UZA’s Elisabeth Valerio details her economic vision for Zimbabwe

United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) President and presidential candidate Elisabeth Valerio recently discussed her economic vision for Zimbabwe in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa. Valerio expressed deep concerns about the current state of the country, emphasizing the unsustainable levels of natural resource exploitation and the lack of benefits reaching the people of Zimbabwe. She outlined her determination to bring about positive change and ensure a prosperous future for the nation. Valerio highlighted the need for consistent and effective policies, noting the historical failures of past governments to deliver on promises made to the people. She stressed the importance of citizen engagement and empowerment, stating that UZA is focused on prioritizing the needs and desires of Zimbabweans across all provinces. Valerio emphasized the critical role of leadership in rebuilding and stabilizing the economy, particularly in the areas of industrial development, resource management, and skills training. The UZA president acknowledged the challenges of running as a third force in a political landscape dominated by two major parties. Despite initial setbacks and court challenges, Valerio remained confident in UZA's platform and ability to offer a viable alternative to voters disillusioned with the incumbent and opposition parties. She emphasized the party's commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and genuine citizen engagement. Discussing the possibility of coalitions, Valerio revealed ongoing discussions with various political players outside the traditional two-party system. She expressed a willingness to collaborate for the greater good of Zimbabwe, emphasizing the importance of unity and service to the citizens above political objectives. Valerio recognized the need to address corruption and build a government that is accountable and responsive to the needs of the people. On economic policies, Valerio advocated for a balanced approach that combines elements of capitalism and socialism. She highlighted the importance of empowering the private sector, promoting entrepreneurship, and investing in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Valerio's vision for Zimbabwe includes improving agricultural capacity, fostering local production, and restoring confidence in the economy to attract foreign investment. Addressing the issue of sanctions, Valerio emphasized the importance of rebuilding relationships with the international community and addressing the root causes of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. She outlined plans to repay debts, engage with global financial institutions, and restore the nation's fiscal responsibility to pave the way for sanction removal. Valerio also touched upon currency stability, advocating for a gradual strengthening of the Zimbabwe dollar and encouraging local innovation and production. In the context of the upcoming election, Valerio expressed concerns about the credibility and fairness of the electoral process. She highlighted challenges such as an uneven playing field, court cases affecting candidate participation, and doubts about the transparency of the voting process. Valerio called on Zimbabweans to participate in large numbers to ensure the legitimacy of the election results and underscored the importance of international observers in monitoring the process. As Valerio and UZA continue their campaign to bring about change in Zimbabwe, the nation waits to see if her economic vision and policies will resonate with voters and pave the way for a brighter future.