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Zimbabwe

Capital: Harare ; GDP growth (annual %) 2016 : 0.7%

Africa’s economic growth in 2016 was driven by East Africa

While the continent’s major economies were hit by the fall in commodity prices in 2016, Africa retained its position as the second-fastest growing continent globally recording an average of 2.2% GDP increase, behind only South Asia, according to the African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Much of Africa’s increase in 2016, AfDB says, was driven by East Africa where several nations recorded “strong performances.” In general, of the continent’s sub-regions, East Africa posted the highest increase rate with 5.3%, led by Ethiopia.
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African real estate market still standing after tough 2016

African real estate has had a tough year navigating diffcult economic conditions. Most investors on the continent remain private equity groups as opposed to long term investors or Real Estate Investment Trust ( Reit) investors.

There have as well been currency problems in the likes of Nigeria and Zimbabwe. But 2017 could be better if commodity prices rise globally.

"The continent gained traction last year, notably in the Hotel, Retail and Residential sectors. One hopes that, in 2017, there will be fewer economic and structural difficulties for African real estate," said Ortneil Kutama, Africa Property News Media Director.
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Africa property offers rich pickings for the brave

Some property pundits believe there are major opportunities for investors or companies on the continent.

While most pundits will acknowledge that the saying “Africa is not for sissies” rings authentic at the same time as it comes to property investment , some commentators believe that there are major opportunities for investors on the continent.
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Key Facts: Full name: Republic of Zimbabwe
Population: 12.6 million (UN, 2010)
Area: 390,759 sq km (150,873 sq miles)
Major language: English (official), Shona, Sindebele
Major religions: Christianity, indigenous beliefs
Life expectancy: 54 years (men), 53 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 Zimbabwe dollar = 100 cents
Main exports: Tobacco, cotton, agricultural products, gold, minerals
GNI per capita: $460 (World Bank, 2010)
Internet domain: .zw
International dialling code: +263

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Africa's Relationship With China Is Ancient History
2017/07/02
In 2002 South Africa's Parliament unveiled a digital reproduction of a map - of China, the Middle East and Africa - that some speculated could be the initial map of the African continent. The Da Ming Hun Yi Tu - the Comprehensive Map of the Great Ming Empire - was drawn up around 1389 during the Ming Dynasty, according to historian Hyunhee Park.

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Climate change laws around the world
2017/05/14
There has been a 20-fold increase in the number of global climate change laws since 1997, according to the most comprehensive database of relevant policy and legislation.

The database, produced by the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment and the Sabin Center on Climate Change Law, includes more than 1,200 relevant policies across 164 countries, which account for 95% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

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Why Zimbabweans Are Always Short of 'Food'
2015/07/13
THE phrase 'gore rezhara' or 'umyaka wendlala' - the year of famine - is familiar with most Zimbabweans of my age. Up until the late 1970s, our grandparents and parents tended to calibrate historical eras with 'landmarks' of years at the same time as hunger and famine were at their worst. Massive national food deficits particularly in vulnerable regions like Matabeleland, the Midlands, Masvingo and some parts of Mashonaland West were a common phenomenon. From presently on, it was very rare to hear of anyone dying of starvation.

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Zimbabwe’s economy is on the verge of recession,
2014/07/11
Zimbabwe’s economy is on the verge of recession, with low consumer request and a liquidity crunch putting its businesses under plenty of strain. Against this backdrop, finance minister Patrick Chinamasa tells Paul Wallace how he has started to rebuild its ties with multilateral lenders in a bid to access new credit.

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Africa: Making Things Happen at the Bank - 'Not a Talk Shop' - Akin Adesina
2017/07/02
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina is focusing on five areas to achieve the African and world goals for a prosperous continent since becoming president of the African Development Bank - Africa's major public financial institution in September 2015. He was a keynote speaker at this month's Corporate Council on Africa's U.S.- Africa Business Summit in Washington D.C. and moderated a lively panel with five African government ministers. He as well received the Gene White Lifetime Succcess Award from the World Child Nutrition Foundation. This week, he was named the 2017 recipient of the World Food Prize, a prestigious honor that includes a $250,000 award. In an interview in Washington, DC, Adesina discussed the Development Bank's ambitious schedule and his vision for attracting the increase capital Africa needs. Posting questions for AllAfrica was Noluthando Crockett-Ntonga.

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Clifford Brody, Senior Advisor to VirtualBank
2013/03/31
This Zimbabwe-based start-up is dedicated to offering a socially responsible and much-needed financial service to Africans at the bottom of the pyramid with a financially sound business model built to maximize investor price while keeping risk to a minimum. Join us as we interview Mr. Clifford Brody, Senior Advisor to VirtualBank and Founder and CEO of World Bankers Institute
(http://www.globalbankersinstitute.com)

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Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's president
2012/12/19
PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe has turned the tables on his Chinese allies saying Zimbabwe would be stupid to accept investment from China and any other foreign country without pre-conditions.

This contradicted Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment minister Saviour Kasukuwere, who was once quoted saying the Chinese would not be affected by the indigenisation regulations.

Addressing the Zanu PF 13th Annual National People’s Conference in Gweru, Mugabe warned the Chinese that they would no longer be protected from the controversial indigenisation laws, which compel foreign-owned companies to cede 51% shareholding to locals.

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Outlook for 2013-17
2013/10/09
The country (Zimbabwe) is situated in Southern Africa, between South Africa and Zambia. It has borders with Mozambique for 1231 km, South Africa for 225 km, Botswana for 813 km, and Zambia for 797 km.
Is land is normally high plateau with higher central plateau (high veld) mountains in east. Is land covers an area of km². The climate is tropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to March).Zimbabwean speak English Shona, Sindebele ,numerous but minor tribal dialects.

OVERVIEW

Presidential and legislative elections will be held on July 31st, and are likely to prove chaotic given that they are underfunded and that protracted disputes over the exact timing have left the electoral authority with relatively little time to organise the practicalities. The IMF has agreed a staff-monitored programme covering April-December 2013. This could lead to a deficit-relief agreement in the longer term, but much will depend on economic policymaking in the wake of the polls. Increase in 2013 is likely to remain depressed, at little additional than 2%, but expansion should start to rise thereafter, provided that the new government does not return to failed economic policies.

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Muchadeyi Ashton Masunda is mayor of Harare
2012/12/05
Muchadeyi Ashton Masunda is mayor of Harare, capital of Zimbabwe. He holds a bachelor of law (honors) degree from the University of Zimbabwe and is a fellow and accredited tutor of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in the United Kingdom.

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