Zimbabwe's new government will cement ZANU-PF hold

Significance

His proposals, which include an amendment to economic indigenisation policies, came just a week after new President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced his first cabinet in the aftermath of the military coup that unseated former President Robert Mugabe. Despite his reforming rhetoric, Mnangagwa's new administration is filled with familiar ZANU-PF figures and few apparent reformers. The new president is likely consolidating his power base ahead of next year's planned polls.

Impacts

• The economy will begin to grow as international actors, including China and the United Kingdom, begin to re-engage.
• The agricultural sector will be prioritised as an engine of economic growth.
• The privatisation of state-owned entities will boost revenue, but Mnangagwa-linked politicians are likely to act as gatekeepers.
• The opposition will be weakened by ZANU-PF's cosmetic reforms and 'change' message.