The Economic Decline of Zimbabwe: Neither Growth Nor Equity (Studies on the African Economies)

When Zimbabwe achieved political independence, its new majority government sought economic growth and the redistribution of resources, neither of which were achieved. The seeds of economic decline were sown soon after independence in high government spending that stifled private investment, and inhibited employment creation. The burden of adjustment was borne by the rural poor. Zimbabwe's experience provides valuable lessons for countries struggling with the trade-offs between growth-orientated and redistributive policies.