space for civil society strongly signal to donors and development partners, its intentions to proceed on a path of authoritarianism, despotism and totalitarianism. Zimcodd added that the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Bill attests to the attempts by the government to shrink the civic space.

“Constraints on the existence of a free and robust civil society will likely intensify the lack of rule of law and broader weakening of democratic safeguards generally viewed as derailments to the ease of doing business and re-engagement which thrive on shared norms and standards.

“This situation is worsened by policy inconsistencies emanating from the vested interest of those close to the highest echelons of power,” Zimcodd said.

The organisation further said policy inconsistencies affect corporates optimal planning which is integral in business investment, thus, making Zimbabwe a high-risk investment destination.