United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, has identified deteriorating civic freedoms, the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, and widespread corruption as serious impediments to economic investment in the country.
Speaking during an appearance on The CITE View, a weekly public affairs show hosted by Zenzele Ndebele, Ambassador Tremont emphasized that economic growth is unlikely without robust democratic institutions.
“We are troubled by several developments — including the reduction of civic space, the implementation of the PVO Amendment Act, which in our view does not conform to international norms, and the worsening levels of corruption, as highlighted by Transparency International,” she said.
Tremont also raised alarm over increasing threats to press freedom, particularly the prolonged pre-trial detention of journalists, which she warned could deter international investors from engaging with Zimbabwe.
Her remarks come amid growing concern over the 63-day incarceration of Heart & Soul TV reporter Blessed Mhlanga. He was arrested after broadcasting a press event led by outspoken war veteran Blessed Geza, who has publicly called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign. Mhlanga’s continued detention has sparked condemnation abroad, including from UK lawmaker Lord Jonny Oates, who urged the British government to maintain diplomatic pressure on Harare.
Local civil society organisations have also slammed the PVO law, arguing that it is designed to stifle dissent and further shrink democratic space.
On Zimbabwe’s efforts to resolve its debt crisis, Ambassador Tremont reiterated U.S. support for the ongoing process. She noted that while the Zimbabwean government has committed to a set of reforms, tangible progress will be key to restoring economic stability.
Zimbabwe currently owes roughly US$21 billion in external debt, effectively locking it out of new credit lines from key global financial institutions such as the World Bank and African Development Bank.
In an effort to tackle this, Zimbabwe launched a “Structured Dialogue” in 2022, backed by the AfDB, to negotiate debt relief and re-engagement with international creditors. Authorities revealed in late 2024 that Zimbabwe plans to enter a Staff-Monitored Programme (SMP) with the International Monetary Fund starting January 2025. The initiative aims to support reforms, settle arrears, and lay the groundwork for future IMF funding.
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