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The local government finance and development in Zimbabwe: An exploratory review

Author

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  • V.D. Takawira

    (Great Zimbabwe University)

  • T. Saungweme

    (Great Zimbabwe University)

Abstract

This study examines the pathways for enhancing the financial sustainability of urban councils in Zimbabwe. The study adopts both theoretical and case study approaches to critically review the existing local government financing systems, further analysing opportunities to enhance urban councils' financial sustainability through diversified revenue sources, improved financial governance, and strategic partnerships. In light of the above, this study adds to the broader discourse on achieving National Development Strategy I, Vision 2030, Sustainable Development Goals and other international conventions through promoting effective and sustainable urban council financing and development in Zimbabwe that rely less on rate payments to support council operations. The study proposed a conceptual framework that recommends urban councils in Zimbabwe to create special economic zones and the diversification of business ventures, among other options, by exploring public-private partnerships.

Suggested Citation

  • V.D. Takawira & T. Saungweme, 2025. "The local government finance and development in Zimbabwe: An exploratory review," Journal of Economic Policy and Management Issues, JEPMI, vol. 4(1), pages 35-48.
    • Handle: RePEc:beg:journl:v:4:y:2025:i:1:p:35-48
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    File URL: https://jepmi.aesri.org/RePEc/beg/beg-journl/RePEc-Version-Published-Paper-3-Takawira-and-Saungweme-2025-Volume-4-Issue-1-2025-September-2025.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Abel Gwaindepi, 2021. "Domestic revenue mobilisation in developing countries: An exploratory analysis of sub‐Saharan Africa and Latin America," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(2), pages 396-421, March.
    2. Perugini, Francesco, 2024. "Local government efficiency and economic growth: The Italian case," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    3. Bao, Helen X.H. & Wang, Ziyou & Wu, Robert Liangqi, 2024. "Understanding local government debt financing of infrastructure projects in China: Evidence based on accounting data from local government financing vehicles," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 136(C).
    4. Shujing Fu & Xuexia Zhang & Wenhui Kuang & Changqing Guo, 2022. "Characteristics of Changes in Urban Land Use and Efficiency Evaluation in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau from 1990 to 2020," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-16, May.
    5. Kunal Sen, 2024. "The political economy of structural transformation in African cities: Insights from the Deals and Development framework," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2024-50, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
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