UNITED States President Donald Trump’s rapid and ruthless dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAid) is a bitter pill, but necessary medicine for Zimbabwe.
While initial outrage against Trump and Elon Musk may dominate headlines, a sober reflection will reveal an opportunity for Zimbabwe to forge a stronger, self-sufficient economy in the medium to long term.
Though imposed upon us, this aid suspension presents a valuable moment for national introspection and an urgent rearrangement of priorities.
This crisis must not go to waste.
Zimbabwe is not a poor nation; it is a poorly governed one.
The country possesses vast mineral wealth, including the world’s third-largest platinum reserves and significant gold, lithium and diamond deposits.
Yet, due to rampant corruption and gross mismanagement, resources meant for essential services are systematically plundered by those in power.
Trump is a disrupter, reshaping America’s global priorities.
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USAid is funded by American taxpayers, who overwhelmingly voted him into office.
His actions reflect his accountability to them.
Our frustration should not be directed at Trump, but at those whose corruption and incompetence have left Zimbabwe reliant on foreign aid for basic services.
For decades, the United States has served as both the world’s policeman and the foremost provider of humanitarian assistance.
Rooted in the belief of a shared human destiny, this role, though self-interested at times, sought to uplift the less privileged and promote global stability.
However, many kleptocratic regimes have exploited this system, presiding over failing States while the international community foots the bill for their citizens’ survival.
The growing backlash against globalisation has fuelled nationalism, weakening the spirit of global responsibility.
Finance minister Mthuli Ncube’s response to the void left by Musk’s USAid overhaul was to impose increased levies on alcohol, cigarettes, fast foods and sugary beverages.
But where has this revenue been going all along?
This approach is lazy and uninspired — a continuation of the same mindset that has transformed a resource-rich country into a donor-dependent one.
More taxes are not the solution; businesses have been taxed into oblivion, with the formal unemployment rate estimated at over 90%.
A meaningful response demands improved governance, enhanced productivity, economic stability and sustainable growth.
Contrary to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s claims, Zimbabwe is far from being “open for business”.
His recent announcement about removing excessive regulations and punitive fees is an admission that comes four decades too late.
Corruption, mismanagement and misplaced priorities have suffocated productivity, fuelling record unemployment and poverty.
Zimbabwe’s leaders have prioritised defence spending and the State’s repressive apparatus over essential services.
As a result, water and healthcare infrastructure have collapsed while the political elite amass vast fortunes.
Until recently, USAid and other donors have been bridging the gap left by government neglect.
That era is coming to an end.
Instead of clamouring for the restoration of USAid funding or seeking alternative donors, we must confront our government.
Our outrage must be directed at those who have reduced Zimbabwe to an economic pariah while enriching themselves.
Zimbabweans must demand the following from their government:
Improve governance, transparency and accountability
Respect for the Constitution and the rule of law is fundamental to attracting investment and improving Zimbabwe’s global standing.
Governance reforms and enhanced accountability are crucial — not to appease donors, but to serve the people, particularly the poor and marginalised.
Strengthen domestic resource mobilisation
Rather than overburdening individuals and businesses with higher taxes, the government must expand the tax base and improve compliance.
Currently, the informal economy accounts for an estimated 60% of Zimbabwe’s GDP, yet it remains largely untaxed. Tax administration must be transparent and equitable.
Attract local and foreign direct investment
The “Zimbabwe is open for business” mantra is a farce.
Barriers to economic activity — including nepotism, corruption, excessive tariffs and bureaucratic red tape — must be dismantled to foster a competitive investment climate.
Develop key economic sectors
Zimbabwe must leverage on its vast potential in renewable energy, mining, tourism and agriculture to generate revenue and sustain social programmes.
The country’s lithium reserves alone can turn it into a global hub for electric vehicle battery production.
Infrastructural investment in power, communication, roads, rail and water must be prioritised.
Given the State’s financial incapacity, the private sector should be incentivised to lead these developments.
Create a conducive start-up ecosystem
Emerging technologies present vast opportunities for job creation and economic expansion.
The government must cultivate enabling legal and economic environments that empower young entrepreneurs to innovate and thrive.
Empower local civil society organisations
Foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) often advance the interests of their funders.
A thriving domestic civil society sector requires an environment where businesses can support political parties and NGOs transparently.
Legal protections for political donations and philanthropy are vital for a vibrant democracy.
Foster local production of essential goods
Zimbabwe possesses natural resources and a skilled workforce which should help to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen food security.
Government policies must incentivise domestic production, particularly of pharmaceuticals and agricultural produce.
Prioritise health and social spending
Government must rearrange national budget priorities to ensure essential healthcare services, including HIV and Aids treatment, maternal care and tuberculosis initiatives, are adequately funded.
The private sector should be encouraged to expand telemedicine, mobile health services and digital healthcare platforms to reduce service delivery costs.
Until we reclaim the understanding that, as humanity, we owe each other the duty of care, Zimbabwe and other developing nations must learn to walk the difficult path of self-reliance with minimal or no aid.
Foreign assistance has long served as a pressure valve, allowing corrupt leaders to remain in power while neglecting their people.
Zimbabweans must stop outsourcing their fight for good governance to foreign NGOs and actively demand accountability and service delivery from their government.
Our anger should be directed not at Trump and Musk, but at those within our borders who have looted resources and mismanaged our nation.
- Trevor Ncube is the chairman of Alpha Media Holdings and host of ICWT
