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The intractability of public debt in post-independent Zimbabwe: An international comparison

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  • Mateko, Freeman Munisi
  • Maiwasha, Barbra
  • Tsara, Emmanuel

Abstract

How has public and publicly guaranteed debt in post-independent Zimbabwe relentlessly spiralled over time? The mixed method study aimed to determine the causes and effects that have triggered a debt crisis in Zimbabwe. Descriptive data on public debt was obtained from the World Bank portal for the period 1980–2022. The research used documentary evidence obtained from online repositories. Documentary analysis was used under the data analysis section. Research findings indicated that high public debt was a result of continuous borrowing from financial institutions, corruption, weak institutions, non-adherence to the available legal frameworks, unbudgeted expenditures, as well as a lack of transparency and accountability in public debt management. It was also established that unsustainable public debt in Zimbabwe led to slow economic growth and a loss of creditworthiness status. The novelty of the research is on the basis of examining the causes and effects of public debt as well as providing solutions. These research findings imply that Zimbabwe must reduce its public debt levels in order to improve its capacity to meet macro-economic objectives and attain sustainable development goals. In terms of policy recommendations, it was suggested that there is a need for implementing public debt policy, debt transparency, a strong commitment to deal with corruption, responsible and restrained government borrowing.

Suggested Citation

  • Mateko, Freeman Munisi & Maiwasha, Barbra & Tsara, Emmanuel, 2025. "The intractability of public debt in post-independent Zimbabwe: An international comparison," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 47(2), pages 394-406.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jpolmo:v:47:y:2025:i:2:p:394-406
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpolmod.2025.01.009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Krugman, Paul, 1988. "Financing vs. forgiving a debt overhang," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 29(3), pages 253-268, November.
    2. Lorenzo Cerboni Baiardi & Ahmad Naimzada, 2020. "Existence, multiplicity and policy prescriptions for debt sustainability in an OLG model with fiscal policy and debt," Decisions in Economics and Finance, Springer;Associazione per la Matematica, vol. 43(2), pages 769-786, December.
    3. Brian Tavonga Mazorodze, 2020. "Re-visiting the External Debt-Economic Growth Question in Zimbabwe," Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, AMH International, vol. 12(2), pages 1-8.
    4. Borensztein, Eduardo, 1990. "Debt overhang, credit rationing and investment," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 32(2), pages 315-335, April.
    5. Saungweme Talknice & Odhiambo Nicholas M., 2018. "A Critical Review of the Dynamics of Government Debt Servicing in Zimbabwe," Studia Universitatis „Vasile Goldis” Arad – Economics Series, Sciendo, vol. 28(3), pages 20-36, September.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • E60 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - General
    • F34 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Lending and Debt Problems
    • H61 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - Budget; Budget Systems
    • H63 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - Debt; Debt Management; Sovereign Debt

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