Zimbabwe’s Key Policies Developments Since Independence: A Review of Challenges and Opportunities

Shepherd Chaparadza (Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Zimbabwe)
Mohamed Sayeed Bahat (University of Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa)

Advances in Public Law and Policy
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026): July

Purpose: This study aims to expose the details behind Zimbabwe’s policy mistakes and examine the challenges that influenced the policy paths from independence to the current. It discusses Zimbabwe’s key policies since independence and offers recommendations for improvement. Methodology: The research used a focus group discussion approach to obtain first-hand views from people who interact with the policies. This method was selected because it provides a chance for participants to discuss and give their views without fear. Results: The discussions revealed that the political environment in Zimbabwe was characterized by centralization, where power was concentrated in the hands of a few individuals, undermining democratic processes and evading public accountability. Conclusions: Policies should explicitly meet the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups by guaranteeing fair access to resources to enhance inclusivity, and authorities should encourage women's participation in policymaking and consider gender concerns. Limitations: The research was conducted in Zimbabwe, and the findings may not apply to conditions outside the jurisdiction. The research adopted a focus group discussion of which conditions were created to foster freedom in expressing their views. The results may be limited to the responses provided by participants. Contributions: This research considers the role of community involvement in the inert needs of the community; thus, the community should be involved in policy crafting and monitoring. Politics and economic development issues must be separated so that decisions are not swayed from their goals.