UNCT ZW CommonCountryAnalysis 2021final 0

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS
ZIMBABWE 2021 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS I
LIST OF FIGURES II
LIST OF TABLES II
ACRONYMS III
FOREWORD VII
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY VIII
1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.1. BRIEF COUNTRY OVERVIEW 1
1.2. NATIONAL VISION 3
1.3. PROGRESS TOWARDS AGENDA 2030 FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 4
2. PEOPLE 6
2.1. POVERTY 7
2.2. HUNGER 7
2.3. SOCIAL PROTECTION 8
2.4. HEALTH AND WELLBEING 9
2.5. QUALITY EDUCATION 12
2.6. GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT 13
2.7. WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE 14
2.8. HOUSING 15
2.9. SOCIAL IMPACT OF COVID-19 IMPACT ON PEOPLE 16
3. PROSPERITY 17
3.1. GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT 18
3.2. INFLATION 18
3.3. EMPLOYMENT AND DECENT WORK 19
3.4. INEQUALITY 20
3.5. FISCAL POLICY 21
3.6. EXTERNAL SECTOR DEVELOPMENTS 21
3.7. PUBLIC SECTOR 22
3.8. KEY ECONOMIC SECTORS 22
3.9. TRADE AND EXPORT PROMOTION 24
3.10. IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE ECONOMY 24
4. PLANET 26
4.1. KEY ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE CHANGE CONCERNS 27
4.2. ENVIRONMENT POLICY FRAMEWORK AND GOVERNANCE 27
4.3. LIFE ON LAND 28
4.4. AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY 28
4.5. CLIMATE CHANGE AND VARIABILITY 29
4.6. FINANCE AND INVESTMENT 30
4.7. IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE 30
5. PEACE 32
5.1. KEY POLICY, LEGISLATIVE AND GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES 33
5.2. HUMAN RIGHTS, ELECTIONS, PEACE AND SOCIAL COHESION 34
5.3. REGIONAL GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS CONTEXT 37
5.4. RULE OF LAW AND ACCESS AND ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE 38
5.5. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND DEVOLUTION 39
5.6. CORRUPTION 40
5.7. IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS 41
6. PARTNERSHIPS AND FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS 42
6.1. INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS 43
6.2. EXTERNAL FINANCING 44
6.3. FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT 44
6.4. OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE (ODA) FROM BILATERAL DONORS 44
6.5. REMITTANCES 45
6.6. DOMESTIC FINANCING 45
7. POPULATIONS FURTHEST BEHIND IN DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS 48
7.1. INDIGENOUS PEOPLE 49
7.2. PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 49
7.3. RURAL WOMEN AND GIRLS 50

ZIMBABWE 2021 i
7.4. POPULATIONS HARDEST HIT BY DISASTERS AND CLIMATE SHOCKS 51
7.5. SEXUAL MINORITIES AND SEX WORKERS 52
7.6. REFUGEES AND STATELESS PERSONS 53
7.7. OLDER PERSONS 54
7.8. MIGRANTS 54
7.9. YOUTH (INCL. ADOLESCENT GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN (AGYW)) 55
7.10. WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN SPECIFIC RELIGIOUS AFFILIATIONS 56
7.11. DATA GAPS 56
8. CONCLUSION: ACHIEVING AGENDA 2030 FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 58
8.1 EMERGING PRIORITIES AND ENTRY POINTS 59
8.2 MULTI-DIMENSIONAL RISKS 62
9. ANNEXURES 65
ANNEX 1: THE CCA METHODOLOGY AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK 66
ANNEX 2: CCA PROCESS AND TIMELINE 68
ANNEX 3: EVOLUTION OF KEY AGE STRUCTURE 69
ANNEX 4: REGIONAL, SUB-REGIONAL SECTOR ANALYSIS 69
ANNEX 5: ZIMBABWE: SDG PERFORMANCE BY INDICATOR 2017, 2019, 2020 73
ANNEX 6: TRENDS IN MAIZE PRODUCTION IN ZIMBABWE (QUANTITY (TONS) 76
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1.1 TRENDS IN HDI COMPONENT INDICES 1990 -2017 2
FIGURE 1.2 ZIMBABWE SDG DASHBOARD 5
FIGURE 2.1 TRENDS IN THE PREVALENCE OF (A) HOUSEHOLD POVERTY AND (B) EXTREME HOUSEHOLD POVERTY 7
FIGURE 2.2 DISTRIBUTION OF HOUSEHOLDS BY SOURCE OF DRINKING WATER, 2014 - 2019 15
FIGURE 3.1 ZIMBABWE’S RECENT MACROECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 19
FIGURE 6.1: ZIMBABWE’S OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE 45
FIGURE 6.2 ZIMBABWE PRIVATE SECTOR CREDIT 46
FIGURE 6.3 ZIMBABWE GOVERNMENT FINANCING 47
FIGURE 9.1 ZIMBABWE CCA PROCESS AND TIMELINE 68
FIGURE 9.2 2012-2032: EVOLUTION OF KEY AGE STRUCTURE INDICATORS, ZIMBABWE 2012 69
FIGURE 9.3 TRENDS IN MAIZE PRODUCTION IN ZIMBABWE (TONS) 76
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1.1 VISION 2030, NDS1 AND SDG ALIGNMENT 4
TABLE 2.1 ESTIMATES FOR SELECTED SOCIAL PROTECTION INDICATORS, 2019 ZIMBABWE MICS 9
TABLE 2.2 ESTIMATES OF SELECTED HEALTH INDICATORS FROM THE DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS
(DHS) AND MULTIPLE INDICATOR CLUSTER SURVEYS (MICS) SINCE 2010, ZIMBABWE 10
TABLE 2.3 ECD, PRIMARY, LOWER SECONDARY AND UPPER SECONDARY COMPLETION RATES 2014-2018 12
TABLE 5.1 STATUS ON THE RATIFICATION OF UN CONVENTIONS, AU REGIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND
GOVERNANCE INSTRUMENTS 34
TABLE 8.1 MULTI-DIMENSIONAL RISK ANALYSIS 63

ZIMBABWE 2021 ii
ACRONYMS
Acronym Name Acronym Name

5Ps People, Prosperity, Planet, Peace, Partnerships NMR Neonatal Mortality Rate
ACHPR African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights NPOs Non-Profit Organisations
AfCFTA African Continental Free Trade Area NPRC National Peace and Reconciliation Commission
AfDB African Development Bank NRSC National RBME Steering Committee
AGYW Adolescent Girls and Young Women NSC National Steering Committee
AIDS Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome NSDRF National and Sectoral Development Results
Frameworks
AMTO Assisted Medical Treatment Order NSDS3 The third National Strategy for the Development of
Statistics
APRM African Peer Review Mechanism NSPPF National Social Protection Policy Framework
ART Anti-retroviral treatment NSS National Statistical System
AU African Union NSSA Zimbabwe the National Social Security Authority
BAZ Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe OCHA United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs
BEAM Basic Education Assistance Module ODA Official Development Assistance
BSM Business Spend Management OHCHR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner
for Human Rights
CAT UN Convention against Torture and Other OPC Office of the President and Cabinet
Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment
CCA Common Country Assessment OVC Orphans and Vulnerable Children
CCDDPLAC Cabinet Committee on Devolution and PA Public Assistance
Development of Local Authorities
CCPR International Covenant on Civil and Political PEA Political economy analysis
Rights
CDM Clean Development Mechanism PEL Protocol on Employment and Labour
CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of all forms of PEPFAR The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
Discrimination Against Women
CERIDs Centres for Education Research Innovation and PET Protocol on Education and Training
Development
CESCR International Covenant on Economic Social and PFM Public Financial Management
Cultural Rights
CeSHHAR Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS PICES Poverty, Income, Consumption and Expenditure
Research Survey
CFTA Continental Free Trade Area PLHIV People Living with HIV
CI Confidence Interval PMP Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of
Persons
CMW International Convention on the Protection of POTRAZ Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory
the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members Authority of Zimbabwe
of Their Families
COMESA Common Market for East and Southern Africa PPPs Private-Public Partnerships
COVID-19 Coronavirus disease PPS Personnel Performance Systems
CRC Convention on the Rights of the Child PRFT Poverty Reduction Forum Trust
CRPD Convention on the Rights of Persons with PSC Public Service Commission
Disabilities
CSOs Civil Society Organisations PSI Population Services International
DDPLAC Devolution and Development Local Authorities PVOs Private Voluntary Organisations
DFID Department for International Development PWD Persons with Disabilities
DHIS District Health Information Systems RBME Result-Based Monitoring and Evaluation
DHS Demographic and Health Surveys RBZ Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
DRC Democratic Republic of the Congo RC/HC UN resident coordinator/humanitarian
coordinators
DRM Domestic Resource Mobilization RCO Resident Coordinators Office
e-GP electronic Government Procurement REC Regional Economic Community
ECD Early Childhood Development RIDSP Regional Integration Strategic Plan 2021-2030

ZIMBABWE 2021 iii
EDF Education Development Fund RMNACH-N Reproductive Maternal New-born Child and
Adolescent Health and Nutrition
ESCWA Economic and Social Commission for Western RRPs Regional Refugee Response Plans
Asia
ESD Education for Sustainable Development RTGS Real-Time Gross Settlement
EU European Union SADC Southern African Development Community
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization SADC QF SADC Qualifications Framework
FDI Foreign Direct Investment SafPHHE Sanitation Focused on Participatory Health and
Hygiene Education
FSWs Female Sex Workers SAPP Southern African Power Pool
FTLRP Fast-Track Land Reform Programme SDF Standards Development Fund
GAM Global Acute Malnutrition SDGs Sustainable Development Goals
GBV Gender-Based Violence SDRF Sector Development Results Frameworks
GDP Gross domestic product SGBV Sexual and gender-based violence
GEF Global Environment Facility SOEs State-Owned Enterprises
GHI Global Hunger Index SR Special Rapporteurs
GII Gender Inequality Index SRHR Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
Global Fund Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and STEAM Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, [and]
Malaria Mathematics
GNI Gross National Income STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics
GoZ Government of Zimbabwe SWAP UNCT System-wide Action Plan
GPE Global Partnership for Education TB tuberculosis
HDI Human Development Index TCPL Total Consumption Poverty Line
HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus TFCA Tripartite Free Trade Area
HRBA Human Rights-Based Approach TORs Terms of reference
HRH Human Resources for Health TSP Transitional Stabilisation Programme
HRP Humanitarian Response Plan TV Television
HSB Health Service Board U5MR. Under-Five Mortality Rates
HSCT Harmonised Social Cash Transfer UAE United Arab Emirates
ICERD International Convention on the Elimination of UK United Kingdom
all Forms of Racial Discrimination
ICPPED International Convention for the Protection of UN United Nations
all Persons from Enforced Disappearance
ICRC Independent Complaints Review Commission UN-HABITAT United Nations Human Settlements Programme
IDI ICT Development Index UNAIDS Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS
IDPs Internally Displaced People UNCRPD United Nations Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities
IFIs international financial institution UNCT United Nations Country Team
IFPRI International Food Policy Research Institute UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development
ILO International Labour Organisation UNSDCF United Nations Sustainable Development
Cooperation Framework
IMF International Monetary Fund UNDP United Nations Development Programme
IMR Infant Mortality Rate UNDSS United Nations Department of Safety and Security
IMT Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on the Alignment of UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
Legislation to the Constitution.
IOM International Organization for Migration UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation
IP Internet Protocol UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change
IPRSP Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper UNFPA United Nations Population Fund
IRBM Integrated Results-Based Management UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
ITU International Telecommunications Union ITU UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund
Information Communication Technology for
Development
JMP Joint Monitoring Programme UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development
Organization

ZIMBABWE 2021 iv
JSC Judicial Service Commission UNIFEM United Nations Development Fund for Women
UNODC United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

LBT Lesbian Bisexual Transgender UNOPS United Nations Office for Project Services
LFCLS Labour Force Child Labour Survey UNSDG United Nations Sustainable Development Group
LGBTI Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender or Intersex UNWOMEN United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and
Women’s Empowerment
LNOB Leaving no one behind US United States
MAPS Mainstreaming Acceleration and Policy Support USA United States of America
MfDR Management for Development Results USAID United States Agency for International
Development
MICS Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey VNR Voluntary National Review
MMR Maternal Mortality Ratio WASH Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
MoHCC Ministry of Health and Child Care WFP World Food Programme
MoPSE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education WHO World Health Organization
MRAs Mutual Recognition Agreements ZAGP Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme
MSMEs Micro Small and Medium Enterprises ZCHPC Zimbabwe Centre for High Performance
Computing
MTRs Mid Term Reviews ZDHS Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey
MVA Manufacturing Value Added ZEC Zimbabwe Electoral Commission
MW megawatts ZESA Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority
NAMACO National Manpower Advisory Council ZETDC Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and
Distribution Company
NANGO National Association of Non-Governmental ZGC Zimbabwe Gender Commission
Organisations
NATPHARM National Pharmaceutical Company of ZHRC Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
Zimbabwe
NCDs Noncommunicable diseases ZIMDEF Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund
NDRF National Development Results Frameworks ZimPHIA Zimbabwe Population-based HIV Impact
Assessment
NDS1 National Development Strategy 1 ZIMRA Zimbabwe Revenue Authority
NEET Not in Employment Education or Training ZimSTAT Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency
NER Net Enrolment Rates ZimVAC Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee
NFE Non-Formal Education ZINGSA Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency
NGOs Non-Governmental Organisations ZPC Zimbabwe Power Company
NGP National Gender Policy ZRP Zimbabwe Republic Police
NHA National Health Accounts ZUNDAF Zimbabwe United Nations Development
Assistance Framework
NMEP National Monitoring and Evaluation Policy ZWL Zimbabwe's ISO currency Code

ZIMBABWE 2021 v
ZIMBABWE 2021 vi
FOREWORD
Inclusive and sustainable development is at

the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development and its 17 goals that have been
embraced by Zimbabwe in its national development
strategies.
The Government of Zimbabwe aspires to accelerate

economic growth, poverty reduction and human
development as part of its medium-term plan. The
National Development Strategy (NDS) 1 (2021- SDGs and normative commitments. The analysis
2025) is the first of two 5-year Medium Term Plans complements national assessments and strategies
that will guide the Government of Zimbabwe’s to guide the development of the 2022 – 2026
Vision 2030- Towards an Empowered and UNSDCF, as the next partnership strategy between
Prosperous Upper Middle-Income Society, while the Government of Zimbabwe and the UNCT
at the same time addressing the global aspirations towards the achievement of the SDGs.
of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and
Africa Agenda 2063. The analysis builds on a systematic secondary
review of the latest available evidence, national
To progress towards the SDGs during this Decade statistics and independent surveys, collaborative
of Action, demands evidence and analytical basis work with the AfDB and World Bank on the updated
to define policies that seek inclusivity and leaving Joint Needs Assessment (JNA) to 2018/19 sector
no one behind. As the United Nations in Zimbabwe notes, and the UN COVID-19 Socio-Economic
working with the Government of Zimbabwe and in Response Framework (SERF). It also draws on
consultation with various stakeholders, embark on capacities and resources from within and outside
the elaboration of the UN Sustainable Development the UN system along with consultations with
Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022-2026, the stakeholders.
Common Country Assessment (CCA) provides an
analytical snapshot of the dynamics of development While it is difficult to predict what will happen in the
in the country to inform the programmatic priorities coming years, the CCA provides useful entry points
for the UN in Zimbabwe in support of the 2030 for discussing long-term, inclusive and sustainable
Agenda and national priorities. development goals. As such, the CCA is a living
document that will be updated regularly.
The CCA reflects the UN system’s independent,
impartial and collective assessment and analysis Maria do Valle Ribeiro
of the country status and progress towards UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator

ZIMBABWE 2021 vii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Zimbabwe is a lower middle-income country with a population estimated at 14.8 million
in 20201, the majority of whom live in rural areas. Zimbabwe’s Human Development Index
score in 2019 stood at 0.571— ranking at 150 out of 189 countries. Gender Inequality
Index score of Zimbabwe was 0.527, ranked at 129 out of 162 countries in 2019.
Zimbabwe’s Human Development Zimbabwe made remarkable progress in the first decade of independence with quantum
Index score in 2019 stood at improvements in social wellbeing. The latter decades recorded moderate improvements
0.571
in key development areas. Regrettably, the country also registered a decline in some
socio-economic indicators. These were largely due to prolonged periods of economic
recession, political challenges and more regular climate-induced humanitarian crises.
ranking at 150 out of 189
countries. These disruptive shocks and crises continue to impede the country’s progress in achieving
the United Nations (UN) Agenda 2030, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and worse
still, threaten to reverse past development gains. The government has in recent years also
taken steps to accelerate progress on human development with the ushering in of a new
vision, premised on reforms to transform Zimbabwe into a prosperous and empowered
upper middle-income society by 2030.
Gender Inequality Index PEOPLE

score of Zimbabwe was Since independence, the country has made significant improvement in social indicators,
0.527
such as in education and health, on the back of infrastructure expansion and policies
to alleviate poverty. Notably, net enrolment and completion rates for both primary and
secondary schools, remain amongst the highest on the continent. Significant progress
ranked at 129 out of 162
has also been registered in maternal and child health and in reducing HIV incidence
countries in 2019
over the last decade. However, various, social indicators have stagnated or in some
instances regressed over recent years. The growing informalization of the economy
has been accompanied by a rise in vulnerable employment and underemployment, thus
perpetuating poverty. While the proportion of people living in poverty marginally decreased
to 70.5 percent in 20172 from 75.6 percent in 1995, poverty remains high. Rural poverty
is significantly higher than the national average, although urban vulnerability has been
increasing in recent years. Extreme poverty has also increased. Deterioration of WASH
infrastructure on account of declining investment, rising urbanisation and expansion
of informal settlements has given rise to un-sanitary and un-hygienic conditions that
increase the risk of waterborne diseases and the contamination of potable water sources.
Cholera and typhoid outbreaks have become a common occurrence in the country
with the 2008/2009 cholera epidemic claiming at least 4 000 lives. Poor access to safe
Building resilience and drinking water has also increased the burden of domestic care work on women and girls.
widening Gender inequality remains high, with women lagging behind in almost every metric of
social development progress. The country remains vulnerable to shocks such as economic,
climate and health. A deadly Cyclone Idai in 2019 coupled with years of drought and the
safety nets
will help ease the impact of
COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, had a devastating impact on Zimbabwe, leaving more than
half the population food insecure. These shocks are also threatening to further reverse
stressors and fight poverty important, but fragile gains that had been registered in various social indicators. Social
protection coverage remains very low, despite high poverty levels. Resultantly, partners
have increasingly focused on humanitarian support to keep the social sectors operational,
over the years. The assistance is mostly outside direct support to the Government.
The continued vulnerabilities point to the need for building the resilience of individuals,
households, and communities to strengthen their ability to withstand shocks and adverse
conditions. Building resilience and widening social safety nets will help ease the impact of
stressors and fight poverty.
1
Government of Zimbabwe. 2020. National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1)
2
Rapid Poverty and Income and Expenditure Survey (PICES) 2017

ZIMBABWE 2021 viii
PROSPERITY
The Government is implementing an ambitious reform program to transform the
country towards an open, inclusive development model, and to accelerate sustained
economic growth, poverty reduction and human development after years of stagnation.
Though still fragile, notable achievements so far recorded include ﬁscal consolidation,
external sector balance and exchange rate stability. However, the country still faces
significant barriers towards a functioning market economy that is based on private
sector-led growth. These challenges include high levels of inflation, unsustainable and
high external debt levels, and effects of the multi-currency system on Zimbabwe’s
export competitiveness and investment. Moreover, the growing informal sector faces
significant challenges including lack of broader engagement of private capital investors,
Consolidating macro-economic limiting their capacity to progress and positively contribute to economic growth. High
stability, investing in climate levels of vulnerable employment and under-employment further exacerbate poverty
smart agriculture, enhancing with majority of the labour force being employed in the informal economy and faced
value addition and deepening
with a plethora of decent work deficits including poor wages, lack of social protection,
value chains, while boosting
voice and representation. The limited fiscal space undermines economic and social
trade through regional integration
sector allocations including social protection and infrastructure investment. Both the
and creating jobs are critical to
steps towards prosperity government and the IMF project an economic rebound over the next few years. However,
there is a significant difference on the pace and extent of the rebound. Disruptive shocks
and limited economic diversification have exposed the economy to the whims of the
international commodity markets and recently the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,
have exacerbated the challenges. However, there are opportunities to enhance economic
performance through consolidating macro-economic stability, investing in sustainable
agriculture in the face of climate change, enhancing value addition and deepening value
chains, while boosting trade through regional trade integration and reinforcing the nexus
between growth and jobs to achieve sustained economic growth and poverty reduction.
PLANET
The country faces critical environmental challenges including land degradation,
inadequate quantity and quality of water resources, waste management, and climate
change. Zimbabwe has been a party to the Kyoto Protocol since 2009, following the
ratification of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),
Zimbabwe’s important subsequently, the Paris Agreement and other global protocols, such as the Minamata
opportunities to adapt to climate Protocol in 2020. The country’s policy frameworks, strategies and the institutional
change include, transition to a arrangements for managing environmental challenges are expansive. Nevertheless,
low carbon economy, weak enforcement of environmental regulations and limited capacity undermine policy
protect biodiversity and natural effectiveness. Limited capacity to invest in mitigation and adaptation to climate disasters
resources as well as enhance and extreme weather events render the poor highly vulnerable to the increasing impact of
resilience climate change. Climate change is expected to worsen the plight of the most vulnerable
groups that already bear the brunt of the loss of natural resources that they rely on
for their livelihoods. Without concerted action to address this disproportionate impact
on the poor, marginalized and powerless communities, climate change will worsen
vulnerabilities and deepen inequalities. Zimbabwe’s important opportunities to adapt
to climate change include, transition to a low carbon economy, protect biodiversity and
natural resources as well as enhance resilience. Zimbabwe has access to the multilateral
funding windows like the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF)
and the Adaptation Fund. While most funding in this sector remains donor funded, the
government and development partners could more actively involve and leverage private
sector participation to blend development finance.
PEACE
Peace is the cornerstone of every nation’s development given the foundation it provides
to foster unity and collaboration towards a common good for the country. Zimbabwe’s

ZIMBABWE 2021 ix
Constitution, adopted in 2013 following a wide consultative process, provides a sound
basis for strengthening and deepening democracy in the country. The Constitution
contains a progressive Bill of Rights, sound principles for public administration and
clearly defined independent institutions to provide for checks and balances. However,
the process of aligning all laws to the Constitution is yet to be completed. While the
country enjoys relative peace, there remain challenges that have slowed progress in
the attainment of the country’s development aspirations. Political polarization remains
Zimbabwe’s policy thrust on high owing to unresolved historical conflicts, disagreements over certain political
devolution in line with the processes (including contested election outcomes), different perceptions around human
Constitution, provides an
rights including workers’ rights, rule of law and corruption, among others. Governance
opportunity to extend reach and
vulnerabilities, particularly corruption in the public sector, threaten meaningful progress
effectiveness of service delivery
towards the attainment of the SDGs. Opportunities exist to enhance adherence to the
to citizens and marginalized
communities rule of law, administration of justice and realization of human rights. The implementation
of key constitutional provisions and international obligations as well as strengthened
reporting on key governance and human rights indicators under both the international
and regional systems, have the potential to improve collection and analysis of
governance data and promote Government’s accountability and evidence-based
decision-making. Zimbabwe’s policy thrust on devolution in line with the Constitution,
provides an opportunity to extend reach and effectiveness of service delivery to citizens
and marginalized communities. While the COVID-19 pandemic posed serious risks for
effective governance by exposing service delivery systems that were unprepared for
disaster management, opportunities exist for the modernization of the public service to
enhance service delivery.
PARTNERSHIPS
The Government has set out to accelerate international re-engagement and cooperation
after years of a complex and often difficult relationship with some members of the
international community and International Financial Institutions (IFIs). Although
Zimbabwe settled its obligations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the country
remains in arrears with the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the European
Investment Bank as well as various other multilateral and bilateral development lenders.
These arrears limit the country’s access to international capital markets and concessional
financing. The country continues to engage these groups for a debt clearance plan. In
terms of Official Development Assistance (ODA), the largest amount has been provided in
the area of health, followed by other social and infrastructure services and humanitarian
aid. Macroeconomic instabilities, particularly exchange rate policies, have constrained
the domestic financing landscape. Given the overall gloomy global economic outlook
due to the impact of COVID-19, ODA flows may be depressed further with adverse impact
on already constrained domestic financing space. Domestic Resource Mobilization for
Zimbabwe provides a long-term path to sustainable development finance given the
context of foreign debt overhang and limited engagement with International Financial
Institutions.
Domestic Resource Mobilization POPULATIONS FURTHEST BEHIND IN DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS

for Zimbabwe provides a
The Government of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1
long-term path (2021-2025) contain aspirations of ‘Leaving No One Behind’ and prioritizing development
to sustainable interventions to reach those who are furthest behind, first. While Zimbabwe has made
development some progress across the 5Ps of sustainable development, there are segments of the
population that remain marginalised and socially excluded. These groups include:
finance Indigenous People, Persons with Disabilities, Women and Children, Populations
given the context of foreign hardest hit by disasters and climate shocks, Sexual Minorities and Sex Workers,
debt overhang and limited Refugees and Stateless persons, Older Persons, Migrants, Youth including Adolescent
engagement with International
Girls, and Young Women (AGYW) as well as Women, and Children in specific religious
Financial Institutions
affiliations. Some of the factors that lead to exclusion could be; geographical location,

ZIMBABWE 2021 x
population group, migratory status, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, education level,
socio-economic status, and the nature of their job.
Data collection on progress that is measured at national or subnational averages across

whole populations alone allow inequalities to go unnoticed. Therefore, to reach the
furthest behind first, the government, the UN system, communities and stakeholders
should commit to prioritising outcomes for these excluded groups and aim to promote
strengthened collection of data that goes beyond population averages, to identify who
and where they are and what they need. These analyses help to facilitate early and
sustained action to address gaps if the country is to realise its commitment to ‘Leave
No One Behind.’

ZIMBABWE 2021 xi
1. INTRODUCTION
This Common Country Analysis (CCA) is an integral component of the United Nations
development planning process in Zimbabwe. It offers important insights to guide the
formulation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework
(UNSDCF) 2022-2026. The CCA provides a situational analysis focusing on legal,
institutional, policy and financial landscape, as well as relevant regional, sub-regional
and cross-border dynamics in delivering progress towards the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs). In doing so, the CCA examines underlying structural and root causes of
inequalities and vulnerabilities. It identifies groups lagging or at the risk of being left behind
in development progress. The CCA is anchored on the 5Ps - People, Planet, Prosperity,
Peace and Partnerships - of the 2030 Agenda to analyze in an integrated manner, some
of the common underlying and root causes of identified key development challenges. The
multi-dimensional and holistic lens of the 5Ps bring together the social, environmental,
economic, and ethical dimensions of sustainable development. The evidence is drawn
from published systematic reviews and research, existing data, along with views of over
100 participants from Government, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Development
Partners, and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) as well as UN agencies outside
5Ps-
The CCA is anchored on the
Zimbabwe.3 Finally, the CCA identifies opportunities and entry points for UN to respond
effectively to Zimbabwe’s national development priorities and to accelerate the country’s
achievement of SDGs (Refer to Annex 1: Methodology and Annex 2: Process timeline).
People, Planet, Prosperity,

Peace and Partnerships - of 1.1 COUNTRY OVERVIEW
the 2030 Agenda to analyze
Zimbabwe’s population was estimated at 14.8 million in 2020. Two-thirds, lived in rural
in an integrated manner, some
areas and 52 percent were females.4 As many as 9% of the total population were living with
of the common underlying and
at least one disability, which placed them at a disadvantage with respect to sustainable
root causes of identified key
development. Applying the UN probabilistic medium scenario projections,5 Zimbabwe’s
development challenges.
population is likely to grow from 13.1 million in 2012 to approximately 19.3 million in
2032, suggesting an average annual population growth rate of 2%.6,7 (refer to annex 3:
evolution of key age structure). However, fertility rates are expected to decrease from
3.7 in 2012 to 2.7 in 2032 and life expectancy at birth projected to increase (from 57.4 to
67.4 years for males and from 64.0 to 75.2 years for females). With its largely youthful
population, Zimbabwe could benefit from a demographic dividend8 subject to the right
investments and policies. The country entered the demographic dividend window around
2004, which is projected to last until 20609. However, it requires the appropriate socio-
economic context and a supporting policy framework for the benefits to be harnessed.
3
Resident agencies: FAO, ILO, IOM, OCHA, OHCHR, UNDP, UNDSS, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNIIDO, UNOPS, WFP and
WHO; non-resident agencies: IFAD, ITC, ITU, IAEA, OHCHR, UNCTAD, UNECA, UN-HABITAT, UNODC, UPU and IFIs – WB and IMF
4
ZimSTAT. 2015. Population Projections Thematic Report. ZimSTAT. [Online] Available at http://www.zimstat.co.zw/wp-
content/uploads/publications/Population/population/population-projection.pdf [Accessed on 18 November 2020]
5
The United Nations’ probabilistic population projections estimate the double logistic curves of the fertility and mortality
models in the framework of a Bayesian hierarchical model. The Bayesian model generates probabilistic prediction intervals
that depict the likelihood of alternative future trajectories. The medium projections offer a range of more-or-less plausible
trajectories. Out-of-sample validation tests reveal that, on average, projection errors are less than 3% for population and life
expectancy and around 12% for total fertility over a 20-year horizon. Such tests also confirm that the prediction intervals
describe well the range of subsequent outcomes. See UN.2019. [Online] Available at https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&
q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjI07nohqrtAhWHSsAKHSFmD3QQFjAKegQIAxAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.un.
org%2Fen%2Fdevelopment%2Fdesa%2Fpopulation%2Fabout%2Fdirector%2Fpdf%2FWilmoth_APC_Nov2019_Script.pdf&usg=
AOvVaw1zxo7p3EsgMWXF86V2SReX. [Accessed on 30 November 2020]
6
Zimstat. 2015. Population Projections Thematic Report. ZimSTAT. [Online] Available at http://www.zimstat.co.zw/wp-content/
uploads/publications/Population/population/population-projection.pdf [Accessed on 18 November 2020]
7
UNCSD. 2012. RIO 2012 Issues Briefs Produced by the UNCSD Secretariat, June 2012 - No. 14: Population Dynamics and
Sustainable Development. UNCSD. [Online] Available at https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/543brief14.
pdf [Accessed on 18 November 2020]
8
The demographic dividend is the accelerated eco-nomic growth that may result from a decline in a country’s mortality and
fertility and the subsequent change in the age structure of the population. With fewer births each year, a country’s young
dependent population grows smaller in relation to the working-age population. With fewer people to support, a country has a
window of opportunity for rapid economic growth if the right social and eco-nomic policies developed and investments made
[Online: https://www.prb.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/demographic-dividend.pdf]
9
GoZ. 2017. Harnessing the demographic dividend in Zimbabwe. Available at https://zimbabwe.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/
pub-pdf/Harnessing%20the%20Demographic%20Dividend%20Study%20Report.pdf [Accessed on 16 December 2020]

