Jobs for Zimbabweans

90% of Zimbabwe’s working population is jobless. Household subsistence and the informal sector do offer this majority limited opportunity. Among young adults, the majority have no opportunity at all.  The 10% formally employed are underpaid in low quality jobs.

Youth unemployment was an issue, even before political independence was gained in 1980.Rapid population growth, since 1980, has never been matched by job creation in Zimbabwe. High unemployment has fuelled emigration and poverty, guaranteeing crime, prostitution plus delinquency all round. Lack of opportunity has led to wasted youth and moral decline.

Facilitating conditions that ensure real productive job growth is the remit of the state. Only inclusive policy will give Zimbabwe increasing formal employment and the needed rising demand for labour.

Without a currency and bruised by double deficits the country needs to recover its monetary-fiscal positions. Thus, a Zimbabwe properly managed from the top will bring about more social stability. To avoid this persistent waste of talent, government has to amicably work with firms providing quality jobs.

Zimbabwe’s government is not powerless. Zimbabwe government can curb in-house corruption, clean up its failed institutions and remove bureaucracy. Zim gov needs to start walking the walk, all talk no action does not deliver results.

New Year Old Problems

2014 is already witnessing an increase in national challenges.  Zimbabwe’s shaky banking system and the absence of a national currency are the least of the people’s struggles.

40 years ago, Zimbabwean shops stocked over 80% made in Zimbabwe goods. Today, the trend is reversed with less than 20% made in Zimbabwe sold and stocked. Without exports to match this influx of foreign goodies, poverty and deficits will continue their upward march.

Zimbabwe’s leaders agree things cannot go on like this. However, policy from central government is not addressing the main causes of Zimbabwe’s economic demise. The current budget, Zim Asset and all the paraphernalia of a state propaganda machine are actually multiplying the national crisis. They will be no economic progress in 2014; and the hope remains that by 2020 a more honest government will start delivering credible policy.

Zimbabwe election 2013

Politicians will continue to make promises heading into electoral season. The focus of the election is the economy. Given real unemployment hovers above 90% and poverty is rife, Zimbabweans obviously deserve inprovements in livelihood.
These elections will have violent incidents and party infighting will be evident. Zimbabwe's poverty levels make politics the easier route to subsistence and riches-this desperation is the fuel for electoral violence.
One party will argue indigenisation is the policy that will benefit the masses. This is just empty posturing as indigenisation will only benefit the politically connected.
The othe main party will argue it has an economic plan that will attract investment and increase employment. More wishful rhetoric, as the Global economy reamins mired in recession. Europe needs over $60 Trillion(USA Dollars-not defunct Zim Dollars) to support it's financial system.The USA also needs Trillions to fund its Federal expenditure. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, remains one of the least attractive places to invest and this will not change within one election cycle.
Whichever way the elections go, right through the next four years, unemployment will hover around 90% and the majority will still lack opportunity.