Hostility from the West is hampering Zimbabwe’s efforts to attract investment, the presidency spokesman said on Tuesday.
Mnangagwa has made progress in improving ties with Western states since he took over the presidency in an acting capacity November, and even after the July 30 election.
Mnangagwa’s spokesman George Charamba’s comments come following Donald Trump’s decision to renew sanctions against Zimbabwe, a move condemned by the government in Harare.
Economists say that for the southern African country to revive its struggling economy it needs to clear its arrears with Western donors and agree a financing programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Charamba however said Western states were preventing that.
“Of concern to investors is the continued hostility of the West, principally America which has been influencing IFIs (International Financial Institutions) negatively against Zimbabwe,” Charamba said.
“This has delayed a resolution to the debt question, itself the elephant in the room.”
He also said the delays caused by Chamisa’s court challenge to Mnangagwa’s election victory were also putting off investors.
“External partners – governmental and entrepreneurial – are irritated by the delay in closure to what in all estimate was a free, fair, democratic and credible electoral process,” he said.
“Many investment projects have been waiting in the wings and the frustration of many investors who cannot wait much longer is palpable.”
