President Chiluba appears determined to amend the constitution to stand for a third term, and the much-vaunted economic renaissance has failed to materialse. Huge flows of refugees and ex-combatants has not yet destabilised the country, but with a weak economy it is a cause for concern. Economic Outlook Zambia has not reaped the benefits of the heralded privatisation programme. The country continues to be buffeted by low copper prices and low output. There is some hope that this will turn around in 2001 as the major Anglo-American mines pick up production.
Government is fairly upbeat about prospects, but they are probably overly optimistic.
HIPC reductions and inward investment should help to stabilise the economy, but it is likely to be another hard year for the impoverished nation. The only real question facing Zimbabwe in 2001 is far the country is likely to spin out of control. The government clings to power for power's sake only and is willing to use any means to do so. With state-backed 'war veterans' acting with apparent impunity, the Mugabe government has unleashed a scenario that will not fade away amicably. Involvement in the Congo and domestic human rights abuses have largely isolated the once prosperous nation, leading to a virtual economic collapse.