The Economy of Zimbabwe
Independence in 1980 and Early Promise
After independence from white-minority rule, Zimbabwe invested in schools and health, and commercial farming and mining kept the economy going.
A promising start.
Background
Rhodesia declared independence under white minority rule in 1965, and international sanctions and a war followed.
1980
Majority rule began under Robert Mugabe.
Investments
Schooling and clinics expanded, and literacy rose to among the highest in Africa.
Structure
Land ownership remained unequal, with a small number of large commercial farms.
A school boom
Enrolment expanded rapidly in the early 1980s.
Ignoring the land inequality that shaped later events
It was a central political issue.
Key takeaways
- Independence came in 1980.
- Education expanded.
- Literacy became high.
- Land remained unequal.
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