In an effort to improve the financial and fiscal situation of the country following the establishment of the Mnangagwa government in 2017, the government initiated a number of austerity policies in an effort to kick-start the moribund economy. By October 2018, foreign currency shortages led to large scale business closures and shortages of imported commodities, including fuel. This led to persistent fuel shortages, strikes by government workers, and a worsening economic environment.