By Kundai Marunya
THE SADC Anti-Sanctions Day has consistently served as a rallying point for solidarity and resistance against the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. These sanctions, originally framed as ‘targeted’ measures, have proven to be a stranglehold on Zimbabwe’s economy, affecting not only its citi ens but the entire SADC region. With the recent election of Donald Trump for his second bite of the cherry as US President, a new window has opened for the US to reassess its approach to Zimbabwe. Since their imposition in the early 2000s, the sanctions by the US and the EU have cost Zimbabwe an estimated US$40 billion in potential revenue and development assistance.
These measures have curtailed the countrys access to international financial mar ets, disrupted trade and stifled economic growth. The consequences have rippled across the A region, affecting regional trade and stability. Zimbabwe’s economic challenges have forced millions of its citi ens to migrate in search of opportunities, creating socio-economic pressures on neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.
For a region seeking to build economic selfsufficiency and foster industrialisation under initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the sanctions are a debilitating obstacle. We are in a fast changing global landscape and Trump should act accordingly. President Trump’s return to the White ouse presents a chance to redefine US-Africa relations. In his previous term, Trump emphasised the importance of equitable trade partnerships. Now, his new administration has the chance to move beyond rhetoric by addressing the Zimbabwe sanctions issue — an anathema that has long outlived its original intent.
The sanctions, tied to Zimbabwe’s Land Reform and Resettlement Programme, were ostensibly targeted at individuals and entities accused of undermining ‘democracy’ and ‘human rights’. However, their broader impact has been catastrophic, affecting ordinary citi ens and critical sectors such as health, education and infrastructure. By maintaining these measures, the US continues to perpetuate a narrative of Western dominance, which undermines its credibility in fostering equitable international partnerships. Trump’s campaign for re-election included a pledge to prioritise ‘America First’ policies, but this should not translate into the neglect of fair global practices. A reconsideration of sanctions on Zimbabwe could position his administration as a champion of economic justice and multilateral cooperation. SADC leaders have consistently condemned the sanctions, arguing that they are a violation of Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and a barrier to regional economic development. Zimbabwe, as one of the region’s largest economies, plays a critical role in SADC’s industrialisation and growth agenda. The sanctions are not just a Zimbabwean problem; they are a regional crisis.
The 44th SADC Summit held in Harare in August under Zimbabwe’s chairmanship emphasised the urgency of addressing economic vulnerabilities exacerbated by sanctions. President Mnangagwa’s Government, through initiatives such as the Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan 2024-2025, has demonstrated a commitment to self-reliance and sustainable development These efforts align with the goals of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) and the AfCFTA, which aim to reduce dependence on external markets by fostering intra-regional trade and industrialisation.
By lifting sanctions, the US will not only empower Zimbabwe but also contribute to the stability and prosperity of the entire SADC region. The theme of this year’s Anti-Sanctions Day: ‘Embracing Innovation Towards Vision 2030’, underscores the need for technological and industrial solutions to overcome economic challenges. Zimbabwe has already ta en significant steps in this direction, with rural industrialisation and the establishment of value chains at the core of its development agenda. et, these efforts are severely hampered by restricted access to international credit lines and technology transfers due to sanctions.
President Trump’s administration could play a pivotal role in unlocking Zimbabwe’s potential by normalising relations and supporting its path to innovation-driven growth. In a world increasingly interconnected by digital technology and trade, penalising a nation for past policies is counterproductive. Instead, fostering partnerships that prioritise innovation and mutual benefit is the way forward For President Trump, lifting sanctions on Zimbabwe could be a defining moment of his legacy; positioning him as a leader who values fairness and global partnership. It would signal a shift from unilateral punitive policies to constructive engagement, laying the foundation for a new era in US-Africa relations. Zimbabwe’s resilience in the face of sanctions is a testament to the strength of its people and their determination to building a better future. However, no nation should have to develop with the burden of unilateral and illegal sanctions on its economy.
President Trump now has the opportunity to right a historical wrong, aligning US policy with the principles of justice and mutual respect. By lifting sanctions, his administration would not only restore Zimbabwe’s economic potential but also contribute to a more equitable global order. The people of Zimbabwe, SADC and Africa at large are ready to embrace a future of shared prosperity — one built on innovation, collaboration and the dismantling of unjust barriers. ill residentelect Trump sei e the moment? Only time will tell.