Beatrice Kumbana
Political Reporter
Opinion Piece
Zimbabwe sits on some of the world’s richest deposits of diamonds, platinum, and gold, alongside vast tracts of fertile farmland.
Yet its economy continues to bleed. Corruption, poor governance, and underinvestment have combined to turn abundance into scarcity, leaving millions struggling to survive.
The Politics Behind the Collapse
For decades, Zimbabwe’s natural wealth has been mismanaged. Government figures are rarely transparent, but independent watchdogs estimate that the country has lost over US$100 billion to corruption in the last twenty years.
“Money supply is out of control. When you print money without production to back it, you create hyperinflation-inflation and ordinary citizens pay the price,”
says journalist and anti-corruption activist Hopewell Chin’ono.
Economists echo his concerns. Dr. Nkosilathi Sibanda, a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, explains
“The problem is not a lack of resources it’s policy failure. Spending exceeds revenue, state contracts are inflated, and local industries are ignored. That combination destroys trust and pushes investors away.”
The results are clear. Manufacturing plants have shut down, agriculture is underfunded, and Zimbabwe now imports basic goods despite having the capacity to produce them.
Ordinary People Bear the Cost
Economic chaos has real consequences. The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) estimates unemployment at over 80%, while the World Food Programme reports 2.5 million people at risk of starvation due to drought and rising prices.
In Harare, Chipo Ncube, a nurse, describes how the crisis hits health services
“Hospitals are running without medicines. Even basic HIV treatments are short. We have skilled staff, but without resources, patients suffer and die.”
Hyperinflation which once reached 500 billion percent in 2008 has returned in a new form.
Though not as extreme, the Zimbabwe dollar continues to lose value rapidly, eroding savings and wages.
A Government Under Fire
The government’s critics point to high-profile scandals. Chin’ono cites one example
“The regime paid US$1.5 million for an internet server that costs just US$4,500. This isn’t just bad management it’s deliberate looting.”
Officials rarely respond to such allegations, but when they do, they blame sanctions and hostile foreign powers for the economic malaise. Economists disagree.
“Sanctions alone didn’t destroy local production,” says Dr. Sibanda. “Corruption and lack of reform did.”
What Can Be Done?
Rebuilding Zimbabwe’s economy requires bold reforms.
Strengthen accountability prosecute corruption, audit state spending.
Invest in agriculture and industry reduce dependence on imports. We have the land,the climate and with over 80% unemployed youth, we definitely have the labour.
Re-engage with the global economy work with institutions like the IMF and African Development Bank to restore credit lines.
But most importantly support local entrepreneurs small industries can create jobs faster than mega-projects.
Memory Dube, a young farmer in Mashonaland, believes recovery is possible
“We don’t need handouts. If government just gives farmers tools, seeds, and real market access, we can feed this country again.”
A Narrow Window of Hope
Zimbabwe’s resource wealth is undeniable. The question is whether its leaders can shift from extraction to stewardship, from corruption to accountability. Without urgent action, the paradox will deepen: a rich land where citizens remain desperately poor.
Zim GBC News©2025
God Bless Zimbabwe🙏