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Source: Zim trade registers $44,2m deficit – NewsDay Zimbabwe March 14, 2019

BY MTHANDAZO NYONI

ZIMBABWE’S trade opened the year in the negative, registering a $44,2 million deficit in January, latest data from the statistics agency has shown.

Figures released by the Zimbabwe Statistics Agency (ZimStat) show that in January, the country imported goods and services worth $336,8 million against exports of $292,6 million.

However, the trade figures for January 2018 are still not available as the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, which is the source of merchandise trade data, has not provided them, according to ZimStat.

The bulk of the country’s imports in the period under review remained heavily skewed towards consumptive products, which comprise fuel, wheat, medicines and vehicles, while exports were gold, flue-cured tobacco, nickel and chrome, among others.

The top four imports in the period under review were ranked as diesel, which guzzled $61 million, followed by unleaded petrol at $36m, aviation spirit ($9,6m) and durum wheat ($7,6m).

The largest foreign currency earners were gold ($64m), followed by tobacco ($63m), nickel mattes ($56m), nickel ores and concentrates ($36m).

In his 2019 monetary policy statement, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya said the country’s external sector position had largely remained under considerable pressure due to excessive foreign currency demand against foreign currency inflows.

“This pressure is manifested through persistent and large trade and current account deficits that the economy has been recording since 2009,” he said.

“While exports of goods and services have been on an upward trend, this has been offset by the increase in imports of goods and services on the back of domestic supply gaps and rising international oil prices.”

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Source: Welcome Legal Reforms Undermined by Repression in Zimbabwe

In the run-up to last year’s presidential and parliamentary elections in Zimbabwe, hope was palpable in Harare. Civil society activists, journalists, and business leaders marvelled at how political space had opened up in the wake of the coup that ousted longtime President Robert Mugabe. It was as if an entire country had opened up the windows to let in fresh air. Citizens revelled in their ability to speak freely and voiced their hopes that unconstitutional laws that had legitimized repression and restrictions on political and civic engagement would be repealed so that the freedoms they were enjoying didn’t feel contingent on the whims of authorities.

Today, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government is indeed taking action to address those laws, including the notorious Public Order and Security Act (POSA) and Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. These are welcome, long-sought reforms—and they are among the steps necessary for building the confidence that will unlock sanctions relief. However, these victories for Zimbabwe are ringing hollow because they occur against an alarming backdrop of state-sponsored violence and intimidation.

In January, the state’s brutal response to popular protests killed seventeen and injured scores more. Within just the last week, two opposition members of parliament, Charlton Hwende and Joana Mamombe, have been arrested and charged with treason. Authorities arrested prominent civic leaders, including Pastor Evan Mawarire and Rashid Mahiya, on similar charges.

For Zimbabweans, the windows have slammed shut again. Whereas last year citizens experienced freedom without the legal framework to protect it, now it appears that Zimbabwe will be characterized by repression regardless of the law, helped along by a deeply compromised judiciary. The legal landscape may shift, but fear remains the constant organizing principle for Zimbabwe’s government.

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Source: ED lays US$23,6m internet backbone | The Herald March 14, 2019

President Mnangagwa prepares to cut the ribbon during the commissioning of the National Backbone Fibre Link at TelOne Beitbridge Exchange with help from Vice President Cde Kembo Mohadi (partly obscured, right), Minister of ICT and Courier Services Cde Kazembe Kazembe (back to camera), Acting Chinese Ambassador Mr Zhao Baogang (left) and TelOne MD Mrs Chipo Mtasa (centre).

Thupeyo Muleya and Africa Moyo
President Mnangagwa yesterday commissioned the US$23,6 million National Backbone Fibre Link in Beitbridge set to boost the country’ Information Communication Technology capacity and status as a regional communications hub.

The link connects Beitbridge with Bulawayo, Harare, Masvingo and the rest of the country using underground cables.

It will reduce TelOne operating costs by 40 percent and the benefit is expected to cascade to consumers.

Funded by the China Export and Import Bank, the fibre link was constructed by TelOne and Chinese company Huawei Technologies.

President Mnangagwa said the initiative will turn Zimbabwe into a land- linked country, shaking off the landlocked tag.

“This project is undoubtedly set to have a far-reaching impact towards the attainment of our national vision as it relates to ICT where we envisage having internet access at village level by 2030. It will enhance our country’s land-linked status as it efficiently connects us with the rest of the world. By embracing technology and connectivity, we are embracing the future, and giving our people the best opportunities to thrive in the modern economy,” said President Mnangagwa.

“We note with pride that the establishment of these fibre links has completed the connectivity of Zimbabwe with our neighbouring countries, specifically South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana and Zambia. The link will also provide transit services that enable SADC members connecting to the whole world through a robust fibre network.”

President Mnangagwa thanked the Chinese government for availing loans for infrastructure development.

