For a country facing a multitude of economic challenges, a blanket ban on used vehicles seems like a misguided and counterproductive policy. Zimbabwe, which imports a wide range of goods, from bottled water to matchsticks, through Statutory Instrument (SI 64), is grappling with issues such as triple-digit inflation, skyrocketing debt levels, and unsustainable government spending. In this context, the recent move towards protectionism raises serious questions about its efficacy and logic.

The decision to ban used vehicles is based on the assumption that protecting the local motor industry will somehow solve Zimbabwe’s trade imbalances. However, this simplistic view fails to address the root causes of the country’s economic woes. Zimbabwe’s trade deficits are primarily driven by the importation of goods with higher value compared to its exports, including unprocessed agricultural products and minerals sold at a fraction of their true worth. This trade deficit problem cannot be remedied by protectionist measures alone.

Fundamental reforms are needed to address the deep-seated issues plaguing Zimbabwe’s economy. These reforms should include measures to deter the entwining of the ruling party, Zanu PF, and the state, which has facilitated corruption and primitive accumulation. This blend of violent coercion and legitimizing consent among the ruling elite has contributed to the economic crisis and trade imbalances that protectionism is attempting to tackle.

In reality, a protectionist stance is ill-suited for an economy characterized by soaring inflation, mounting debt, unfavorable tax policies that encourage evasion, and widespread corruption. What Zimbabwe’s ailing industry requires are coherent policies that prioritize the sanctity of private property rights and the rule of law—essential prerequisites for its modernization and revitalization.

The political deadlock in Zimbabwe, fueled by Zanu PF’s efforts to create a one-party state for perpetuating its power and control over national wealth, has hindered the necessary political reforms that could revive the economy. Budgetary constraints, stemming from deficits caused by growth-hindering policies, have further exacerbated the crisis.

Zimbabwe’s industry, once the second-largest in Africa at the time of independence, has witnessed an alarming decline due to Zanu PF’s misguided economic policies. Even attempts to implement the Economic Structural Adjustment Program (ESAP) as a remedy were met with hostility from the ruling party. This hostility, driven by an uninformed preference for socialism, led to Zimbabwe’s isolation and a humanitarian crisis.

Zanu PF’s subsequent “Look East Policy” only worsened the situation by exposing struggling industries to cheap imports, leading to widespread closures, unemployment, and stagnant production. This policy, driven by political survival rather than the welfare of the people, demonstrated the government’s lack of comprehension of the economic challenges it had created.

It is evident that Zanu PF’s interests lie more in maintaining its grip on power than in revitalizing Zimbabwe’s industry. A revived and stabilized economy threatens the party’s control, as it relies on a state of dependency through partisan distribution of food aid and agriculture inputs to retain power.

The unfavorable tax regime and inflation have eroded consumer wages, making locally manufactured goods more expensive. The lack of protection for local industries and inconsistent government interventions have driven consumers to seek cheaper alternatives from countries like China.

In conclusion, a blanket ban on used vehicles is a superficial response to Zimbabwe’s complex economic problems. Zanu PF’s reluctance to implement meaningful reforms demonstrates its prioritization of self-preservation over the welfare of the nation. Without substantial reforms, the country’s industry will continue to deteriorate, and protectionist measures will do little to remedy the situation. Zimbabwe deserves comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of its economic challenges.