Zim Now Reporters
Zimbabwe enters 2025 at a crossroads. Economic analysts predict a 6% growth for the country, based on factors including revitalized agricultural output, enhanced power generation, and increased mining activities, particularly in lithium and gold production.
The country's trajectory toward economic recovery will be highly influenced by political dynamics and changes in some of these factors.
Here are five topics we believe will make the news in 2025:
2030 vachipo
The crux of the ZANU PF faction fights lies in the call for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stay in power beyond his mandated two terms.
While President Mnangagwa has repeatedly stated that he will not amend the Constitution, he has failed to convince many people.
It is doubtful that the call for his extended stay in power is driven by anyone other than himself. ZANU PF has a majority in the legislative houses and can easily pass any changes to the Constitution.
However, experts have said changing presidential terms to benefit incumbent would require a referendum. In that case, President Mnangagwa could face embarrassment, considering he barely secured a win in the 2023 elections, even if one chooses to ignore the disputes surrounding the victory.
ZANU PF had a better team in the election, with an opposition in shambles. But a referendum, where all adults with valid IDs are eligible to vote without preregistration, would be a different setup altogether.
Another factor against Mnangagwa winning a referendum nod is that the loudness of the 2030 call voices cannot mask the fact that the speakers are few. Very few.
Perhaps President Mnangagwa has an ace up his sleeve in the form of a loophole that will allow his agenda to proceed without a referendum. As he mentioned, he was a key member of the team that drafted the Constitution. And he has proven himself an expert at playing a very long game.
However it unfolds, expect ZANU PF succession to be prominent in the news in 2025.
Current Currency
A new Reserve Bank governor came in with a new currency that has not been exactly successful, which does not bode well for the Zimbabwe Gold.
The poorly marketed currency has struggled, even if it appears to maintain some level of stability at the moment.
Despite authorities' denials, the economy has effectively re-dollarized. The tax body's disputes with some corporations over payment of taxes in USD rather than the local currency indicate that no one prefers ZWG if they can obtain USD.
With ZWG now literally a currency of last resort in day to day transactions, less than a year after its issue, it is doubtful it will remain a viable means of exchange in the coming year.
We expect news to follow the fortunes of the local dollar.
Hunger. Again.
The country seems set for another disastrous cropping season as erratic rains disrupt plans.
While this has been cited as the worst drought in decades, and millions of Zimbabweans were listed as food insecure in 2024, the situation has not been as dire as in previous occurrences.
Food, including mealie-meal, has been readily available, and there have been no serious price hikes, unlike in previous drought years when scarcity and profiteering were common.
However, with zero revenue for most rural farmers, facing another year of purchasing a staple they usually produce themselves will be challenging.
With no viable agricultural production, the fledgling agro-processing industry will struggle against cheap imported goods as expenses rise due to escalating raw material procurement costs.
One hopes this crisis precipitates serious investment into large-scale irrigation infrastructure.
For example, fully utilizing Tugwi-Mukosi Dam's water reserves could significantly improve national food security.
Expect discussions on declarations of national disasters, appeals for aid, distribution corruption, food prices and availability, and import tax policies to dominate news coverage in 2025.
Power!
Power cuts have become so normal that they no longer inspire many social media memes.
As industry rebuilds and lifestyles change, the increasing demand for energy will be significant in 2025. Power generation is expected to increase by 10.6%, supported by the reliable performance of the Hwange Thermal Power Station Units 7 and 8 and refurbishment of some older units.
A few Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are expected to contribute small but meaningful additions to the national grid. However, Zimbabwe will remain far from energy self-sufficiency, and power issues are likely to remain topical in the new year.
Wicknell Chivayo
He dominated social media with his car and cash handouts in 2024, and it seems he is not stopping.
Many wonder why and how.
His alignment with ZANU PF, specifically with President Mnangagwa, is evident.
However, reactions from ZANU PF stalwarts to leaked audios suggest that Chivayo is not favored by many in the party.
His prominence may be linked to the 2030 agenda, and his fortunes could rise and fall with the prevailing winds in that sphere.
After the IMC/Starlink debacle, Chivayo seems unhindered in his quest to become a continental power.
Following regional election procurement tenders, we can expect him to achieve other financial successes in 2025.
His social life is likely to bring more drama, as disorder seems to characterize his relationships at the moment.
Love or hate him, we will have no choice but to talk about him.
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