Chapter 7: Zimbabwe Is Open for Business: Interrogating the Nexus Between the Country’s Infrastructure Development and International Trade Competitiveness

The impact of infrastructure development status on Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in international trade is examined in this chapter. In the context of Zimbabwe’s business environment, it explores the importance of infrastructure in promoting economic growth, improving connectivity and facilitating trade. In light of the fact that the Zimbabwean government is pursuing foreign investment and trade under the mantra ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business,’ this chapter examines the current state of the nation’s infrastructure stock, identifies major challenges and suggests ways to improve it. The importance of the nation’s effective energy supply, transportation, logistics and telecommunications infrastructure networks in facilitating trade flows and reducing trade costs is examined. Thus, the chapter assesses Zimbabwe’s current infrastructure, looking at its advantages, disadvantages and inadequacies, using a qualitative case study approach and design. Results showed that the current state of infrastructure is not supportive of the need for making Zimbabwe a competitive investment destination and making Zimbabwean products competitive in international markets. Results also showed that the nation faces dilapidated transportation networks, outdated infrastructure, erratic energy supply and inadequate telecommunications systems. The effects of these infrastructural shortcomings on Zimbabwe’s international competitiveness are discussed. Potential solutions to Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development problems are suggested in the chapter, including the potential for mobilising funds and skills for infrastructure development through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and foreign direct investments (FDIs), and international collaboration is investigated. The significance of implementing legislative changes, creating regulatory frameworks that are supportive and developing institutional capacity to create infrastructure and draw in requisite investments are also proposed as recommendations.