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The Real Exchange Rate and Growth in Zimbabwe: Does the Currency Regime Matter?

Author

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  • Brixiova, Zuzana

    (UNECA)

  • Ncube, Mthuli

    (University of Oxford)

Abstract

Zimbabwe faces growth and external competitiveness challenges, as indicated by its low trend growth and investment, declining share in the world exports, high current account deficits, and external debt. The stock-flow approach to the equilibrium exchange rate reveals that the real exchange rate experienced periods of sizeable overvaluation, both prior to the 2008 economic collapse and under the current multicurrency regime. While overvaluation hampers GDP growth, as well as growth and employment in export sectors, we have not found that undervaluation would raise it. Replacing the multicurrency regime anchored in the US$ by the South African rand as the sole transaction currency would help reduce overvaluation and stimulate exports and growth. Under any currency regime, Zimbabwe needs to adhere to sound macroeconomic policies, avoid overspending on public wages, and create environment conducive for investment.

Suggested Citation

  • Brixiova, Zuzana & Ncube, Mthuli, 2014. "The Real Exchange Rate and Growth in Zimbabwe: Does the Currency Regime Matter?," IZA Discussion Papers 8398, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp8398
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    Cited by:

    1. A. Wondemu Kifle & Potts David, 2016. "Working Paper 240 - The Impact of the Real Exchange Rate Changes on Export Performance in Tanzania and Ethiopia," Working Paper Series 2348, African Development Bank.
    2. Naftaly Mose & Jane Kaboro, 2019. "Does Inflation Rate Convergence Spur Exchange Rate Volatility? Empirical Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa," Asian Journal of Economic Modelling, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 7(2), pages 95-109, June.
    3. Eddie Chamisa & Musa Mangena & Hamutyinei Harvey Pamburai & Venancio Tauringana, 2018. "Financial reporting in hyperinflationary economies and the value relevance of accounting amounts: hard evidence from Zimbabwe," Review of Accounting Studies, Springer, vol. 23(4), pages 1241-1273, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    currency regime; Zimbabwe; growth; real exchange rate misalignment; employment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F36 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Financial Aspects of Economic Integration
    • F41 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Open Economy Macroeconomics
    • C22 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes
    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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