must the central bank enter into some arrangement with its South African counterpart, for instance?

Industry and Commerce Minister Mike Bimha
He is not new to the ministry. He was the deputy minister in the last Government.
We, therefore, expect him to be alert to the needs of industry, the challenges and possibly the solutions that need to be implemented as soon as possible.

Minister Bimha has been in industry himself before appointment into Government, so he is conversant with the issues within his sphere of influence.

He has always struck me as a sober person who is results-oriented. Even his compatriot and Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries immediate past president Mr Kumbirai Katsande yesterday said industry is excited by his appointment.
“He (Minister Bimha) knows our needs as industry and he is approachable.”
Immediate Expectations:
He needs to confront the challenges, particularly in  the manufacturing sector head-on.

• His major priority is to facilitate retooling and capitalisation of firms to ensure they operate at full capacity.

The sector is fraught with challenges and has found the going tough over the past seven or so years. Obsolete machinery and lack of funds have led to downsizing and, in many instances, closure of businesses.
Thousands of people have been offloaded by the sector due to these challenges.

• The minister will need to immediately operationalise the Industrial Policy launched a few years ago to resuscitate industry.

• Companies need to start producing for the domestic and foreign market to earn the much needed foreign currency.

Exports are at their lowest, while imports continue to gobble much in terms of resources and the jobs that are being exported when the country needs them so badly.

• Trade issues that are currently of concern, such as cheap imports that are inducing unfair competition to local industry, need to be resolved urgently.

• Due to challenges obtaining in the economy, Zimbabwe has become more of a supermarket economy and yet it has the capacity to be the region’s manufacturer.

Energy will need to be expended in addressing this scenario.

Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Development Minister Francis Nhema
He has been in Government for a long time. He is one of the technocrats that have had experience in industry and other spheres that will help inform his discharge of duty.

After much confrontation, perceived or real, this portfolio needs his soberness and soft approach to issues pertinent to the transfer of wealth to the majority in this country.

Minister Nhema has the wherewithal to take the indigenisation drive to the next level.
He will need to summon all his muscle to ensure more results are achieved in this area.
Immediate Expectations

• He needs to consolidate the indigenisation drive and ensure that it is all-encompassing.

He will need to tackle perceptions held globally that the policy is merely about taking wealth to enrich a few.

• He needs to engage foreign investors and other partners so they understand the need for Zimbabwe to take what belongs to its people, albeit in a systematic manner.

• He will have no excuse for failing to deliver on the empowerment of all Zimbabweans hence he must do it in the best possible manner that will yield results.

His open-mindedness should help as he navigates through this sensitive territory.

• Being responsible for youth development should be something he will be comfortable with.

Issues to do with this segment of the population are wide and varied.
The youths need jobs, funding for their projects and other requirements to improve their welfare.
Many programmes had already been initiated by former minister Saviour Kasukuwere, so the incumbent will need to consolidate these, while also coming up with others to beef up the lot.

It will certainly not be a stroll in the rose garden for him. But it can be done.

Mines and Mining Development Walter Chidhakwa
He is someone with local and international experience and exposure to take the mining sector to the next level.
He is not knew in Government, having been deputy in the Ministry of State Enterprises and Parastatals.

I used to interact with him when he was chief executive of the Export Processing Zones Authority of Zimbabwe.
He is well read and has always been up to speed with economic developments.

His new portfolio will require his alertness. Mining has been identified as the main pillar for economic growth.
The interest shown in the sector by foreign and local investors is telling.
He sounds quite able to handle this portfolio.

Immediate Expectations

• He must harness the interest already demonstrated in the sector to ensure Zimbabwe reaps the benefits accruing.

• He will need to take a firm hold of the sector to plug leakages that have cost the country billions of dollars and other forms of corruption that have prejudiced this economy for a long time.

• He must go all out, in consultation with mine houses, to ensure that Zimbabwe maximises on its mineral deposits.

The sector is richly endowed but it is far from reaching its potential.
The economy needs the minerals underground to be transformed into hard cash to induce liquidity.

• Communities should evidently benefit from mines in their areas in a sustainable and prosper-thy-neighbour fashion.

Too many sad stories have come out of the mines but a lot is being achieved under the community share ownership schemes.

• Minister Chidhakwa will need to ensure all mining claims are accounted for. Most of these are being held for speculative purposes yet these could easily be transformed into tangible wealth.

• Mining regulations, which have often proved to be a source of acrimony between mining firms and Government, will need attention so that a more practical and win-win package is adopted.

• Efforts to resuscitate some redundant mines should move into first gear where possible.

• Small-scale miners will need Minister Chidhakwa’s attention, particularly in terms or funding and other regulations that constrict their operations.

Energy and Power Development Minister Dzikamai Mavhaire
The incumbent has been thrown into the deep end. He had better be a good swimmer.
The issue of power remains one of industry’s greatest challenges.
He appears to be someone with the wherewithal to transform this sector.
His contributions on the economy in various forms have been well-informed and intelligent.
Immediate Expectations

• He needs to hit the ground running and ensure power supplies improve as a matter of urgency.

Power cuts have adversely affected industry hence the need to address not just the supply but the costing too.

• Quite a number of projects that include expansion of Hwange Units 7 and 8 and other projects must be implemented immediately to improve power supply.

• He may have to dust off several documents written on improving power supply in Zimbabwe and borrow any relevant notes from there.

• The issue of renewable energy should also be uppermost in his mind to complement existing forms of energy.

Solar energy, ethanol, gas and quite a number are options that should be pursued with great vigour.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Obert Mpofu
He is a senior in Government and has done well in his previous portfolios.
He has so much energy, which will certainly be put to good use in his new portfolio.
Immediate Expectations

• Although we have seen some work being done, Zimbabwe’s road network and the quality of roads need to be improved significantly.  Potholes are out of fashion and a smoother road will ensure a more efficient network.

• Projects already underway should be expedited.

• The railway system, which has always provided a cheaper alternative for industry, needs a complete revamp.

Presently both passenger and goods trains are in shambles while vandalism has worsened the situation.

• Air Zimbabwe is now flying high but viability challenges that have continued to affect its performance will need to be eradicated.

Zimbabwe needs an efficient airline to bring investors and tourists alike as economic activities improve.

• The country is centrally located in the region and challenges associated with foreign trucks, cargo and the roads they use must be addressed to ensure maximum economic benefits.

These ministers and everyone else in Cabinet must certainly earn their salaries. It would be a sad day for our country should any of them decide to take a casual business approach.
Zimbabwe must emerge as the regional economic powerhouse that it should be.
There will be no room for poor performance if the tone of President Mugabe’s speeches is anything to go by.
Ladies and gentlemen, you need to get down to business and the hour is now!

In God I Trust

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