Abstract
Purpose of the study: In order to achieve self-reliance, Zimbabwe needs to concentrate on growing member countries' economies, which requires an environment conducive to growth because of political stability and good governance to be in place first. What appears to be some of the goals of the economic reforms are issues that need to be addressed now (are pre-conditions) to pave the way for the socio-economic development of the Continent. The problem is that Zimbabwe has developed and implemented several national economic policies since independence, which however, suffer from lack of implementation. In most cases, the policies are aborted at conception or during the course of their life or merely suffer a natural death with little or no documented reasons for their termination. The aim of the article therefore is to explain the Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-Oriented and Time Framed (SMART) policy objectives to improve economic policies for socio-economic development in Zimbabwe.Design/methodology/approach: This study is qualitative in nature and utilised the triangulation of data in the form of conceptual analysis, document analysis, and unobtrusive research.Findings: The findings show that all the selected policies did not have adequate funding from the national budgets. As such they depended on the possibility of receiving external funding to implement policy goals and objectives.Recommendations/value: It is recommended that government prioritise its projects and programmes and implement what is feasible given the available resources and manpower.Managerial implications: The study can assist government officials in Zimbabwean Public Administration/Management to understand that policy clarity and consistency can only be achieved if the proper methods of developing a policy are duly followed, such as extensive consultations, involvement of experts in developing policies, amongst others.