SADC heads of state and government meeting in Swaziland were due to discuss the Zimbabwe Aid package. The leaders are expected to come up with a regional economic deal that would help Zimbabwe recovery from the current economic crisis.
Zimbabwe’s hopes will be pinned on a package worth two billion dollars which it requested to help aid its reconstruction after a year of political and economic crisis.
But where are these SADC countries going to get the money to help Zimbabwe?
Here is what News24.com had to say on the Zimbabwe Aid package:
The embattled country was struck a blow this week when the International Monetary Fund said it would only provide aid to Zimbabwe once the unity government meets key conditions.Independent political analyst Laurence Caromba said SADC countries will “certainly” not insist on western-style preconditions before giving money to Zimbabwe.
However he questioned where countries would get the money from as their own economies struggle under the effects of a global economic crisis.
“Even if regional countries are willing to fund Zimbabwe, it’s not entirely clear where they will get the money,” said Caromba.
“The wealthier countries such as South Africa are currently running budget deficits as a result of the international financial crisis.”
As Zimbabweans, we just hope money will be found to help Zimbabwe recover from the current economic crisis. The inclusive government of Zanu Pf and the MDC will need all the support it can get, if it’s to be a success. But the new government also need to be accountable and ensure there is an environment in the country that’s conducive for economic development.
Can we rebuild Zimbabwe without international Aid? Feel free to add your views.
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