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The elections have come and gone. Exit fear, uncertainty and apprehension. Enter confidence, direction, and focus. This  is how we can build this country and more specifically this economy. Lethargy, speculation and ambivalence gripped Zimbabwe’s economy in the run-up to the elections but to all intense and purposes, the elections have come and gone and peacefully too. This should re-energise us and provide a glorious opportunity to reassert ourselves and show our worth.
We can only thank God for the peace that reigns since the pre-election period, the actual voting itself and the post election phase. Let us use this as a currency to take the economy forward.

Contrary to certain persuasions, conditions that existed prior to elections must dissipate and give in to a future of promise. One that should see the economy assume levels that we had only dreamt about but which should now become a reality.

Our dire situation of the past should remain in the past. Why, almost in a celebratory tone, talk of the 2008 problems befalling the nation again when we have all it takes, by the grace of God, to achieve the best that we can?

The last few days have witnessed prophets of doom who are going about speaking negatively into the economy. Fuel prices goes up, price increases expected, South Africa reintroduces visas, Zim dollar coming back and many other energy-usurping sentiments that are not only harmful to the generality of Zimbabweans but will also affect the very people propagating them were they to become reality.

All these sentiments have the potential of fuelling inflation – a monster Zimbabwe has decisively dealt with in the last four years. Zimbabwe projects the inflation figure to remain in the single digit range this year so let’s not touch sensitive nerves that could scuttle our targets. As of June, the annual inflation figure stood at a manageable 1,87 percent.

Why should we say or do things that will come back to haunt us when we have a better alternative of working to ensure economic regeneration. Even where danger is looking us in the eye in terms of economic challenges, the only choice is to confront these and tame them in the best possible manner instead of fuelling them.

Why expend so much energy wishing the economy bad when it’s time for all of us to help build it and enjoy the benefits there from? The negative energy needs to be quickly converted into the positive to drive this economy forward if we all cherish a better Zimbabwe.

The peace that resonates  across the country, to our credit, must be the harbinger of greater things to come.
Last Sunday Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa prophesied that the economy was destined for a bright future, reiterating that huge mineral deposits would soon be the order of the day. Zimbabwe, he said, would become the region’s breadbasket again, with abundant rains.

“Economy yedu Mwari vari murwendo rwekuiporesa. Hupfumi munyika muno hwakawandisa zvekuti.
“Tumatombo twamuri kuona iyezvino (madiamonds) are nothing compared to what is coming. Utwu twenge twuri twekungoti Mwari vaone kuti tinoita sei. (God is in the process of healing our economy. There is so much wealth in this country and the  diamond deposits that have  been discovered so far are just a drop in the ocean compared to what is coming for this country. The diamonds are just an appetizer),” he said.

This is a voice that God has raised in this nation and we are better of believing the man of God and working towards prospering our country and its people. Focus should be on getting things moving again at levels that ensure self-sustenance and progress. The resources we have as a country, be they natural, human or otherwise, must be fully exploited.

We need to expeditiously increase production, increase exports, drastically reduce imports and take care of infrastructure. This will subsequently ensure the creation of jobs, wealth and investment opportunities for both local and foreign investors.

The agricultural sector needs attention urgently. We are just about two months away from the summer cropping season and all should be in place to ensure a good harvest. The manufacturing sector needs to up its production capacity which has drastically gone down to about 35 percent average.

All sectors of the economy need to start firing again and bring a sum total of a successful and progressive economy. It is never as easy as it sounds but we know it can be done. God Himself has confirmed it through his servant Prophet Makandiwa and other men of God so we should go with the flow.

The half year revision of the economy given by outgoing Finance Minister Tendai Biti was somewhat gloomy with economic projections revised downwards to 3,4 percent from an initial 5 percent. The mining sector, one of Zimbabwe’s economic pillars, was projected to grow by 5,3 percent against an initial forecast of 17,1 percent while agriculture was now expected to expand by 5,4 percent, down from 6,4 percent.

This downgrade of economic performance was largely attributed to liquidity challenges, suppressed commodity prices and poor infrastructure, among other constraints tabulated by the former minister.

This is the reality on the bound but we would want to believe that the remaining four months of the year can bring significant improvements in the economy.
What is required is for stakeholders to come up with practical solutions to the challenges besetting our economy. No research is required on the problems because we are aware of these but real solutions need to be sought.

We implore the new cabinet which is expected to be announced soon to desist from corruption, greed and other such malpractices so the economy can progress.
The team will also need to apply its energy towards facilitating a conducive environment for the private sector to operate. Such bodies as the National Economic Consultative Forum, the Tripartite Negotiation Forum will need to be more active in collectively charting a way forward for this economy.

Zimbabwe has lost too much money from corruption and other vices and can ill-afford any such practices at this juncture. Disjointed implementation of policies and half-hearted efforts are regressive and Zimbabwe needs only that which can take the economy to the next level.

The significant fall registered on the stock exchange this week was unfortunate but we can turn the tide if we all become progressively minded. This was a mere reality check in terms of the make up of investors on the exchange and need for Zimbabwe to own its economy through proper models that will leave Zimbaweans in better stead.

Such issues as the supply of electricity and water, which have been intermittent over the years are stunting growth and should be attended to with haste. Estimates are that this country requires at least US$3,7 billion to improve electricity generation and a further US$615 million to upgrade transport and communication networks.

In the first six months of the year only US$143,8 million was invested into capital projects against a target of US$235,4 million, which in itself was a conservative figure. Indeed there is so much work to be done in the economy so what we need is to hit the ground running and not to bad mouth our economy.

The US$100 billion economy by 2030 is not a far-fetched dream. But it takes all of us to change our mindsets and seek to contribute the best that we can and lay a brick or two in building the economy.

“If you believe and I believe and we together pray!
The Holy Spirit must come down and Zimbabwe must be served…..” goes the song whose words are very reassuring and quite progressive.

In God I trust!

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