Is Zimbabwe’s real estate investment future secure? – The Property Chronicle
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Is Zimbabwe’s real estate investment future secure? Nana Ampofo looks at the outcome of recent political events in Zimbabwe

Investor's Notebook

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President Robert Mugabe announced his resignation on Tuesday 14 November after 37 years in power, the last three of which included the dismissal of vice-presidents and ruling party stalwarts: Joice Mujuru in 2014 and most recently, Emmerson Mnangagwa. At the time of writing, although Acting First Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko was nominally still in place at the time of Mugabe’s resignation, Mnangagwa was sworn in as his (interim) successor on Friday 24 November.

Would-be seers have been predicting the end of the Mugabe era since the mid-80s at least. However, prior to the country’s most recent succession machinations, few will have expected Mnangagwa and General Constantino Chiwenga to be its authors. From the 1966-79 liberation war, to Ndebele massacres in 1983-4, to land invasions in 2000 and post-election political violence in 2008, armed forces and militaristic interest groups have consistently played in Zimbabwean political currents. However, hitherto, Mugabe had been able to direct or ride those waves to his advantage. Today of course, he has not. While significant constituencies in Harare and abroad celebrate this new status, there are reasons to remain sober.

Setting expectations

Now that Mugabe has resigned, one may look to the constitution for indications on the transfer of power going forwards. Now that Mnangagwa is in place, elections for his ultimate successor are expected to be held before July 2018 – the previously scheduled end of Mugabe’s term of office. Beyond that, timetables and processes are unclear.






Investor's Notebook

About Nana Adu Ampofo

Nana Adu Ampofo

Joint Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Songhai Advisory, Nana is an experienced and well-networked British and Ghanaian business leader dedicated to facilitating the growth and development of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this role, Nana has led the Songhai team in delivering on business and political risk projects for organisations of international repute, including various private equity and hedge fund groups, the Overseas Development Institute, the British Council, UK Trade and Invest and global executive search firm, Russell Reynolds. Before launching Songhai Advisory with Kissy Agyeman-Togobo, Nana worked with the international market intelligence firm IHS as an economic and political risk specialist, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the UK’s Department of Trade and Industry. Nana may be contacted on nana.ampofo@songhaiadvisory.com

Articles by Nana Adu Ampofo

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