ZIMBABWE 2021 1
Zimbabwe’s economic growth has seen mixed performance over the past 4 decades.
The country’s economy is heavily dependent on mining and agriculture, which jointly
account for approximately 30% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Both
sectors serve as catalysts for growth in secondary sectors including manufacturing,
tourism and service sectors. However, declining investment in infrastructure and general
investment, adversely impacted economic linkages and overall economic performance.
The economy recorded its strongest performance in the first decade of independence,
anchored on policies that promoted large-scale investment in agriculture and
manufacturing sector. However, between 2000 and 2008, the economy sustained a
cumulative decline of nearly 50 percent in real GDP on the back of declining agriculture
productivity and de-industrialisation following the Government’s Fast Track Land Reform
Programme (FTLRP), capital flight, and low investment. A few years of marked recovery
and growth between 2009-2012 and 2017-2018 coincided with stellar performance of
the mining and agriculture sectors. However, this did not result in significant increase in
decent employment opportunities. In 2019, Zimbabwe’s real GDP was estimated to have
shrunk by 6 percent10 due to continued structural deficiencies and the impact of climatic
shocks (Cyclone Idai and persistent drought). The economy was projected to contract
further by 4% in 2020 according to Government statistics11 due to the lingering effects
of climatic shocks, coupled with the disruptive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic (IMF
estimated a 10.2% contraction in 2020). In 2021, the Government projects a rebound
by 7.4 percent12 on the back of a relatively successful containment of the COVID-19
pandemic, a bountiful harvest of agricultural crops and deepening commodity value
chains.
Figure 1.1 Trends in HDI component indices 1990 -2017
Zimbabwe retained a low score of 0.571 in human development category of the Human
Development Index (HDI) in 2019, ranking 150 out of 189 countries and territories
worldwide. Poverty levels remain relatively high, with an estimated 70.5% of all households
in 2017 living in poverty.13 It is estimated that the number of extreme poor increased from
4.5 million in 2017 to 6.0 million in 2019.14 High levels of inflation have significantly eroded
people’s incomes, especially the most vulnerable in the growing informal economy and
pensioners with limited capacities to cope. Between 1990 and 2017, Zimbabwe’s life
expectancy at birth increased by 3.8 years, mean years of schooling increased by 3.6
years and expected years of schooling increased by 0.5 years. Despite the economic
10
Government of Zimbabwe. 2020. National Budget Statement.
11
Ibid
12
Government of Zimbabwe. 2020. Budget Strategy Paper
13
Zimstat (Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency). 2017. Poverty Income Consumption and Expenditure Surveys. Zimstat. Harare
14
Ibid

ZIMBABWE 2021 2
challenges, Zimbabwe remains one of the countries with the highest literacy rate on the
continent, investing about 11% of GDP in education.
At regional level, Zimbabwe is a key player within the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) and its organs. The country plays an important role not only within
the Defence and Security organ of SADC, but also as a key trading partner and transport
corridor given its geo-strategic location within the region. Beyond the SADC region, the
Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which Zimbabwe has ratified, opens up
opportunities, while also shedding the spotlight on the country’s challenges in terms
of the productive capacity (policies, partnerships, strong institutions, knowledge, skills
etc) required in order to leverage the agreement for much needed economic growth
and the Upper Middle Income country status ambitions. Structural and infrastructural
bottlenecks, high-cost structure, an unstable macroeconomic environment and low
capacity utilization will need to be addressed if the country is to effectively participate
in and benefit from the AfCFTA specifically, and the multilateral trading system and
globalization, in general.
1.2 NATIONAL VISION

The country’s new national vision- Vision 2030, anchored
on the goal: “Towards a Prosperous and Empowered Upper
Middle-Income Society by 2030”, is a bold and ambitious
blueprint charting a new long-term transformative and
inclusive development agenda. It aims to transform Zimbabwe
into a Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle-Income
Society by 2030. It is guided by ideals of unity, freedom,
democracy, equal rights, national peace, reconciliation,
economic development, and prosperity. Its priorities reflect a
comprehensive and overarching framework to push Agenda
2030 for SDGs. Vision 2030 is anchored on the successful
implementation of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme
(TSP) (October 2018 - December 2020) and formulation
and implementation of two five-year national development
strategies, the National Development Strategy NDS1 (2021-
2025) and NDS2 (2026 -2030).
The NDS1 seeks to build on the successes and lessons

learnt from the TSP, particularly ongoing efforts to enhance
macroeconomic stability and stimulating growth.15 The NDS1
outlines national priorities, policies, legal and institutional
reforms, programmes and projects that will be implemented
over the ﬁve-year period to accelerate high, inclusive, broad-
based and sustainable economic growth as well as socio-
economic transformation and development. The NDS1 is
closely aligned with the country’s Vision 2030 and SDGs,
with an SDG estimate alignment of 75%, (see Table 1.1). The
strategy is anchored on seven specific objectives and targets
that reinforce each other across the economic, social, and
environmental development sectors. The NDS1 is premised
on consolidating macroeconomic stability, creating certainty
and confidence to transform the country towards an open,
inclusive private sector-led and high growth economy.
Underlying Zimbabwe’s NDS1 is a good governance
framework, based on the rule of law, as well as respect for
human and property rights.
15
GoZ. 2020. National Development Strategy 1 January 2021 – December 2025: Towards a Prosperous & Empowered Upper
Middle-Income Society by 2030. Government of Zimbabwe. Harare

ZIMBABWE 2021 3
Vision 2030 Pillar SDG National Priority – NDS116
Inclusive Growth SDG 2,13 Food and Nutrition Security Infrastructure & Utilities
SD6, 7, 9, 11 Moving the Economy up the Value Chain & Structural Transformation
SDG 8, 9, 12
Governance SDG 10, 16 Governance
SDG 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 Environmental Protection, Climate Resilience & Natural Resource
Management
Infrastructure and SDG 9, 11 Housing Delivery
Utilities
Social SDG 3, 5, 6 Health & Well-being
Development SDG 4, 8, 17 Human Capital Development
SDG1,2, 10, 11 Social Protection,
SDG 8, 10 Devolution
Macroeconomic
Stability & SDG 10, 17 Image Building & International Re- engagement
Financial Re- SDG 8, 10, 17 Economic Growth & Stability
engagement
Cross-cutting SDG 11 Youth, Sport & Culture Digital Economy
1.3 PROGRESS TOWARDS AGENDA 2030 FOR SUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT
Zimbabwe has a well-defined institutional framework for coordinating, implementing,
monitoring and evaluating progress towards achievement of the SDGs. At the apex of this
structure is a Steering Committee, which meets bi-annually to review progress and report
to Cabinet. Zimbabwe is committed to the realisation of all the 17 goals. However, on
the basis of the national development vision, resource constraints, unfinished business
in the MDGs and most importantly, the integrated nature of the goals, the country has
prioritized the following 10 goals: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13 and 17, which are viewed as
critical to addressing the most pressing national development challenges and having the
potential to generate multiplier effects across many sectors and other Goals.
Zimbabwe’s SDG index score declined from 56.1% in 201717 to 53.8% in 2020 from 56.1
% in 201718 with the country ranking 125th out of 166 countries.19 Progress over time and
across development sectors is mixed. Moderate progress was registered across some
SDGs (climate action (13), decent work and economic growth (8), gender equality (5),
good health and wellbeing (3), life on land (15). Unfortunately, progress in some SDGs
has either stagnated and or reversed, such as zero hunger (2), clean water and sanitation
(6), affordable clean energy (7), industry, innovation and infrastructure (9), sustainable
cities and communities (11), peace, justice and strong institutions (16) and partnerships
for the goals (17).20
16
17
Sachs, J., Schmidt-Traub, G., Kroll, C., Durand-Delacre, D. and Teksoz, K. (2017): SDG Index and Dashboards Report 2017.
New York: Bertelsmann Stiftung and Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
[Online] Available at https://www.sdgphilanthropy.org/system/files/2018-06/2017-SDG-Index-and-Dashboards-Report--
regions.pdf [Accessed on 21 November 2020]
18
Sachs, J., Schmidt-Traub, G., Kroll, C., Durand-Delacre, D. and Teksoz, K. (2017): SDG Index and Dashboards Report 2017.
New York: Bertelsmann Stiftung and Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
[Online] Available at https://www.sdgphilanthropy.org/system/files/2018-06/2017-SDG-Index-and-Dashboards-Report--
regions.pdf [Accessed on 21 November 2020]
19
The Sustainable Development Goals Center for Africa and Sustainable Development Solutions network. 2020. Africa SDG
index and Dashboards Report 2020. Kigali and New York. SDG centre for Africa and Sustainable Development Solutions network.
[Online] Available at https://s3.amazonaws.com/sustainabledevelopment.report/2020/2020_africa_index_and_dashboards.
pdf [Accessed on 21 November 2020]
20
Rrefer to annex 4: SDG Performance by indicator 2017, 2019, 2020

ZIMBABWE 2021 4
Figure 1.2 Zimbabwe SDG dashboard
Source : https://dashboards. Although Zimbabwe’s economy has shown recent signs of relative stability, it has not
sdgindex.org/profiles/zwe grown at sufficiently high or inclusive21 levels to create adequate decent jobs22 and
significantly reduce poverty. A series of climate-induced disruptive shocks and crises
have negatively affected growth. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further
worsened economic and social challenges. To that end, poverty remains high, with
extreme poverty increasing in recent years. Women, youth, children, Persons With
Disabilities (PWDs) among others, bear the disproportionate impact. Governance
indicators are largely stagnating with some indicators declining. However, the country
recently recorded marginal improvements in “government effectiveness” after years of
sharp decline since the 1990s (Mo Ibrahim Governance Index).
21
In 2017, the country’s Gini was 0.44, representing a marginal increase from 0.42 in 2011. ZIMSTAT (Zimbabwe National
Statistics Agency). Poverty Income Consumption and Expenditure Surveys.
22
Defined by ILO, decent work sums up the aspirations of people in their working lives. It involves opportunities for work that is
productive and delivers a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection for families, better prospects for personal
development and social integration, freedom for people to express their concerns, organize and participate in the decisions that
affect their lives and equality of opportunity and treatment for all women and men.

ZIMBABWE 2021 5
2. PEOPLE
In this section, analysis focusses on progress and challenges relating to implementation of SDGs 1-623. These SDGs
encompass the broad ambit of the “People Pillar” focusing on human development and wellbeing. The section analyses
developments in the delivery of basic social services such as education, health, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). It
also explores progress made in the provision of social protection, broader protection services including protection against
all forms of violence, as well as progress made and challenges encountered in the areas of food and nutrition security and
gender equality.
23
SDG 1- No Poverty; SDG 2 - Zero Hunger; SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4 - Quality Education; SDG 5 - Gender Equality; SDG 6 - Clean Water &
Sanitation

ZIMBABWE 2021 6
2.1 POVERTY
People living in poverty are among the most vulnerable to political manipulation, social
inequity and exclusion. They are often most susceptible to the negative impacts of
climate change, resource scarcity and environmental degradation. These groups are
more vulnerable to health-inequalities and risks arising from poor sanitation and unclean
water. Poverty was relatively high at 54% in 2017 and 57% in 201924 with rural populations
most affected. Meanwhile, extreme poverty rose from 22.5% in 2011 to 38.3% in April–
May 2019. Although poverty remains largely a rural phenomenon, extreme poverty in
urban areas increased from 4% in 2017 to 10% in April–May 2019. Poverty reduction
has been a key policy priority for the Government of Zimbabwe as evidenced by the
development and adoption of an Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper in 2016.
Figure 2.1 Trends in the Prevalence However, economic challenges and exposure to more complex, recurring, and intense
of (a) Household Poverty and (b) shocks (including economic, social, climate change-induced and the recent COVID-19
extreme Household Poverty pandemic) hampered progress in this regard.
(a) Extreme Poverty (b) Poverty Incedence

(based on food poverty line of US$29.80 per person per month) (based on lower-bound poverty line of US$45.60 per person per month)
60.0% 80.0%
71.0% 72.0%
51.0%
70.0%
50.0%
43.0% 60.0% 57.0%

54.0%
38.3%
40.0%
50.0%
30.0% 30.4%
30.0% 40.0%
22.5%
30.0%
24.0%
20.0%
20.0% 16.0%
10.0%
10.0%
6.0% 10.0%
4.0%
0.0%
0.0%
PICES 2011/12 PICES 2017 PICES 2019 PICES 2017 PICES 2019
Rural Urban National Rural Urban National
Data Sources: ZIMSTAT and World Children under the age of 15 years constituted nearly 50% of the poor and the extreme
Bank 2019, Zimbabwe Poverty poor, but they only made up 40% of the total population.25 Furthermore, rural child
Update 2017–19, Joint Report poverty, at 76.3% in 2017, stood deeper and entrenched, with exceedingly high degree
of inequality, than urban child poverty, at 20%.26 The Zimbabwe Child Poverty Report
(2019) also showed that the prevalence of poverty among people with disabilities stood
higher, at 74.1% in 2017, than that of people without disabilities at 69.5%. The same
report shows that women and girls bear the brunt of poverty with heightened exposure
to gender-based violence (GBV), unpaid care work and negative coping mechanisms,
including transactional sex as well as sex work, entrenching them deeper into vicious
cycles of poverty.
2.2 HUNGER
Hunger has increased in Zimbabwe rising from 16.5 in 2014 to 44.4 in 201927, as
measured by the Global Hunger Index (GHI). This is mainly on account of recurring
droughts leading to a decline in agricultural performance (see annex 6: Trends in maize
production). The 2020 Zimbabwe Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) indicated that 7
million people urgently needed humanitarian assistance in 2020, up from 5.5 million in
2019. More than 4.3 million people were acutely food insecure in rural areas, while 2.2
million in urban areas, were equally cereal food insecure. The right to sufficient food is
guaranteed under the Constitution28 but Zimbabwe is counted among the four highest
24
Zimstat and World Bank 2019, Zimbabwe Poverty Update 2017–19, Joint Report ZIMSTAT and World
25
Zimstat and World Bank 2019, Zimbabwe Poverty Update 2017–19, Joint Report ZIMSTAT and World
26
Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) and UNICEF (2019). Zimbabwe Child Poverty Report 2019. Harare,
Zimbabwe: Zimstat and UNICEF. [Online] Available at https://www.unicef.org/zimbabwe/media/3261/file/Zimbabwe%20
Child%20Poverty%20Report%202019.pdf. [Accessed on 22 November 2020]
27
The GHI is a tool designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger globally, regionally and by country published
annually by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
28
Section 77(b) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

ZIMBABWE 2021 7
food insecure countries in the world.29 Poverty, disease, economic hardships and low
agricultural productivity have collectively impeded the availability of and access to
adequate supplies of food. The agricultural sector, which provides a source of livelihood
for 70% of the population continues to face challenges relating to low production and
productivity, limited access to markets and market information, problematic land rights
and insecure land tenure, poor land management practices, limited access to finance and
credit by communal farmers, climate change-induced disruptions and weak extension
support systems. This is mostly characterized by underfunding, which in turn impacts
farmers’ ability to adopt innovative and sustainable agricultural practices.
The agricultural sector, which Nutrition security also remains a huge challenge for the country, with NDS1 prioritizing
provides a source of livelihood for nutrition as one of the critical areas Zimbabwe must address to make accelerated
progress over the next five years. The country faces the burden of malnutrition, with
70%
various forms of undernutrition (e.g., micronutrient deficiencies in children and women,
stunting, wasting) and overnutrition. Currently, over 1.1 million children and women require
nutrition assistance, notwithstanding minor improvements in incidences of stunting,
wasting and obesity.30 The high burden of micronutrient deficiency or ‘hidden’ hunger
among women and children is a serious public health concern. According to the 2020
Global Nutrition Report (GNR), Zimbabwe has some of the largest sex gaps in nutritional
of the population continues to status, with boys and men generally having higher rates of undernutrition while girls and
face challenges relating to low women have higher rates of obesity.31 Geographical location is also associated with major
production and productivity, disparities in nutritional status. Rural children have higher rates of stunting, wasting and
limited access to markets and underweight than their urban counterparts. The impact of multiple, overlapping hazards
market information, problematic and shocks cannot be overstated.32 Poor quality diets, directly associated with the
land rights and insecure land humanitarian crises experienced by the country and levels of extreme poverty, coupled
tenure, poor land management with a diet that is largely dependent on maize and lacking in diversity are an immediate
practices, limited access to cause of malnutrition in Zimbabwe.33 In addition, the current policy environment is mainly
finance and credit by communal oriented toward addressing undernutrition, with limited emphasis on the emerging issue
farmers, climate change-induced of obesity, which has additional consequences on health outcomes.
disruptions and weak extension
support systems. The country has recently benefitted from strategic cooperation and partnership with
several bilateral and multilateral agricultural development programmes, including inter-
alia, the Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme (ZAGP), the Zimbabwe Livelihoods
and Food Security Programme (LFSP), the Feed the Future, Smallholder Irrigation
Programme (SIP) and the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund. These efforts have gone
a long way in improving resilience and productivity in the target communities.
2.3 SOCIAL PROTECTION

Social protection coverage remains very low despite high poverty levels with only 5% of
the national population covered by at least one social protection system.34 Zimbabwe’s
social protection expenditure still falls far short of the expected coverage.35 In particular,
women and men in the informal sector are excluded from enjoying equal social protection
benefits in the form of occupational safety, health care, pension benefits and maternity
protection in the case of women.36 As a share of the GDP, non-contributory social
protection budget stood at 1.2% in 2020, with a provision towards the school feeding
programme (US$47.9 million) and the free sanitary wear for female learners in primary
and secondary schools (US$9.3million).37 Government agencies mandated to plan
and implement social protection programmes face major challenges in spending the
29
Visit to Zimbabwe, Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, A/HRC/43/44/Add.2
30
ZIMSTAT and UNICEF (2019). Zimbabwe Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019, Survey Findings Report. Harare, Zimbabwe:
31
2020 Global Nutrition Report: Action on equity to end malnutrition. Bristol, UK: Development Initiatives.
32
ZIMSTAT and UNICEF, Table TC.8.1).
33
Visit to Zimbabwe, Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, A/HRC/43/44/Add.2
34
ZIMSTAT and UNICEF, Table TC.8.1).
35
World Bank. 2016. Zimbabwe Public expenditure review 2016: volume 5: Social protection. GoZ and World Bank. [Online]
Available at https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/27903/116350-WP-v5-PUBLIC-JUNE21-6am-
ZIMPER-Volume-5.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y#:~:text=The%20National%20Social%20Protection%20Strategy,and%20
alleviate%20poverty%20and%20deprivation.
36
Visit to Zimbabwe, Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, A/HRC/43/44/Add.2.
37
UNICEF. 2020. Zimbabwe Social Protection Budget Brief. UNICEF. Harare. [Online] Available at https://www.unicef.org/esa/
media/6511/file/UNICEF-Zimbabwe-2020-Social-Protection-Budget-Brief.pdf [Accessed on 1 January 2021]

ZIMBABWE 2021 8
allocated amounts as well as poor targeting. Most current social protection programmes
Table 2.1 Estimates for Selected are also biased towards supporting rural populations (see Table 2.1). However, some
Social Protection Indicators, 2019 urban population segments remain under-served including the poor in households
Zimbabwe MICS headed by adolescents.
COMPARATIVE DATA FROM DHS AND MICS

INDICATOR
NATIONAL URBAN RURAL
Percentage of children age 2-17 years reported with functional 3.8% 4.6% 3.1%
difficulty in at least one domain
Percentage of women age 15-49 years covered by health 9.5% 17.2% 4.7%
insurance
Percentage of men age 15-49 years covered by health insurance 8.4% 16.7% 3.7%
Percentage of children under five years covered by health 6.2% 13.9% 3%
insurance
Percentage of children age 5-17 years covered by health 5.6% 16.0% 1.9%
insurance
Percentage of population covered by social transfers in the last 40.4% 12.7% 53.1%
three months
Percentage of households in the two lowest wealth quintiles that 51.0% -- --
received any type of social transfers in the last three months
Percentage of children under 18 years living in households that 42.5% 11.5% 53.9%
received any type of social transfers in the last three months
Percentage of children and young people age 5-24 years currently 5.7% 3.8% 6.4%
attending school that received any type of school-related support
in the current/most recent academic year
*Seeing, hearing, walking, fine motor, communication, learning, playing
DATA SOURCE: Zimstat and UNICEF (2019). Zimbabwe Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019, Survey Findings Report. Harare, Zimbabwe: Zimstat and UNICEF.
Government funding is negatively impacted by high levels of inflation and has not
matched the increasing social assistance needs. The COVID-19 pandemic has
exacerbated the situation with Zimbabwean citizens returning from neighbouring
countries often without savings and assets, requiring transitory social protection support
as they settle and recover from shock. It is estimated that over 170,000 citizens and
residents have returned to Zimbabwe since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.38
Many returnees will also require employment opportunities in addition to the transitory
social protection assistance given that most of them are still economically active. Social
protection programmes also suffer high administration costs, duplication and weak
accountability and transparency on targeting mechanisms and insufficient information
on the efficacy of programs owing to lack of harmonised processes and inadequate
coordination across implementing agencies, which in the process undermines the
efficiency of public spending and potential for social gains.39 Institutional capacity gaps
also hamper the social protection system, which has endured operational deficits in the
wake of fluctuating development partner support.
2.4 HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Acknowledging the impact of health and well-being on human and social development,
the 2030 Agenda contains several ambitious health-related goals and targets including
ending the epidemics of tuberculosis (TB), malaria, HIV and neglected tropical diseases
(NTDs) by 2030. Zimbabwe has registered notable progress on several key health
indicators over the last decade, with significant achievements in maternal and child
health (see Table 2.2) and a decline in HIV incidence. However, the cost of healthcare
continues to increase beyond the means of most citizens, making the SDG target of
achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030 a distant ambition. Persistent high
38
IOM Points of Entry Situation Report, No. 24
39
World Bank. 2016. Zimbabwe Public expenditure review 2016: volume 5: Social protection. GoZ and World Bank. [Online]
Available at https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/27903/116350-WP-v5-PUBLIC-JUNE21-6am-
ZIMPER-Volume-5.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y#:~:text=The%20National%20Social%20Protection%20Strategy,and%20
alleviate%20poverty%20and%20deprivation.

ZIMBABWE 2021 9
Table 2.2 Estimates of maternal and neonatal mortality despite high coverage indicators point to deficiencies in
Selected Health Indicators the quality of care provided. There is a shortage of medicines and equipment in public
from the Demographic and hospitals and maternity clinics. This is further compounded by the shortage of trained
Health Surveys (DHS) and and motivated health professionals in public hospitals.40 Moreso, the COVID-19 pandemic
Multiple Indicator Cluster
risks reversing the fragile gains made over the years by disrupting routine health services
Surveys (MICS) since 2010,
and constraining access to essential health and nutrition services.
Zimbabwe
INDICATOR COMPARATIVE DATA FROM DHS AND MICS

2010-11 DHS 2014 MICS 2015 DHS 2019 MICS
Maternal mortality ratio (per 100000) 960 614 651 462
Neonatal mortality rate (per 1000) 31 29 29 32
Infant mortality rate (per 1000) 57 55 50 47
Under-five mortality rate (per 1000) 84 75 69 65
Total fertility rate 4.1 4.3 4.0 3.9
Modern contraceptive use, currently married women 57.3% 66.5% 65.8% NA
Any ANC from a skilled provider (ANC 1) 89.8% 93.7% 93.3% 93.3%
At least 4 ANC visits (ANC4+) 64.8% 70.1% 75.7% 71.5%
Skilled delivery 66.2% 80.0% 78.1% 86.0%
Percentage of births delivered in a health facility 65.1% 79.6% 77.0% 85.5%
Percentage of women with a postnatal check 27.7% 77.3% 56.5% 90.9%
(MOTHER) within 2 days of birth
Percentage of women with a postnatal check NA 85.0% 73.2% 82.1%
(NEWBORN) within 2 days of birth
All basic vaccinations among children age 12- 23 80.3% 69.2%* 76.0% 84.5%
months
*For 2014 MICS: Percentage of children age 12-23 months who received all vaccinations recommended in the national immunization schedule; DHS
estimates are based on receipt of 8 basic vaccinations
DATA SOURCES
Zimstat and UNICEF (2019). Zimbabwe Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019, Survey Findings Report. Harare, Zimbabwe: Zimstat and UNICEF.
Zimstat and ICF International (2016). Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey 2015: Final Report. Rockville, Maryland, USA: Zimstat and ICF
International.
Zimstat (2015). Zimbabwe Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2014, Final Report. Harare, Zimbabwe.
Zimstat and ICF International. 2012. Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey 2010-11. Calverton, Maryland, USA: Zimstat and ICF International.
Although over 80% of children aged 12-23 months had all the recommended vaccinations
in 2016, a slight increase from 79% in 1998,41 infant mortality remains relatively high.
Rural Zimbabwe has the highest under-5 mortality rate: 92 deaths per 1,000 live births,
versus 60 deaths per 1,000 live births in urban areas. By 2018, the country was still far
from meeting the SDG specific target of under-5 mortality, and this has been worsened
by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted child immunization efforts. It is
recommended that the country develops and implements a comprehensive strategy on
preventing maternal, neonatal and child mortality.42
The adult HIV prevalence in Zimbabwe remains high at 12.8%.43 However, the HIV
incidence has steadily decreased in recent years and by 2019, the country had achieved
the UNAIDS 90-90-90 treatment cascade targets for PLHIV who know their status and
are on treatment and those on treatment that have viral suppression (90-94-86 by 2019).
The Global and National AIDS Strategies are aiming at 95-95-95 treatment targets by
2025. The number of AIDS-related deaths decreased by 61% from 2010 to 2019, while
new HIV infections also decreased by 44% during the same period.44 The Fast Track
and national target for reduction of new HIV infections by 2020 was 75% from a 2010
baseline indicating that the country is not on track with prevention. New HIV infections
among young women aged 15–24 years are more than double those among young men.
40
CEDAW, Concluding Observations on the sixth periodic report of Zimbabwe, CEDAW/C/ZWE/CO/
41
Zimstat and ICF International. 2016. 2015 ZDHS Key Findings. Rockville, Maryland, USA: ZIMSTAT and ICF International
42
Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of Zimbabwe, Human Rights Council, thirty fourth session, A/HRC/34/2
43
AIDSinfo | UNAIDS 2020
44
AIDSinfo | UNAIDS 2020

ZIMBABWE 2021 10
The national coverage for prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT)
services still falls below the 95% coverage threshold needed to eliminate Mother-To-
Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV with a resultant MTCT rate of 8.17% in 2019 that is
greater than the desired target of 5%. HIV prevalence among key populations remains
disproportionately higher (42% among female sex workers and 21% among MSM) than
among the general population (12.8%). The sustainability of the AIDS response strategy
remains a major concern as it is predominantly supported through external funding
(accounting for 69% of the expenditure on HIV response) with domestic financing
chipping in with 31%.45 The Global Fund and PEPFAR contribute over 97% of external
funding. Domestically, financing has since 1999 been sourced from the National HIV and
Aids Levy, drawn from a tax of 3% of all taxable income. However, this source has been
eroded by inflation and, in 2020, by COVID-19.46 The other investments primarily include
out-of-pocket costs from individual savings, which can come with consequences such
as poverty.47
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a deadly infectious killer disease, causing approximately

30,000 people to fall ill and 4,600 deaths every year in Zimbabwe. However, progress
has been made in recent years around TB control and prevention. The 2019 WHO Global
TB report48 noted that Zimbabwe was one of the only four high burden TB countries to
The national coverage for achieve treatment coverage rates above 80% with 25,775 people added on treatment.
prevention of Mother-To- Measures introduced by the Ministry of Health and Child Care including the scaling up
Child Transmission (PMTCT) of TB diagnosis, increasing shorter and safer preventive TB treatment regimens and
95%
services still falls below the child friendly formulations have bolstered the TB response.49 Eastern Zimbabwe remains
endemic to malaria, despite the country recording a substantial decline in malaria
incidents by up to 81% between 2003 and 2015, across all age groups.50 In spite of the
overall trend, Zimbabwe experienced a significant spike in new malaria cases in 2020 with
306,365 infections and 279 deaths reported countrywide, implying that COVID-19 may
have undermined disease prevention and control efforts.51 While Neglected Tropical
Diseases (NTDs) are less deadly than HIV, the prevalence of TB and Malaria can
coverage threshold needed impede human productivity and consequently, socio-economic progress. Zimbabwe is
to eliminate Mother-To-Child also endemic to at least 10 other NTDs,52 with as many as 10 million people requiring
Transmission (MTCT) of HIV treatment for at least one NTD ever year. NTD prevention and control can significantly
with a resultant MTCT rate of help improve health and well-being.
8.17% in 2019 that is greater
than the desired target of 5%. Zimbabwe has a much lower coverage of services for a rising level of Non-Communicable
Diseases (NCDs). Projected annual cost of the top 10 NCDs by 2030 is $57.22 per capita,
with a US$1billion annual cost to the health sector and US$3.6 billion total cost to the
economy.53 Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) remains a looming threat in Africa and is
projected to claim about 4.1 million lives yearly, resulting in 2 to 3.5% loss of GDP unless
its mitigated. Zimbabwe is no exception. A study following the 2018 cholera outbreak
identified high incidence of drug resistance, which made it difficult to contain the disease
using standard antibiotics. The Government’s National Action Plan of 2017-2022 will be a
critical vehicle to effectively respond to this challenge. The country has also experienced
increased occupational injuries and fatalities emanating from limited investments
towards safety and health especially in the expanding informal economy. In 2019, 3%
of workers reported having been injured at work, while 1% had suffered work-related
illness.54 The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated workplace safety and health
concerns especially for essential services workers in both private and public sectors.
45
MoHCC, NAC.2020. Global AIDS Response Progress Report 2020 FastTrack Commitments To end AIDS by 2030.
Reporting Period: January 2019 - December 2019
46
Covid greatly disrupted AIDS programme, NewsDay [April 3, 2021)
47
TARSC.2015. Policy Brief: Evidence and proposals for advancing equity and universal coverage of health services in Zimbabwe
[Online] Available at https://www.tarsc.org/publications/documents/Rebuild%20Polbrief%20Summary%20%20May2015.pdf
[Accessed on 3 January 2021.
48
WHO, 2019. World Tuberculosis Report [Online] Available at
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/329368/9789241565714-eng.pdf
49
Ibid.
50
Gwitira, I., Mukonoweshuro, M., Mapako, G. et al. Spatial and spatio-temporal analysis of malaria cases in Zimbabwe. Infect
Dis Poverty 9, 146 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40249-020-00764-6
51
OCHA, 2020. Zimbabwe Situation Report, 2020
52
These are Schistosomiasis, Soil Transmitted Helminths, Lymphatic Filariasis, trachoma, Rabies, Leprosy, Sleeping Sickness,
Anthrax, Plague and Snakebites.
53
AIDS and TB Programme/MoHCC (2020). Zimbabwe National and Sub-National HIV Estimates Report 2019.
54
Zimstat, 2019. Labour Force Survey (LFS)

ZIMBABWE 2021 11
The county is developing a new health strategy to succeed the National Health Strategy
2016–2020. The new strategy seeks to improve the Health Financing approach, enhancing
the quality of services provided as well as investing in Primary Health Care (PHC) with
focus on Community-Based Primary Health Care systems. In addition, rebuilding Human
Resources for Health and strengthening Health Management Information systems along
with harmonising the monitoring and evaluation framework will ensure meaningful
community systems strengthening and strategic purchasing. An estimated investment
target of US$760 million is needed to strengthen the health delivery system.55 In addition,
support will be required for the country to be able to participate in regional health activities
and to develop a long-term plan to keep health personnel skilled.56 Zimbabwe is party to
the SADC Protocol on Health that coordinates regional efforts on epidemic preparedness,
mapping prevention, control and where possible the eradication of communicable and
noncommunicable diseases. This Protocol provides for common regional strategies to
address the health needs of women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
2.5 QUALITY EDUCATION

Zimbabwe has one of the highest literacy rates on the continent. The country spends
about 11% of its GDP on education, placing it among the top in Africa.57 The country’s
net enrolment and completion rates for both primary and secondary schools, are among
the best on the continent. However, its tertiary gross enrolment rate, remains lower than
regional leaders such as South Africa.
The country’s net primary school enrolments rate among the extreme poor was as high
as 87% in 2011 as among the non-poor (92%), and equitably so among boys and girls.
However, there were stark differences between extreme poor (34%) and the non-poor
(58%) for net secondary enrolment. Meanwhile, the country continues to have a very
low net enrolment rate in pre-primary education. Only 19.39% of urban children access
pre-primary education, indicating the need to increase access of pre-primary education
in urban areas. There is also a lack of awareness about the importance of pre-primary
education and demand for using the services. Access to education also remains difficult
for children in rural areas due to long walking distances between home and school.58 At
primary school level, the completion rate remained generally stable over the period 2014-
2018 (77.6%). The completion rate at the upper secondary level increased from 11% in
Table 2.3 ECD, Primary, 2014 to 14.9% in 2018 with a gender parity in favor of males (see Table 2.3). This disparity
Lower Secondary and Upper is attributed to a high dropout rate for girls, owing to early marriages, teenage pregnancy,
Secondary completion rates discriminatory cultural practices, poverty, and the policy on re-entry of adolescent
2014-2018 mothers into school after delivery not being implemented.59
Completion Rate (%)
Year ECD Primary Lower Secondary Upper Secondary

M F T M F T M F T M F T
2014 75.67 75.06 75.36 76.73 77.78 77.25 66.08 62.28 64.19 12.54 9.44 10.96
2015 84.45 83.61 84.03 78.71 80.78 79.73 67.27 64.08 65.68 14.33 10.83 12.54
2016 90.17 89.82 90.00 78.88 80.24 79.56 66.79 64.53 65.67 14.53 11.18 12.82
2017 94.12 93.25 93.68 77.74 79.83 78.78 68.06 66.65 67.35 16.61 13.29 14.92
2018 92.68 91.91 92.29 76.20 78.96 77.57 64.76 61.47 63.12 16.04 13.88 14.94
Source: GoZ, 202060
55
AfDB. 2019. Joint Needs Assessment for Zimbabwe Identifying Challenges and Needs. Africa Development Bank, World Bank,
UN. [Online] Available at https://www.afdb.org/sites/default/files/2020/01/14/zimbabwe_country_portal.pdf. [Accessed on 18
November 2020]
56
Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of Zimbabwe, Human Rights Council, thirty fourth session, A/
HRC/34/2
57
Ibid
58
CRC, Concluding Observations on the Second Periodic Report of Zimbabwe, CRC/C/ZWE/CO/2
59
CEDAW, Concluding Observations on the Sixth Periodic Report of Zimbabwe, CEDAW/C/ZWE/CO/6
60
GoZ. 2020. Draft Zimbabwe Progress Review Report of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), September 2020. Government
of Zimbabwe. Harare

ZIMBABWE 2021 12
Children with disabilities had lower school completion rates. Reasons for this range
from limited teacher capacity to respond to the needs of children with disabilities to a
misalignment between the learning modalities available and the needs of children with
disabilities, and limited mechanisms and facilities to integrate learners with disabilities.
The ICT divide contributes to the widening disparity in the education sector with a
disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable children.
While COVID‑19 accelerated the use of digital platforms in delivering education, evidence
from the Rapid PICES show that only 25% of rural school-going children continued
learning after schools’ closure compared to 70% in urban areas. Urban school-going
children that continued learning had better access to ICTs, with 40% using mobile
learning applications. The majority of rural school- going children relied on parents’
phones (65%) and the radio (17%). In addition, COVID-19 induced vulnerabilities have
negatively impacted the poor with at least 50.3% of pupils reportedly sent away from
school during the first term due to non-payment of school fees.61 Beyond primary and
secondary education, about 45% of youths aged 15-24yrs are not in employment,
education or training (NEETs), with females disproportionately worst affected at 53%.62
This sets youths for a challenging transition from school-to-work with many facing huge
barriers to accessing employment and economic opportunities. Barriers to students’
access to education and training should be eliminated through the improvement of
access to all children with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, allocation of sufficient
resources to increase the quality of education and improvement of school infrastructure
especially in the rural areas.63
2.6 GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

The NDS1 acknowledges that the inclusion of women in all political, economic, and social
activities is key for the attainment of Vision 2030. To that end, Government committed
to prioritising gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in line with
the pledge to leave no-one behind. Specifically, the NDS1 aims to accelerate gender
mainstreaming through: Youth and Women Affirmative Action; Equal Opportunity for All
Programs; Promoting Women into Positions of Influence; Promoting Equality at all levels
of Society; Advancing Women Political Representation; Youth and Women Advocacy
Initiatives; and Enhancing Access to Financing for Women in Business. This aligns well
with the priorities set out in the National Gender Policy (2017). It is critical that gender
priorities are adequately financed including the national gender machinery. This implies
effective implementation of the government’s national gender budgeting policy.
Despite progressive Constitutional and policy provisions on gender equality and

women’s empowerment, and efforts by the Government, development partners and
other stakeholders to address gender gaps, improving the status of women in Zimbabwe
remains low. The promise of a nation where women and girls enjoy full gender equality,
equal representation as men in state institutions at every level and in governmental bodies,
and where all legal, social, environmental, and economic barriers to their empowerment
are curbed remains elusive. In addition to the challenges posed by the COVID-19
pandemic, women continue to face legal, cultural, and social barriers. They face hurdles
in respect of equal opportunities, including access to finance, decent employment, land
and freehold property; unequal representation and limited opportunities to influence
policy. High levels of gender-based violence against women across private and public
spheres including workplaces also persist.64
While some progress has been made in women’s representation in politics65 this has
largely been the result of a prescribed quota of seats reserved for women to ensure
61
Food and Nutrition Council. 2020. Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC): 2020 Rural Livelihoods
Assessment (RLA). Food and Nutrition Council. Harare. [Online] Available at https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/
resources/WFP-0000119650.pdf. [Accessed on 22 November 2020]
62
Ibid
63
HRC/34/2
64
See Section 17 and 56 of the Constitution and the National Gender Policy
65
Technical note 20. 2020. Joint Needs Assessment - Updated Sector Note 20: Gender and Youth

ZIMBABWE 2021 13
proportional representation. Senate representation rose from 23% in 2012 to 44% in
2019, while National Assembly representation increased from 16% in 2012 to 32 % in
2019. However, the overall picture of the 350-member Parliament remains one of male
dominance and marginalisation of women. Furthermore, women in politics do not directly
benefit from campaign funding through the Political Parties Finance Act. Similarly, women
are under-represented in key decision-making positions. For instance, few women are
appointed as ministers or on boards of public and private companies. In 2019, out of the
103 CEOs of state-owned parastatals, there were only 15 female CEOs (14.6%).66 In 2019,
Zimbabwe’s Stock Exchange listed companies67 confirmed that 20 boards were made up
of men only68 In addition, sixteen (16) boards had only one (1) woman, six (6) boards had
two (2), while eleven (11) had three (3) women. Only five (5) listed boards are chaired by
women out of the sixty (60) listed companies.69 Out of 64 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
of companies listed on the stock exchange, 61 were men and only three women (4.68 %).
The CEDAW Committee recently considered the sixth periodic report of Zimbabwe at
its 1753rd and 1754th meetings held on 13 February 2020. While recognising the
positive steps taken by the country to address gender equality in its Constitution and
policy frameworks, the Committee however, raised concern with the delays in aligning
subsidiary legislation with the Constitution and the remaining discriminatory provisions
in the legislative framework, including provisions on marriage and property rights, and
on the minimum age of marriage. Concern was also raised on the absence of a specific
In 2019, out of the 103 CEOs of gender-equality law to incorporate the principle of equality of women and men and define
state-owned parastatals, there and prohibit all forms of discrimination against women, including direct and indirect
were only discrimination in the public and private spheres. Other challenges include insufficient
15 female
levels of human, technical and financial resources allocated to the implementation of
gender equality policies and plans, the absence of sectoral targets and benchmarks and
CEOs
effective coordination arrangements to guide implementation, and the lack of information
on the results and impact of the National Gender Policy.
(14.6%).65
Going forward, it is critical that legislative measures and actions to eliminate the
marginalization of women from socio-economic and political spheres are adopted and
mechanisms for protection against gender-based violence strengthened.70 It is also vital
for Zimbabwe to link the implementation of the different normative frameworks such as
CEDAW, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the SADC Protocol on Gender and
Development and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on
the Rights of Women in Africa to its development efforts. It is also key for the country to
make the necessary investments to strengthen its national gender machinery, including
the production and use of gender statistics for decision-making.
2.7 WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE

The right to safe, clean, and potable water is enshrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution.71
The country has also progressively increased its public investment allocation to enhance
WASH outcomes after years of deterioration. Government spending on WASH increased
from 1.2% in 2016 to 4.3% in 2020. However, there remains stark urban-rural disparities
in WASH, with rural communities having limited access to basic drinking water
services (see figure 2.3). In 2019, 77.1% households had access to improved sources
of drinking water with a wide rural (67.9%) to urban (97.3%) divide. Rural areas have
seen very low levels of investment, receiving the lowest allocation of public funds for the
WASH sector. Consequently, women bear the burden of fetching water for drinking and
cooking and diverting their time and attention from productive work. Women and girls
in rural areas travel long distances to access water with adverse implications on school
66
Women on Boards: A Review of Zimbabwe Listed Companies, 2019, Bernard Chidziva, ISOR-Journal of Business and
Management, Volume 21, Issue 12. Ser. III (December. 2019), PP 62-65 (all-60 listed boards)
67
Women on Boards: A Review of Zimbabwe Listed Companies, 2019, Bernard Chidziva, ISOR-Journal of Business and
Management, Volume 21, Issue 12. Ser. III (December. 2019), PP 62-65 (all-60 listed boards)
68
-ibid-
69
bid
70
HRC/34/2
71
Section 77(a), Constitution of Zimbabwe

ZIMBABWE 2021 14
attendance and increasing their exposure to protection-related risks including threats
to their physical safety and exposing them to the risk of contracting COVID-19 due to
overcrowding at most water points. The situation is particularly difficult for women and
girls with disabilities who may not be able to easily move around in search for water.
Meanwhile, in the urban and peri-urban areas, rising urbanisation and the expansion of
informal settlements have given rise to informal, un-sanitary and un-hygienic conditions
that increase the risk of diarrheal diseases and contamination of water sources. The poor
access to WASH in urban areas resulted in one of the largest cholera outbreaks seen in
Figure 2.2 Distribution of Africa, in 2008/2009, which claimed at least 4 000 lives. There were many subsequent
households by source of outbreaks, including the 2018 outbreak that mainly affected Harare (8,535 cumulative
drinking water, 2014 - 2019 cases, including 163 laboratory-confirmed cases, and 50 deaths).72
98.4 97.2 97.3

100
90
78.1 77.1
80 76.1
67.5 68.5 67.9

70
60
Percent
50
40
32.4 31.4 32.1
30
23.8 22.9
21.8
20
10
1.5 2.6 2.7
0
Improved Sources Unimproved Sources Improved Sources Unimproved Sources Improved Sources Unimproved Sources
2014 (MICS) 2015 (ZDHS) 2019 (MICS)
Urban Rural National
Source: 2014 MICS; 2015 Open defecation, though declining, is still high in Zimbabwe. The 2019 MICS estimated a
ZDHS. national open defecation rate of 21.7%, with this practice existing almost exclusively in rural
areas.73 The poorest populations and most disadvantaged segments of society have the
lowest access to WASH as well as basic drinking water services (34.6% among poorest
versus 94.2% among richest quintile).74 Moreover, 64.7% of households in the poorest
wealth quintile still practice open defecation.75 Thus, rural areas with predominantly poor
WASH services impose disproportionate burden on the most vulnerable groups.
2.8 HOUSING
Post independent Zimbabwe has experienced an influx of people migrating from the
rural to urban areas to improve their livelihoods, thereby putting significant pressure not
only on the existing services and infrastructure, but also on housing. The Fast-Track
Land Reform Programme (FTLRP) added to this pressure as it resulted in thousands of
farm workers migrating to the urban areas, eventually settling in informal settlements of
the urban areas.76 To keep pace with the growing need for housing in the urban areas
particularly among the urban poor, Government employed a variety of instruments to
encourage alternative housing supply. This was however, done without revising some
of the applicable municipal by-laws thereby creating confusion and conflict, which was
further complicated by the persistent economic challenges facing the country and poverty
growth and corruption.77 Consequently, informal settlements have been developed on
wetlands or land reserved for other purposes such as clinics, schools, cemeteries and
roads and very often are not serviced with the requisite infrastructure and services (such
as connection to water supply and sewage systems). This development has severe
implications for public health and safety as well as the environment.
72
CEDAW, Concluding observations on the sixth periodic report of Zimbabwe, CEDAW/C/ZWE/CO/6
73
Zimstat and UNICEF (2019). Zimbabwe Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019, Survey Findings Report. Harare, Zimbabwe:
Zimstat and UNICEF, Table WS.3.1.
74
75
76
Report of the fact-finding mission to Zimbabwe to assess the scope and impact of Operation Murambatsvina by the UN
Special Envoy on Human Settlements Issues in Zimbabwe Mrs Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka (UN 2005)
77
Rodger Owiso, Arbitrary home demolitions in Zimbabwe and the right to adequate shelter: Case study of Arlington Estate, Harare

ZIMBABWE 2021 15
Central Government and local authorities in urban and peri-urban areas have engaged
in evictions and demolition exercises targeted at ‘illegal’ informal housing settlements
and business structures that were built in violation of planning and environmental by-
laws. While there may be justification for such action by authorities, the manner in which
the evictions and demolitions are often conducted results in possible violation of a wide
range of human rights beyond the right to housing and property to the right to human
dignity, personal security, health, education, privacy etc. Delivery of housing is one of the
11 priorities of NDS1 and the Government has resolved to address the mushrooming
informal settlements and streamline land and housing allocations.78
Moving forward, it is critical that the Government is supported in its efforts to address
the legal and structural challenges relating to land administration and governance.
Additionally, coordinated responses to the needs of the victims of the evictions and
demolitions, particularly the most vulnerable, must continue to be supported including
through provision of humanitarian assistance such as emergency shelter, non-food
item kits, medical care, mental health and psychosocial support etc; and where possible,
provide support towards raising awareness within communities on land, housing and
property rights and facilitating access to legal remedies.
2.9 SOCIAL IMPACT OF COVID-19 IMPACT ON PEOPLE

Apart from the loss of lives, COVID-19 elevated vulnerabilities and presented risks for the
short, medium and long-term.
The pandemic increased pressure on already stretched health systems. Other essential
services such as vaccinations, maternal and child health services were disrupted as
Governments prioritised the COVID-19 response. Evidence from the PICES Telephone
Survey (1st round)79 conducted in July 2020 to assess the socio-economic impact
of COVID-19, showed that 19% of rural households and 23% of urban were unable to
access medical treatment when needed due to, amongst other reasons, non-availability
of medical personnel at the health centres.
Evidence from the PICES Basic hygiene practices such as hand washing under running water have been identified
Telephone Survey (1st round)78 as some of the most effective ways for preventing the spread of COVID-19. However,
conducted in July 2020 to assess the pandemic amplified the perennial challenges of urban water shortages. Data from
the socio impact of COVID-19, the Rapid PICES reveal that 14% of urban dwellers were unable to wash hands, while
21% faced challenges with access to drinking water due to water shortages. Economic
showed reasons also revealed the rural-urban divide, regarding access to soap for hand washing
with 24% of the rural population reporting not having enough access to soap compared
that 19% to 14% in urban areas.
of rural The pandemic disrupted livelihood and economic activities in the rural and informal
economies exacerbating the food insecurity situation due to disruptions in accessing
households workspaces and breakdown of food supply chains during lockdowns. The narrowing
economic opportunities and declining incomes affected the capacity of poor households
and 23% of to cope. The Rapid PICES revealed that 37% of rural households and 41% of the extreme
urban
poor went without eating for a whole day. The impact has been more severe on urban
households whose incomes have been significantly affected. More than half of urban
households had to skip a meal at least once during the past month preceding the survey,
were unable to access medical while 71% were unable to eat healthy or nutritious food in July 2020 up from 36% in
treatment when needed due to, April-May 2019.80 Capability to buy food is low, especially for rural and extremely poor
amongst other reasons, non- households, with 26% of all rural households and 19% of all urban households unable to
availability of medical personnel buy maize meal due to lack of affordability.81
at the health centres.
78
Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy
79
ZIMSTAT, 2020. Rapid PICES Telephone Survey (1st round) July 2020
80
ZIMSTAT, 2020. Rapid PICES Telephone Survey (1st round) July 2020
81
Ibid

ZIMBABWE 2021 16
3. PROSPERITY
This section assesses progress made by the Government of Zimbabwe towards the attainment of SDGs 8-10,
with a focus on macroeconomic performance and key sectors and their implications on achievement of other
goals. The NDS1 (2021-2025) aspires to transform the country towards shared prosperity by accelerating
inclusive economic growth, private sector investment and job creation. Achieving macro-economic stability
and attracting investment to stimulate inclusive economic growth are central to the NDS1’s priorities for
“Prosperity” in the country.

ZIMBABWE 2021 17
3.1 GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT
Over the past 40 years, Zimbabwe has seen mixed and at times very uneven economic
performance. The country recorded its strongest post-independence growth
performance during 1980-1990 with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing by an
average of around 5.5 percent, higher than the average for Sub-Saharan African (SSA)
countries. However, economic growth slowed in the 1990s, falling sharply in the early
2000s on the back of declining agriculture production and structural challenges arising
from de-industrialisation. Economic declines have also been caused by increasing
dependence on primary commodities, high public debt, negative savings and depressed
investment levels as well as fiscal imbalances. Between 1999 and 2008, real GDP fell by
49 % and hyperinflation led to a steep decline in social indicators. The economy recovered
between 2009 and 2012 anchored by fiscal restraint, introduction of the multicurrency
system though predominantly hinged on the US dollar, improved confidence and political
stability under an inclusive government arrangement. Confidence began to fade in
2012 (coinciding with the end of the commodity super cycle, which particularly hit the
mining sector) leading to a sharp decline in the investment-to-GDP ratio.82 The economy
recovered sharply posting 4.7% real GDP growth in 2017 and 3.5% in 2018 on the back of
stellar performance in agriculture and mining sectors.
The Government of Zimbabwe estimated the country’s GDP to have contracted by

6% in 2019 while the IMF projected an 8.3% contraction83 due to continued structural
deficiencies and the impact of climatic shocks such as Cyclone Idai and persistent
drought among others (see Figure 2.4). The NDS projects at-least 5% real GDP growth
throughout the 5-year period 2021 – 2025. In 2021, the government projects economic
growth of 7.4%, based on an anticipated recovery in agriculture and mining. However,
other forecasts are more modest. The IMF projects the economy to rebound in 2021 and
register growth of 3.1% before declining by 4% in 2022 and thereafter plateauing at 2.2
percent until 202584. The World Bank forecasts economic growth of 2.9% in 202185.
The recent recession and modest growth projections over the medium-term threaten the
achievement of sustained higher growth rates of at least 7% needed to meet the SDGs
in developing countries.
The Government of Zimbabwe
estimated the country’s GDP to have
contracted
3.2 INFLATION
Over the past twenty years, Zimbabwe has experienced high levels of inflation that turned
by 6%
into hyperinflation in June 2008 reaching 231 million % per annum. The country adopted
the multicurrency system in 2009 bringing down inflation to single digit figures, where
in 2019 while the IMF projected it remained until September 2018. Following the reintroduction of the Zimbabwe dollar
an 8.3% contraction82 due to on June 24, 2019, inflation peaked due to exchange rate depreciation. Inflation rose
continued structural deficiencies sharply to 521% at the end of 2019, reflecting steep exchange rate depreciation from the
and the impact of climatic monetary overhang of past monetary financing of budget deficits and continued quasi-
shocks such as Cyclone Idai and fiscal activities by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ). As part of COVID-19 response
persistent drought among others measures, in March 2020, the Central Bank announced a shift to a fixed exchange rate
(see Figure 2.4) (ZWL$25 to US$1) and once again allowed domestic transactions in US dollars. Inflation
continued to rise sharply reaching 838 % in July 2020 due to a deteriorating exchange
rate on the parallel market. The fixed exchange rate system was eventually replaced with
a foreign exchange auction system that started operating on 23 June 2020. The auction
system had an immediate impact on stabilizing the exchange rate and bringing down
inflation. Inflation decelerated from August 2020, reaching 194% in April 2021, down
from 837.5% in July 2020. The country’s inflation is stabilising due to monetary reforms
and fiscal consolidation. Tight control on money supply and financial sector regulation
resulted in sustained deceleration of inflation especially during the last quarter of 2020.
The deceleration was also reinforced by the success of the foreign currency auction
82
November 2020]
83
IMF estimate
84
https://www.imf.org/-/media/Files/Publications/WEO/2021/April/English/text.ashx [Accessed 03 May 2021)
85
https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/35342 [Accessed 03 May 2021)

ZIMBABWE 2021 18
market system. Despite the recent decline, inflation remains relatively high, which
negatively impacts economic activities, with the poor the worst affected. Over the years,
inflation has wiped away people’s savings and pension benefits. The major drivers of
inflation have been high money supply growth, accompanied by sharp depreciation of
Figure 3.1 Zimbabwe’s the local currency. Stabilizing the economy will require continued fiscal discipline, and
Recent Macroeconomic moderate base money growth. The Government of Zimbabwe aims to achieve single
Development
digit inflation over the course of NDS1.
Zimbabwe: Key Economic Indicators

Growth has slowed more than in the region… …………as investment remained low………………..
Investment as a percentage of GDP

Real GDP Growth (% Change)
25 25
20
20
15
15
10
5 10
0
5
-5
-10 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
-15
Zimbabwe Africa (Region)
Zimbabwe Africa (Region)
…and average inflation increased rapidly. The current account has been improving…
…with government finances improving …and exchange rate depreciation slowing.
Source: IMF World Economic Outlook Database, RBZ, own calculations.
3.3 EMPLOYMENT AND DECENT WORK

High levels of underemployment and vulnerable employment are some of the most
pressing socio-economic challenges facing Zimbabwe. In line with the erratic economic
growth over the years, the quality of employment has also declined. The agricultural
sector remains the main source of employment, followed by the services sector.
Despite significant contribution to exports and GDP, the industrial sector generates a

ZIMBABWE 2021 19
small share of jobs. Essentially, without having the choice to remain unemployed and as
formal employment opportunities declined, Zimbabwean workers shifted towards low
productivity, often subsistence activities in the rural and informal economies as they face
decent work deficits. Between 2009 and 2018, the country was on an economic growth
trajectory, but labour productivity remained 30% below the level observed in the year
2000.
In 2019, the national unemployment rate was 16%. However, the majority of the
employed population is living in rural areas (63%) and working in informal jobs (80%).86
Indeed, structural transformations have been occurring in reverse, with employment
moving from urban to rural areas, and from high to lower productivity sectors, mainly
in agriculture. These changes in the distribution of employment explain the collapse in
labour productivity and earnings. The informal economy contributes over 60% to the GDP
and this extent of informalization has caused a rise in vulnerable employment; with many
workers in working poverty earning wages and salaries below equivalent of US$100. The
share of informal employment in total employment increased from 80 % in 2004 to 94.5
% in 2014 87and stood at 76 % in 2019.88 The majority of people employed in the informal
sector work in unsafe working conditions without social security coverage. Young people
are the most affected, due to little labour market experience, with 98% of people aged
between 15–24 and 96% of 15–34-year-olds in informal employment.
The number of youths Not-in-Employment-Education-or Training (NEETs) has also risen

to 45% of the youth population aged 15-24 years. Women and children also bear the
disproportionate burden of unpaid work and child labour leaving themselves with limited
over
The informal economy
time to engage in productive and educational activities. Meanwhile, 13% of employed
contributes
persons have some form of functional disability. Persons with disabilities also face
specific social and physical barriers to access employment and workspaces.89 Creation
of decent and wage employment has remained constrained by a weak operating
60%
environment for enterprises, obsolete equipment and lack of relevant skills.90 Despite the
high literacy rate, the supply-biased education and training system, is failing to meet the
needs of the new economy, creating a mismatch between demand and supply especially
in emerging sectors including digital and green economies.
to the GDP and this extent of

informalization has caused a rise
3.4 INEQUALITY
in vulnerable employment; with
Zimbabwe faces significant levels of inequality with economic inequality high and
many workers in working poverty
increasing in recent years. In 2017, the country’s expenditure Gini91 was 0.44, representing
earning wages and salaries below
an increase from 2011 after years of decline.92 Seventy percent of citizens live below the
equivalent of US$100.
national poverty datum line, while poverty in rural areas is at 86% and has been increasing
since 2001.93 Significant economic shocks – climate, economic and health – and rising
informalization of the economy have played a major role in driving inequality in Zimbabwe.
With deepening informalization, the majority of poor people rely on low-quality and low-
wage work in the informal sector. Financial exclusion has also contributed to inequality
in Zimbabwe. According to the 2014 Finscope Survey, 23% of Zimbabwe’s citizens are
financially excluded with only 69% served by the formal financial system.94 Those in rural
areas are far more likely to be excluded at 38% compared to 11% in urban areas.95 In
2016, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development launched a National Financial
Inclusion Strategy, which aims to achieve access to formal financial services of at least
90% by 2020, and 60% of adults with bank accounts.96
86
According to the authors’ computations using the LFS 2019 and ILO’s informal sector definition
87
Defined by the World Bank as contributing family workers and own-account workers as a percentage of total employment
88
The drop in 2019 was, amongst other, due to a methodological change (13th ICLS Resolution) that saw the removal of
subsistence farmers from being counted as employed.
89
Ibid
90
Zimstat. 2019 Labour Force Survey – 84% of workers did not have any field of specialisation.
91
The expenditure Gini is one way of measuring income inequality, using expenditure as a proxy for income.
92
Zimstat (Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency). Poverty Income Consumption and Expenditure Surveys.
93
Zimstat (Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency). (2018). Poverty Income Consumption and Expenditure Survey 2017 Report.
94
FinMark Trust et al. (2014). FinScope Consumer Survey Zimbabwe 2014. FinmMark Trust http://finmark.org.za/finscope-
zimbabwe-consumer-survey-2014/
95
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. (2016).
96
Ibid.

ZIMBABWE 2021 20
Significant divides in access to essential social services on the back of under investment
in the social sectors– education, healthcare and social protection – are exacerbating
traps of disadvantage. Gender inequality is also high. Zimbabwe was ranked 129 out
of 162 countries in 2019 with Gender Inequality Index (GII) score of 0.527, reflecting
glaring differences in the economic, social and political status of women and girls.97 The
government’s national priorities under the NDS 1 aim to stimulate growth, reduce poverty
and inequality. The country’s progressive tax policies, such as a 50% top tax rate for
individuals and Valued Added Tax (VAT) exemption on foodstuffs, provides vital relief for
the poor.
3.5 FISCAL POLICY

Zimbabwe’s macroeconomic challenges are partly as a result of unsustainable levels
of expenditure that contributed to high fiscal deficit over the years. The main drivers of
expenditure have been employment costs and various subsidies including agriculture
input support and grain procurement programs. Employment costs rose from 48% of
total revenues in 2009 and peaked at 92% in 201798, leaving little for operations and
maintenance (O&M) and capital investments. With growing fiscal pressures on the back
of constrained revenue base due to the slowdown of the economy, the Government
resorted to domestic borrowing. By the end of 2019, domestic debt stood at ZWL$9
billion. Fiscal deficits resulted in a huge public debt burden and had a crowding out effect
on the private sector. However, under the Transitional Stabilization Programme (TSP),
the Government made significant progress in reducing borrowing. The fiscal deficit as
a percentage of GDP declined from 10.5 % in 2017 to a surplus in 2019 and almost a
balanced budget in 2020. The Public Wage Bill declined to 50% of total revenues by 2020.
However, austerity measures and severe wage compression amid high inflation has
had a negative impact on the welfare of civil servants, resulting in industrial action and
protests with adverse impact on social service delivery.
Limited fiscal space has undermined economic and social sector allocations including
infrastructure investment. Although spending on education averaging 11% of GDP
is among the highest in the region, the country still has substantial infrastructure
deficits, including a lack of adequate classrooms and laboratories and limited stock
of learning materials and equipment. Meanwhile, budgetary allocation towards social
protection coverage remains very low despite high poverty levels. As a share of GDP,
non-contributory social protection budget stood at 1.2% in 2020, an increase from 0.7%
in 2019. In the 2021 budget, the social protection sector, a key tool in the quest to leave
no one behind, was the recipient of 2.28% of total budget, presenting continued under-
provision despite the marginal increases. In light of the combination of factors of high
unemployment, high poverty, and a highly informal economy, it is critical that adequate
social safety nets are in place to protect the most vulnerable given the impact of these
factors on the achievement of several SDGs. With a focus on post-COVID-19 recovery,
the health and human capital sectors have been allocated 12% and 15% respectively of
the total budget for 2021.
3.6 EXTERNAL SECTOR DEVELOPMENTS

Zimbabwe’s external sector has been in a precarious position for more than a decade,
although the current account has been improving, of late. The country’s public and
publicly guaranteed debt stands at US$8.1 billion, constituting approximately 84% of
GDP99, most of which is external and in arrears. Exports have largely stagnated over the
past decade on account of a challenging economic environment and lack of investment in
key export sectors. Meanwhile, imports continued to grow mainly driven by cheaper food
imports, and rising energy and fuel demand. However, the country recorded a surplus of
6.3 percent of GDP in 2019, the first current account surplus since 2009. The surplus is
mainly credited to falling imports (by 33 percent year on year) due to a sharp decrease
in economic activity, import reduction measures, deterioration of disposable income
exacerbated by foreign currency shortages. Similarly, exports fell by only 0.5% year-
97
UNDP Human Development Reports. Gender Inequality Index 2017. http://hdr.undp.org/en/composite/GII
98
Government of Zimbabwe. 2020. National budget statement
99
Government of Zimbabwe. 2020. National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1)

ZIMBABWE 2021 21
on-year partly due to depreciation of the local currency, rising metal prices, and export
incentives. Remittances have also remained relatively stable. However, the country also
faces significant capital account vulnerabilities. Capital account inflows have remained
weak due to depressed foreign investment. External loans to both the private and public
sectors remained low due to the large public debt burden.
3.7 PUBLIC SECTOR

Zimbabwe’s public sector—comprising the budgetary Central Government,100 local
governments, and the State-Owned Enterprises and Parastatals (SEP), account
for approximately 50 percent of GDP.101 The country has over 100 SEPs about 48 of
which operate as commercial enterprises whilst the rest are categorised as non-
commercial. Commercial enterprises are concentrated mainly in the energy, mining,
transport, communications, financial and agricultural sectors while non-commercial
SEPs are mostly regulators or licensors, research organizations, and tertiary education
institutions.102 The overall commercial SEP sector holds total assets worth about US$
17 billion, over 70 percent of which, are in the hands of SEPs wholly owned by the
government. Although they are expected to play an important role in the Zimbabwean
economy, poor financial and operational performance has limited their positive impact,
as most of them incur significant losses103, losing equity and accumulating short-term
debt and a web of arrears, they have become a source of significant explicit and implicit
fiscal risk. Government has laid out a comprehensive reform agenda, including mobilizing
private sector capital and expertise to enhance delivery of goods and services, promoting
economic growth through enhanced SEP performance as enablers, and enhancing
market structures. The landmark Public Entities Corporate Governance Act (June 2018)
is a step forward in governance and transparency. It mandates improved procedures
for board appointments, imposing term limits for boards and CEOs, and requires greater
transparency of planning and reporting.
Local Authorities (LAs) play a crucial role in enabling economic growth and promoting
social well-being in municipalities, cities, towns, and local boards by providing localized
services such as housing and land management, local road networks, public lighting, solid
waste disposal, water supply and sanitation systems, and health and education services.
High levels of inflation, non-payment of services and declining revenue bases, have
negatively impacted LAs’ fiscal capacity to carry out all these mandates. Consequently,
as LAs try to raise the majority of their own revenues internally, through various fees,
levies, fines, permit and licensing charges, as well as property taxes and asset sales, their
revenue inflows have neither been reliable nor sustainable. Increases in LAs’ expenditure
have substantially outpaced revenue, resulting in deficit spending. In addition to financial
constraints, LAs have experienced considerable capacity erosion, skills flight, deteriorated
infrastructure, outdated billing and accounting packages, and non-compliant internal
planning and monitoring systems. The situation is exacerbated by the near collapse
of their revenue base and country-wide debt write-offs. Repeated outbreaks of cholera
and typhoid in major cities such as Harare in 2008/2009 and Chegutu in 2017 provide
evidence of basic service delivery and social infrastructure deterioration. The effective
implementation of Constitutional provision that mandates at least 5 percent of national
revenues to be allocated to LAs through intragovernmental transfers, will be vital towards
boosting local authorities’ capacity to deliver their important mandate.
3.8 KEY ECONOMIC SECTORS

The Zimbabwean economy remains highly dependent on primary commodities. Since
achieving independence in 1980, agriculture has been a significant contributor to
economic growth, contributing an average of 16% to the GDP between 1980 and 2000 and
accounting for over 70% of exports. Traditionally, the agriculture sector was the county’s
leading employer, accounting for between 60% and 70% of total employment. However,
since the year 2000, the sector has underperformed owing to a number of challenges
100
Not all entities currently categorized as SEPs are truly commercial enterprises, and discussions are ongoing to reclassify
some of them as agencies under CG as part of ongoing SEP reforms.
101
Government of Zimbabwe and World Bank. 2017a. Cross Cutting Issues. Vol. 1 of Zimbabwe Public Expenditure Review 2017.
Washington, DC: World Bank. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/27649.
102
AfDB, UN and WB. 2018. Joint Needs Assessment
103
totalling about US$280 million in 2015, though by 2018 commercial SEPs with a minority Government shareholding made a
profit of $183 million, more than exceeding the losses of $150million among wholly owned commercial SEPs

ZIMBABWE 2021 22
including climate change and variability, security of tenure, underutilisation of productive
land, declining productivity and access to finance. During this time, Zimbabwe also
moved from being a net exporter to a net importer of basic food commodities including
maize and wheat. By 2018, the agriculture sector’s contribution to the economy had
declined to 9.8% of GDP and 30% of exports (mainly tobacco). The decline in agricultural
output negatively impacted the manufacturing sector, which derived about 60% of its
inputs from the sector. In addition, weak fiscal capacity and declining investment in
industry and infrastructure – urban development, energy, water, ICTs, and transport–
undermined production and distribution of goods. The manufacturing sector is presently
on the decline and estimated to contribute less than 10% of the GDP.
The mining sector’s share of the GDP grew from an average of 3% in the 1990s to
approximately 10% by 2018 with just under US$3 billion in revenues,40% of which came
from gold, representing about 60% of Zimbabwe’s exports.104 Thus, the mining sector
became the leading export sector, on account of elevated mineral prices and expanded
production of platinum group metals (PGMs), diamonds and gold by both the formal
and artisanal mining sectors. The artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) subsector is
estimated to employ half a million people during its peak production period and provide
livelihoods to many more directly and indirectly. In 2017, small scale miners became the
leading contributor of gold production, accounting for more than 55% output. However,
the supply chain for the ASM subsector is complex, largely informal, and undercapitalized,
with many of the players reportedly operating illegally. Mining sector linkages with the
wider economy remain weak105 for a range of reasons, among them mostly stagnant
The mining sector’s share of the
mining tax base (fiscal linkages); sub-optimal backward linkages (local content) and
GDP grew from an average of 3%
forward linkages (beneficiation) as well as insufficient planning and development of
10%
in the 1990s to approximately
ancillary mining infrastructure (spatial linkages). In addition to the weak linkages, the
country is estimated to be losing millions due to Illicit Financial Flows (IFF).106 Gold
smuggling alone is estimated to be costing the country US$100 million annually.107
The national minerals development strategy has focused on creating a competitive
environment for domestic and international private investors and also ensuring that the
by 2018 with just under US$3
output from the ASM sector is brought into the formal marketing channel. Zimbabwe’s
billion in revenues,40% of which
NDS1 also adopted the SADC Protocol on Mining and the Africa Mining Vision to enhance
came from gold, representing
mineral beneficiation and value addition. The sustainability of the sector is part of the
about 60% of Zimbabwe’s
new thrust where the sector is expected to grow to a US$12 billion industry by 2030 and
exports.
anchor transformation through the deepening value chains.
Sustained deindustrialisation of the formal sector during the last twenty years has
resulted in the informalisation of the economy across agriculture, manufacturing, mining,
trade and service sectors. It is estimated that the informal sector contributes 60.6% of
GDP, making it the second largest in the world after Bolivia.108 The informal sector is
comprised of mainly low productivity household enterprises (MSMEs) that have weak
incentives to formalize. Outside agriculture, they are often managed not by vocational
entrepreneurs but by workers who, in the absence of wage employment, engage in low-
productivity activities involving non-tradable goods and services.109 Due to informal
operations, the sector is not tapped into the mainstream economy and often lacks
access to financial markets. Without broader engagement with enabling policies, private
capital investors for skills, technologies and infrastructure, the informal sector is unable
to achieve higher productivity and economic transformation.
Although the service sector has the largest share of GDP, registering about 40% in 2018,
the sector contributes very little to the country’s exports due to capacity challenges.
The sector is unable to exploit regional opportunities and thus, remains domestically
focused. The country has not been allocating significant fiscal support to facilitate
the implementation of industrial development plans in synergy with the COMESA and
SADC Industrialisation strategies. There are opportunities to harness local natural and
104
Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe. 2019. State of the Mining Industry Report. Harare
105
AfDB. 2019. Joint Needs Assessment for Zimbabwe Identifying Challenges and Needs. Africa Development Bank, World
Bank, UN. [Online] Available at https://www.afdb.org/sites/default/files/2020/01/14/zimbabwe_country_portal.pdf. [Accessed
on 18 November 2020]
106
Government of Zimbabwe. 2021 Budget Strategy Paper. Ministry of Finance and Economic Development
107
Minister of Home Affairs cited in the Chronicle newspaper available at https://www.chronicle.co.zw/us100-million-gold-
smuggled-out-of-zimbabwe/
108
IMF. 2018. Shadow Economies Around the World: What Did We Learn Over the Last 20 Years?
109
ILO. 2021. Forthcoming

ZIMBABWE 2021 23
human resources with regional and global value chains and emerging opportunities in
the digital and green economy initiatives. Increased capacity of the services sector to be
competitive and exploit opportunities will be vital. In addition, few Zimbabwean financial
institutions and insurance companies have ventured beyond the national boundaries.
Overall, the limited economic diversification and the reliance on primary commodities
exposes the economy to the fluctuations of the international commodity markets and
shocks.110
3.9 TRADE AND EXPORT PROMOTION

Trade is recognized as one of the means to achieve the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs). Agricultural commodities and minerals (led by tobacco, gold and nickel)
account for nearly 90% of total merchandise exports. Under the NDS1, Zimbabwe targets
an export-led growth by promoting value added export products and export markets
diversification. This will be complemented by enhancing export promotion activities,
market access negotiations, and institutional capacity building of trade promotion
organisations.
Zimbabwe is also actively seeking to enhance beneficiation and value addition to its
commodities before export to maximise benefits to the country. This can be achieved
through creating an environment that supports public/private investment in infrastructure
such as transport, logistics, sanitation and technology.
The country’s membership in the various regional blocs offer expanded market
opportunities for both raw materials and exports. These blocs include: African Continental
Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Southern African Development Community (SADC), Common
Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), African Caribbean and Pacific States/
European Union Agreement (ACP/EU), and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The
AfCFTA aims to create a single liberalised market for goods and services in Africa,
facilitated by the free movement of persons across borders. Full implementation of
the AfCFTA will contribute to the building of Africa’s structural transformation, in the
process reshaping markets and economies across the region. The Agreement will not
only increase continental trade but will also help build regional value chains that boost
productive capacities, thereby facilitating the production of African made goods. Africa’s
Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) will have an opportunity to engage
more effectively in cross-border trade under the free-trade area in a market population
of about 1.2 billion people and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of more than
US$3.4 trillion.
In order to fully exploit regional trade opportunities, Zimbabwe should attract more FDI
and increase manufacturing capacity utilisation, which has averaged 43.5%111 over the
past decade – less than half of total capacity – due to high costs of doing business and
antiquated equipment. Zimbabwe’s MSMEs need support to fully participate in regional
and international value chains with products and services that meet market demands
and standards.
The private sector, in partnership with, Trade and Investment Support Institutions (TISIs),
such as Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), should broaden their
capacity to constantly monitor and improve performance.
3.10 IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE ECONOMY

The COVID-19 pandemic presents an additional layer of external shocks112, which is
likely to derail the country’s progress towards attainment of the SDGs. Globally, the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts GDP per capita growth will contract by –3%
in 2020, worse than during the 2009 global financial crisis. In Zimbabwe, the pandemic
exacerbated the social and economic challenges, on the back of pre-existing structural
110
Kanyenze, G., Chitambara, P. and Tyson, J. 2027 The outlook for the Zimbabwean economy. Supporting economic
transformation (SEP)
111
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI)
112
The other notable exogenous shock being climate change related shocks such as the 2019 cyclone Idai

ZIMBABWE 2021 24
economic problems, climate-induced shocks and a weak social contract.
The pandemic has worsened unemployment and caused a general decline in incomes
and economic output with differential effects on women and youth. In 2020, the economy
was initially projected to grow by 3%. However, following the onset of the pandemic,
government revised the estimate of economic growth to contraction of about -4.1%,
due to COVID-19 induced disruptions and impacts of drought. Tourism, education, the
services sectors, and the informal sector were the most affected. This was accompanied
by increasing disputes between workers and employers, especially in essential services
sectors, over low wages and occupational safety issues such as the provision of PPEs. A
survey (Round 1) conducted by the national statistics authority (Zimstat) in collaboration
with the World Bank showed that 21% of those who were working pre-COVID-19 no
longer worked in July 2020. Meanwhile, 40% of urban wage workers that kept working
had their wages reduced. The second round of the survey (Round 2) in October 2020,
showed that households reported a further reduction in income from wages and non-
farm businesses since the Round 1 interviews, although the proportion reporting this
was smaller than when this question was asked in round 1.
The results from the surveys also showed that urban areas were more affected by
COVID-19 direct economic shocks. Severe loss of incomes was more pronounced in the
urban areas mainly due to closure of business activity both formal and informal, following
lock down measures and their consequent impact. Border closures also had a significant
impact on the livelihoods and coping capacities of many households in Zimbabwe
that rely on cross border trade. Impact on the external sector was however, less than
anticipated. Despite COVID-19, exports increased by 6% mainly on account of improved
commodity prices, rather than increased production, most notably increased price of
Platinum Group of Metals.113 Meanwhile, imports increased by 5%, notwithstanding sharp
declines in imports of energy, notably electricity and fuel, raw materials, and machinery
due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions domestically and externally.114 The increase in
imports was driven by increased food imports, reflecting the impact of two consecutive
droughts in 2018 and 2019. Better performance on trade is mainly on account of the fact
that Zimbabwe’s largest trading partner is South Africa and the land boarders remained
open for movement of goods throughout most of the lock down period. Remittances also
remained resilient at 54% of foreign receipts and remain a significant source of foreign
receipts.
RBZ. 2020. Monetary policy statement. 18 February

113
Ibid
114

ZIMBABWE 2021 25
4. PLANET
This section assesses progress made and challenges encountered by Zimbabwe that are related
to SDGs 7, 13 and 15 on climate change, natural resources management and affordable, and
clean energy respectively.

ZIMBABWE 2021 26
4.1 KEY ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE CHANGE CONCERNS
Zimbabwe faces substantial environmental challenges including land degradation and
deforestation, inadequate quantity and quality of water resources, habitat destruction and
loss of biodiversity and waste (including toxic waste).115 The country is also vulnerable
to climate change including extreme events such as drought, floods, heavy rainfall
events and heat waves. Water supply, food security and nutrition, human settlements
and health outcomes are all under threat due to the impacts of climate change.116
Zimbabwe’s climate is predominantly semi-arid and is extremely variable and prone
to shifting rainfall patterns, droughts and periodic floods in some parts of the country,
which has severe implications for climate-sensitive economic sectors and food security.
These environmental challenges are inextricably linked to the economy, poverty, health,
livelihoods and food security.
4.2 ENVIRONMENT POLICY FRAMEWORK AND GOVERNANCE

Zimbabwe’s policy frameworks and the institutional arrangements for managing
environmental challenges are extensive. The Constitution of Zimbabwe protects
environmental rights, while promoting economic and social development. It provides
for the right to a clean environment, access to safe water and prevention of pollution.
The Environmental Management Act of 2002 also promotes environmental protection. In
addition, there are several relevant Acts such as the Parks and Wildlife Management Act,
the Forestry Act, the Communal Lands Forestry Produce Act and the Water Act, which
promote an enabling legal and regulatory environment.
The country is a party to several international protocols and conventions including the
Minamata and Stockholm conventions, the Kyoto Protocol and subsequently the Paris
Agreement. Zimbabwe ratified the Paris Global Climate Agreement demonstrating its
commitment to join the rest of the world in addressing climate change. The Agreement
requires all parties to put forward their efforts through “Nationally Determined
Contributions (NDCs)” to reduce emissions beginning in 2020. Under the agreement,
Zimbabwe has committed to reduce its per capita energy emissions by 33% below the
projected business as usual scenario by 2030 in the first NDC. Currently, the country
is updating its NDC with increased ambition on both mitigation and adaptation. This
is to be achieved through interventions such as increasing hydropower in the energy
mix, ethanol blending and increased use of solar energy, among others. Zimbabwe is
also a party to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. At national level,
implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
has been undertaken through various programmes, projects and strategies outlined in
the country’s National Adaptation Plan. At regional level, Zimbabwe adopted the SADC
Climate Change Strategy, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-
2030.
The NDS1 mainstreams environmental protection, climate resilience & natural resource
management as cross-cutting issues. The government coordinates Disaster Risk
Management (DRM) through the Department of Civil Protection formerly the Civil
Protection Unit, which includes agencies responsible for disaster early warning systems.
The country has also drafted a Disaster Management Bill, which is yet to go through
the approval process. The DRM Strategy is premised on the draft DRM Bill and draft
DRM Policy, which will transform the Department of Civil Protection to the Department of
Disaster Risk Management. The Draft DRM Bill and Draft DRM Policy give authority to the
Department of Disaster Risk Management to establish and coordinate the development
and implementation of a National DRM Strategy in order to minimize vulnerability to
disasters triggered by natural, human made, environmental and radiological hazards.
Despite the existence of elaborate frameworks, there are challenges related to weak
implementation and enforcement of existing international commitments, laws, policies
and strategies as well as weak coordination and cross-sectoral cooperation. The country
115
https://sidaenvironmenthelpdesk.se/digitalAssets/1725/1725303_zimbabwe_environment-cc_policybrief-2016-04-13.pdf
116
Unganai, L., Gwitira,I., Manzungu,I., 2020. Understanding Climate Risks over Zimbabwe, pp. 7-8.

ZIMBABWE 2021 27
also lacks an integrated information management system, and a comprehensive social
protection policy that integrates post-disaster recovery, and sectoral policies and
strategies that address chronic food insecurity.117 Inadequate Early Warning Systems
risks poor predictive capacity for proactive, evidence-based and interactive information
to aid decision making in disaster prevention and management in the times of crises.
4.3 LIFE ON LAND

Under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, countries were encouraged
to develop National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBASAPs), thereby setting
national targets that reflect the country’s own needs and priorities. Zimbabwe developed
its first NBSAP, which covered the period 2000-2010. The second NBSAP (NBSAP2),
which was adopted in 2014, had 18 national biodiversity targets and these have been
used as the blueprint to guide the country’s conservation efforts since then. Although
encumbered with severe economic challenges for more than two decades, Zimbabwe
has continued to effectively manage its protected areas network, which covers about
27.2% of its land mass, which is greater than the proposed global Aichi Biodiversity
Target of 17% for terrestrial and inland water areas (see ABT 17).118
Zimbabwe takes the land degradation challenge as a national priority and has over the
years implemented various measures to mitigate land degradation. The chief drivers
of land degradation in Zimbabwe are poor land management practices, unregulated
artisanal mining, deforestation and poor soil structures, bush fires and the propagation of
invasive alien species. The country is party to the international negotiations that led to the
adoption of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Artisanal
and Small-scale Gold Mining is also a major contributor to mercury emissions into the
atmosphere. An estimated 96% of the gold processing sites use mercury, which is largely
emitted into air during the open burning of amalgam. Since the signing of the Minamata
Convention on Mercury in October 2013, Zimbabwe has put considerable effort towards
collecting scientific data and evidence on mercury use in the artisanal and small-scale
gold mining sector. The country ratified the Convention in December 2020. Under Article
7 of the Convention, the country is required to produce a National Action Plan in fulfilment
60%
More than of its obligations to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which contains strategies
to reduce and, where feasible, eliminate the use of mercury in the artisanal and small-
scale gold mining sector. Zimbabwe’s National Action Plan underscores the need to raise
awareness on the dangers and proper use of mercury, and to address identified myths
that endanger the miners and mining community health care systems.
of the population in Zimbabwe
still rely on solid biomass fuel A degraded environment has a huge impact on vulnerable groups such as those who
for thermal needs and have no live in the rural areas, women, youth, children and PWDs. Those who live in the rural
access to clean energy sources. areas heavily depend on natural resources and are exposed to environment and climate-
related hazards and shocks. They have limited capacity to adapt and therefore, protecting
the environment is important for human development, poverty reduction and long-term
economic growth. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment119 concluded that efforts
to reduce rural poverty and eradicate hunger are critically dependent on ecosystem
services. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has no robust natural resource valuation framework,
therefore the economic contribution of biodiversity in the country is yet to be adequately
valued and accounted for.
4.4 AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

More than 60% of the population in Zimbabwe still rely on solid biomass fuel for thermal
needs and have no access to clean energy sources.120 The use of firewood for cooking/
heating and curing of tobacco has resulted in Zimbabwe losing millions of hectares
of natural forest annually. There is a high disparity between rural and urban access
to electricity with access in rural areas being as little as 13% as compared with 83%
117
UNCT and GoZ (2014)
118
Zimbabwe’s sixth National Report to the Convention on Biodiversity.
119
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment website
120
National Renewable Energy Policy (2019)

ZIMBABWE 2021 28
access in urban areas.121 The country continues to invest in fossil fuels. However, this
will exacerbate the climate change challenges, and the country will likely miss its climate
change mitigation targets under the Paris Agreement through the NDCs. Currently,
energy use is the country’s largest source of GHG emissions. The sector’s emissions are
expected to increase to 26.5 MtCO2e in 2030 and 37.5 MtCO2e in 2050 with increasing
demand for power generation, transport and other uses of fossil fuels. 122 Zimbabwe’s
National Renewable Energy Policy seeks to ensure energy access to all in a sustainable
manner by increasing the mix of renewable energy sources. In 2020, the Zimbabwe
Electricity and Distribution Company invited bids for solar projects amounting to a total
of 500MW. However, the country faces an uphill task to mobilise funding for the huge
upfront investment typically required for the development and deployment of renewable
energy projects. Currently, most funding is from the government and donors, while private
funding is limited. Innovative financing mechanisms are urgently needed as is greater
private sector engagement to crowd in funding and development of bankable proposals.
The government and the private sector have identified several climate change mitigation
measures including large hydropower projects (Batoka and Devils George) accompanied
by other renewable energy measures such as solar projects at the commercial and
residential scale. The investment opportunity presented by these measures amounts
to approximately US$7.88 billion, which could be potentially attracted from FDI and
domestic private financing.123
4.5 CLIMATE CHANGE AND VARIABILITY

Climate change is believed to be increasing the frequency of extreme weather events,
leading to intensifying droughts and worsening floods.124 Over the past two decades,
Zimbabwe was hit by Cyclone Eline in 2000, Cyclone Japhet in 2003 followed by Cyclone
Dineo in 2017 and Cyclone Idai in 2019. All these events led to death, displacement of
people, destruction of infrastructure, loss of crops, livestock, livelihoods, and devastation
of the environment. In 2019, Tropical Cyclone Idai, left more than 300 people dead,
hundreds missing and 270,000 affected in Chimanimani, Chipinge, Buhera and Chiredzi
Districts.125 The cyclone left a trail of destruction estimated at US$1.2 billion (6% of GDP),
which in the process increased poverty and deprivation.126
Climate change is expected to worsen hardship and poverty, particularly among the most
vulnerable, especially those living in rural areas. Women are disproportionately affected
by the adverse effects of cyclones and floods, which increase the risk of gender-based
violence and food insecurity.127 Growing evidence suggests that climate change in
Zimbabwe will likely affect human health through increase in incidences of floods, storms,
fires and droughts with a knock-on effect on the rampant spread of infectious disease
vectors. The erratic water supply in Zimbabwe has already contributed to a rise in water-
borne diseases. A cholera epidemic in 2008, the most extensive outbreak in recent history,
killed over 4,000 and affected over 100,000 people.128 Disease epidemics compounded by
chronic food and nutrition insecurity temper with households’ resilience, rendering them
vulnerable to shocks and stressors. By 2100, temperature and precipitation fluctuations
are likely to alter the geographic distribution of malaria in Zimbabwe, with areas of dense
human population becoming susceptible to transmission.129 Hydropower is particularly
vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Due to the persistent droughts and erratic
rainfall patterns, low water levels at the Kariba dam resulted in reduced power generation
and there is risk that in the future, this trend may continue. These threats highlight
Zimbabwe’s fragility and the difficulties it faces to cope with emergencies, which can
121
National Renewable Energy Policy 2019
122
LEDS 2020
123
LEDS 2020
124
Yale Environment 360 (2019). Climate Change is Making El Niños More Intense. https://e360.yale.edu/digest/climate-change-
is-making-el-ninos-more-intense-study-finds. (Accessed on 29 January 2021)
125
UNOCHA (2020). Cyclones Idai and Kenneth. [Accessed on 09 February 2020]
126
World Bank. 2019. Zimbabwe Rapid Impact and Needs Assessment (RINA). World Bank, Government of Zimbabwe. Harare.
[Online] Available at http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/714891568893029852/pdf/Zimbabwe-Rapid-Impact-and-
Needs-Assessment-RINA.pdf. [Accessed on 18 November 2020]
127
CEDAW, Concluding Observations on the sixth periodic report of Zimbabwe, CEDAW/C/ZWE/CO/6.
128
WHO. 2008. Cholera in Zimbabwe: Epidemiological Bulletin number 1 15 December 2008. WHO. [Online] Available at https://
www.who.int/hac/crises/zwe/zimbabwe_cholera_epi_bulletin1_15dec2008.pdf. [Accessed on 18 November 2020]
129
GoZ.2015. Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy. Government of Zimbabwe. [Online] available at http://
www.climatechange.org.zw/sites/default/files/National%20Climate%20Change%20Response%20Strategy.pdf. [Accessed on 18
November 2020]

ZIMBABWE 2021 29
quickly turn into crises. Low water levels at Kariba dam in 2019 forced both Zimbabwe
and Zambia to reduce power generation.
Climate change and variability also pose a serious threat to energy security across the
region. Countries that rely on hydropower are vulnerable to changes in rainfall patterns
and the impact of land degradation on water sources. Deforestation will erode the
natural protection of key water towers such as Zambezi, Kunene, Kavango, Cuando River
Catchments.130 Zimbabwe adopted the SADC Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses
(2000); SADC Regional Water Strategy (2006); SADC Guidelines for Strengthening River
Basin Organisations (2010). The SADC region is also bearing a heavy disease burden
largely caused by vector-borne diseases that are influenced by climatic elements.131 The
new approach must therefore, break the silos and grow to coalesce around transboundary
collaboration.
4.6 FINANCE AND INVESTMENT

Access to finance is fundamental for creating momentum and raising ambition on climate
action. However, countries continue to face challenges in securing financial resources
needed to fulfil their commitments and obligations. Zimbabwe has shown leadership
in utilising the international climate finance mechanisms as evidenced by securing
funding from the Green Climate Fund for two resilience projects worth US$57.8 million
as well as readiness activities worth US$3.6 million. The country’s entities have also
been accredited for both the Green Climate Fund (UNDP, WFP and IDBZ in the process)
and the Adaptation Fund (Environmental Management Agency). However, there is still
a yawning gap between available financing and the required investments to support
renewable energy development, resilience and adaptation, implementation of the NDC
and the LEDS. Notwithstanding, there are important multilateral financing and technical
support opportunities available. Many of these are under the international frameworks,
such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Green
Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the Climate Technology
Centre and Network (CTCN).
In addition, other multilateral and bilateral donors are increasingly devising their own
funds and mainstreaming climate into their development support programmes. The
Government of Zimbabwe has made strides engaging support institutions and mobilizing
the necessary resources. To date, CTCN has supported the development of a Climate
Smart Agriculture Manual, Energy and Water Use Efficiency Audits among other initiatives.
The GCF has approved two adaptation projects while GEF has been supporting other
climate change adaptation initiatives at community level. Efforts are underway to tap
into the Adaptation Fund following the accreditation of the Environmental Management
Agency (EMA) in 2019. The Climate Change Management Department is also raising
awareness and engaging Treasury towards enhancing budget allocations for climate
change programming in line with the National Climate Policy, which provides for the
establishment of a National Climate Fund, expected to mobilize domestic resources and
leverage incoming climate finances for climate action in Zimbabwe.
4.7 IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

CHANGE
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the postponement of the COP 26, but the global
commitment to strengthen resilience and cut greenhouse gas emissions remains. This
seeks to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. As economic activity reopens,
carbon emissions and the pressure on the natural ecosystems is likely to re-bounce,
hence Zimbabwe should keep focus on the climate action and sustainable environment
and biological diversity management ambitions. The COVID-19 pandemic poses a
significant challenge for Zimbabwe but presents opportunity for the country to steer
development on a path that tackles climate change, protects the environment, reverses
130
SADC. 2012. SADC Policy paper on climate change: Assessing the policy options for member states [online] available at: https://
www.sadc.int/files/9113/6724/7724/SADC_Policy_Paper_Climate_Change_EN_1.pdf
131
Ibid

ZIMBABWE 2021 30
biodiversity loss and ensures the long-term health and security of its people. Such an
opportunity of building back better, calls for a shared ethical responsibility towards the
future generations and should encourage all partners. The onset of COVID-19 has led
to a dramatic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (and other pollutants) globally as
the restrictions imposed by most governments severely curtailed industry and transport
activity. As a result of this disruption to businesses and supply chains globally, the
pandemic has served to demonstrate that it is possible to operate low carbon economies
and that business practices and supply chains across many sectors can fully adopt clean
means of production. The recovery from the COVID-19 crisis needs to be sustainable,
green, clean and resilient. Emphasis should be on making preventative investments
that improve resilience and reduce the cost of future disasters. This should entail
investment in an economic recovery that tackles the climate emergency, avoids past
mistakes, and focuses on a sustained and shared long-term economic recovery. Future
investment selection criteria should include long-term sustainability and contributions
to decarbonization, including assessing the country’s current and future emission
trajectory, protection of local ecosystems and biodiversity.

ZIMBABWE 2021 31
5. PEACE
This section analyses the country’s progress and challenges towards the attainment of
SDG 16 on inclusive societies.

ZIMBABWE 2021 32
Zimbabwe’s Constitution provides for the promotion of democratic governance, rule of
law and human rights. In principle, the doctrine of separation of powers is espoused in
the checks and balances imposed upon the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches
of Government under the Constitution. The Declaration of Rights enshrines fundamental
rights and freedoms, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, as well
as special rights for women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. SDG 16
articulates the critical role that the rule of law and governance play in promoting peaceful,
just, and inclusive societies. As an enabler goal, progress on SDG 16 is critical to progress
on all the other SDGs and in ensuring sustainable development while bringing forward
those furthest behind.
5.1 KEY POLICY, LEGISLATIVE AND GOVERNANCE

STRUCTURES
The Constitution, provides for the establishment of six independent Commissions in
Chapter 12 and 13132 and lays out a set of common objectives to guide their operations
namely: support and entrench human rights and democracy, protect the sovereignty and
interests of people, promote constitutionalism, promote transparency and accountability
in public institutions, secure the observance of democratic values and principles by
the State and all institutions and agencies of government and government-controlled
entities, and ensure that injustices are remedied. The enabling legislations setting out
the respective mandates of the Commissions in respect of the promotion and protection
of human rights, management of elections, media freedoms and anti-corruption have
been enacted.
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission is in full compliance with the Paris Principles
and currently enjoys A status.133 It generally enjoys a degree of credibility within the
population and has demonstrated a willingness to exercise its independent voice to
scrutinize government actions and seek accountability. Collectively and individually,
the independent commissions engage with the public regularly and contribute to policy
reforms through research, complaints handling, monitoring and investigating abuses.
The Zimbabwe Human Rights The effectiveness of these institutions also depends on how they leverage each other’s
Commission is in expertise and experiences, explore strategies for collaborating and coordinating efforts
towards supporting and entrenching human rights and values of democracy around key
full democratic processes in the country.
compliance In 2020, three Chapter 12 Commissions134 entered into a Joint Investigations

Collaboration Agreement to strengthen the conduct of investigations, referral, tracking
of cases and capacity development needs. However, these independent Commissions
with the Paris Principles and
continue to face multiple challenges, which have hampered the effective discharge of
currently enjoys A status. It
their mandates including, limited funding, inadequate operational independence, weak
generally enjoys a degree of
implementation and enforcement of their recommendations and those of other oversight
credibility within the population
institutions such as the Auditor General and ad hoc commissions of inquiry.135 There is a
and has demonstrated a
need to provide these Commissions with the requisite authority, resources and technical
willingness to exercise its
capacity to ensure their independence and full operationalisation so that they can fulfil
independent voice to scrutinize
their respective constitutional mandates.136 Further, capacity and resources are needed
government actions and seek
to ensure their services are decentralised across the country.
accountability.
The Parliament of Zimbabwe established six thematic committees that monitor

implementation of SDGs along thematic areas including: Gender and Development, HIV/
AIDS, SDGs, Human Rights, Peace and Security, Indigenisation and Empowerment.137 The
Human Rights, Gender and Development, Peace and Security thematic committees also
132
The institutions are the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission, Electoral Commission, Human Rights Commission,
Gender Commission, Media Commission and Anti-Corruption Commission.
133
See Chart of National Institutions accredited by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions available at https://
nhri.ohchr.org/EN/AboutUs/GANHRIAccreditation/Documents/Status%20Accreditation%20Chart%20as%20of%2020%2001%20
2021.pdf
134
ZHRC, ZGC and NPRC
135
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, A/HRC/44/50/Add.2.
136
HRC/34/2
137
Thematic Committees are mandated to examine government policies that fall under or relate to the designated theme or themes,
or any other matters falling under their jurisdiction as the Standing Rules and Orders Committee determine. The SDG thematic
committee supports and monitors SDGs implementation in the country.

ZIMBABWE 2021 33
play an important role in ensuring institutional accountability on SDG implementation
in the country.138 Parliamentarians not only have a constitutional responsibility in
monitoring and ensuring accountability for the effective SDG implementation, but also
act as an interface between the people and the State to promote pro-people policies and
ensure populations furthest behind are prioritised.
The Zimbabwe Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Reference Group established in 2017
convenes dialogue on the SDGs and facilitates consultations between the Government
and communities on localising and contextualising SDG implementation in the country.
The Reference Group collaborates with the Government to drive sustainable development
efforts through community-based interventions at the local level.
5.2 HUMAN RIGHTS, ELECTIONS, PEACE AND SOCIAL

COHESION
Zimbabwe has made progress towards meeting its domestic and international
commitments to promote and protect human rights in law, policy, and practice through
the ratification of key UN and AU instruments, conventions and protocols on governance
and human rights (see Table 1.2). This normative framework compliments national
foundations for the rule of law in line with international norms and best practices.
However, these constitutional and international commitments while critical, in practice,
they have not always translated into the full realisation and protection of human rights.
Table 5.1 Status on UN Core Human Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial
the ratification of UN Rights Treaties Discrimination (CERD)
conventions, AU Regional ratified139 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR)
human rights and
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
governance instruments
Rights (CESCR)
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
Against Women (CEDAW)
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the two Optional
Protocols
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
AU Human Rights African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights
instruments African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
Ratified140 Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights
on the Rights of Women in Africa
OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee
Problems in Africa
African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of
Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention)
Governance and African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance
Peace Instruments/ African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating
Frameworks Corruption
Accession to the African Peer Review Mechanism
Maseru Declaration on a Framework for Peaceful Development
in Southern Africa (2013)
The UNSCRs on Women, Peace, and Security (including
resolutions 1325, 1820, 1888, 1889, and 1960) are applicable to
the Zimbabwean context.
138
They support partnerships and participation through inclusive political processes supporting global and regional exchanges of
experiences between countries to identify solutions for planning, budgeting, executing and tracking expenditure to curb corruption
and assess the impact of initiatives on the lives of people – especially women and members of marginalised and disadvantaged
groups.
139
Zimbabwe has not ratified the following core treaties: UN Convention against Torture, and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment (CAT); The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members
of Their Families (CMW)
International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance (CED). Optional Protocols accepting
individual complaints procedures: 1st Optional Protocol to CCPR; Optional Protocol to CESCR; Optional Protocol to CEDAW;
Optional Protocol to CRC, and 2nd Optional Protocol to CCPR on abolition of the death penalty.
140
Zimbabwe has signed but not ratified the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of
an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights

ZIMBABWE 2021 34
The country took steps to align existing legislation with provisions of the Constitution
as well as to domesticate international and regional obligations. Through the Inter-
Ministerial Taskforce on the Alignment of Legislation to the Constitution (IMT), laws that
are similar and have overlapping issues were simultaneously aligned.141 According to the
January 2021 Bill tracker, of the remaining 63 laws, twenty bills are complete of which
14 have been signed into law and 43 laws are yet to be aligned with the Constitution.142
Progress towards full alignment of all laws to the Constitution has been regrettably slow,
considering that the Constitution came into force in 2013. Consequently, gaps remain
in some of the applicable laws for instance those to do with eliminating violence and
discrimination against women, prohibiting torture, early and forced marriages, and
upholding freedom of expression, association and assembly.143 Additionally, human rights
and gender budgeting are yet to be institutionalised in the national budgeting process.
It is therefore, critical that the Government accelerates the process of reviewing and
aligning its domestic legislation with the Constitution and incorporate its international
commitments into the domestic laws.144
According to the January 2021
Bill tracker, of the remaining 63 The Government formally invited six (6) Human Rights Council Special Procedure
laws, twenty bills are complete Mechanisms to Zimbabwe. In 2019, the Special Rapporteurs (SR) on the Right to Food
of which 14 have been signed and Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, visited Zimbabwe following
into law and 43 laws are yet to be which they presented their reports to the Human Rights Council in 2020.They came up
aligned with the Constitution. with over 50 recommendations to the Government of Zimbabwe. The country submitted
its periodic report on the implementation of the African Charter on Human and People’s
Rights on the Rights of Women in 2019. The Committees on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
and on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination (CEDAW) issued their observations
following Zimbabwe’s presentation of its national periodic reports on the implementation
of the CRC and CEDAW in 2016 and 2020 respectively. The country participated in two
cycles of the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2011 and 2016.
Of the 260 recommendations issued during the second cycle review, Zimbabwe supported
151 recommendations, supported six (6) in part and noted 103.145 In 2019, Zimbabwe
submitted a mid-term report on the implementation of the UPR recommendations146 and
is due to submit another report during the 3rd cycle of the UPR. Precise data on the status
of implementation of the recommendations issued by the treaty bodies and the Human
Rights Council and its mechanisms, including the special rapporteurs, is lacking while
reporting under both UN and AU mechanisms is often untimely.147 The inter-ministerial
committee on human rights and international humanitarian law established to report and
follow up on recommendations from human rights mechanisms is faced with challenges,
which have affected its effective functioning. Further, this structure does not formally
interface with the SDG reporting structures.
The country continues to struggle with negative perceptions around democratic and
civic space constrained by restrictions and limitations to the rights to free expression,
peaceful assembly and freedom of association and collective bargaining, which are
guaranteed by the Constitution. The newly enacted Maintenance of Peace and Order Act,
which replaced the Public Order and Security Act in an effort to align it with the provisions
of the Constitution still contains provisions that place restrictions on the full enjoyment
of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly. This needs to be reconsidered in full
consultation with all relevant stakeholders.148 Zimbabwe in 2019 legislated the Tripartite
Negotiating Forum (TNF) bringing together government, business and workers through
the enactment of the TNF Act. This signalled intention to negotiate a social contract to
manage key labour market and economy-wide matters including wages, and collective
141
Centre for Applied Legal Research (CARL). (2017). CALR. Retrieved from Cluster approach key in aligning laws with the
Constitution: ca-lr.org/cluster-approach-key-aligning-laws-constitution
142
IMT Bill Tracker, January 2021, Available at: http://www.ca-lr.org/download/imt-bill-tracker/
143
HRC/34/2
144
HRC/34/2
145
HRC/34/2
146
https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/UPR/Pages/UPRImplementation.aspx
147
The next report on the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child is overdue with the last reported having been
submitted in 2014. Reports on the UNCRPD, ICERD have been drafted but are yet to be adopted by Cabinet for submission to the
respective treaty bodies. Existing drafts of reports on the implementation of the ICCPR and ICESCR lapsed and must be updated.
148
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, A/HRC/44/50/Add.2

ZIMBABWE 2021 35
bargaining. A re-invigorated social contract is essential to building a shared and human-
centred national vision that strengthens respect for human rights and provides more
space for actors to hold each other accountable.
Allegations of intimidation and harassment of people holding dissenting political views,

trade union leaders and civil society actors and organisations working on human rights
issues by State agencies have blighted the Government’s human rights record.149 Yet
civil society organizations are crucial in filling a vacuum often left by the Government in
providing basic service delivery needs such as social welfare, water, sanitation, health,
education as well as free or subsidized legal services to those in need. They also play
a critical role in mobilizing various citizen interest groups to engage Government on
their priority issues and to participate in civic engagement processes and continuously
advocate through their activities, for constitutionalism, transparency, and accountability
in governance. Facilitating an enabling space including through establishing a progressive
legal framework for civil society actors and human rights defenders to participate in
policy dialogue and in the development of national policies is key to building a better
legal, political, economic and social environment that addresses the most basic needs
of the poorest and most marginalized groups.150 The Private Voluntary Organisations
Act needs to conform to international human rights standards.151 Security agencies are
accused of human rights violations including intimidation, harassment, excessive use
of force, arbitrary arrests and detentions, which appear to go without investigation and
of failing to anticipate and prevent the escalation of violence in a timely and peaceful
manner. Weak oversight and transparency along with the lack of clear mechanisms to
redress alleged violations and abuses by security forces give the impression of a culture
of impunity and deepen mistrust in the rule of law institutions in general, with long-
lasting implications for governance more broadly. Operationalisation of Section 210 of
the Constitution, which provides for the establishment of an Independent Complaints
Mechanism is key to ensuring accountability of security agencies. This is in addition to
efforts to strengthen the capacity of officials within the security sector and particularly
those involved in law enforcement official through training in human rights law and the
rule of law.152
Zimbabwe has a history of conducting regular elections. Eight Parliamentary elections

and five presidential elections were held between 1980 and 2013153, and two constitutional
referendums occurred in 2000 and 2013. The outcome of elections in the country have
historically been contested, however, the country has continuously sought to improve its
electoral management processes. In the recent 2018 elections, most Election Observer
Missions (EOMs) noted the improved pre-election environment, where all parties were
generally able to campaign freely, elections conducted in a peaceful manner, and well
managed.154 However, they also noted challenges that need to be addressed for future
elections including, results management, state media bias, allegations of intimidation,
and uneven playing field and the post-election violence, which resulted in fatalities. The
independence of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission remains a lingering concern among
some electoral stakeholders who also feel that current electoral laws are not fully aligned
to the Constitution. Critics also highlight limited implementation of the recommendations
of the 2018 Motlanthe (post-election) Commission despite the appointment of an inter-
ministerial taskforce to address issues arising from its findings.155 There is need for
dialogue among electoral stakeholders before the 2023 elections to consider issues
around electoral reforms.
Apart from intense political contestations, episodes of social unrest and violence
throughout the history of the country exposed a culture of intolerance across the political
149
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, A/HRC/44/50/Add.2
150
Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of Zimbabwe, A/HRC/34/8
151
HRC/34/2
152
HRC/34/2
153
Local Authority, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections occurred separately until 2008 when they were synchronized/
harmonized.
154
See: Zimbabwe Electoral Commission National Multi-stakeholder post-election review conference on the 2018 harmonised
elections https://zec.org.zw/pages/reports#
155
Veritas Commissions Watch 3/2021 23 February 2021

ZIMBABWE 2021 36
divide, creating deep polarisation156 and divisions in the country. These deep-seated
issues can create feelings of hopelessness, and marginalisation, which can in the long-
run, become push factors for radicalisation and recruitment into violent extremism, if left
unaddressed. This could feed into the growing threat of violent extremism and terrorism
in the region. While effort has been made to address these issues, there remain unresolved
grievances that ought to be addressed for the nation to collectively forge forward. The
National Peace and Reconciliation Commission was constituted to steer the country’s
peace and reconciliation agenda. It is mandated to set the stage for sustainable peace
by developing mechanisms for resolving lingering concerns over violent conflicts of the
past and institutionalising approaches for preventing their recurrence in the future.157
While peace committees have been established countrywide, through collaboration
with some non-state actors, meaningful progress in national healing is yet to be
realised. Nonetheless, opportunities exist to deepen foundations for peace and social
cohesion by enhancing national and community dispute resolution and consensus
building mechanisms around potentially divisive national issues and processes. Local
peacebuilders are the front-line responders in mitigating the impact of conflict, preventing
escalation, and finding solutions for local grievances. For instance, peacebuilding and
human rights groups aim to link monitoring work (observing and recording incidents of
The SADC Protocol on Politics, violence) with organisations able to respond immediately to such incidents.158 Religious
Defense and Security Cooperation groupings often engage Government in efforts to promote peaceful dialogue between
provides the framework for the State and the population whilst traditional leaders often play an important role in
peace and security and conflict resolving disputes and conflicts within their communities. Additionally, the meaningful
prevention and management involvement of women can be prioritised in line with the UN Security Council Resolution
in the region. The protocol also 1325 to promote and support women and incorporate gender perspectives in all national
covers issues of governance peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts. Recently launched good practices include
and the conduct of elections collaborative efforts between the NPRC and CSOs to establish safe spaces for women to
according to the SADC Principles engage in transitional justice interventions.
and Guidelines Governing
Democratic Elections (2015).
5.3 REGIONAL GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS CONTEXT
At regional level, Zimbabwe is a key member of the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU). The regional institutions subscribe to
the SDGs and refer to them in their key policy and strategic documents. The SDGs and
the 20 goals of Agenda 2063 and the SADC Regional Integration Strategic Plan 2021-
2030 Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RIDSP) are aligned. Several
of the opportunities available to Zimbabwe to make meaningful progress towards
the attainment of Agenda 2030 and to mitigate the threats that impede this progress,
require greater trans-boundary and regional cooperation between the country and its
neighbours.
The SADC Protocol on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation provides the framework
for peace and security and conflict prevention and management in the region. The
protocol also covers issues of governance and the conduct of elections according to the
SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2015). Its programme
is implemented through the Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ (SIPO) and the SADC
Regional Early Warning Centre (REWC), which are part of the SADC peace and security
architecture.
Transboundary threats to peace, security and stability in the region include transnational
crimes, extremism, terrorism, youth unemployment, poverty and climate change, which
require tackling through continued efforts and a systematic and sustainable regional
approach.159 The threats have stalled the ratification of the protocol on movement of
persons and labour migration. The spread of artisanal and illegal mining has also brought
a new threat of explosives, which are smuggled across borders and used in mining and
robberies. Zimbabwe is considered one of the sources of these illegal explosives.160
156
Drawn from ONHRI, Findings from the History of Conflict Research Programme Stakeholder consultation October 2015.
157
NPRC 5 Year Strategic Plan, 2018 – 2022, available at http://www.nprc.org.zw/publications/
158
Local Voices for Peace in Zimbabwe Civil society perspectives on peace and conflict issues in Zimbabwe https://www.
peacedirect.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/P661-PD-LVP-Zimbabwe-Report_LR.pdf
159
SADC Executive Secretary briefs Chair of the Organ on political and security situation in the region https://www.sadc.int/
newsevents/news/sadc-executive-secretary-briefs-chair-organ-political-and-security-situation-region/ [Accessed 30 March
2020]
160
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/security/civil-security/iss-explosives-smuggling-south-africas-ticking-time-bomb/ accessed

ZIMBABWE 2021 37
Zimbabwe’s foreign policy places importance on relations and cooperation with the region.
The relationship between the AU, SADC and Zimbabwe is perhaps best expressed in the
role that both bodies played in mediations that led to the 2008 Global Political Agreement
(GPA) following post-election violence.161 Whilst entry points to align programmes with
regional action plans and strategic documents to support the implementation of human
rights and governance commitments exist, limitations to full implementation continue to
exist as sub-regional entities seem to pursue quick wins in a bid to prevent conflicts from
spilling over into neighbouring territories.
Zimbabwe’s foreign policy position is often based on pan African values and most
recently is characterised by the desire to re-engage with the West with a view to securing
the removal of sanctions and encouraging investment. In this, it has received the backing
of the AU and SADC states.162 For example, in 2019, the SADC proclaimed a day of
solidarity calling upon the international community to unconditionally lift sanctions.163
Through the AU, Zimbabwe is also party to several processes of engagement with other
regional blocs and countries. Zimbabwe remains an influential actor in regional peace,
security and conflict prevention initiatives. In May 2020, Zimbabwe (as the chair of the
SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation) convened an extra ordinary
Organ troika summit to review the political and security situation of terrorism and armed
attacks in the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique, which, if not addressed quickly,
Zimbabwe’s 2019 Rule of Law
poses a threat to the prevailing peace in the region.164
Index had a value of 0.4, implying
that the country still needs to At continental level, Zimbabwe as a member of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of
take significant steps to enhance the African Union in 2019, championed key issues to be addressed on the agenda. These
rule of law and administration of included the threat of natural and other disasters, the state of foreign military presence in
justice. Africa and implications for the African Common Defence and Security Policy, cooperation,
coordination and collaboration between the PSC and regional economic communities
and regional mechanisms (RECs/RMs) on peace and security and the impact of popular
uprisings on peace and security on the continent.165Zimbabwe has also participated in
the UN’s peace-keeping operations.
5.4 RULE OF LAW AND ACCESS AND ADMINISTRATION OF

JUSTICE
An efficient and effective justice delivery system is the cornerstone of democracy.
Zimbabwe’s 2019 Rule of Law Index had a value of 0.4,166 implying that the country still
needs to take significant steps to enhance rule of law and administration of justice.
There are on-going efforts to decentralise services across the judiciary. The number of
courts at district and provincial level has increased over the last decade with notable
investment in courts infrastructure in Harare, Bulawayo, Gwanda and Lupane. The Judicial
Service Commission (JSC) decentralised High Courts to every province and Magistrate’s
Courts to every district. Where it is not possible to have a resident court, a circuit court
has been established. However, the provision of legal aid remains a challenge. Legal aid
centres established by the Legal Aid Directorate need to meet minimum standards of
service delivery and decentralise services for women, youth, and persons with disabilities
to district level.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has also completed the separation between the
Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court as envisaged by the Constitution. The formal
separation of the Constitutional Court from the Supreme Court is an important step in
improving the disposal of matters in both courts. In addition, other efforts to promote
on 6 November 2020
161
AU Assembly Resolution 1 (XI) of July 2008 and the subsequent SADC intervention
162
Research article, Zimbabwe’s Foreign Policy Under Mnangagwa Henning Melber, Roger Southall, 2021 https://journals.sagepub.
com/doi/abs/10.1177/0021909620986579
163
The SADC Heads of State and Government held in Tanzania in August 2019, declared 25 October as the day to stand in solidarity
with Zimbabwe, an event in which SADC Member States collectively voice their disapproval and condemnation of sanctions against
the Republic of Zimbabwe through various activities and platforms until sanctions are lifted. (www.sadc.int)
164
SADC Communique of the Extraordinary Organ Troika plus Republic of Mozambique Summit of Heads of State and Government
Harare, Zimbabwe 19 May 2020 Zimbabwe has recently been calling for the SADC and AU to take urgent action on the situation in
Mozambique. According to OCHA as at the end of October er there were 355000 internally displaced persons in Mozambique. This
has created a humanitarian crisis.
165
International Institute for Security Studies Peace and Security Council Report, Issue 116, August 2019 https://issafrica.org
166
The index ranks country performance on a scale ranging from 0 to 1, with 1 indicating highest adherence to the rule of law.

ZIMBABWE 2021 38
access to justice include: migration to an electronic case management system, review,
and rationalisation of legal costs, simplification of court procedures and improving access
to the courts by PWD.
However, the country continues to face challenges, including undue delays in the
completion of the hearing of cases, delivery of judgements, and growing perceptions of
corruption and patronage, which have a bearing on the independence of the judiciary.
Children interacting with the juvenile justice system are faced with specific access and
process challenges. These include weak intra-system coordination, limited reach of
rehabilitative programmes like pre-trial diversion and weak capacity of court intermediaries
who are supposed to work with children through the court processes. However, the pre-
trial diversion programme for juvenile offenders, which was introduced in 2013, has been
rolled out in all 10 provinces and has been handling over 50 cases a month since its
inception. In 2020, a total of 797 cases of juvenile offenders were diverted. The diversion
programme is however, only implemented in 33 districts and needs to be expanded to
cover all 65 districts in the country. Furthermore, there is need for an integrated case
management system, establishment of virtual courts as well as continuous training of
judicial officers to handle cases involving children. Several bills such as the Children’s
Amendment Bill, Child Justice Bill and the Harmonized Marriages Bill that will address
child rights concerns such as early marriage and raising the criminal age of responsibility
from the current 7 to 12 years are currently going through the legislative processes.
There are also concerns about the manner in which JSC members are appointed.
Eight of the thirteen members are either directly appointed by the President or are ex-
officio members of the Executive, a development that is perceived to compromise their
independence. Further, the National Prosecuting Authority, which plays a critical role in
the justice delivery system remains under resourced and requires institutional, technical,
and functional capacities for effective prosecutorial functions. This situation was
exacerbated by the Civil Service Commission freeze on recruitment, which necessitated
the secondment of military and police prosecutors, a perceived impingement on the
Prosecuting Authority’s independence. These challenges resulted in limited access to
and delivery of justice. However, in a bid to address the human resource constraints,
Government has disengaged the services of the seconded members of the security
sector and permitted the Prosecution Authority to proceed with the recruitment of 300
prosecutors. In order to ensure equal access to justice and fight impunity, measures
to strengthen the justice administration system such as adopting policies to guide the
equitable use of the performance and accountability systems of the justice institutions and
strengthening professional training of judges and prosecutors need to be implemented.167
Overcrowding in prisons and poor prison conditions is also a concern, while punitive
criminal policies, as well as a shortage of social protection services in the community,
continue to contribute to the growth of the prison population. Numerous international
instruments recommend a rationalization in sentencing policy, including the wider use
of alternatives to prison, aiming to reduce the number of people being isolated from
society for long periods. Use of non-custodial sanctions and measures is still very limited
in Zimbabwe. National legislation and rules relating to the management of prisons are
in need of reform to ensure compliance with international standards such as United
Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela
Rules). Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service contributed to development of SADC
Corrections/Prisons Strategic Action Plan (2021-2025).
5.5 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND DEVOLUTION

The Constitution enshrines values and principles for public administration, devolution
of governance and provides multiple and intersecting opportunities for human rights
implementation, application of the rule of law and good governance. The country has
acceded to the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), which promotes democracy
167
HRC/34/2.

ZIMBABWE 2021 39
and responsive governance consistent with the AU’s Agenda 2063. The APRM fosters the
adoption of policies, standards and practices that promote political stability, economic
growth, sustainable development and accelerated sub-regional and continental economic
integration through voluntary participation. Accession entails undertaking to submit to
periodic peer reviews, as well as to facilitate such reviews, and be guided by agreed
parameters for good political governance and good economic and corporate governance.
The country has a centralized governance system with the Office of the President and
Cabinet at its apex. The public sector comprises of central, provincial and/or metropolitan
and local government, state enterprises and parastatals. The Constitution provides for
the devolution of power and responsibilities to lower tiers of government with a view to
promote decentralisation, inclusive and accountable governance, preservation of peace
and national unity. In 2020, the Government launched the Devolution and Decentralisation
Policy to operationalise devolved governance systems to sub-national levels. However,
this policy is yet to be fully implemented. Under the Transitional Stabilisation Programme,
Government implemented initiatives aimed at modernising the public sector for greater
efficiency in service delivery including biometric registration of civil servants to eliminate
ghost workers. The Mo Ibrahim Index score for public administration shows a recovery
from the low point of 12.5 in 2008 to 46.1 in 2019 (on a scale from 1 to 100), with a rate
of 7.4% improvement between 2010 and 2019.168 Gains are attributable to legislative and
institutional reforms. The WB’s 2019 CPIA, similarly shows that the country’s rating has
marginally increased from 2.8 in 2018 to 3.0 in 2019 (mainly due to public sector reforms).
Despite reforms being implemented, there remain substantial governance vulnerabilities

in public administration including in the procurement of public goods and services.
The absence of a single web portal for publishing procurement plans and notices,
absence of standard sector-specific procurement documents and contracts, lack of
data collection system on procurement activities, prevalent use of direct contracting
The WB’s 2019 CPIA, similarly and limited competition undermine governance in public procurement. This negatively
shows that the country’s rating
impacts value for money, transparency, accountability, and integrity. Key Public Finance
has
Management (PFM) functions need improvement, particularly in accounting and financial
marginally reporting systems, processes, and capacities, as identified by the recent 2017–18 Public
increased Expenditure and Financial Accountability report.169 Local governments have experienced
from 2.8 in
considerable capacity erosion, skills flight, deteriorated infrastructure, outdated billing and
accounting packages, and non-compliant internal planning and monitoring systems.
2018 to 3.0 in
2019 5.6 CORRUPTION
Corruption, both in the public and private sectors, has slowed down development in
(mainly due to public sector
reforms). the country. In March 2007, Zimbabwe ratified the United Nations Convention against
Corruption (UNCAC). In 2013, the country underwent the implementation review of
the UNCAC. The review acknowledged that Zimbabwe has an elaborate institutional
infrastructure to combat corruption including the Office of the Auditor General, the Financial
Intelligence Unit (FIU), Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission
(ZACC), National Prosecuting Authority, the Special Anti-Corruption Unit (SACU) in the
Office of the President, and the recently established specialised Anti-Corruption Courts.
However, corruption remains a very high risk for companies operating in Zimbabwe. The
sectors that are more prone to corruption include the natural resource sector, public
procurement, customs administration, tax administration, land administration and public
services such as licencing, permits and utilities.170 The legacy of persistent corruption
harms the country’s institutions and state-society relations. The country’s Corruption
Perception Index for 2020 was 24/100 and ranked 157 out of 180 countries (Transparency
International 2020).
168
UNECA. 2019. The Africa regional integration index Report 2019. UNECA. [Online] Available at https://www.uneca.org/sites/
default/files/PublicationFiles/arii-report2019-fin-r39-21may20.pdf [Accessed on 21 November 2020]
169
PEFA. 2018. 2017–18 Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability report. PEFA. [Online] Available at https://www.pefa.
org/node/356. [Accessed 18 November 2020]
170
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/corruption/index.html?ref=menuside

ZIMBABWE 2021 40
The Afro-barometer and Global Corruption Barometer showed that in 2019, 60% of
Zimbabweans reported increased corruption levels in the past 12 months.171 In the same
year, ZACC received and investigated 820 cases, 64% of which were cases related to
criminal abuse of duty, 36% of cases were reports of fraud, money laundering, corrupt
impersonation and use of false documents.172 The offence of criminal abuse of duty
relates to corrupt practices in the public sector. Most of these cases were committed
by officials within government ministries, parastatals, local authorities and grant-aided
institutions. In addition to lack of adequate resources, ZACC does not have prosecution
powers, which severely constrains its ability to pursue cases timeously. The Commission is
on record advocating for prosecutorial powers. Corruption undermines public confidence
in government, fair access to social services and attendant human rights, delivery of
public services and viable economic activity. The poor and the most vulnerable remain
disproportionately impacted through poor public and social service delivery.
In addition, significant amount of illicit financial outflows deprives the country of the
resources so much needed for the immediate development needs. Although Zimbabwe
has demonstrated progress in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing
(AML/CFT), the country is still on ‘grey list’ of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The
latter has identified several strategic deficiencies in Zimbabwe’s AML/CFT regime and
put the country under increased monitoring since 2017.173 Zimbabwe needs to upscale
its national AML/CFT efforts to establish adequate risk mitigation measures, ensure
that competent authorities have access to timely and up-to-date beneficial ownership
information and address remaining gaps in targeted financial sanction framework. There
is a need for stronger efforts in addressing illicit financial flows, including through more
efficient national illicit assets forfeiture and management mechanisms, as well as active
participation in relevant regional and continental cooperation initiatives. The UN can
further support Zimbabwe to comply with international standards related to financial
sanctions and combating illicit financial flows established under various UN Security
Council resolutions, such as resolutions 1267, 1373 and 1988, relevant UN conventions
and FATF recommendations.
5.7 IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN

RIGHTS
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed serious risks for effective governance. Time lost to
illness, as well as COVID-19 response measures, such as extended lockdowns, remote
working and manpower reduction at work, negatively affected delivery of governance and
public service. In addition, measures introduced to contain the spread of the virus affected
lives and livelihoods and access to basic services such as water and sanitation and health
care. The measures also limited access to justice, work and incomes, education and a wide
range of democratic and civil rights such as the right to peaceful assembly, free movement
and access to information.
Democratic processes were limited under the lockdown, including the suspension of by-
elections to fill vacancies in Parliament and Local Authorities. Consequently, the smooth
functioning of these key democratic institutions was disrupted. The pandemic also fuelled
misinformation on social media, which deepened polarization. On the positive side social
media was also used to share useful information such as measures that citizens should
observe to avoid coronavirus infections.
COVID-19 exposed deficiencies in the health and education sectors as well as in the
integrity of Government procurement systems. The outbreak presented opportunities to
strengthen governance systems and increase investment in public services, such as health
delivery, water and sanitation facilities and the informal sector.
171
MO Ibrahim Foundation. 2020. 2020 Ibrahim Index of African Governance Index Report. MO Ibrahim Foundation. [Online]
Available at https://mo.ibrahim.foundation/sites/default/files/2020-11/2020-index-report.pdf [Accessed on 21 November
2020] Public sector entities such as the National Social Security Authority, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), MoHCC,
Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), and ZIMDEF have been reported in allegations of graft involving millions of dollars. The
Auditor General (AG) in her annual reports to Parliament documented massive abuse of public funds but few (if any) of the senior
officials involved appear to have been prosecuted – weakening state-people relationships. For instance, the social services
sector lost USD 102 333 955 in different forms of leakages in the 2018 reporting period by the AGs office. In 2018, Transparency
International Zimbabwe reported that tax administration is inefficient, marked by a porous corruption system, with loopholes in
the tax collection system and slow tax clearance at borders.
172
ZACC Annual Report 2019 https://zacc.online/
173
http://www.fatf-gafi.org/publications/high-risk-and-other-monitored-jurisdictions/documents/increased-monitoring-
february-2021.html

ZIMBABWE 2021 41
6. PARTNERSHIPS AND
FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE
ANALYSIS
The ambitions of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot be achieved without the cooperation
and partnerships between multiple actors across a broad range of areas. This section assesses the country’s
progress on SDG17, which seeks to ‘Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global
Partnership for Sustainable Development’, across different areas including finance, technology, capacity
building, trade, and systemic issues.

ZIMBABWE 2021 42
Zimbabwe requires significant resources in order to achieve the Sustainable Development
Goals. While there is no estimate of the quantum required to meet all the SDGs, it is
estimated that the country requires about US$15 billion to finance growth over the
5-year period from 2020-2025, the majority of which, will go towards infrastructure
improvements (US$10.6 billion).174 Regrettably the country’s financing landscape is
severely constrained owing to debt distress. This makes it difficult for Zimbabwe to get
fresh funding, despite benefiting from sustained levels of international support, largely for
humanitarian activities targeting social sectors. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic
engendering a global economic downturn, ODA levels may recede as countries renege
on the commitment to dedicate 0.7 percent of gross national income to ODA. Enhanced
domestic resource mobilization, transparency, and accountability and leveraging private
sector support will be important for Zimbabwe to accelerate progress towards SDGs.
6.1 INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

The Government’s NDS1 pledges to support the Sustainable Development Goals theme
of “leaving no-one and no place behind [leveraging]… technical and financial support
from both the Private Sector and Development Partners...” Under NDS1, Zimbabwe
targets to repair strained relationships with the international community and the IFIs.
Sanctions and restrictive measures imposed by the western international community
targeting individuals and companies is believed to have reputational costs and negative
Zimbabwe requires significant investment risk perceptions. Access to international capital markets is constrained by
resources in order to achieve the outstanding arrears with bilateral and multilateral creditors. Integral to strengthening
Sustainable Development Goals. the ‘means of implementation’ of the NDS1, are strategies focusing on the mobilization
While there is no estimate of the of adequate resources, fair and equitable trade and technological progress for
quantum required to meet all the sustainable development and capacity building, delivered through partnerships based on
SDGs, it is estimated that the accountability and solidarity.
country requires about
US$15
In view of the changing global perspective on development cooperation, the Government,
in consultation with key stakeholders among them, local and international development
partners, reviewed and updated the 2009 Aid Coordination Policy. This culminated in
billion
to finance growth over the 5-year
the development and launch of the Development Cooperation Policy (2019),175 through
which Government domesticated global commitments, including those on effective
development cooperation and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: “The
period from 2020-2025, the Future We Want”, with its emphasis on “Leaving No-One Behind”. The Development
majority of which, will go towards Cooperation Policy seeks to strengthen development cooperation, linkages between
infrastructure improvements national planning processes (budget) and support provided by Development Partners
(US$10.6 billion). (Bilateral and Multilateral), reduce fragmentation, overlapping interventions and
inefficiency. The new policy seeks to establish operational coordinating structures and
to provide guidelines for the mobilization and management of development cooperation.
This will strengthen the role of the Ministry of Finance in the management and
coordination of development assistance. This includes negotiations and commitments
with development partners. The policy also seeks to strengthen Government’s ability to
monitor and manage development cooperation and use available resources effectively
and efficiently. Meanwhile, Government is finalising the Aid Information Management
System (DevPromis) – a platform that will operationalise the harmonised reporting and
sharing of information.
Although Zimbabwe has settled the International Monetary Fund debt of US$107.9
million, the country is yet to clear its arrears with the World Bank (US$1.33 billion), African
Development Bank (US$689 million), and the European Investment Bank (US$329
million).176 The UN SDG Framework encourages developed nations to assist developing
countries in achieving long-term debt sustainability through policies that foster debt
financing, relief, restructuring and addressing external debt of highly indebted countries
174
November 2020]
175
Available at http://www.zimtreasury.gov.zw/index.php?option=com_phocadownload&view=category&id=2:policy-
documents&Itemid=760
176
The 2021 National Budget Statement

ZIMBABWE 2021 43
to reduce debt distress. The country has been in dialogue with bilateral and multilateral
creditors to implement debt management plan, the Lima Debt and Arrears Clearance
Strategy.
6.2 EXTERNAL FINANCING

The country is in debt distress with public and publicly guaranteed debt amounting
to US$8.1 billion, which is about 84% of Zimbabwe’s GDP.177 With limited access to
concessional external funding, there are allegations that the few lenders to Zimbabwe
either charge high interest rates (country risk premium) or demand collateral in the form
of future mineral receipts (https://www.mining.com/web/zimbabwes-mineral-backed-
loans-may-complicate-talks-creditors-imf-says/). It is argued this would be tantamount
to mortgaging the country’s future. Opportunities remain under existing multilateral
financing for climate protection. Funding is available under the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol, the Clean Development
Mechanism (CDM), the climate change programmes of the Global Environment Facility
(GEF), and the Adaptation Fund, including the World Bank’s Climate Investment Funds
and bilateral initiatives.178 In the context of COVID-19 and debt forgiveness, the UN has
advocated for a multi-lateral debt settlement agreement with debt re-structuring linked
to green debt swaps and buyouts to help countries preserve biodiversity, move away
from fossil fuels and curb global warming.
6.3 FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has remained depressed over the years. Zimbabwe’s
FDI inflows amounted to US$1.7 billion over the period 1980 to 2013, compared to its
neighbours Zambia (US$7.7 billion) and Mozambique (US$15.8 billion).179 FDI inflows
were estimated at US$591 million in 2015, compared to annual averages of US$6 billion
for South Africa, US$2 billion for Zambia, and US$1.8 billion for Botswana. In 2019,
according to the World Bank development indicators, FDI net inflows (percentage of
GDP) in Zimbabwe stood very low at 1.3%. The country remains unattractive to FDI due
to factors including lack of respect for property rights, policy inconsistency, currency
instability, red tape when starting a business, erratic power supply, poor contract
enforcement and the difficulty of trading across borders. However, progress is being
recorded through the Government’s ease of doing business initiatives. The 2020 World
Bank Doing Business report ranked Zimbabwe 140 out of 190 countries with a Doing
Business Score of 54.5, which means that the country remains unattractive for FDI.
6.4 OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE (ODA) FROM

BILATERAL DONORS
The largest share of ODA to Zimbabwe has been provided in the area of health, followed
by other social and infrastructure services and humanitarian aid. As a percentage of
Gross National Income (GNI), Zimbabwe received net ODA of 2.6% in 2018 compared
to 3.8%, 12.9%, 4.4%, 7.3%, and 12.0%, for Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, and
Rwanda, respectively. These numbers include support from multilateral institutions.180
For 2017-18, the United States of America was the leading source of ODA, followed by
the Global Fund, the United Kingdom, and the EU institutions (see Figure: 6.1). Given
the gloomy global economic conditions, ODA might be depressed further with adverse
impact on already constrained domestic financing space.
177
Government of Zimbabwe. 2020. National Development Strategy
178
UNCTAD.2009. Financing the Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Measures in Developing Countries
[Online] Available at https://unctad.org/en/Docs/gdsmdpg2420094_en.pdf. [Accessed 24 November 2020]
179
Kanyenze, G., Chitambara, P. and Tyson, J. 2027 The outlook for the Zimbabwean economy. Supporting economic
transformation (SEP)
180
OECD. 2020. Development Finance data. OECD. [Online] Available at https://www.oecd.org/dac/financing-sustainable-development/
development-finance-data/ [Accessed on 5 December 2020]

ZIMBABWE 2021 44
Figure 6.1: Zimbabwe’s Official Development Assistance
6.5 REMITTANCES
With a large diaspora population, remittances have increasingly become an important
source of foreign receipts. Zimbabwe receives an estimated US$1 billion from its diaspora
community annually. In 2019, remittances constituted 54% of total international receipts.
The bulk of these, are however, consumptive and are transmitted through informal
channels in order to avoid both high transaction charges and foreign currency restrictions
in Zimbabwe. The key challenge is to ensure more remittances via formal channels and
leveraging this important stream of resources towards a more developmental role.
Although the COVID-19 induced restrictions limited human movement across borders
since early 2020, formal remittances increased by 45% between January and September
2020, according to the Central Bank.
6.6 DOMESTIC FINANCING

There are ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation by instituting
reforms to improve the business environment. The country launched the Zimbabwe
Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) in December 2020, with a specialised
mandate to spearhead the country’s efforts to attract local and foreign direct investment.
While Zimbabwe ranked 140 out of 190 economies on the World Bank Doing Business
Index, in 2019, the country was among the World Bank’s top 20 most improved
economies. The implementation of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency
Act (Chapter 14:37) is expected to reduce red tape and bottlenecks impeding investment
in the country. Under ZIDA, a One-Stop Investment Services Centre (OSISC), has been
established to promote investment and coordination, assisting investors, and facilitating
entry and implementation of investment projects.
The ZIDA Act also aims at facilitating private sector participation in infrastructure
development, against the backdrop of budgetary resource limitations. Under the Public-
Private Partnerships, the Government is targeting to the recapitalise the National
Railways of Zimbabwe and key road infrastructure such as dualization of181 Chirundu–
181
GoZ. 2018. Towards an Upper-Middle Income Economy by 2030 “New Dispensation Core Values: New York presentation”
Government of Zimbabwe.

ZIMBABWE 2021 45
Harare–Beitbridge, Harare–Nyamapanda, Bulawayo–Victoria Falls. Other investments
include finalising the Batoka Gorge Hydro project and the Kunzvi dam construction.
Earlier estimates by the African Development Bank indicate the cost of implementing
the country’s priority infrastructure projects at more than US$30 billion.182 To mobilise
these resources, the country’s Vision 2030 seeks to galvanise private players to partner
with Government in the expansion and modernisation of roads, rail, airports, shopping
malls, industrial parks and associated tollgates linking key cities, power generation, dam
construction, water reticulation, budget hotel chains in the tourism industry and ICT.
Macroeconomic conditions, particularly exchange rate , have reduced the capacity of the
local financial services sector to support growth (Figure 6.2). The conversion of banks’
assets and liabilities to ZWL at an exchange rate of 1:1 to the US$ in February 2019
caused a sharp shrinkage in banking sector assets (from 58 percent of GDP at end-2018
to 24 percent at end-September 2019) and bank deposits converted into US$ (from 6
billion to 1.6 billion over the same period). This has negatively affected banks’ ability to
maintain credit lines with foreign banks, to meet corporate entities’ needs for funding,
and to fund the Government. Private sector credit as a share of GDP has contracted
for 5 consecutive years.183 In addition, the macroeconomic uncertainties still prevalent,
shifted banks’ strategies from lending to preserving value, which is often less productive
(real estate for example). The domestic non-bank private sector has contracted under
the harsh economic environment, which has negatively impacted its ability to access
external financing.
Figure 6.2 Zimbabwe Credit to the private sector
Private Sector Credit (Percent of GDP)
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Source: IMF Article IV Press Consultation Release184
The implementation of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP), anchored on

fiscal consolidation helped reduce the monetary financing of the budget deficit. Monetary
policy has become tighter and more transparent, and this was further enhanced by the
introduction of a foreign exchange auction system in June 2020. The need to reduce the
fiscal deficit, has constrained the Government’s options in financing its current outlays
as well as capital/investment spending (Figure 6.3). While necessary, adjustment means
tightening the belt and therefore, less financing available.
182
PEFA. 2018. 2017–18 Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability report. PEFA. [Online] Available at https://www.pefa.
org/node/356. [Accessed 18 November 2020]
183
https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/Issues/2020/03/19/Zimbabwe-2019-Article-IV-Consultation-Press-Release-Staff-
Report-and-Statement-by-the-49283.
184

ZIMBABWE 2021 46
Figure 6.3 Zimbabwe
Government Financing
Source: IMF Article IV Consultation185
Going forward, the country needs to strengthen efforts towards re-engagement with IFIs
and intensify efforts towards domestic revenue mobilization, from traditional and non-
traditional sources, while instituting measures to promote prudent financial management
for enhanced delivery of the SDGs. Importantly, more innovative financing models that
blend development objectives with commercial considerations will be required in order
to catalyse financing for SDGs. In addition to bolstering Domestic Resource Mobilization
(DRM) and re-engagement with IFIs, the country could also leverage its relationship with
countries such as China, in promoting trade and development cooperation. China has
emerged as Zimbabwe’s largest aid, investment, and South–South cooperation partner
in the last decade.
185

ZIMBABWE 2021 47
7. POPULATIONS
FURTHEST BEHIND
IN DEVELOPMENT
PROGRESS
Drawing from the preceding analyses, while Zimbabwe has made some progress across the 5Ps of sustainable
development, there remain segments of the population that are marginalised and socially excluded. Exclusion
could be as a result of geographical location, population group, migratory status, age, ethnicity, religion,
gender, education level, socio-economic status, or the nature of their job. Ensuring that these inequalities
are addressed is crucial in preventing the growth of feelings of frustration and anger, which can create a
fertile ground for radicalising the population into violent extremist and other conflicts. The following analyses
identify, which specific populations are left behind in Zimbabwe’s development trajectory and how. The
analyses also demonstrates that there are vital commonalities across population groups lagging behind in
development progress.

ZIMBABWE 2021 48
7.1 INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
The Doma people in the north-central region, and the Tshwa (also known as the San),
in the western part of the country are examples of marginalised indigenous groups,
consistently associated with more significant deprivation. In Zimbabwe, the population of
the San is around 2,500.186 The existence of many San is precarious, as San households
face chronic poverty and perennial hunger. Although the Government recognises their
exclusion, it does not consider them indigenous peoples as all Zimbabwean tribes are
seen as indigenous peoples and thus, the San are neither recognised in the Constitution
nor reflected in the Zimbabwe census.187 However, the African Commission on Human
and Peoples’ Rights has stated that the concept of indigeneity in Africa refers to those
communities in Africa whose cultures and ways of life differ considerably from the
dominant society, and whose cultures are under threat, in some cases to the point of
extinction, the survival of their particular culture depends on access and rights to their
traditional lands and the natural resources thereon. Further, these are groups who suffer
from discrimination as they are regarded as less developed and less advanced than other
more dominant sectors of society, who live in inaccessible regions, often geographically
isolated, and suffer from various forms of marginalization, both politically and socially,
who are subjected to domination and exploitation within national political and economic
structures that are commonly designed to reflect the interests and activities of the
national majority, and who identify themselves as indigenous.188 The Doma people have
remained largely unintegrated and out of the socio-economic system, in their enclave
despite Government efforts since independence. With their nomadic lifestyle curtailed
by settlements around them including the development of national parks, the Doma rely
on handouts and subsistence farming on the Zambezi floodplains where their crops are
threatened by wildlife.
Indigenous groups like the San and Doma are invisible in national data and statistics,
The Doma people have remained making it harder to understand their socio-demographic profiles. The majority are
largely unintegrated and out of impoverished with limited access to essential services.189 The majority of indigenous
the socio-economic system, in groups live on communal land and, therefore, do not have legal rights to the land they
their enclave despite Government occupy. The lack of recognition of their collective rights increasingly create a fertile ground
efforts since independence. With for disenfranchisement, loss of territories and natural resources resulting in complex forms
their nomadic lifestyle curtailed of poverty, deprivation, conflict, including violent extremism. The survival of their way of life
by settlements around them depends on access and rights to their traditional lands and the natural resources.
including the development of
national parks, the Doma rely The rights of indigenous people is a matter of international concern and the UN system
on handouts and subsistence in Zimbabwe has a pivotal role to play in promoting and protecting these rights,
farming on the Zambezi as articulated in the African Commission’s Resolution on indigenous populations/
floodplains where their crops are communities in Africa,190 the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (articles
threatened by wildlife. 19 and 20) and the ILO Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169). Many
of the Sustainable Development Goals and associated targets are relevant for indigenous
people and the overarching framework of the 2030 Agenda, which contains numerous
elements that can go towards articulating their development concerns.
7.2 PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The country’s disability prevalence is 9%, and it is higher among females (10%) than males
(8%). Manicaland and Mashonaland Central provinces have the highest prevalence of
13% while Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South have the lowest rates (4%).191
Throughout the country, children with disabilities, especially those with intellectual or
psychosocial impairments, are subjected to more significant abuse, violence, stigma, and
exclusion, particularly in rural areas. Early diagnosis of the impairment and support is
186
Hitchcock, R. K. 2016. The San in Zimbabwe: Livelihoods, Land, and Human Rights. [Online] Available at https://www.
researchgate.net/publication/296828038 [Accessed on 3 December 2020]
187
IWGIA .n.d, Indigenous peoples in Zimbabwe. https://www.iwgia.org/en/zimbabwe/980-indigenous-peoples-in-zimbabwe.
html ((accessed 5 November 2020).
188
Report of the African Commission’s Working Group of Experts on Indigenous Populations/Communities (2005) accessible at
https://www.iwgia.org/images/publications/African_Commission_book.pdf
189
Cultural Survival., Observations on the State of Indigenous Human Rights in Zimbabwe Prepared for United Nations
Human Rights Council: March 2016 2nd cycle of Universal Periodic Review of Zimbabwe 26th session of the Human Rights
Council.2016.
190
ACHPR/Res.334 (EXT.OS/XIX)2016.
191
ZimSTAT and UNFPA. 2017. Inter-Censal Demographic Survey, 2017. ZimSTAT. [Online] Available at https://zimbabwe.
unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/Inter%20Censal%20Demography%20Survey%202017%20Report.pdf [Accessed on 18
November 2020]

ZIMBABWE 2021 49
difficult to obtain, particularly for children from low-income families. The experience of
overlapping and intersecting inequalities – such as disability, being a woman or a girl,
living in a rural area and belonging to a low-income family – can heighten the chances
of being ‘left behind’.192 Analysis of development indicators in Zimbabwe, particularly
poverty indicators show that persons with disabilities, particularly females in rural areas
from disadvantaged households, have the highest levels of malnutrition, the fewest years
of schooling, often excluded from opportunities to participate fully in their communities,
have fewer employment opportunities, are more vulnerable to violence and abuse, and
have very limited access to justice and SRHR services.
Harmful cultural and religious norms remain persistent,193 resulting in stigmatisation and
exclusion of persons with disabilities from all spheres of participation and basic services.
In situations of disaster, persons with disabilities remain excluded from first aid, recovery,
and reconstruction programmes as well as the disaster risk reduction system. They have
limited access to inclusive education and well-trained teachers, school infrastructure,
curriculum, and programmes. Access to mainstream Technical Vocational Education
and Training (TVET) institutions is also hampered by the common prejudice that persons
with disabilities should do crafts and manual work, thus preventing them from developing
skills, improving their livelihoods and access to decent employment, and exercising their
agency and voice, as enshrined in the CRPD.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe cites disability as one of the grounds prohibited for
discrimination under section 56 and under section 22(4) and calls for agencies to take
measures to ensure accessibility by persons with disabilities to all buildings, environments
and transportation to which other members of the public have. Under section 83, the
Constitution provides for elaborate rights of PWDs (including rights to enable them to
become self-reliant, protect them from all forms of exploitation and abuse). In 2021, the
National Disability Policy was adopted while a draft legislation that should be compliant
with the CRPD is soon to be tabled before Parliament for debate. The Government has
drafted its first national report to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Going forward, the country should prioritise adopting a human rights-based approach to
addressing issues and concerns of persons with disabilities. Stakeholders, including the
UN and Government should dedicate efforts to combat intersectional discrimination and
gender-based violence against girls and women with disabilities, while also facilitating
their access to SRHR services and justice. The allocation of sufficient resources to
implement and strengthen disability policies and programmes is paramount, as it will
ensure equitable access to basic social services. The UN and its partners should continue
to influence changes in attitudes, beliefs and cultural norms towards disability and to
conduct systematic close consultation with, and active involvement of, Organizations of
Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).
7.3 RURAL WOMEN AND GIRLS

The empowerment of rural women and girls and the realization of their human rights
and gender equality are essential to the achievement of the Beijing Declaration and
Platform for Action, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving gender equality and
the empowerment of all women and girls (Goal 5) in rural areas is linked to all other
Goals and targets, including ending poverty in all its forms (Goal 1), eradicating hunger,
achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture (Goal
2), achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all (Goal 8) and taking
action to combat climate change (Goal 13). These Goals and targets encompass several
rights that are essential to the livelihoods, well-being and resilience of rural women and
girls in Zimbabwe. Such rights include the right to land and land tenure security, food
and nutrition of adequate quality and quantity, live a life free of all forms of violence,
discrimination and harmful practices, the highest attainable standard of health, including
SRHRs, and quality, affordable and accessible education throughout the life cycle.
192
UNESCO, Amplifying the voices of women and girls with disabilities in Zimbabwe: a comprehensive study, UNPRPD, 2020.
https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000374388. [Accessed on 16 December 2020]
193
UNESCO, Harmful cultural beliefs and practices, stigma and discrimination towards women and girls with disabilities: a toolkit
for change, UNPRPD, 2020. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000375021?posInSet=3&queryId=f0307a9c-901b-
4f8b-acb2-bdde3584c9ab. [Accessed on 16 December 2020]

ZIMBABWE 2021 50
The rights and wellbeing of rural women and girls have been overlooked or insufficiently
addressed in laws, policies, budgets, and investments. Although they comprise majority
of the women, rural women suffer disproportionate levels of poverty. Rural women’s
access to land, especially the right to inherit land, is impeded by harmful cultural
practices. In addition, they have limited access to education, health, justice, housing,
water, sanitation and to formal credit and loans.194 They lack infrastructure and services,
decent work, and social protection, and are left more vulnerable to the effects of climate
change. Government continues to promote women’s equal and full access to economic
resources, including the right to ownership of land, property and credit. Agriculture is
the backbone of the Zimbabwean economy and is relied upon by the majority rural
population. Approximately 68% of Zimbabwean women live in rural areas, and 60% of
people who produce agricultural commodities are women living in the rural areas, whose
work is essential for food security. Most women are unpaid family workers. Rural women
work 16 to 18 hours a day, spending at least 49% of their time on agricultural activities
and about 25% in unpaid care work and domestic activities.195 Gender responsive
Rural women have limited access investment for rural women ought to support women’s productive and unpaid work,
to formal credit and loans. The which intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Basic public infrastructure and services
credit made available through must be extended and expanded to rebuild rural women’s lives after the pandemic and to
the women-centred financial increase their resilience to be better prepared to face future crises.
institutions, i.e. the Women’s
Microfinance Bank is inadequate. The CEDAW Committee, in its review of Zimbabwe’s report on the status of implementation
Rural women are more likely to of the convention, commended Zimbabwe for its effort to facilitate access to land by
be economically disadvantaged women through Statutory Instrument No. 53 of 2014, which deals specifically with
during the COVID-19 pandemic agricultural land settlement. Through this subsidiary legislation, the Government recalled
because their enterprises have old land permits and provided for registration of joint land ownership by both spouses.
become redundant. However, harmful cultural practices that impede rural women’s access to land still
persist. The Committee was particularly concerned about the inability of such women
to inherit land. The CEDAW Committee recommended that access to inherited land
by women be facilitated by penalising actions by both public institutions and private
individuals that deprive rural women of their rights to land. Support to the work of the
Zimbabwe Land Commission (ZLC) and the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC)
should be strengthened.
Rural women have limited access to formal credit and loans. The credit made available
through the women-centred financial institutions, such as the Women’s Microfinance
Bank, is inadequate. Rural women are more likely to be economically disadvantaged
during COVID-19 due to the impact of the pandemic on their enterprises. In this regard,
access to affordable credit must be facilitated for rural women. Such facilitation includes
provision of free and accessible financial literacy trainings as well as promoting the
establishment and scaling-up of small enterprises. It is also critical to improve rural
women’s access to justice, education, employment, health, housing, safe water and
sanitation, electricity and other infrastructure.
7.4 POPULATIONS HARDEST HIT BY DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

SHOCKS
Specific groups hardest hit by hazards and climate shocks (cyclones) merit attention due
to the disadvantage and challenges they face–for instance, living in rural areas, subject
to climate shocks and having a history of deprivation and poverty. In March 2019, heavy
precipitation and riverine flooding from Cyclone Idai damaged infrastructure, properties,
and the livelihoods of over 270,000 people across seven districts in Manicaland and
Masvingo provinces.196 A year after the cyclone, 128,270 people still needed humanitarian
assistance across the 12 affected districts in the two provinces.197 The cyclone
exacerbated the already negative impacts of the El Niño-induced drought, ravaging large
tracts of agricultural land and further heightening the emergency levels of food insecurity
194
CEDAW, Concluding observations on the sixth periodic report of Zimbabwe, CEDAW/C/ZWE/CO/6
195
FAO. 2017. National Gender Profile of Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods – Zimbabwe: Country Gender Assessment Series.
Harare.
196
GoZ. 2020. Zimbabwe Revised Humanitarian Response Plan 2020. Harare. [Online] Available at https://reliefweb.int/sites/
reliefweb.int/files/resources/Zimbabwe_Revised_2020_HRP_with_COVID19_Addendum.pdf [Accessed on 3 December 2020]
197
Zimbabwe National Development Strategy [Accessed on 3 December 2020].

ZIMBABWE 2021 51
for over one million people. The disproportionately adverse effects of cyclones and floods
on women and girls, and persons with disabilities, as in the case of Cyclone Idai, increase
women’s risk of gender-based violence, food insecurity, exclusion from the humanitarian
programmes, and non-inclusive rebuilding and recovery.
Going forward, there is need to strengthen national climate change response strategy
including gender dimensions and the participation of women at all development and
planning stages. There is need to prioritise assessing and addressing the impact of
Cyclone Idai on women and girls ensuring the integration of a gender dimension into
the planning, budgeting, development, implementation and monitoring of policies and
programmes on disaster risk reduction and climate change.198
7.5 SEXUAL MINORITIES AND SEX WORKERS

By adopting the 2030 Agenda, UN Member States pledged to leave no one behind and to
reach those left furthest behind, first. This commitment includes sexual minorities such as
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people, who are, in many societies,
among the most marginalized and furthest behind. There is a growing recognition for the
need to respect, protect and fulfil human rights of all people including LGBTI people.
This includes a number of statements by the UN Secretary-General,199 the adoption of
three Human Rights Council resolutions200 against violence and discrimination based on
sexual orientation and gender identity and the appointment of an Independent Expert to
identify causes for violence and discrimination, assess implementation of human rights
instruments, engage in dialogue and foster measures for the protection of all people
against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
LGBTI persons in Zimbabwe experience a climate of intimidation, stigma and

discrimination, which may exclude them from society, affect their access to public
services and job opportunities. Public attitudes towards LGBTI persons are generally
intolerant, thus LGBTI persons generally do not openly express their sexuality or gender
identity in their workplaces, or within their families. Criminalization of same sex relations
creates a hostile environment for LGBTI people and has a hampering effect on national
initiatives for the realisation of health-related development goals for the nation. This
factor coupled with religious leaders’ rhetoric, which singles out and targets LGBTI
communities specifically, further exacerbates this. In addition, criminalisation of same
sex relations has a severe negative effect on the mental health of the LGBTI community,
which often results in depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicidal ideation. Laws
and policies, which are not LGBTI inclusive, further alienate them from full and active
citizenry.
The commitment to leave no one behind also extends to sex workers who remain
among the populations left furthest behind. A 2017 study estimated that there were
approximately 44,500 Female Sex Workers (FSW) across Zimbabwe, with 58% living with
HIV.201 A 2015 modes of transmission study estimated that 4,000 new HIV infections
occur among sex workers every year. In sub-Saharan Africa, the proportion of HIV
infection in the general female population that is attributable to sex work is estimated to
be 17.8%.202 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) 2015 found that 30%
of men aged 30-49 reported having sex with a sex worker. There are HIV prevalence and
incidence disparities within the FSW community - prevalence among young FSWs below
25 years is 21.3% and it rises to 49.9% for those above 25. Level of education seemed
to be a contributing factor among young FSW– HIV prevalence was 40% for those who
had no/incomplete primary education compared to 25.2% among those who had up to
198
CEDAW, Concluding Observations on the sixth periodic report of Zimbabwe, CEDAW/C/ZWE/CO/6
199
See the Statement by the UN Secretary-General on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
of 17 May 2020, Available: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2020-05-17/secretary-generals-message-the-
international-day-against-homophobia-biphobia-and-transphobia.
200
Human Rights Council Resolution on Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender
identity (adopted 30 June 2016) - A/HRC/RES/32/2; Human Rights Council resolution - Human rights, sexual orientation and
gender identity (adopted 17 June 2011) - A/HRC/RES/17/19 and Human Rights Council resolution - Human rights, sexual
orientation and gender identity (adopted 26 September 2014) - A/HRC/RES/27/32.
201
Cowan, F.M., Davey, C., Fearon, E., Mushati, P., Dirawo, J., Chabata, S., Cambiano, V., Napierala, S., Hanisch, D., Wong-
Gruenwald, R. and Masuka, N., 2018. Targeted combination prevention to support female sex workers in Zimbabwe accessing
and adhering to antiretrovirals for treatment and prevention of HIV (SAPPH-IRe): a cluster-randomised trial. The lancet HIV, 5(8),
pp.e417-e426.
202
https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/UNAIDS_FactSheet_en.pdf [Accessed on 30 March 2021]

ZIMBABWE 2021 52
secondary education. Starting sex work at a younger age (10-14 years) was also linked
to higher HIV prevalence of 33.7% compared to 29.4% for those who started sex work
between 20–24 years.203 The prevailing economic situation characterised by crippling
high inflation, unemployment, and shortages of food, medicine and foreign currency has
had a huge impact on the entry of women and girls into sex work. In the face of dwindling
household incomes, food insecurity and abject urban and rural poverty, sex work has
become a livelihood strategy for poor rural and urban women.
The legal and social environment continues to criminalize and stigmatize sex work,
making it difficult to reach younger and newer sex workers who are at higher risk of HIV
infection, or to break the systemic barriers of social stigma. Young people are engaging
in sex work for survival and are less likely to access services because they do not identify
as sex workers and are less likely to present to sex work-specific clinics. There is limited
knowledge of the sex work life cycle – that is understanding when people transition into
sex work and at what point a sex worker is most at risk of HIV infection or HIV-related
morbidity and how this information can be used to inform programming.
The right to health includes access to adequate HIV prevention, treatment and care,
support services as well as Sexual and Reproductive Health. It therefore, remains critical
to purposefully address structural barriers that hinder access to services such as
stigma and discrimination, gender-based violence and criminalisation. The identification
of Female Sex Workers and other key populations, which include sexual minorities as
important groups and their inclusion into Zimbabwe’s National HIV and AIDS Strategic
Plan since 2006 was an important step. Addressing key challenges for these groups
will require strengthening of individual, organizational, and national systems capacities
at both national and subnational levels and ensuring a sustainable funding base. It will
also require the adoption of legislative measures geared towards eliminating all forms of
discrimination, stigmatisation and enhancing the promotion of respect of the rights of all
persons by society.204
7.6 REFUGEES AND STATELESS PERSONS

In 2021, Zimbabwe recorded 22,168 refugees and asylum seekers. The majority of
refugees and asylum seekers (79%) are from the Democratic Republic of Congo, fleeing
conflict, sexual violence, and other indiscriminate attacks, while smaller proportions are
from countries including Burundi, Rwanda, and Angola. Refugees and asylum seekers
in Zimbabwe need international protection and multi-sectoral life-saving assistance
to enable them to live in safety and dignity. Although Mozambican asylum-seekers
are profiled in the country’s humanitarian response, an estimated 6,546 living among
Zimbabwean host communities in Manicaland province are yet to get biometric
registration.205 Children born in Zimbabwe to parents of indeterminate nationality are
often denied the right to have their birth registered and to acquire Zimbabwean nationality,
which impedes their access to health care, education, and other social services.206
While Chapter 3 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe safeguards refugees against

statelessness, there are some glaring gaps in granting Zimbabwe nationality status to
children who are born to stateless parents. There is an absence of legislative provisions
to guarantee that children born stateless in Zimbabwe acquire a nationality. Refugees
are protected under the Zimbabwe Refugee Act (1951 and 1969), and the Zimbabwe
Refugee Committee is the national eligibility commission that conducts refugee status
determination, with the UNHCR sitting in sessions as an observer.207 Going forward,
the country needs to invest in ambitious policies targeting service delivery, better anti-
discrimination laws and legal reforms – including more inclusive institutions–that are
most likely to deliver better outcomes for the poorest and most socially excluded refugees.
Existing legislation needs to be amended to ensure that all children born in Zimbabwe
203
NAC, 2020. Key Population Thematic Report for End Term Review of the Extended Zimbabwe National HIV and AIDS Strategic
Plan III (2015 – 2020)
204
HRC/34/2
205
GoZ. 2020. Zimbabwe Revised Humanitarian Response Plan 2020. Harare. [Online] Available at https://reliefweb.int/sites/
reliefweb.int/files/resources/Zimbabwe_Revised_2020_HRP_with_COVID19_Addendum.pdf [Accessed on 3 December 2020]
206
Macrotrends.2020. Zimbabwe Refugee Statistics 1990-2020.Macrotrends. [Online] Available at https://www.macrotrends.net/
countries/ZWE/zimbabwe/refugee-statistics ((Accessed 12 November 2020).
207
UNHCR.2016. Universal Periodic Review: 2nd Cycle, 26th Session. UNHCR. [Online] Available at https://www.ohchr.org/EN/
HRBodies/UPR/Pages/ZWIndex.aspx [Accessed on 30 November 2020]

ZIMBABWE 2021 53
regardless of their parents’ origin are issued with birth certificates and efforts to issue
all children with birth certificates need to be scaled up.208 Zimbabwe is encouraged to
meet the seven (7) commitments made at the High-Level Segment on Statelessness,
including acceding to the 1961 Convention, aligning the Citizenship Act and Birth and
Deaths Registration Act with the Constitution and developing a National Action Plan by
2022 to end statelessness by 2024.
7.7 OLDER PERSONS

Older people constitute 5.8% of the population in Zimbabwe.209 According to data from
Poverty and Income and Expenditure Survey (PICES) of 2017, 24.9% of older persons
were poor and 2.9% were extremely poor. Older persons without pension are twice likely
to be poor and four times likely to be extremely poor compared with those that are
receiving pension benefits. Extreme poverty incidence is even higher with older persons
in rural areas 10 times likely to be extremely poor than those in urban areas. Many older
persons have over the years lost their contributory pension assets due to high levels of
inflation.210 With emergent hyper-inflation since 2017, which peaked at 837.53% in July
2020, pensioners and those preparing for retirement face yet another round of pension
assets depletion.211 There are policies in place such as the Old Persons Act (2011), that
provide for the wellbeing of older persons and stipulate certain exemptions for the elderly,
which include for paying subsidised fees for services. However, older people experience
multiple and intersecting vulnerabilities, including inadequate access to services,
healthcare, social security support, all of which are further amplified by COVID-19.212
The increasing costs of health care, already out of reach for the majority of citizens, the
shortage of drugs in public hospitals and supplies and the reliance on patients out of
pocket costs for medicines and supplies, the lack of trained human resources for health
in public hospitals exacerbate suffering among the elderly. The Government needs to
prioritise coverage of and access to health care for older persons by allocating sufficient
budgetary resources to finance the establishment of health institutions especially in
remote rural areas. Additionally, social protection and pension benefits for the elderly,
along with implementing policies on free access to free health care and transport services
for the elderly, should be considered to ensure realisation of the right to social protection
for the aged as outlined in section 21 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The increasing costs of health
care, already out of reach for the 7.8 MIGRANTS
majority of citizens, the shortage Migrants such as those forcibly displaced and trapped in protracted crises, those with
of drugs in public hospitals irregular migration and employment status and those with increased exposure to risks,
and supplies and the reliance such as women and children, live in precarious situations. Migrants with less material,
on patients out of pocket costs financial, natural, or social assets are vulnerable to relatively minor shocks and more
for medicines and supplies, the likely to suffer intractable poverty following shocks. Migrants face specific vulnerabilities,
lack of trained human resources at all stages of the migration process: pre-migration, in transit, in host countries, and on
for health in public hospitals return.
exacerbate suffering among the
elderly. Zimbabwe has a long history of migration as a source, transit and destination country
for migrants. Since the year 2000, the country has experienced social, economic and
political challenges that have resulted in many Zimbabweans migrating to other
countries in the region and further afield in search of better economic and livelihoods
opportunities. Primary destination countries are South Africa, Botswana and Namibia,
the United Kingdom, USA, Australia and New Zealand. According to the Zimbabwe Inter
Censal Demographic Survey 2017,213 19% of households in Zimbabwe were reported to
have at least one or more family members who are migrants residing outside Zimbabwe.
Majority (87%) of the emigrants were in South Africa, 8% were within other countries in
the Southern Africa region (Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Namibia). In
terms of population profile, 62% of the emigrants from Zimbabwe are male, while 32%
208
HRC/34/2.
209
Kimani, J.K. 2014. Don’t leave us behind: Older people in Zimbabwe call for a society for all. [Online] Available at https://www.
helpage.org/blogs/john-k-kimani-24292/dont-leave-us-behind-older-people-in-zimbabwe-call-for-a-society-for-all-777/
cookie-policy/cookie-policy/ [Accessed on 3 December 2020]
210
MPSLSW, 2020, Zimbabwe social pension feasibility study, 2020.
211
Ibid.
212 E. Njovana., Feedback on Dialogue with Help Age Zimbabwe, 2020
213
Inter-Censal Demographic Survey 2017 (zimstat.co.zw)

ZIMBABWE 2021 54
are female and 78% are young people aged between 15-34 years. Zimbabwe is also
considered as a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children
for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor and domestic servitude. By close of
2020, 168 female Victims of Trafficking had been assisted to return to Zimbabwe from
Kuwait.
Due to its strategic central geographic location within Southern Africa and its position on
the North-South migration corridor, Zimbabwe has also experienced a marked increase in
mixed migration and irregular migration flows including; asylum seekers, undocumented
migrant workers, unaccompanied and separated migrant children (UMC) and victims of
trafficking who become vulnerable at various stages of the migration process. Most of
the migrants in these flows are from the Horn and Great Lakes region of Africa. Primary
reasons for migrating include search for economic and livelihoods opportunities as well
as peace and security. It is estimated that Zimbabwe hosts 254,000 migrants, of which
30,000 are labour migrants.214 Mozambique had the highest proportion (56.9%) of labour
migrants followed by Zambia with about 16%, and Malawi with nearly 13%.215 In 2019,
the immigrant Employment to Population Ratio (EPR) was 30% for labour migrants, and
the majority (45%) engaged in agricultural, forestry and fishing industry. The majority of
labour migrants were in rural areas (54.2%).
Migrant populations, often poor and without reserves, may adopt forms of adverse
coping mechanisms. Migrant workers are more likely to work in precarious forms
of employment. In particular, women migrants tend to work in low-paid, less visible,
and regulated sectors, such as domestic work, and consequently face an increased
risk of exploitation, abuse, and poor working conditions. Without assets to form the
basis of effective coping strategies and resilience, migrants in Zimbabwe experience
catastrophic declines into persistent poverty, face increased morbidity and reduced life
expectancy. The Government has developed a Draft National Migration Policy based
on the guidelines and principles of the African Union Migration Policy Framework for
Africa. Zimbabwe is also an active member of the Migration Dialogue for Southern Africa
(MIDSA) whose objective is to enhance inter-state cooperation among SADC Member
States and improve migration governance in the region through discussion of migration
issues, sharing of experiences and challenges, and finding solutions collectively.
7.9 YOUTH (INCL. ADOLESCENT GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN

(AGYW))
In terms of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, anyone between the ages of 16 and 35 years is
considered a youth.216 The country has a relatively young population with 62.9% (31.7%
females and 31.2% males) of an estimated total population of 14. 8 million, being under
the age of 24 years.217 Statistics and trends hardly convey the magnitude of the current
challenges faced by Zimbabwe’s youth who constitute the bulk of the population. Young
people face multiple and intersecting vulnerabilities including high unemployment
rates, limited access to health care, limited civic engagement opportunities, high HIV
prevalence rates, violence, drug use, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and parenthood.
However, describing youth in Zimbabwe as vulnerable or as a population left behind

masks the fact that individuals and categories of youth may be differentially vulnerable.
Youth in rural areas experience higher levels of poverty compared to those in urban areas.
Youth vulnerability and marginalisation varies with demographic characteristics such as
disability, educational levels, geographic location, and marital status among others. Many
youths are not in employment, education and or training which sets them-off on a life of
struggles to access decent employment and realise their full potential. Young people, in
particular women and girls with disabilities, experience intersectional discrimination which
affects their access to basic services and limits the exercise of their rights to participate
214
Zimstat. 2020. 2019 Labour Force and Child Labour Survey Report. Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency. Harare. [Online]
Available at http://www.zimstat.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/publications/Economic/Employment/Labour-Force-Report-2019.
pdf. [Accessed on 17 November 2020]
215
Zimstat. 2020. 2019 Labour Force and Child Labour Survey Report. Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency. Harare. [Online]
Available at http://www.zimstat.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/publications/Economic/Employment/Labour-Force-Report-2019.
pdf. [Accessed on 17 November 2020]
216
Section 20(1) of the Zimbabwe Constitution.
217
Zimbabwe National Development Strategy (January 2021 - December 2025).

ZIMBABWE 2021 55
in public life. Inadequate financial support, poor representation in decision making, and
unavailability of necessities such as information in accessible formats and sun cream for
youths with Albinism are indicative of the intersecting forms of deprivations. Furthermore,
young women and girls are subjected to harmful practices that perpetuate discrimination,
including forced and early marriage.
In 2019, 7.1% of youth between the ages of 15 and 24 were married before the age of 15.
Most women who get married at a younger age are often in intergenerational marriages,
thus increasing their vulnerability to poor health outcomes due to early childbearing and
abuse owing to unequal power dynamics. The prevalence of sexual violence, exploitation
and abuse against adolescent girls and young women, children with disabilities, child
migrants and children living in poverty combined with the underreporting of such violations
exacerbates their vulnerability. The lack of knowledge about support services for victims
of sexual violence, exploitation and abuse combined with inadequate resources and
inefficiencies in the justice system results in the extremely low conviction rates of alleged
perpetrators. In keeping with its international commitments, the Government needs to
take concrete steps to combat violence against girls and young women and amend all its
statutory and customary laws to establish the minimum age of marriage at 18 years and
develop and implement a comprehensive national plan of action to combat the practice of
child, early and forced marriages.218
Adolescents have poor access to HIV services. For those aged 15-24 years, HIV incidence
among females is 4 times higher than their male counterparts. In this same age group, only
52% know their HIV status, and they suffer a significant loss of 24% between diagnosis and
enrolment into care. Access to HIV services is hampered by stigma and discrimination from
health care workers in health facilities and low-risk perception and poor health-seeking
behaviour. It is estimated that 20-25% of HIV infections in AGYW is due to SGBV. Zimbabwe
has committed to ending AIDS among adolescents (10-19 years) and young people (20-
24 years) by 2030. This means preventing new HIV infections and reducing morbidity and
mortality among Adolescents and Young People (AYP), especially the Adolescent Girls
For those aged 15-24 years, HIV and Young Women (AGYW) cohort. Appropriate programming for this cohort requires
incidence among females is that interventions be evidence-based, cost-effective, efficient, sustainable, contextualised,
4 times and well-targeted to ensure impact. There is a growing body of evidence on what works
in terms of prevention, care and treatment - calling for strategies that support the design
higher
and implementation of evidence-based, high impact combination prevention (biomedical,
behavioural and structural) interventions and tailored approaches for treatment retention
and adherence.
than their male counterparts.
7.10 WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN SPECIFIC RELIGIOUS

AFFILIATIONS
In some Zimbabwean communities, religious affiliation hinders women and children’s
access to essential health and basic education. This is in addition to the influence of religious
and social beliefs in driving child marriages. These beliefs are also known to prevent access
for maternal and new-born healthcare, as well as the high rates of undernutrition.
7.11 DATA GAPS

The COVID-19 crisis in Zimbabwe, exposed several critical data gaps and particularly the
lack of timely, open, complete, and disaggregated, social, and economic data to monitor
COVID-19 and how to reach marginalized populations. On matters that affect PWD, orphaned
children, the elderly, female sex workers, women, and girls, too often, there is limited data, or
data is not sufficiently disaggregated, or timely. Advocates, and policymakers in Zimbabwe
face barriers in effectively using the existing data, with emphasis often more on production
of data than its uptake and use.
Over the years, the Zimstat, sector ministries and NGOs have responded quickly and with
good progress setting up mechanisms to ensure operational continuity by adapting and
innovating data production methods towards the availability of comparable statistics for
SDG monitoring. However, data gaps remain in terms of geographic coverage, timeliness,
218
HRC/34/2

ZIMBABWE 2021 56
and the level of disaggregation by ethnicity, age, socio-economic status, gender, location,
and disability across the social, economic, and environmental development sectors.
Challenges remain in compiling and disseminating metadata to document the data quality
of SDG indicators at sub-regional/district levels. Data deficits for monitoring SDGs are also
significant in areas related to ‘Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) ‘Sustainable
Production and Consumption’ (Goal 12) and ‘Climate Action’ (Goal 13), making it harder to
monitor progress, identify trends and gaps. In addition, the Zimstat-linked SDG open-data
portal for Zimbabwe has significant indicator gaps and time lags on the few SDG indicators
that are available (see the Zimbabwe Data Portal for SDGs219). Over half of the indicators
are missing, particularly for peace, justice, and strong institutions (Goal 16). There is no
comparative data for indicators on gender equality (Goal 5) and sustainable cities (Goal 11).
COVID-19 is jeopardizing the production of data essential to tracking the achievement of

the SDGs in the country. COVID-19 containment measures resulted in the disruption of
field data collection , limiting the ability to deliver official periodical statistics necessary to
track progress on the SDGs. COVID-19 is not only creating setbacks in the realization of
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, but it is also exacerbating data inequalities.
Investments in digitized data collection over traditional paper-based methods as well as
the application of human rights-based approaches to data are critical to ensuring that no
one is left behind. Such investment will guarantee consistency, comparability and quality of
data produced to advance implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Zimbabwe.
219
Zimstat, GoZ. 2020. Zimbabwe open data portal for Sustainable Development Goals. Zimstat. Harare. [Online] Available at
https://zimbabwe.opendataforafrica.org/sdg. [Accessed on 17 November 2020]

ZIMBABWE 2021 57
8. CONCLUSION: ACHIEVING
AGENDA 2030 FOR
SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
The CCA report has analysed the country’s progress towards SDGs, highlighting areas where progress has
been recorded, as well as areas where the country is lagging behind, groups left behind or at risk of being
left behind, multi-dimensional risks and the financial landscape challenges and opportunities to accelerate
towards the 2030 Agenda. Notably, the root causes impacting development progress are multi-faceted and
require innovative and strategic responses by all stakeholders: Government, communities, private sector,
humanitarian, and development actors.

ZIMBABWE 2021 58
Moving forward, the objective of an inclusive middle-income country by 2030 and
achieving the SDG targets will require significant domestic and international resources.
Careful prioritization will be required given the limited resources envelope available to the
Government to anchor foundations for transformative change. Importantly, resources
would first be required to maintain and reform systems and institutions to ensure
vulnerable groups are protected, and additionally, investments would be required to
promote transformative change and generate inclusive economic growth.
For the UN System in Zimbabwe, the focus on sustainable development cooperation to

accelerate the country’s progress towards Vision 2030 and achievement of SDGs will
need to build on the progress made while at the same time protecting the development
gains achieved. While developing the Cooperation Framework, it is imperative that the
UN acknowledges and sensitively responds to root causes, the intersecting economic,
environmental, political and social drivers of inequalities and vulnerabilities experienced
among different groups of people. The UN should leverage on opportunities to strengthen
developmental partnerships and innovative collaborations across Government,
development partners, private sector, civil society, and communities. The UN system will
need to shift from assistance to collaboration as a core principle in its new cooperation
framework. Guided by the national priorities expressed in the National Development
Strategy1 (2021–2025), UN should focus on catalysing development actions that are
transformative, grounded in human rights principles and standards, evidence-based,
people-centred, equity-oriented, resilience-responsive and risk-informed, focusing first
on people furthest behind.
8.1 EMERGING PRIORITIES AND ENTRY POINTS

The pathway to the goal of transformative change embodied in several key policy
instruments of the Government of Zimbabwe such as Vision 2030 and the NDS1 requires
an increased and intensive focus on socio-economic and political empowerment. Socio-
economic and political empowerment in turn, requires the strengthening of human
capabilities and the generation of sustainable economic opportunities, while harnessing
innovation to accelerate attainment of the SDGs.
Embodying this empowerment approach are principles of inclusiveness, transparency

and accountability that consider mutual and dynamic interactions between social,
political, cultural, economic, and ecological factors in context. People’s empowerment is
strongly influenced by their economic opportunities and capabilities of all types: human
(health, education), social (social belonging, a sense of identity, leadership relations) and
psychological (self-esteem, self-confidence, the ability to aspire to a better future). Also
important are people’s collective assets and capabilities, such as voice, organisation,
participation, representation, and identity. Key opportunities for engagement and
catalysing change are articulated below:
(i) Human development and well-being: Constrained delivery of essential social

services (education, health, water, and sanitation) and the provision of
social protection, food and nutrition security along with borderline efforts for
strengthening gender equality in the wake of COVID-19 are devastating the
most vulnerable and pushing them further behind. In order to build long-
term resilience, the focus should be on strengthening systems and catalysing
collaborative and transformative partnerships, not only with the Government
but also with critical players including development partners, local authorities,
the private sector, civil society, and communities. Potential opportunities and
accelerators include the following:
• Ensure equitable access to quality comprehensive basic social services
especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized including those with
disabilities. Emphasis should be placed on advancing education and
foundational skills with a focus on innovation and technology as well as
advancing health (including in the areas of HIV/AIDS, SRHR, strengthening
capacities to deal with global threats and pandemics among others).

ZIMBABWE 2021 59
• Material wellbeing and poverty eradication thorough strengthening and
scaling up social protection systems, services, and safety nets to ensure
that increased numbers of people especially the most vulnerable and
marginalized benefit from adequate social protection.
• Strengthening protection systems particularly to address SGBV, harmful
practices, SEA, and all forms of violence, including violence against children
• Advancing gender equality and women and girls development.
• Developing human capabilities and systems strengthening to ensure that
they deliver required services and are resilient to shock.
(ii) Climate resilience, natural resources management and sustainable food

systems: Environmental protection, climate change and natural resources
management is one of the cross-cutting priorities under the NDS1. Livelihoods
and food security especially for the most vulnerable are increasingly impacted
by climate shocks, amplified climatic variability and sub-optimal environmental
management. Climate change and variability is expected to continue to
exacerbate hardship and poverty, particularly amongst the most vulnerable
including women, children, and people with disabilities, especially those living
in rural areas. Developing and strengthening policies and interventions that
promote climate resilience, resilient infrastructure, sustainable food systems,
climate-smart agriculture, circular economy, clean energy and technologies,
integrated water resource management, good governance in natural resources
management, sustainable forest management, and the preservation of
ecosystem services provide key entry points. Other potential entry points and
accelerators include:
• Development and implementation of a Just Transition Strategy.
• Promote appropriate climate smart land-use options for the drier natural
regions where cattle production and wildlife ranching are the most suitable
land-use options.
• Strengthen the effectiveness of Trans-frontier Conservation Areas as
a mechanism for sustainable biodiversity conservation and climate
Zimbabwe’s structural adaptation.
economic challenges have • Promote and strengthen biodiversity conservation management and the
hindered opportunities integrity of natural ecosystems by using an ecosystem-based approach to
for inclusive growth and adapt to climate change.
sustainable livelihoods and • Innovative financing mechanisms including blended finance mechanisms.
employment. • Capacity Building for: Adaptation and mitigation, climate change
communication, research, and development and climate financing.
(iii) Economic transformation, equitable and inclusive growth: Economic

transformation under the 2030 Agenda is conceived as “fundamental changes
in the economy that raise the overall productivity level while ensuring adequate
quantity and quality of employment, equitable distribution of income and
wealth, access to quality public services and protection of the environment.”220
Zimbabwe’s structural economic challenges have hindered opportunities for
inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods and employment. Collaboration
in strengthening MSMEs, deepening value chains and reinforcing the nexus
between employment and economic growth while catalysing investments in
infrastructure and green investments is fundamental to sustained economic
growth and poverty reduction. Potential accelerators for deepening economic
transformation and accelerating achievement of SDGs include:
• Support the country to unlock its agriculture potential by climate proofing
agriculture in the face of climate change and variability, investing in key
drivers of agricultural growth such as extension services, irrigation,
research and development and support infrastructure to stimulate real
agricultural growth and development, developing and/or strengthening
agricultural value chains,; and creating a platform for the transferability of
220
UNSDG. 2020. Economic transformation companion piece

ZIMBABWE 2021 60
land to unlock investment and productivity in the sector.
• Support value addition and beneficiation of key value chains and linkages
as anchors of industrialization, mining and agriculture development to
enhance the export of value-added products.
• Improve the mining fiscal framework through the introduction of resource
rent taxes to optimize returns from the sector and also enforce sharing of
benefits with communities through community development programmes
• Support the country to articulate development strategies on sustainable
infrastructure including financing options. Such strategies need to address
opportunities for improvements in key infrastructure sectors, such as
urban development, transport, water, and energy.
• Support MSMEs through initiatives aimed at transitioning the informal
economy towards formalization, which would include facilitating access
to finance, skills upgrade and markets for micro, small and medium
enterprises (MSMEs). Including enterprises owned by women and the
youth will be critical to stimulating decent employment and socio-
economic development.
• Facilitate the enhancement of the capacity of the services sector to be
competitive to exploit opportunities offered by the new trade environment
under SADC FTA, COMESA FTA, the Tripartite FTA and the AfCFTA.
• Strengthen DRM, both as a long-term path to sustainable development
finance and anchoring re-engagement with IFIs.
• Implement innovative financing solutions including innovative financing
models that blend development objectives with commercial considerations
so as to catalyze financing for SDGs.
(iv) Transformative, accountable, and inclusive governance: Governance

is one of the cross-cutting priorities under the NDS1. The transition in leadership
ushered new opportunities to rebuild trust and social contract to reinforce
national unity by addressing key structural challenges related to exclusion,
corruption, adherence to the rule of law and normalising relations with the
international community. Working with the government and all partners to
strengthen the capacity of key governance institutions to promote dialogue,
citizen participation, rule of law, free, fair and transparent electoral processes,
human rights, fight corruption, deliver equitable justice and public services
will be vital to anchor foundations for transformative and sustainable change.
Potential entry points and accelerators include:
• Full alignment of laws and policies with the Constitution and international
standards to promote full realization of constitutional values and rights.
• Strengthening the capacities and independence of key governance and
rule of law institutions, including accountability mechanisms and systems,
oversight institutions and bodies and institutions in the justice, law, and
order sector.
• Conflict prevention and peace building through deepening foundations
for peace and social cohesion and enhancing national and community
dispute resolution and consensus building mechanisms and strengthening
electoral processes.
• Digitalization–strengthened use of ICTs to improve governance, including
transparency and citizen engagement.
(v) Cross-cutting issues: The CCA identifies several cross-cutting issues

that can enhance the effectiveness of the interventions including, devolution,
resilience building, partnerships, gender, data strengthening and ICTs.
• Devolution: Chapter 14 of the 2013 Constitution and the Devolution and

Decentralisation Policy provides for strengthening provincial, metropolitan,
and local governments and decentralising social service delivery. Thus,
the UN system should promote a coherent and common approach to

ZIMBABWE 2021 61
localisation and decentralisation and adopt flexibility in its programming
to support the rollout.
• Resilience building: Strengthening the humanitarian-development-peace
nexus, systems and structures and building capacity to bolster resilience
to shocks including health, climate, and economic shocks.
• Partnerships: Strengthen partnerships with stakeholders, including the
private sector, civil society, academia, think tanks and research institutions to
deliver innovative and sustainable programming. Forge more partnerships
with rights-based CSOs that have a robust presence at grassroots level
and understand the local issues and specific vulnerabilities that certain
population groups may be facing. And, expand regional and international
collaboration and knowledge-sharing through South-South and triangular
cooperation.
• Data and information strengthening: There is need for continuous
improvement in the collection, analysis, synthesis and use of high quality,
timely and correct data, disaggregated by gender, location, disability, and
other relevant variables that ensure no one is left behind. Capacitate
Zimstat to address the data needs of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development.
• Strengthen quality statistics for evidence-based decision-making, ensuring
a human rights-based approach to data beyond disaggregation based on
geography and age to include gender, disability and, others, targeted at
district and ward level to identify groups furthest behind in development
and where they are.
• Youth: Support the country to reap benefits of its demographic dividend
through targeted and strategic investments – in health, education,
economy, and governance to unlock the economic potential of its large
youth population.
• Gender: Ensure strengthened gender mainstreaming and deliberate
approaches to empower women and girls to participate fully in all facets of
life including, social, economic, and political spheres and to realise their full
potential and effectively contribute to national development.
• ICTs: The UNCT should take advantage of ICTs to advance social inclusion,
expand the reach and effectiveness of interventions including, in healthcare,
education, agriculture, access to markets, environmental preservation, and
governance.
8.2 MULTI-DIMENSIONAL RISKS

The damage triggered by threat events, shocks, natural hazards, and stressors
are not only due to the severity of the event, they are also shaped by social, political,
economic, and environmental development decisions. Adopting the 12 inter-disciplinary
dimensions of the UN SDG-based Risk Framework, the CCA captures the existing and
potential multidimensional risks that may impact Zimbabwe’s development trajectory
and particularly on populations furthest behind. Specifically, the risk analysis sheds light
on the various elements that threaten national efforts to reduce the patterns of inequality,
exclusion, disenfranchisement, and discrimination of populations left behind. The risk
analysis captures dynamics at the subnational, national, regional, and global factors.
New and emerging threats in Zimbabwe include climate change, economic and financial
instability, political volatility, and conflict, which simultaneously interact with development
policies and actions, to undermine gains (see Table 8.1).

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Table 8.1 Multi-dimensional risk analysis
Risk area Description / Analysis of Risk Assessment Impact

Democratic Impunity for human rights violations and shrinking democratic High Extensive
space and civic space for civil society, human rights defenders, activists
and citizens undermines inclusive and sustainable development
progress.
Corruption & Corruption undermines good governance, human rights, public and High Extensive
Accountable social service delivery, and economic progress.
Institutions
Justice and the Continued perception of bias in justice and the rule of law sectors, High Extensive
rule of law weak mechanisms to protect human rights, intrusive surveillance,
lack of accountability for violations of human rights undermine
political stability and threaten the rule of law.
Economic High levels of inflation, and far-reaching austerity measures High Extreme
Stability constitute a significant risk on economic and social stability. A
substantial informal economy along with de-industrialization
continue to threaten jobs in the wake of a youth bulge and increasing
poverty levels.
Food security, The main threats to food security include population growth with its High Extensive
agriculture, and increased demand for food security. Lack of resources and capacity
land for smallholder farmers to fully utilize the land, to produce diverse
crops, risks food poverty and food insecurity. Drought threatens food
security in two ways. First, it risks reducing agricultural production;
climate change and weather variability and low yields, with a knock-
on effect on food prices threatening a precarious supply-demand
balance that will make markets more prone to volatility. Second, it
increasingly disrupts food systems destabilizing tighter markets
and exacerbating volatility, imperiling transport infrastructure and
triggering local food crises. The fierce competition for water, on the
back of a shift in production towards intensive systems that rely on
groundwater sources for irrigation, along with the current growth in
demand for water-intensive animal products, agriculture becomes
even thirstier. Unresolved land issues particularly security of tenure,
risks conflict.
Infrastructure The deterioration of health care infrastructure, loss of experienced High Extensive
and access health sector personnel, health workers industrial action due to
to health, poor working conditions and low remuneration along with an
education, eroded infrastructure with ill-equipped hospitals, and a lack of
and sanitation essential medicines and commodities risks reversal of health
services gains. Absence of digitalised surveillance tracking or investigation
systems threatens evidence-based decision-making. Lack of trained
teachers, infrastructural pressure and double session schooling
threatens quality education. These factors risk pushing vulnerable
children further into poverty, destitution and deprivation. Teachers
and schools are ill-equipped to educate and account for students
with disabilities, therefore, most dropouts by third grade, pushing
people with disabilities behind development progress in Zimbabwe.
In recent years, teachers have gone on long industrial action with
others leaving the profession owing to low salaries and poor working
conditions. This threatens reversing educational gains made in the
past decades. In the past decade, capacity for domestic power
generation fell far below demand as a result of lack of maintenance
of ageing generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure,
as well as disruptions in the supply of coal for generation. The recent
erratic electricity supply in Zimbabwe continue to threaten efforts
to turn the economy around and achieve sustainable economic and
social growth in the medium- and longer-term.

ZIMBABWE 2021 63
Risk area Description / Analysis of Risk Assessment Impact
Environment Inadequate Early Warning Systems risks poor predictive capacity Medium Intermediate
and Climate for proactive, evidence-based information to aid decision-
making in disaster prevention and management in times of
crises. Floods, cyclones and the increased frequency and scale of
drought accompanied by rising deforestation and variability risks
environmental sustainability.
Displacement Climate change impacts are a primary driver of displacement of Medium Intermediate
and Migration people, as climate migrants are rapidly becoming the human face
of climate change. Internally displaced people (IDPs) are often the
poorest, as many leave work and belongings behind and increase
the cost for host communities and aid providers on food security,
health, WASH, education, and social protection. Displacements risk
an increase in gender-based violence, inequality and discrimination,
informal settlements, poverty, and unsustainable use of natural
resources.
Regional Targeted sanctions by the western international community High Extensive
and Global negatively impacts on investor perception.
Influences
Social Cohesion, Prejudice based on gender, sexuality, and disability along with power High Intermediate
equality, imbalances based on social norms risk increased social exclusion,
and non- stigmatization, and poverty among populations furthest behind
discrimination in development progress. Mainstreaming gender and disability
inclusion remain core to ensuring social cohesion, equality, and non-
discrimination.
These threats share many distinct characteristics; they are interconnected, cross
borders, have both transitional and transformative impacts, and co-occur. The rationale
thrusts on informing a resilient-oriented, well-coordinated, systems-responsive, people-
centred, and integrated Cooperation Framework that reduces risks. Most critically, risk-
informed development facilitates a risk-based decision-making process that enables the
UN system and the government to understand multiple concurrent threats and complex
10.
risks that arise from development decisions spurring action based on that knowledge.

