Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his government are currently undertaking road renovations in Harare as part of their preparations to host the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) summit in August. The aim is to impress regional heads of state and government.
This move comes after Sadc rejected Mnangagwa’s reelection last August due to allegations of manipulation, electoral fraud, and voter suppression. Many regional leaders boycotted his inauguration, leaving him isolated.
However, Zimbabwe’s fractured opposition failed to capitalize on this situation, allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to regain some legitimacy through hosting the upcoming Sadc summit.
The summit, scheduled for August 17, is a top priority for Harare, which seeks to portray a positive image of the country despite ongoing political and economic challenges.
As preparations for the summit continue, the government is focusing on renovating roads in Harare, particularly those leading to the New Parliament Building where the event will be held. Additionally, efforts are underway to provide accommodation for guests and participants, enhance landscaping, and improve infrastructure such as water supply and waste management.
Despite these preparations, the underlying economic challenges facing Zimbabwe remain unchanged. Years of economic mismanagement, governance failures, and corruption have severely impacted the country’s economy, and no amount of cosmetic improvements can conceal the reality of the situation.
