A resolution for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stay in office longer topped the news from the ZANU PF conference. Also among the resolutions were suggestions to “conduct an annual National Bira” and to get rid of the chiefs’ regalia.
But what did the party say about the economy? Here, we summarise some of the key resolutions on key issues from the currency, mining, agriculture, infrastructure and business.
On ZiG: Make it work
The party met not long after the ZiG suffered a new confidence blow, with a 43% devaluation and RBZ having to desperate sell US dollars to try and meet demand. ZANU PF told government to take “robust measures to strengthen the purchasing power of the ZiG and entrench its usage”. They also want government to “expedite efforts to de-dollarise the economy and promote the use of the ZiG as the country’s sole currency.” They want wider circulation of the ZiG. The party also wants government to “synchronise fiscal and monetary policies”.
As is standard, the party pointed to “speculation and arbitrage on the parallel market” and “economic saboteurs, errant manufacturers, retailers and other service providers”.
On mining: Battle for control
Mining is a big deal to ZANU PF, with over a million small scale miners forming a critical power base. The party devoted a large section of its resolutions to mining, and the resolutions show the battle between large and small-scale miners.
The party wants laws on Exclusive Prospecting Orders (EPOs) changed. Currently, a company gets an EPO so that they explore for minerals over a period of time. ZANU PF wants laws changed so that “other players can be allowed to prospect in the area covered by the EPO”. ZANU PF also wants a “Use it or Lose it” policy to force companies not to hold on to mine title “for speculative purposes”. The party also wants “non-operational special grants” given to “other potential investors”.
To deal with battles over mining claims, ZANU PF wants government to digitise “the mining title management system”. Also known as the cadastre system, the platform allows anyone to check the legal holder of a mining area.
On illegal mining
Government recently announced a ban on riverbed mining, but this has continued illegally in some areas. ZANU PF wants authorities to “enforce the ban on riverbed mining and accelerate river de-siltation programme through the cancellation of mining licenses and environmental permits, including the confiscation of mining equipment in these areas”.
On infrastructure: We want more
Infrastructure has been a source of pride for the party, despite the impact the model of funding has had on inflation. ZANU PF wants more government spending, targeting key projects such as dams, irrigation, roads and rail. The party wants government to “speed up the completion of Gwayi-Shangani and Kunzvi Dams”, both delayed by low budget allocations. The party also wants an acceleration of road rehabilitation, border posts. They also propose investment in the National Railways of Zimbabwe “to promote trade and prolong the lifespan of the rehabilitated roads”.
On farming: New land tenure
This was another key section of the ZANU PF resolutions. The party urges the speedy implementation of the new land tenure policy, which promises transferable title to beneficiaries of land reform. The party says the policy will “give beneficiaries security of tenure”. ZANU PF also wants more local production of fertilisers and other inputs. Distribution of Presidential inputs must be to “all deserving citizens regardless of political or other affiliations”, says the party.
On businesses: Startup funds and business cost
ZANU PF concedes that the cost of business is too high, and asked for a “clear action plan that promotes the ease and cost of doing business”. For small businesses, the party calls for capitalisation of the Venture Capital Fund to support startups. The party also wants “comprehensive policies to realise the formalisation of the informal sector through the enforcement of the appropriate laws”.
On International Relations: Debt and land
Zimbabwe is talking to foreign creditors to clear its arrears. The party wants government to “intensify efforts towards clearing the country’s external debt in order to unlock global capital”.
While Zimbabwe has committed to paying compensation for improvements on former white farms the party has told government to “engage the British government to fulfil its promise to contribute financially to pay off former white commercial farmers.”
On energy: Power hungry
With Zimbabwe currently producing less than half of its power needs, ZANU PF called on government to “embark on an accelerated development programme to reduce the power generation deficit”. The party urges more hydro power, new power stations, and renewable energy, especially for rural communities.
