Assisting with Strategic Planning and Communications in Zimbabwe — 2009/2010

Above: Along a street in Harare, the capital

Situation

Zimbabwe in 2008 saw an electoral crisis, international sanctions, food shortages and economic collapse so bad the currency was abandoned. Under international pressure, the long-time president and opposition leaders formed a Government of National Unity. The president’s main rival became Prime Minister.

Below: Victoria Falls

Approach

My work involved provision of technical assistance to the Prime Minister’s office. Planned/conducted multi-day retreat for the Prime Minister, his cabinet and staff, where the focus was rank-ordering priorities among issues thought to be in the Prime Minister’s manageable interests.

Results

Zimbabwe’s assets beyond natural wonders include solid infrastructure, if tired around the edges, rich farm land, though it’s not well managed, and abundant resources including diamonds. English is the language of business and politics. Literacy exceeds U. S. levels. They have all the building blocks to be a success story, yet growth and reform remain the urgent challenges.

Below: Last denomination printed following nightmarish hyper-inflation, just before the government abandoned its currency, in 2008. When this note was introduced, it was worth roughly $3,500 U. S. In the last week of its life, it started at $350 U. S., and ended up worth $5 U. S.

Next two below: in a sculpture garden, outside Harare.

Below: found on office wall

Two photos below: Mana Pools. Courtesy Patrick Fn’Piere.