ZIMBABWE’S economy is expected to slow down during the second half of the year due to political uncertainty and macro-economic risks confronting the economy, a local advisory firm has projected.
Acting Business EDITOR
In a quarterly equity market review for the period ending June, MMC Capital said the country’s economic growth rate may miss the target partly triggered by political risks and lack of clarity on the indigenisation and empowerment regulations compelling foreign-owned companies to sell 51% shares to locals.
“We are a bit bearish on the Zimbabwean economy in the second half of the year as far as growth is concerned. We expect a growth rate of at least 3,5% to be driven by mining and agriculture,” the report in part reads. Treasury had projected a 5% growth rate this year.
Zimbabwe will conduct elections on July 31, marking an end to the tenure of the current coalition government formed in 2009 after contested elections.
MMC said despite this slowdown, year-end annual inflation is expected to rise 2,0% and 2,5% as local firms cash in on a weakening rand. “Lower inflation figures are premised on the lower crude oil and global food prices in the face of depressed domestic demand. We expect the low incomes growth and high unemployment rates to continue suppressing demand and weaker rand will result in lower prices for basic commodities from the retailers,” MMC said.
Turning to the fragile banking sector, the advisory firm said deposits are expected to be below $4 billion on the back of reduced confidence. It said most of the deposits would remain short term in nature.
“The participation of multi-lateral lending institutions is likely to be limited as the global banking sector comes under increased regulation.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
The effect of Basel 2 regulations on the local front is likely to result in reduced credit supply as banks will be striving to meet increased capital requirements.
This is likely to further drive down the prospects of the banking sector locally leading to a depressed performance,” the report reads. MMC said the country’s indigenisation and empowerment regulations were widely perceived as the elephant in the living room starving local companies of long-term financing.
Foreign-owned banks remain a target of the policy, with empowerment minister Saviour Kasukuwere accusing them not extending significant credit to the agriculture sector as well as small-to-medium enterprises.
However, Finance minister Tendai Biti and central bank governor Gideon Gono have called for caution when approaching the delicate banking sector. The two have said that those interested in the banking sector should apply for operating licences.