“In addition, we give special recognition to the government of China for the loan facilities which they continue to avail in support of infrastructure development in our country. The US$98 million loan facility through China Exim Bank enabled the timely completion of this project. It gives us comfort to know that we have strategic, comprehensive partners and friends who continue to stand by us in our quest for development, progress and prosperity,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said the country’s infrastructure had lagged behind for too long.

“My Government, under the Second Republic, is determined to connect our nation speedily and equitably.

“We have presently prioritised the building and rehabilitation of roads throughout the country. However, we are equally cognisant of the need to build infrastructure for tomorrow hence the completion of this project is a timely and significant step for a new Zimbabwe,” he said.

He said investment in ICT had transformative impact on Government’s quest for growth, modernisation and industrialisation of the economy, which will further improve economic efficiency and productivity.

President Mnangagwa said investment in the fibre links would enhance employment creation and generate the much-needed foreign currency.

It will also improve Zimbabwe’s outlook as an investment destination.

President Mnangagwa said the initiative reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building modern infrastructure that will give people the best opportunities to succeed, develop and thrive in a modern world.

He challenged the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services to continue taking a central role in coordinating, harnessing and integrating the various efficiencies of ICT for the benefit of the public sector.

“In the modern economy, opportunity is technology and the role of Government is to ensure all its citizens have access to this technology. In addition, the middle-income economy status we envision will be accelerated as a result of the digital socio-economic impact that cuts across financial services, health, retail, agriculture, mining, tourism and Government.

“This undertaking should therefore be understood in this context. That is, as an enabler that will transform us into an e-society through promotion of e-commerce, e-government, online trade, investment education and services,” he said.

The President said in the Second Republic, it was important for all Zimbabweans to have access to vital tools of development, with internet capability facilities.

He said mere proximity to major cities should not be a prerequisite for economic success and commended traditional leaders and local government structures for their continued support for Government programmes.

“I also direct all ministries and departments to move with speed to improve the efficiency of public services through the use of ICT solutions for the convenience of our people. Let us embrace the future. Let us look forward and not backwards,” he said

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Thousands of villagers in Mutoko yesterday were given United States dollars to help them fight hunger during this lean season. The programme dubbed Lean Season Assistance (LSA) is being sponsored by the World Food Programme, USAID and United Kingdom’s DFID while the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) are the coordinators. A total of 32 […]

Source: Zim, SA embrace one-stop border | The Herald March 14, 2019

Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe and South Africa have agreed on the establishment of the Beitbridge One-Stop Border Post as a way of addressing challenges faced by travellers between the two countries at the border post.

This came out of the Third Session of the Bi-National Commission Summit of the two countries which ended in Harare on Tuesday.

The Commission was informed that a joint technical committee was already in place.

The joint commission, which was set up after the second session of the BNC last year, formed legal, procedures, ICT, infrastructure and human resources task teams.

The joint technical committee agreed to share and exchange information on the work that has already been done by both countries which would serve as a basis for the negotiations of the One-Stop Border Post.

The Commission noted that Zimbabwe submitted proposals to the bilateral agreement for the border post and operational manuals.

“South Africa informed the Commission that (its) government approved the framework for the One-Stop Border Post and they are currently consulting with stakeholders on the development of the One-Stop Border Post at Beitbridge as a priority project,” said an official.

“The Commission noted the challenges emanating from both countries operating in isolation and agreed that there is need for joint efforts and identification of clear milestones as required.”

Other issues that came up for discussion during the BNC included the non-recognition of vehicle third party insurance from South Africa by Zimbabwe and that the fees for the same were significantly increased without notification.

As such, it was agreed that meetings should be held in South Africa by the end of April 2019 where the respective players and stakeholders would identify solutions.

It was further agreed that there should be another meeting by the end of May 2019 to address challenges of the third party insurance requirements where all relevant institutions should be invited.

Under the Sadc Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology, it is a requirement for member states to harmonise these requirements and also recognise the existing documents and systems of other member states.

Meanwhile, Zanu-PF yesterday hailed the holding of the third BNC.

In a statement, Zanu-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Cde Simon Khaya Moyo said: “The party greatly appreciates that the two Presidents underscored the existence of close and friendly bilateral ties deeply rooted in shared history and culture, sustained and nourished through growing economic partnership as well as vibrant people-to-people contacts. The party further hails the agreement between the two countries to work together towards re-engagement with the International Co-operating Partners in support of Zimbabwe’s economic reform and Debt Arrears Clearance Agenda in order to transform the country’s economy.”

“Zanu-PF expresses great appreciation for the unwavering commitment by the government and people of South Africa, mostly importantly the South African President His Excellency Cyril M. Ramaphosa, for standing shoulder to shoulder with Zimbabwe in calling for the unconditional removal of illegal and unwarranted sanctions imposed by the West which are stifling the country’s economic recovery initiatives.”

Cde Khaya Moyo said Zanu-PF had goodwill and confidence that South Africa would successfully conduct its elections in May this year and wished the ANC victory.

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