Zimbabwe is facing one of its biggest economic challenges — a massive US$21 billion debt that is choking growth and leaving millions in poverty. This debt crisis has become a key obstacle to the country’s development, draining resources away from basic services like health care, education, and infrastructure. The government, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, says it is taking steps to fix the problem. But many Zimbabweans are asking: can we really trust this government to deliver?

The truth is, for decades, Zimbabwe’s debt has been mismanaged. Much of it comes from poor planning, corruption, and bad governance under both Robert Mugabe and now Mnangagwa. While the government talks about reform, the lives of ordinary people keep getting worse. Hospitals lack medicine, schools are crumbling, and clean water is a luxury in many communities.

To deal with the crisis, Zimbabwe has launched what it calls the High-Level Structured Dialogue Platform Forum. It sounds impressive. The process is being led by former Mozambican President Joachim Chissano and African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina. Their goal is to help Zimbabwe restructure its debt and regain trust from international lenders. But without real accountability, this could just be another cosmetic effort to cover up deeper problems.

Mnangagwa claims Zimbabwe is making progress. He says the economy grew by 5.3% in 2023, despite challenges like sanctions and climate shocks. But growth without change in people’s daily lives means nothing. Inflation remains high, the local currency keeps losing value, and millions struggle to afford basic goods. In 2024, growth is expected to drop to just 2% because of drought — a reminder that economic recovery remains fragile and unpredictable.

The introduction of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency in 2024 was meant to bring stability. But so far, it has not restored public confidence. People still prefer the US dollar, and prices continue to rise. The government also shifted foreign currency debts from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to the Treasury, calling it a transparency measure. But with so little trust in state institutions, many see it as just moving problems from one place to another.

One positive step is the government’s promise to give landowners secure title deeds and compensate former white farmers. This could help farmers access loans and improve productivity. However, land reform has long been used for political gain in Zimbabwe, and many fear the same corrupt practices will return.

The same goes for promises on governance and human rights. Mnangagwa’s government says it is fighting corruption, ending the death penalty, and protecting whistleblowers. Yet corruption remains widespread, and critics of the government continue to face harassment, arrest, or worse. Talk of reform means little when the same regime keeps abusing power.

The government also wants to sign up for an IMF Staff Monitored Programme (SMP). This could help unlock more support from lenders. But these kinds of programmes often come with painful cuts to public spending. The government says it will protect the poor with social safety nets — but Zimbabweans have heard these promises before, and few believe them.

In the end, fixing Zimbabwe’s debt crisis is not just about numbers. It’s about trust, justice, and leadership. For too long, politicians have borrowed in the name of the people, then stolen or wasted the money. Now the same people must suffer and pay the price.

President Mnangagwa is asking the world to give Zimbabwe another chance. But the real question is: will he give Zimbabweans a chance at real change? Will he stop protecting the corrupt? Will he reform the system that created this debt crisis in the first place?

Debt is not just an economic issue. It is a reflection of broken politics, broken promises, and broken systems. Zimbabwe needs more than new currency names and international meetings. It needs honest leadership, working institutions, and a government that puts people before politics.

The world is watching. But more importantly, Zimbabweans are watching. They want more than hope — they want results. The time for empty talk is over. What Zimbabwe needs now is action. Real, honest, people-centered action. Only then can the country begin to rebuild a future free from the chains of debt.