Zimbabwe has a mixed economy that is highly controlled by the government. Though it depends heavily on mining and agriculture sectors, the tertiary industry is becoming dominant in total GDP. The informal economy is large, comprising 85% of the total workforce. What’s more, years of mismanagement have caused economic fluctuation. Currently, the economy is facing a crisis with GDP shrinking by more than 8% in 2019, due to the severe drought and cyclone that hit the country.This, coupled with shortages of foreign currency, has led to double-digit contraction of agriculture, electricity, and water production and pushed more than half of the population into food insecurity. Inflation reached 500% by the end of 2019, eroding disposable incomes and significantly aggravating poverty. In fact, since the decline of political and economic climate starting in the 1990s, Zimbabwe’s rates of poverty have been on the rise.

The country was once known as one of the best in health and education on the continent, while severe social and economic challenges have resulted in their unprecedented deterioration, and budgets are further eroded by inflation, worsening human capital outcomes and jeopardizing opportunities for future generations.