Friday Drinks: Reform, Reality & Recovery: Is Zimbabwe’s Economy Finally Turning the Corner?

Ranga, Rufaro and Simba Mangwendeza unpack key issues shaping Zimbabwe’s economy and financial sector. The conversation explores interest rates, monetary policy and the challenge of building confidence in the ZiG within a highly dollarised economy. The panel also discusses banking sector dynamics, including low lending activity, weak long-term deposits and shifting loans-to-deposits ratios. Further topics include ease of doing business, rising tax pressures, IMTT and the complexities of taxing a largely informal and cash-based economy. The discussion also looks at Zimbabwe’s gold reserves, mining sector potential and the estimated US$15.5bn capital requirement needed to fully unlock growth in the industry. A deep dive into the realities, contradictions and opportunities within Zimbabwe’s evolving economic landscape.