President Hopeful Zimbabwe Economy Will Turn Around in 2024

FILE - Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa speaks during his inauguration at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, Sept. 4, 2023. In his new year message Mnangagwa has predicted the country's economy will turn around this year following the recent discovery of oil and gas. Citizens walk past a banner of President Emmerson Mnangagwa saying Zimbabwe is shaping to be prosperous by 2030 in Harare. (Columbus Mavhunga/VOA)

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has predicted Zimbabwe's moribund economy will turn around this year following the recent discovery of oil and gas near the country's border with Mozambique and Zambia and improvement in the country’s mining and tourism sectors. Economists are not as optimistic, as Zimbabweans continue to leave the country.