The Nexus between policy development and economic development: a case of Zimbabwe.

Abstract

This study explores the nexus between policy development and economic development in Zimbabwe, with a focus on understanding how government policy frameworks influence key economic indicators such as GDP growth, agricultural productivity, and foreign direct investment. Despite the government’s numerous policy interventions since independence, economic performance has remained inconsistent, reflecting a gap between policy formulation and effective implementation. The study adopts a mixed-methods research design, combining qualitative analysis of policy documents with quantitative evaluation of economic data to determine the relationship between policy strategies and development outcomes. Findings are anticipated to show that although policy development is vital for shaping the country’s economic direction, challenges such as weak institutional capacity, limited stakeholder consultation, and political interference undermine progress. The study seeks to provide practical recommendations to enhance policy coherence, transparency, and execution. Ultimately, it contributes to a better understanding of how sound policy formulation and implementation can stimulate inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Zimbabwe.