By Blanche Wadza Mhonda
The Eastern Caucus, (TECA) is a liberal think tank based in Mutare, Zimbabwe. It exists to help reform Zimbabwe’s economic policy towards more economic freedom, lower and clear taxes, fair regulation, property rights, limited government and prosperity for all.
The current state is characterised by small businesses and entrepreneurs facing significant challenges such as high tax burdens, unclear and multiple regulations, and the inability to access broader markets. The local Zimbabwe Gold currency is not sound. These systemic barriers are not just limiting growth, but stifling innovation and hope.
The effects of economic stagnation and policy inefficiencies have become unsustainable for individuals, families, and businesses. Entrepreneurs, particularly SMEs, remain the backbone of the economy, yet their potential is locked behind restrictive systems. The rapid growth of global and regional markets, spurred by agreements like Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), presents unprecedented opportunities that Zimbabwe’s SMEs are poorly positioned to seize.
However, we are happy to report that the Government of Zimbabwe is changing the framework.
President Emerson Mnangagwa and the Minister of Finance Prof Ncune have been clear on the reform of taxation and facilitation of the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe.
This is a critical moment, where bold ideas and dedicated advocacy can reshape the country’s future and national goal of becoming a middle- income country by 2030. The Eastern Caucus has risen to this challenge by conducting and sharing a seminal Zimbabwe Economic Freedom Audit (ZEFA) of 2024 which, at its core, recommends these policy changes.
This is an exciting moment for Zimbabwe and with TECAs international connections, one hopes the Government of Zimbabwe retains the current space for non state actors to help turn these policies around.
More of this progress will be discussed in the upcoming editions.
Blanche Wadzanai Mhonda is the TECA Director.