For over two decades, Zimbabwe has labored under US sanctions — first imposed in 2003 in response to democratic backsliding, human rights abuses, and corruption. While intended to target elites, these measures deepened the country’s economic isolation, discouraged investment, and reinforced Zimbabwe’s pariah status.
In March 2024, former US president Joe Biden terminated the Zimbabwe-specific sanctions programme, transitioning to a more targeted approach under the Global Magnitsky framework that focuses on specific individuals, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa. This shift coupled with President Donald Trump's transactional world view offers a rare diplomatic opening. With the right package — one pairing credible reforms with tangible incentives — Zimbabwe could secure further relief while advancing both nations’ strategic interests.
The Trump administration, with its transactional worldview, presents an unusual but timely opportunity. For President Trump, every deal must deliver wins. For Zimbabwe, every reform must drive genuine progress. Done properly, this package could reset not only Zimbabwe-US relations, but also Washington’s strained standing across Africa.
Trump’s previous rhetoric and policies alienated much of Africa. Recent visa restrictions and tensions with key African partners have reinforced perceptions that Washington is indifferent — or hostile — to African realities. While security-focused initiatives have succeeded, they address hard power concerns rather than the softer issues that resonate with the majority of ordinary Africans: dignity, fairness, and opportunity.
The Zimbabwe deal Trevor & Associates (T&A) is proposing is different. The T&A proposed deal touches these deeper concerns while offering both countries tangible benefits. For Trump, it represents a chance to reshape narratives about American engagement with Africa. For the continent, it would signal a more pragmatic, mutually beneficial approach to US-Africa relations.
The US sanctions against Zimbabwe framework targeted three interlinked crises:
*Democratic erosion —contested elections and weakened institutions
*Human rights abuses —intimidation of opposition figures and media restrictions
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*Corruption and mismanagement —particularly in resource governance
*Any credible package must address these fundamental issues while offering economic benefits that justify reform costs.
Few African nations match Zimbabwe’s combination of resources, infrastructure, and geography:
Critical minerals: Zimbabwe holds over 480 000 metric tons of lithium reserves, making it the world’s fourth-largest lithium producer in 2024 with 22 000 metric tons of output. It also possesses the world’s second-largest platinum group metal deposits, producing 15-19 tonnes annually. In a world seeking to reduce dependence on China, this represents significant leverage.
Tourism: Victoria Falls attracted nearly 400 000 visitors in 2024. With premium resorts, world-class golf facilities, and unparalleled natural wonders — including Great Zimbabwe, the Eastern Highlands, Kariba and the Lowveld — the tourism portfolio remains unmatched in the region.
Agriculture: Tobacco exports earned US$1,2 billion in 2023, making Zimbabwe Africa’s largest producer. The emerging blueberry sector has placed Zimbabwe in global markets, while cotton, soy and horticulture diversify the agricultural base.
Energy potential: The proposed 2 400 MW Batoka Gorge hydro project, combined with solar and wind developments, positions Zimbabwe as a potential regional energy hub.
T&A proposes that Zimbabwe offers Washington a realistic phased package which includes the following:
*Strategic minerals partnership
*US companies gain preferential access to joint ventures in lithium and platinum
*Guaranteed offtake agreements with American buyers. International oversight ensuring transparent operations
*Tourism development initiative
*Victoria Falls designated as a flagship US-Zimbabwe development zone
*Opportunities for American hospitality brands through long-term concessions
*Investment proceeds reinvested in community infrastructure
*Agriculture and energy cooperation
*Secured contracts for US agricultural exports and equipment
*American investment in renewable energy projects, anchored by Development Finance Corporation guarantees
*Joint development of the Batoka Hydro project
For Washington to provide meaningful sanctions relief, Zimbabwe must demonstrate verifiable progress:
*Independent election monitoring and judicial reform
*Cessation of harassment targeting opposition and media
*Transparent oversight of mining and tourism concessions with international arbitration mechanisms
*Constitutional governance and rule of law as pillars of recovery
*Resolution of the land reform program with bankable land tenure systems
*These reforms serve Zimbabwe’s interests as much as America’s — they form the foundation for sustainable economic recovery.
Debt resolution: A critical component
Zimbabwe’s total public debt stands at approximately $21 billion, with $12,3 billion in external debt owed to bilateral and multilateral creditors. The country’s biggest multilateral creditors are the World Bank ($1,5 billion), African Development Bank ($760 million), and European Investment Bank ($427 million).
A comprehensive sanctions deal should include a framework for clearing these arrears with Western institutions. Debt clearance would dramatically improve Zimbabwe’s investment climate and catalyze economic recovery. This element transforms the T&A proposed package from merely transactional to genuinely transformational.
Zimbabwe need not choose between the United States and China, nor adopt non-aligned neutrality. Instead, it should pursue strategic autonomy guided by developmental priorities centered on its people’s welfare. This approach maximizes leverage while ensuring economic partnerships serve national interests rather than external agendas.
Mineral security: Recent US administrations have prioritized critical mineral supply chains. Zimbabwe’s lithium and platinum could help reduce US dependence on China.
Beijing has invested over $1 billion in Zimbabwe’s lithium sector since 2021. A US-Zimbabwe partnership would diversify Zimbabwe’s relationships while giving Washington strategic presence in a key mineral producer.
With over $13 billion deployed across Africa, the US Development Finance Corporation actively seeks mineral and energy projects. Zimbabwe represents an ideal candidate.
For Zimbabwe, this opportunity transforms sanctions from a burden into leverage, converting resources into genuine partnerships. For Washington, it offers supply chain security, American job creation, and restored influence in a critical region.
This alignment of interests is rare. A credible Zimbabwean package — anchored in meaningful reforms and substantial value — can provide the Trump administration political cover to advance sanctions relief.
Zimbabwe cannot afford another decade of isolation. The United States cannot afford to ignore a strategic partner in southern Africa. This deal could transform Zimbabwe’s trajectory and recalibrate America’s relationship with an entire continent.
The moment demands courage and bold action from both sides. The prize—mutual prosperity built on shared interests—justifies the effort. T&A is ready to deploy its global network towards realising this package.
- *Trevor Ncube is the executive chairman of Alpha Media Holdings and founder and managing partner of Trevor & Associates, a strategic advisory and communications consultancy.
