Participatory Governance. An Analysis of the Engagement of Zimbabwe's Indigenous Private Sector in Public Economic Policy Reform

Abstract

The study is an analysis of the engagement of indigenous private sector in public economic policy reform within Zimbabwe. The study wanted to ascertain the relevance and extent to which private sector has been involved and accredited by the government to influence economic governance in Zimbabwe. The research highlighted the relationship between the government and the private sector with regards to influencing economic policies, the extent of private sectors participation in economic policy making and constrains faced by the private sector in its involvement in economic policy making in Zimbabwe. The research under investigation was guided by participatory governance theories. A qualitative approach was adopted in the study with gathering data being conducted by means of instigating in-depth interviews and documentary review. The research is also aimed at suggesting recommendations for the policy makers in Zimbabwe that will help in achieving effective economic development of the country. The study recommends that the government should collaborate with the private sector thereby prioritising advocacy initiatives and build their advocacy capabilities and awareness, private sector should initiate or promote public-private dialogues in order for government and private sector to understand each other’s positions and to reach consensus on what is good for business.