How can Zimbabwe successfully reintegrate into the international community?

The report examines Zimbabwe's stalled transition following the 2017 ousting of Robert Mugabe and the 2018 elections. It argues that while President Emmerson Mnangagwa has adopted an 'open for business' slogan, genuine international re-engagement is blocked by a profound deficit of trust, persistent economic instability, and a lack of substantive political reform. The document highlights the role of targeted sanctions, the influence of China, and the critical importance of national dialogue and legislative reform in restoring Zimbabwe's global standing.

• The initial optimism following the November 2017 coup and the 2018 elections was destroyed by state violence, specifically the killing of six people by army troops on 1 August 2018, which derailed the normalization of ties with Western nations.
• Zimbabwe's economy is in a state of rapid decline, characterized by a real GDP growth of -5.2%, soaring inflation that reached 300% in August 2019, and a public debt burden exceeding $9.5 billion.
• A profound lack of trust exists between the Zimbabwean government, the opposition, and the international community, which the report identifies as the primary shortage in the country, exceeding even cash, fuel, and water.
• The United States maintains sanctions through the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZDERA), which blocks loan credits and debt relief, contingent on the government meeting political preconditions regarding democratic practices and media freedom.
• While China has been a major partner through the 'Look East' policy, it has recently become less willing to provide financial bailouts unless Zimbabwe services its existing debt.
• South Africa remains a steadfast political supporter of the Zimbabwean government and calls for the removal of sanctions, yet it has declined financial bailouts, such as a ZAR 1.2 billion request in December 2018, due to Zimbabwe's inability to meet required conditions.
• Legislative reform of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) is seen as a critical but slow process, with the replacement MOPA bill criticized by civil society as a 'box-ticking exercise'.
• Zimbabwe's business environment is severely hampered by an inefficient bureaucracy, chronic electricity outages (up to 18 hours daily), and a massive informal sector that employs over 90% of the population.
• The report concludes that the only viable way forward is through a meaningful national dialogue involving ZANU PF, the MDC, the Church, and civil society, though ZANU PF currently sees no imperative to negotiate given its parliamentary majority.

APA

Gruzd, S., & Lalbahadur, A. (n.d.). How can Zimbabwe successfully reintegrate into the international community? South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Zimbabwe_International-Re-Engagement_Special-Report-1.pdf

Chicago

Gruzd, Steven, and Aditi Lalbahadur. How can Zimbabwe successfully reintegrate into the international community? South African Institute of International Affairs, n.d. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Zimbabwe_International-Re-Engagement_Special-Report-1.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Gruzd |first1=Steven |last2=Lalbahadur |first2=Aditi |title=How can Zimbabwe successfully reintegrate into the international community? |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Zimbabwe_International-Re-Engagement_Special-Report-1.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{gruzdndhow, author = {Gruzd, Steven and Lalbahadur, Aditi}, title = {{How can Zimbabwe successfully reintegrate into the international community?}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Zimbabwe_International-Re-Engagement_Special-Report-1.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }