Independent observers say the future of Zimbabweans looks bleak as the country’s economy is set to decline in 2015 due to rigid economic policies.
They say the nation’s five year economic blue print – the Zimbabwe Agenda for Social and Economic Transformation (ZIMASSET) - is unlikely to turn around the economy as some current policies like the black economic empowerment program discourage foreign direct investment.
One of the skeptics is United States-based Dumaphi Mema, president of the Association of Zimbabweans Living Abroad, who said indications are that the economy will decline if the government does not change some of its policies.
Ambrose Sibindi of the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association echoes the same sentiments, saying Zimbabweans are facing a bleak future.
But Zanu PF chairman for the United Kingdom and Europe, Nicholas Mangwana, said the country’s economy is set to record significant growth in 2015.
Meanwhile, Masvingo Resident Minister Kudakwashe Bhasikiti told VOA Studio 7’s Blessing Zulu that he has asked acting president Emmerson Mnangagwa to press the government to release an outstanding $6.8 million for 20,000 stranded villagers in Nuanetsi Ranch displaced by floods early this year.