This paper addresses an important issue that has the potential to impact significantly on the economic and political stability of Zimbabwe and southern Africa: should Zimbabwe join the Southern African Customs Union (SACU)? The Zimbabwe–SACU relationship is complex, dynamic and multi-layered, making a simple yes or no answer to this question inappropriate. However, aligning Zimbabwe with the most effectively functioning customs union in Africa offers great opportunities to promote cooperation, coordination and integration between South Africa, undoubtedly Africa’s most powerful economy, and Zimbabwe. This paper, after examining the SACU–Zimbabwe relationship in terms of good governance, revenue-sharing, trade and common policies, concludes that now is not the time for Zimbabwe to join SACU. However, in the longer-term, promoting Zimbabwe’s integration with SACU, its major trading partner, has the potential to increase trade, investment and development in Zimbabwe. It could also lock-in domestic policy reform and, if accepted into SACU, add considerable legitimacy to the Zimbabwe policy environment.
Richard Gibb, The Brenthurst Foundation
No comments:
Post a Comment