It is true, the minerals in this, our piece of the earth belong to us and we can say with bravado that they constitute our 51% share in any investment in the country. By any measure, it is a noble policy, but it is the practicality of it that is problematic. The indigenisation law is one such policy which has not been spelt out clearly and has become a thorn in the side of Zanu PF itself. The ruling party still has to bring clarity to certain policies that are guided, not by business sense, but by political expediency.Įven the hawks in the ruling Zanu PF ensemble are aware of, and have spoken out about their party’s muddled policy pronouncements. It will certainly be an insurmountable task for the business delegation to convince the Europeans that the investment climate has changed when the politics haven’t. That clearly is a good first sign of rapprochement. It seems the bloc is now willing to accept certain behaviours and beliefs which are different from their own without necessarily agreeing or approving them. The fact that the bloc is ready to re-engage seems to suggest that their problems with the issue of governance has changed from utter disgust to toleration. The EU’s problem with Zimbabwean politics goes beyond the question of governance.
He said: “We found it interesting and decided to help.” When the delegates return home after touring Belgium, the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, Spain and Switzerland, they would only have beaten the “January Disease”, nothing else.ĭell’Ariccia was candid in describing the trip as “interesting”. It can be said, therefore, that the delegation jumped the gun. The EU’s problem with Zimbabwe has always been with the politics, hence Dell’Ariccia’s cautious optimism about the delegation whose visit he rightly says “does not show any shift with regards to the EU stance on the re-engagement process with the Zimbabwe.” It is aware of how other trade blocs, such as Southeast Asia and even the Americas are eyeing this country as an investment destination.
It is aware of how this country can be a development hub for the whole of the southern African region. It is aware of this country’s immense mineral wealth. The bloc is aware of the investment potential and opportunities Zimbabwe offers. The crux of the matter is that the EU has not had any problems with Zimbabwe’s private sector.
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