Located in the east of the South African continent, Zimbabwe is bordered by Zambia to the north, Botswana to the west, the Republic of South Africa to the south and Mozambique to the east. The country is generally covered with high plateaus and hills. Until 1980, Zimbabwe, known as Southern Rhodesia, which was under British control until 1980, gained its independence in 1980 and took its current name. However, in the following years, political and economic problems were experienced under the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) government led by Robert Mugabe. During this period, problems such as land reforms and hyperinflation affected the country. In 2017, a popularly supported military coup attempt emerged in the country and the 37-year rule of Mugabe came to an end.
In 2017, Emmerson Mnangagawa came to power and implemented a number of reforms. These reforms were mainly in the field of economy and détente in international relations. On the other hand, Zimbabwe is a mineral-rich country. It attracts the world’s attention in terms of both underground and above-ground resources. Zimbabwe is one of the major producers of gold minerals in the African continent, as well as platinum, diamonds, nickel and coal.[1] Therefore, we can say that the country has structured its foreign exchange needs and employment policies on mining.
Despite the country’s socio-political situation, there are many natural and cultural wonders within its borders. For example, natural and cultural beauties such as Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Great Zimbabwe Ruins are located in Zimbabwe. Thanks to these beauties, Zimbabwe is called “Wonderland”.[2]
The country is experiencing difficulties in agriculture due to natural disasters. This situation renders the country inadequate in agriculture and livestock production and dependent on foreign sources. Zimbabwe has based its development policies mainly on underground resources and their export to the world market. However, the country’s lack of sea access increases export costs and affects the country’s foreign policy.
The Republic of South Africa, the region’s leading economic, military, political and cultural power, presents both opportunities and challenges for Zimbabwe’s development. For example, Zimbabwe is dependent on the Republic of South Africa as its gateway to the Indian Ocean. This often leads to trade, economic and political tensions between the two countries.
Zimbabwe also has some disputes with its other neighbor Mozambique. Diplomatic steps are being taken to reach an agreement on the revenue, operation and maintenance of the Cahora Bassa Dam, the largest power plant in Southern Africa. [3]
Another issue that indirectly affects Zimbabwe is the sharing of the Rovuma River between Mozambique and Tanzania. The two countries dispute the ownership of the islands on the river. This situation creates regional trade and security problems for Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe can play the role of mediator between the two countries and pioneer a solution to the problem. It can further strengthen its geopolitical position in the region.
Socio-political issues and border disputes are obstacles to the development of a rich country like Zimbabwe. As a result, Zimbabwe is a landlocked country, despite its rich underground and above-ground resources. Recent steps towards cooperation with landlocked countries, especially Mozambique, show that the country is determined to open up to the world. This will reduce Zimbabwe’s dependence on the Republic of South Africa, which accounts for 62% of its imports.[4] This is because the reason for this dependence is the country’s lack of a coastline. Another advantage of Zimbabwe is nature tourism. Such geographical opportunities are essential for the country’s image and promotion.
Another advantage of the country is China’s Belt and Road Project.[5] In this context, investing in the country’s transportation infrastructure will help Zimbabwe increase its raw material exports. As a matter of fact, most of Zimbabwe’s exports go to China. Especially for the country with Africa’s largest gold reserves, this situation shows us the fact that Zimbabwe may have a say in the region in the future.
[1] “Zimbabve, Coğrafya Dünyası”, Coğrafya, https://shorturl.at/ceoFM, (Date of Accession: 12.08.2023).
[2] “Zimbabve’de Görülecek Akıllara Karşı Kayalar, Kalpten Çekilen Şelaleler ve Diğer Dramatik Manzaralar”, Cecil Dzwowa, https://shorturl.at/tBGQR, (Date of Accession: 11.08.2023).
[3] “Cahora Bassa Barajı”, Peter Berry, https://tr.svayambhava.org/barragem-de-cahora-bassa-13964, (Date of Accession: 12.08.2023).
[4] “Zimbabve Büyük Ticaret Ortakları”, Countryaah, https://www.countryaah.com/zimbabwe-major-trade-partners/, (Date of Accession: 12.08.2023).
[5] Rangarirai Muzapu vd., “Kuşak ve Yol Girişimi: Zimbabve’yi Yatırım Fırsatları İçin Konumlandırmak”, Sapub, http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.mm.20180801.04.html, (Date of Accession: 12.08.2023).
