THE unfolding push by hard-line elements within Zanu PF to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 is diverting the ruling party’s attention from reviving Zimbabwe’s fragile economy.
Mnangagwa, who is serving his final constitutionally-mandated term set to end in 2028, has repeatedly stated his intention to step down in line with the constitution.
However, growing efforts to secure an extension have sparked resistance, particularly from war veterans, who argue that Mnangagwa’s administration has entrenched corruption, further weakening an already ailing economy.
Supporters of the extension claim that Mnangagwa’s leadership since coming to power in 2017 — through a military coup that ousted the long-ruling Robert Mugabe — warrants his continued rule.
They cite his Vision 2030 programme, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by that year, as justification for prolonging his tenure.
However, analysts argue that this internal battle has overshadowed critical economic strategies and infrastructure projects that could lift Zimbabwe out of its worsening crisis.
Political analyst Kudzai Mutisi warned that instead of focusing on national development, Zanu PF’s internal divisions are crippling government operations and derailing efforts to address the country’s economic woes.
“It is quite saddening that Zanu PF’s electoral victory 18 months ago, which granted him a renewed mandate to govern Zimbabwe, has been betrayed by a legacy of stagnation, political infighting, and economic neglect,” he said.
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“The party has allowed President Mnangagwa’s ambitious infrastructure agenda, a hallmark of his first term, to grind to a halt. “Instead of prioritising national development, Zanu PF factions are now consumed by a self-serving campaign to extend president Mnangagwa’s rule to 2030,” Mutisi added.
He further noted that Zimbabwe’s volatile economy — characterised by high inflation and an unpredictable exchange rate — is being further destabilised by the political uncertainty surrounding Mnangagwa’s succession.
“The toxic internal power struggles within Zanu PF are a real threat to Zimbabwe’s political and economic stability,” Mutisi said.
“Political factionalism, whether over leadership succession or resource control, paralyses governance, diverts attention from urgent economic reforms, and erodes public trust.
“It sends a negative signal to investors, who are already frustrated with Zimbabwe’s unstable currency, hyperinflation, and inconsistent policies.”
Last month, a group of war veterans equated the push for Mnangagwa’s term extension to the political turmoil that led to Mugabe’s ousting in 2017, warning that it could have similar repercussions.
Development economist Chenayi Mutambasere, from the Africa Centre for Economic Justice, highlighted how internal party conflicts have historically contributed to Zimbabwe’s economic instability.
“Internal conflicts within Zanu PF have historically diverted attention from critical economic issues, leading to policy inconsistencies and governance challenges,” she said.
“Such infighting often results in financial leakages, including expenditures on legal battles against perceived activists and questionable allocations in fiscal budgets, such as providing vehicles to traditional leaders.
“This instability discourages business investment and hampers economic growth,” Mutambasere said.
Economists warn that Zimbabwe is at a critical economic juncture, requiring stability through predictable policies, controlled inflation, and a stable currency to restore business and public confidence.
Their warning comes amid growing distress in the business sector, with firms struggling due to excessive taxation, erratic utility services, exchange rate volatility, and inconsistent government policies. Some companies have resorted to corporate rescue, while others are closing branches altogether.
Political analyst Gideon Chitanga noted that government institutions, rather than focusing on their core mandates, are now preoccupied with factional battles.
“So, instead of these particular government structures focusing on their role, they are now consumed with the flames of factional fighting,” he said.
“Much of our national resources, which could otherwise be wisely used to drive public services, are being misdirected towards factional campaigns, such as the dishing out of patronage to war veterans.
“That is money that could be alternatively used within the proper legitimate government structures under different ministries to address public policy goals,” Chitanga said.
He also criticised the growing trend of “presidential projects” that undermine democratic governance.
“We are seeing more and more presidential projects, presidential this and that, there is no democratic country that is governed like that,” Chitanga said.
“I think that the most urgent thing that the President should be focusing his attention on is fighting corruption in a very robust and responsive way.
“The role of the president is the chief executive office of the country to mobilise resources, to create an image of a country that is democratic, that is stable, and that is focused and responsive to the needs of the people, considering the many challenges that Zimbabwe is facing.”
