It makes recommendations for ways in which the country could overcome the current political and economic impasse to re-engage more successfully against the backdrop of the Zimbabwean government’s efforts to build strategic alliances that will support its economic recovery. In July and August 2019, researchers from the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) visited Harare and conducted interviews with 18 stakeholders, including representatives of both major political parties, government officials, journalists, civil society activists, economists, and Western and non-Western diplomats. SAIIA’s fieldwork occurred exactly a year after the 2018 elections. Interviewees were pessimistic about prospects under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and agreed that the mood and morale of the country was low. The report unpacks Zimbabwe’s political and economic landscape and the government’s international engagement strategy, as well as assessing the potential to explore joint efforts (with the region, and traditional and non-traditional partners) that could support a meaningful political and economic reform agenda in Zimbabwe.
