A Review of the Operationalisation of Special Economic Zones in Zimbabwe

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are understood as regions or estates providing fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to businesses operating within them, with the goal of fostering a country's competitive development. Their creation is normally driven by several motivations which include attracting foreign direct investment, promoting exports, creating employment, enabling the establishment of growth poles and promoting wider private sector participation and development. From that background, this article evaluated the current SEZs implementation experiences in Zimbabwe, spelling out the constraints and gaps that are hindering the successful operationalisation of the SEZs concept. A qualitative research methodology underpinned by key informant interviews and documentary reviews was employed in data collection and analysis. Research findings reveal that, whereas several inroads have been made in the implementation of SEZs in Zimbabwe, major gaps still persist in the form of financial challenges, dearth of requisite skills, infrastructural deficiencies, challenges of governance, and a generally unhealthy macroeconomic environment. The paper concluded that SEZs implementation will only succeed if the highlighted gaps are systematically addressed.