ZIMBABWE 2021 64
9.ANNEXURES

ZIMBABWE 2021 65
ANNEX 1: THE CCA METHODOLOGY AND CONCEPTUAL
FRAMEWORK
The CCA draws on a systematic secondary review of the latest available evidence,
statistics, analyses, reviews, research, capacities and resources from within and outside
the UN system along with views of over 100 participants from Government, Civil Society
Organisations (CSO’s), and the UN system in and outside Zimbabwe. To the extent
possible, data were analysed and presented by disaggregation not only by income,
sex, geography, and age but also on other grounds of discrimination prohibited under
international law such as disability, gender, and nationality. Social, cultural, economic,
political, legislative, and other systemic drivers of exclusion were examined and described.
The CCA analysed existing evidence and data gaps for the Country’s SDG indicators,
transcending beyond official national statistics to big data, updated Joint Needs
Assessment (JNA) 2018/19 sector notes, national surveys, assessments, and targeted
surveys. The conceptual framework embedded in the 2030 Agenda’s vision for sustainable
development grounded in international human rights standards guided this analysis. The
framework placed emphasis on equality and non-discrimination at the centre of its efforts
clustered around the UN principles of Cooperation Framework’s integrated programming
approach221. These principles referred to both the process as well as content—in line with
the “5P’s” of the 2030 Agenda (People, Prosperity, Planet, Peace and Partnerships): People
(the social dimension), Planet (the environmental dimension), Prosperity (the economic
dimension), Peace (the ethical dimension emphasizing ideals and values of equality,
freedom, human dignity and justice) and Partnership (underscoring the importance of
collaboration and cooperation).222 The overarching conceptual and analytical principles
included:
• The CCA adopted the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) as a normative
framework for the process of sustainable development, based on principles of
international human rights standards and as operationally directed to promoting
and protecting human rights. The CCA anchored its analyses on national
development plans, ratifications, policies, and processes within a system of rights
and corresponding obligations established by international law, including all civil,
cultural, economic, political, and social rights, and the right to development. To guide
the CCA, the HRBA focused on equality and non-discrimination, participation and
accountability principles earmarking opportunities for both ‘duty-bearers’ to meet
their obligations and ‘rights-holders’ to claim their rights.
• Guided by the United Nations System Shared Framework for Action on Leaving no
one behind (LNOB)223, and the UNSDG operational Guide for UNCTs on LNOB,224
the CCA analysis engenders discrimination and inequalities (often multiple and
intersecting) to understand barriers that undermine the agency of people as
holders of rights, including on gender225 and persons with disabilities responsive
analyses.226,227 LNOB analysis not only entailed consideration of who was
furthest behind in development progress, but also analysed efforts in combating
discrimination and rising inequalities and their root causes within Zimbabwe
and beyond. The LNOB diagnostic approach encompassed inclusion of both
disaggregated data and qualitative analysis to identify who is being excluded or
discriminated against, how and why, as well as who is experiencing multiple and
intersecting forms of discrimination and inequalities in outcomes and opportunities
in law, policies and practice.
• The UNCT System-wide Action Plan (SWAP) on Gender Equality and the
221
UNSDG, 2019. United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework - Internal Guidance. Geneva. https://unsdg.
un.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/UN-Cooperation-Framework-Internal-Guidance-Final-June-2019_1.pdf
222
223
United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination. 2017. Leaving No One Behind: Equality and Non-
Discrimination at the Heart of Sustainable Development - The United Nations System Shared Framework for Action. New Yok.
[Online] https://www.unsceb.org/CEBPublicFiles/CEB%20equality%20framework-A4-web-rev3.pdf
224
UNSDG. 2019. Leave No one Behind: A UNSDG operational Guide for UN Country Teams. New York. [Online] https://unsdg.
un.org/sites/default/files/Interim-Draft-Operational-Guide-on-LNOB-for-UNCTs.pdf
225
UN system-wide priorities for action include the UN system-wide action plans (UN-SWAPs) on Gender, Youth, and for the
inclusion of Persons with disabilities,
226
UN. 2020. United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy. Geneva. [Online] https://www.un.org/en/content/disabilitystrategy/
assets/documentation/UN_Disability_Inclusion_Strategy_english.pdf
227
International Disability Alliance. 2019. Disability SWAP: A System-wide approach for making the United Nations fully inclusive
of persons with disabilities. [Online]
https://www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/sites/default/files/disability_swap_onepager.pdf

ZIMBABWE 2021 66
Empowerment of Women228 guided the Gender equality and women’s empowerment
dimension. Gender equality was central to analyses with attributes assessing gender
mainstreaming programming to take into consideration the needs, experiences and
concerns of men, women, boys, and girls in all development sectors. Consideration
of aspects driving the active and meaningful participation of both women and men,
and apprising notions of empowering women and girls, in line with the commitments
and obligations made through the GEWE international continental and regional
conventions and protocols. The methodology and practical tools were adapted
from the Resource Book for Mainstreaming Gender in UN Common Programming,
at the Country Level.229
• Resilience/Multidimensional risk analyses: Guided by the UN Resilience
Framework,230 the CCA analysed risks as those associated with natural and human-
induced hazards, conflict, epidemics and pandemics, financial systems, and food
price fluctuations. Determinants driving risks were assessed and particularly
how they act together to unleash cascading impacts across multiple dimensions,
causing loss of life and livelihoods, and setting back progress towards productive,
sustainable, and peaceful societies.231
• Stakeholder analysis and Political economy analysis: The CCA embeds a Political
economy analysis (PEA) framework across the UN’s 5Ps of sustainable development.
The approach helps to discern drivers of political behaviour, how power dynamics
fuel economic arrangements and vice versa, the influence of group interactions on
political developments and how these shape rationale and mechanisms of decision-
making over resource allocation and action prioritisation. The PEA framework used
in the CCA employed a two-level analytical approach: (1) a global level analysis –
on the regional and transboundary aspects mapping institutional arrangements,
actors, and processes with implications for development progress in Zimbabwe. A
stakeholder analysis framework was used to map and analyse the role-pattern and
influence of actors and institutions critical for development progress in the country.
(2) Combining the country and sector level analyses – factored the overlaps of
country-level influences on sectoral and actor decision-making. The aim was to
deconstruct nuances in the role of actors, partners and stakeholders along with
decision-making, based on some of the critical problems identified in the CCA
and mapping the structures, institutions, and entry points of the UN in shaping
transformative development in Zimbabwe.
CCA PREPARATION PROCESS

The process of developing the CCA in Zimbabwe was guided by the United Nations
Country Team (UNCT). In September 2020, the UNCT endorsed a roadmap elaborating
the methodology, Terms of Reference (TORs) and engagement strategy including
participation of national, regional and international stakeholders (See Annex 1). The
preparation process was managed by the Programme Management Team (PMT)
through the PMT Ad hoc Committee with support of the Resident Coordinator’s Office
(RCO). The CCA development process built on a number of processes including cross
participation in the preparation of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (2021-
2025). The UN, AfDB and WB jointly updated the Joint Needs Analysis (JNA) sector notes
as part of the tripartite support towards the development of the National Development
Strategy. The updated Joint Needs Analysis sector notes provided a useful baseline.
The CCA also used outcomes of national assessments including the, 2020 Zimbabwe
Progress Review Report of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the evaluation of the
Zimbabwe United Nations Development Assistance Framework (ZUNDAF 2016-2020),
progress on implementing the 2016-2018 Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (IPRSP),
the 2016 National Social Protection Policy Framework (NSPPF) on poverty eradication
and inclusive growth and the 2017 Zimbabwe Voluntary National Review (VNR)
228
UNSDG.2016. UN System-wide Action Plan on Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. [Online]
https://unsdg.un.org/resources/un-system-wide-action-plan-gender-equality-and-empowerment-women
229
UNDP. 2019. Resource Book for Mainstreaming Gender in UN Common Programming at the Country Level. [Online] https://
unsdg.un.org/sites/default/files/Resource-Book-Mainstreaming-Gender-UN-Common-Programming-Country-Level-web.pdf
230
The “UN Common Guidance on Helping Build Resilient Societies” of the High-Level Committee on Programme of the United
Nations System Chief Executives Board (draft of December 2018) supports RCs and the UN development system in integrating
the resilience principle. See http://www.fao.org/in-action/kore/webinar-archive/webinar-details/en/c/1200187/
231

ZIMBABWE 2021 67
ahead of the 2021 VNR of SDGs for the high-level political forum. Four independent
consultants were engaged to provide support and background diagnostics papers
on substantive topics: Fortunate Machingura (Lead consultant) who complemented
and produced the synthesis report, Eunice Njovana, led the Social Exclusion, Leaving
No-one Behind (LNOB) and Environment analysis, Sandra Bhatasara, led the Human
rights and Governance analysis, and Rudo Chitiga, led the analysis of Regional and
sub regional factors. A virtual consultative workshop was held in October 2020 with a
broad range of stakeholders including civil society, international NGOs, trade unions,
organisations representing youth, women, children, people with disabilities. The Draft
report was subjected to a political economy analysis in a two-day workshop held
with the PMT in December 2020. UNCT reviewed the draft report and developed a
coherent storyline around which the CCA is hinged. An inter-agency team comprising
representatives from RCO, UNDP, UNICEF and UNWOMEN was constituted to lead
the development of the CCA around the ‘5Ps’ of Sustainable Development with RCO
overseeing overall integration and drafting.
ANNEX 2: CCA PROCESS AND TIMELINE

Figure 9.1 Zimbabwe CCA Process and Timeline
ZIMBABWE COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS PROCESS AND TIMELINES
Feb/Mar 2021
Sept 2020 Oct 2020 Dec 2020
August 2020
Box 3 Box 7
Box 1 Box 10 Box 12
RC/UNCT agree on the UNCT approves
methodology and PMT & UNCT
timing of the initial Stakeholder
workplan reviews draft CCA DCO reviews draft
CCA process workshop on
document CCA
background and
diagnostic papers
Box 2 Box 4 Box 11

Box 13
RCO initial outlines Stakeholder
PMT virtual workshop on
of background and Box 8 Consultation on
methodology, TORs and Finalisation of the
diagnostic papers CCA
stakeholder analysis - CCA, UNCG copy
national and international Production of
(1/2 day National editing and design
stakeholders including background and
Virtual Workshop)
regional issues with Box 5 diagnostic papers
support of DCO RCO Data and CASC Peer Review
analysis Revised CCA
repository Box 12
Box 9
creation
UNCT reviews
Drafting of the CCA Final Draft CCA
Box 6
Recruitment of
researchers &
Commissioning of
background papers

ZIMBABWE 2021 68
ANNEX 3: EVOLUTION OF KEY AGE STRUCTURE
Figure 9.2 2012-2032: Evolution of key age structure indicators, Zimbabwe 2012
ANNEX 4: REGIONAL, SUB-REGIONAL SECTOR ANALYSIS
Trade
Zimbabwe is one of the four SADC Member States along with Eswatini, Namibia, and
South Africa that deposited their instruments of ratification with the Chairperson of
the African Union Commission for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Agreement Establishing the AfCFTA and its Protocols on Trade in Goods, Trade in
Services, and Rules and Procedures on the Settlement of Disputes, were adopted by
the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, at its 10th Extra-Ordinary Session
held in Kigali, Rwanda in 2018. The agreement envisions the eight African Union (AU)-
recognised Regional Economic Community (REC) in Africa, of which SADC is one of them,
as its building blocks. The AfCFTA will support financially integrated region that has high
levels of financial inclusion, integrated financial markets and systems to attract foreign-
direct and intra-regional investment while strengthening the private sector. Challenges,
however, include loss of revenue owing to the removal of tariffs.

ZIMBABWE 2021 69
Leveraging the estimated US$2.5 trillion232 and 1.2 billion-person African market, and
consolidating gains made by African economic communities, AfCFTA presents the
greatest regional opportunity available to Zimbabwe. Exploitation of the opportunity,
will however, necessitate consideration of some important contextual issues. These
include the country’s large informal sector, which contributes an estimated 60% to GDP.
To exclude the sector from regional opportunities, will therefore, effectively exclude
the greater part of the economy. Due to the unregistered, undocumented and largely
disengaged from formal opportunities nature of the informal sector, regularisation will be
an essential pre-requisite for AfCFTA engagement, as will be the linking of the informal
to the formal sector. In addition, maximisation of AfCFTA opportunities will require an
increase in manufacturing capacity utilisation, which has averaged 43.5%233 over the past
decade – less than half of total capacity largely dragged down by the economic decline
and a high cost structure, which remains one of the major threats to the competitiveness
of the sector, and the country’s products as a whole. Pegging of goods and services in
the US Dollar has also tended to compound competitiveness deficits as it has rendered
Zimbabwe’s products more expensive compared to regional competitors who have
weaker currencies.
Because of its low production levels, Zimbabwe is largely a trading economy across both
formal and informal sectors, contributing only 0.2%234 to world exports and the same
in imports. However, given the wealth in natural and human resources, and the value
addition potential of the country, export growth is achievable, particularly in the context
of AfCFTA. The need to shift Zimbabwe’s focus from primarily raw export products to
higher value processed goods is now more critical than ever, with the key growth sectors
of agriculture and mining holding great promise within the context of NDS1, which
has set the acceleration of value addition and beneficiation in the two sectors as a key
Because of its low production objective over the next five years.
levels, Zimbabwe is largely a
trading Meanwhile, the country’s geo location presents a competitive advantage with regard
economy across to positioning as a Southern African hub for transport, logistics and trading. Although
both formal
some passenger and goods traffic do flow through the country, prospects for hub status
have largely been damaged by political and economic factors along with infrastructural
and informal deficits (transport, power, IT and others), with South Africa currently playing the hub role.
sectors, The Zimbabwe cooperation framework should consider support to the government
contributing only 0.2%34 to world
exports and the same in imports. to review its competition and other relevant policies to benefit from the free trade
agreement optimally. The leading trading partner for Zimbabwe is South Africa. Trade
with South Africa makes up 40% of Zimbabwe’s imports and 75% of its exports.235 South
Africa ranks Zimbabwe 5th in its exports markets and 7th in the import market globally.
Other top trading partners for exports are the UAE, China, Mozambique, and Indonesia.
AfCFTA provides an opportunity to broaden volumes of exports and export destinations.
Mining
Zimbabwe’s NDS1 adopts the SADC Protocol on Mining and the Africa Mining Vision236
to enhance mineral beneficiation and value addition in minerals.237 The focus is on
exporting beneficiated minerals by supporting local processing of Zimbabwe’s diverse
mineral resource endowment harnessing the potential of artisanal, small scale miners
and cooperatives to grow the mining sector. These priorities are in tandem with SADC’s
Regional Mining Vision and Action Plan along with its antecedent RISDP 2020-2030
blueprint. These instruments aim to maximise the developmental impact of mineral
resources extraction that benefit from cross-border cooperation in transport or energy
infrastructure and input supply. SADC focuses on the development of major mineral
232
UNECA, 2020
233
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI)
234
Statista, 2019
235
SADC.2018. SADC Facts and Figures. SADC secretariat. [Online] Available at https://www.sadc.int/about-sadc/overview/
sadc-facts-figures/#Trade [ Accessed 5 November
236
AU. 2009. Africa Mining Vision. African union. [Online] Available at http://www.africaminingvision.org/amv_resources/AMV/
Africa_Mining_Vision_English.pdf [Accessed on 7 December 2020]
237

ZIMBABWE 2021 70
beneficiation projects and promoting collaborative formalisation of artisanal mining
activities with the intention of integrating activities into value chains while promoting
policies specific to natural resource exploitation, including the provision of resource-
specific skills and infrastructure.
Water resources and energy

Zimbabwe shares the Zambezi, Limpopo and the Save Trans-Boundary Water
Resources and thus is, subject to the implementation of the SADC Revised Protocol on
Shared Watercourses (2000), SADC Regional Water Strategy (2006), SADC Guidelines
for Strengthening River Basin Organisations (2010) and Climate Change Adaptation
in SADC. Implemented within the SADC Infrastructure Vision 2027 and the Regional
Infrastructure Development Master Plan, Zimbabwe will benefit from the Kunene,
Lomahasha/ Namaacha and Chirundu Water Supply Project. SADC seeks to advance
the development of the large hydropower schemes including the Grand Inga Dam in the
DRC, Batoka Hydroelectric Scheme jointly developed by Zambia and Zimbabwe, Mpanda
Nkuwa and HCB North Bank in Mozambique. Also included is the Rufiji Hydropower
(Stiegler’s Gorge) earmarked for generating an excess of 50,000 megawatts (MW), which
will increase the power capacity for the region. The Batoka Hyro Power Transmission
Network is a driver of improved access to modern energy in Zimbabwe’s NDS1 (2021-
2025).238 Zimbabwe acceded the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) generation, and
transmission plan (SAPP Pool Plan) to contribute to the enhancement and stabilisation of
electricity. Zimbabwe lies at the epicentre of the SAPP transmission grid, with most of the
power coming from the north to the south through the country’s Electricity Transmission
and Distribution Company network.239
Roads
The country’s 2021-2025 plans for implementing reforms in the roads sector align
closely with the requirements of the SADC Protocol on Transport, Communications
and Meteorology.240 The NDS1 targets the increase in the number of kilometres of road
network to meet Southern Africa Transport and Communications Commission (SATCC)
standards from 5% to 10% by 2025 and to upsurge the number of kilometres of road
network in good condition from 14 702km to 24 500km by 2025.241 SADC’s measures
on roads especially target the vehicle load management, which entail harmonisation of
axle load limits across the region, harmonised road user charges to minimise delays at
border posts, Coordinated Border Management as a pre-cursor to the implementation
of One-Stop-Border Posts, Market liberalisation in respect of licensing for operation
across borders, and Vehicle Regulations and Standards to address vehicle driving
testing, inspection, registration and training.242 The SADC road measures aim to provide
an integrated, efficient, cost effective road transport, spurred by developing interlinked
transport networks.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

The SADC Regional Information Infrastructure programme has seen Zimbabwe benefit
from the cross-border transmission links using optical fibre technology to promote the
development of regional optic fibre links, terrestrial backhauls and backbone access
networks and migration to an IP Network.243 Resultantly, more excellent connectivity
in the country will improve further once the implementation of the SADC shared Geo-
Stationary Orbit satellite communications network commences. Zimbabwe intends to
have internet access at the village level by 2030, through the extension of the fibre optic
backbone, and last-mile connectivity. In its NDS1 planning horizon, the country targets
to increase internet penetration rate from 59.1% in 2020 to 75.42% by 2025 accompanied
by an increased mobile penetration rate at 100% by 2025.244
238
239
240
241
242
SADC. 2020. RISDP 2020-2030 Blueprints- 4th draft. [Online] Available at https://imanidevelopment.com/wp-content/
uploads/2020/03/4th-Draft_RISDP-2020-30-Blue-Prints2.pdf [Accessed on 7 December 2020]
243
SADC. 2020. RISDP 2020-2030 Blueprints- 4th draft. [Online] Available at https://imanidevelopment.com/wp-content/
uploads/2020/03/4th-Draft_RISDP-2020-30-Blue-Prints2.pdf [Accessed on 7 December 2020]
244

ZIMBABWE 2021 71
Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR)
Zimbabwe is party to the SADC Protocol on Health that coordinates regional effort on
epidemic preparedness, mapping prevention, control and where possible the eradication
of communicable and non-communicable diseases. This Protocol provides for common
regional strategies to address the health needs of women, children, and other vulnerable
groups. In line with the SADC HIV and AIDS Strategic Framework and the “Regional
Strategy for HIV and Prevention, Treatment and Care and Sexual and Reproductive
Health and Rights among Key Populations”, serves as a guide to Member States in
designing and implementing appropriate Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and
HIV prevention, treatment and care programmes for key populations focusing on the
major issues that need to be addressed at policy, legal, institutional and facility levels.
The strategy aims to address the unique challenges in providing equitable and effective
HIV and SRHR services to key and vulnerable populations. Zimbabwe benefits from the
Cross-Border Initiative Project implemented by the Ministry of Health and Child Care,
the National Aids Council, PSI, USAID and the Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS
Research. It targets long-distance truck drivers, sex workers and established 32 wellness
centres to ensure sustainability and continuity of services.245
Gender and Women’s Economic Empowerment

Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy NDS1(2021-2025) aligns its gender
priorities with the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development and the Protocol to the
African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa.246
Specifically, the NDS1 strategies to achieve gender mainstreaming include Youth and
Women Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity for All Program, Promoting Women into
Positions of Influence, Promoting Equality at all levels of Society, Advancing Women
Political Representation, Youth and Women Advocacy Initiatives, and Enhancing
Access to Financing for Women in Business.247 To support the protocol on gender and
development, SADC developed the Gender Mainstreaming Resource Kit (2008) and the
Regional Gender Responsive Budgeting Guidelines to institutionalise the SADC Gender
Mainstreaming Framework and strengthen gender technical capacity at both national and
regional level. The SADC Protocol on Gender and Development248 provides a framework
to support the empowerment of women, to eliminate discrimination and achieve gender
equality through responsive legislation, policies and programmes. Overall, if implemented
well, the protocol deepens regional integration, strengthens community building, and
catalyses the attainment of sustainable development.
Migration
SADC developed the Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons (2005), SADC
Protocol on Trade in Services for services market liberalization and Mutual Recognition
Agreements (MRAs) for professional services, the Protocol on Employment and Labor
(PEL), and the Protocol on Education and Training (PET). However, of these four
protocols, only the PET is in force. SADC also adopted the Labour Migration Action Plan
(2020-2025), SADC Common Regional Policy Framework on Refugees and Asylum
Seekers (2019), SADC Guidelines on Coordinated Border Management (2011), the SADC
Regional Strategy to Combat Illegal Migration, Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in
Persons (2016-2020), and the SADC-United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Action Plan (UNHCR) (2020-2024). There is progress on the implementation of the
SADC Qualifications Framework (SADC QF), which strives to increase the development
of human resources in SADC to increase the availability of educated and highly skilled
personnel through comparable standards in education and training systems of Member
States.
245
CeSHHAR. 2020. Executive Summary CeSHHAR Annual Report 2018-2019. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. [Online]
Available at https://www.lstmed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/CeSHHAR%20Annual%20Report%20Exec%20Summary%202018-
19%20FINAL.pdf [Accessed on 7 December 2020]
246
247
248
SADC protocol on Gender and Development 2008

ZIMBABWE 2021 72
Governance
Zimbabwe acceded to the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), which promotes
democracy and responsive governance consistent with the AU’s Agenda 2063. The
APRM fosters the adoption of policies, standards and practices that lead to political
stability, high economic growth, sustainable development and accelerated sub-regional
and continental economic integration through voluntary participation. Accession entails
undertaking to submit periodic peer reviews, as well as to facilitate such reviews, and
be guided by agreed parameters for good political governance and good economic and
corporate governance..
Statistics
SADC is prioritising improved production, management, standardisation, and
harmonisation of statistical approaches in the region through the development and
adoption of a SADC Statistics Protocol. The SADC Pan-African Statistics Programme
with the AU Commission, national and regional training workshops on the SADC
Template of Trade in Services Statistics, and training for focal persons on technical
validation of economic and social statistics for the SADC Statistics Yearbook are
earmarked at improving production and management of statistics. In its RISDP 2020-
2030 blueprint, SADC prioritised improved production and management of statistics by
the region through the development and adoption of a SADC Statistics Protocol towards
the standardization and harmonization of statistical approaches in the region.
ANNEX 5: ZIMBABWE: SDG PERFORMANCE BY INDICATOR 2017, 2019, 2020

Table 9.1 SDG performance by indicator 2017 -2020
Value Value Value Value Value Value

2017 2019 2020 2017 2019 2020
SDG1 – End Poverty SDG9 – Industry, Innovation,
and Infrastructure
Poverty headcount ratio at 37.4 NA NA Population using the internet 16.4 27.1 27.1
$1.90/day (% population) * (%)
Poverty headcount ratio at NA NA NA Mobile broadband 39 41.3
$3.20/day (% population) * subscriptions (per 100
inhabitants)
Projected poverty headcount 33.1 NA NA Quality of overall infrastructure NA
ratio at $1.90/day in 2030 (% (1= extremely underdeveloped; 3.1
population) 7= extensive and efficient by
international standards)
Proportion of population living NA NA NA Logistics performance index: 3.1 1.8 1.8
below the national poverty line Quality of trade & transport
infrastructure (1=low 5=high)
Population covered by Social NA NA 37.5 Times Higher Education NA NA NA
Protection (%) Universities Ranking, Average
score of top 3 universities (0-
100)
SDG2 – Zero Hunger Number of scientific and 0.0 0.0 0.0
technical journal articles (per
1,000 population)
Prevalence of undernourishment 33.4 46.6 51.3 Logistics performance index: 3.1 1.8 1.8
(% population) Quality of trade and transport-
related infrastructure (1=low to
5=high)
Prevalence of stunting in children 27.6 26.8 26.8 Research and development 0.0 0.0 NA
under 5 years of age (%) expenditure (% GDP)
Prevalence of wasting in children 3.3 3.2 3.2 SDG10 – Reduced Inequalities
under 5 years of age (%)

ZIMBABWE 2021 73
2017 2019 2020 2017 2019 2020
Prevalence of obesity, BMI ≥ 30 10.5 15.5 15.5 Gini Coefficient adjusted for top 43,2 43.1 43.1
(% adult population) income (1-100)
Cereal yield (t/ha) 0.8 0.6 0.6 Palma ratio
Sustainable Nitrogen 1.1 1.1 NA SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and 2.2 NA NA
Management Index Communities
Human Trophic Level (best 2-3 NA 2.2 NA Annual mean concentration 19.8 22.3 22.3
worst) of particulate matter of less
than 2.5 microns of diameter
(PM2.5) in urban areas (μg/m3)
SDG3 – Good Health and Well- Improved water source, piped 74.4 71.0 NA
Being (% urban population with
access)
Maternal mortality rate (per 443 443 458 Satisfaction with public NA 78.0 27.6
100,000 live births) transport (%)
Neonatal mortality rate (per 23.5 22.4 20.9 SDG12 – Responsible
1,000 live births) Consumption and Production
Mortality rate, under-5 (per 1,000 70.7 50.3 46.2 Municipal Solid Waste (kg/day/ 0.7 0.5 0.7
live births) capita)
Incidence of tuberculosis (per 242 221.0 210 E-waste generated (kg/capita) 0.3 0.9 0.9
100,000 population)
New HIV infections (per 1,000) 3.1 2.8 Production-based SO2 7.5 7.5 3.9
emissions (kg/capita)
Age-standardised death 19.3 19.3 19.3 Imported SO2 emissions (kg/ -2.2 -2.2 1.5
rate due to cardiovascular capita)
disease, cancer, diabetes, and
chronic respiratory disease in
populations age 30-70 years (per
100,000 population)
Age-standardised death rate 138.9 133 133 Nitrogen production footprint NA NA NA
attributable to household (kg/capita)
air pollution and ambient
air pollution (per 100,000
population)
Traffic deaths rate (per 100,000 28.2 45.4 34.7 Net imported emissions of NA NA NA
population) reactive nitrogen (kg/capita)
Life Expectancy at birth (years) 52.1 61.4 61.4 SDG13 – Climate Action
Adolescent fertility rate (births 108.9 105.8 86.1 Energy-related CO2 emissions 0.9 0.8 0.9
per 1,000 women ages 15-19) per capita (tCO2/capita)
Births attended by skilled health 80 78.1 78.1 Imported CO2 emissions, 0.3 0.3 0.3
personnel (%) technology-adjusted (tCO2/
capita)
percentage of surviving 86 89 88 People affected by climate- NA 179.3 NA
infants who received 2 WHO- related disasters (per 100,000
recommended vaccines (%) population
Universal Health Coverage 76.8 50.2 54 CO2 emissions embodied in NA 5.4 13.1
Tracer Index (0-100) fossil fuel exports (kg/capita)
Subjective Wellbeing (average 3.7 3.6 2.7 SDG14 – Life Below Water
ladder score, 0-10)
SDG4 – Quality Education Mean area that is protected NA NA NA
in marine sites important to
biodiversity (%)
Net primary enrolment rate (%) 85.9 84.8 94.1 Ocean Health Index Goal-Clean NA NA NA
Waters (0-100
Lower secondary completion NA 64.6 NA percentage of Fish Stocks NA NA NA
rate (%) overexploited or collapsed by
EEZ (%)
Literacy rate of 15-24 year olds, 91.8 90.4 90.4 Fish caught by trawling (%) NA NA NA
both sexes (%)
SDG5 – Gender Equality SDG15 – Life on Land

ZIMBABWE 2021 74
2017 2019 2020 2017 2019 2020
Demand for family planning NA 85.2 84.8 Mean area that is protected in 85.9 85.9 85.9
satisfied by modern methods terrestrial sites important to
(% women married or in unions biodiversity (%)
aged 15-49)
Female to male mean years of 88.8 NA 84.4 Mean area that is protected in 79.0 79.0 NA
schooling, population age 25+ freshwater sites important to
(%) biodiversity (%)
Female to male labour force 92.9 88.3 88.4 Red List Index of species 0.8 0.8 0.8
participation rate (%) survival (0-1)
Seats held by women in national 31.5 31.5 31.9 Permanent Deforestation (5 NA 0.3 0.3
parliaments (%) year average annual %)
SDG6 – Clean Water and Imported biodiversity threats 0.2 1.1 1.1
Sanitation (per million population)
Population using at least basic 76.9 66.6 64.1 SDG16 – Peace, Justice and
drinking water services (%) Strong Institutions
Population using at least basic 36.8 38.6 36.2 Homicides (per 100,000 6.7 6.7 6.7
sanitation services (%) population)
Freshwater withdrawal as % total 17.9 24.3 33.5 Unsentenced detainees (%) 0.2 NA
renewable water resources
Imported groundwater depletion 4.8 4.8 NA Population who feel safe 56 48.7 45.1
(m3/year/capita) walking alone at night in the
city or area where they live (%)
Anthropogenic wastewater that NA 10.4 O.0 Property Rights (1-7) 2.9 2.8 NA
receives treatment (%)
SDG7 – Affordable and Clean Birth registrations with civil 32.3 43.5 38.2
Energy authority, children under 5 years
of age (%)
Access to electricity (% 32.3 38.1 40.4 Corruption Perception Index 22.0 22 24
population) (0-100)
Access to clean fuels & 29.6 29.1 29.1 Children 5-14 years old involved 50.0 NA NA
technology for cooking (% in child labour (%)
population)
CO2 emissions from fuel 1.2 1.3 Transfers of major conventional 0.0 0.0 NA
combustion / electricity output weapons (exports) (constant
(MtCO2/TWh) 1990 US$ million per 100,000
population)
SDG8 – Decent Work and Freedom of Press Index (best NA 40.5 42.2
Economic Growth 0-100 worst)
Adjusted Growth (%) -6.9 -6.2 NA SDG17 – Partnerships for the
Goals
Prevalence of Modern Slavery NA 6.7 6.7 Government Health and 8.4 9.4 9.2
(victims per 1,000 population) Education spending (% GDP)
Adults (15 years +) with an 23.8 55.3 55.3 International concessional NA NA NA
account at a bank or other public finance, including official
financial institution or with a development assistance (%
mobile-money-service provider GNI)
(%)
Unemployment rate (% total 5.1 5.0 NA Government Revenue excluding NA 20.4 NA
labor force) Grants (% GDP)
Fatal work-related accidents NA 0.1 NA Tax Haven Score (best 0-5 0 0 NA
embodied in imports (deaths per worst)
100,000)

ZIMBABWE 2021 75
ANNEX 6: TRENDS IN MAIZE PRODUCTION IN ZIMBABWE (QUANTITY (TONS)
Figure 9.3 Trends in maize production in Zimbabwe (tons)
3,000,000
2,500,000
2,000,000
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
-
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Quantity (tons) Linear (Quantity (tons))
Data Source: http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QC

ZIMBABWE 2021 76
ZIMBABWE 2021 77

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COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

Acronym Name Acronym Name

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

UNODC United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

Inclusive and sustainable development is at

The Government of Zimbabwe aspires to accelerate

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

Gender Inequality Index PEOPLE

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

Domestic Resource Mobilization POPULATIONS FURTHEST BEHIND IN DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

Data collection on progress that is measured at national or subnational averages across

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

People, Planet, Prosperity,

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

Figure 1.1 Trends in HDI component indices 1990 -2017

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

1.2 NATIONAL VISION

The NDS1 seeks to build on the successes and lessons

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

1.3 PROGRESS TOWARDS AGENDA 2030 FOR SUSTAINABLE

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

(a) Extreme Poverty (b) Poverty Incedence

43.0% 60.0% 57.0%

Rural Urban National Rural Urban National

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

2.3 SOCIAL PROTECTION

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

COMPARATIVE DATA FROM DHS AND MICS

2.4 HEALTH AND WELLBEING

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

INDICATOR COMPARATIVE DATA FROM DHS AND MICS

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a deadly infectious killer disease, causing approximately

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

2.5 QUALITY EDUCATION

Completion Rate (%)

Year ECD Primary Lower Secondary Upper Secondary

Source: GoZ, 202060

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

2.6 GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

Despite progressive Constitutional and policy provisions on gender equality and

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

2.7 WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

98.4 97.2 97.3

67.5 68.5 67.9

Urban Rural National

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS

2.9 SOCIAL IMPACT OF COVID-19 IMPACT ON PEOPLE

that 19% to 14% in urban areas.

COMMON COUNTRY ANALYSIS