Today Bill Gates told the people attending the ICTD 2009 Conference in Qatar that Zimbabwe was not worth spending resources on as it is too far gone.

I disagree with his remarks and find them unfortunate. They have far reaching consequences for the people of Zimbabwe.

Below is an open letter to Mr. Gates explaining my thoughts. This letter just scratches the surface. I ask all Zimbabweans to contribute to this letter below by leaving constructive comments as to why he should change his mind.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation does some amazing work around the world. This is not an attack on them, rather an effort to engage positively.

18 April 2009
Dear Mr. Gates

I have been following updates of your keynote speech at the ICTD 2009 in Qatar.

I would like, with respect, to disagree with your assertion that “Zimbabwe is not worth spending resources on as it is too far gone”.

If ever there was a chance to rebuild an African country so that it can become sustainable and a model for other countries to follow, this is it. Here is an opportunity to engage with the people of Zimbabwe to ensure the restructuring of the country is relevant, sustainable and meets the needs of the people.

I agree that there are still challenges Zimbabwe has to face with regard to the political climate, but real progress is being made in the country. The majority of people in the new government have a positive and enlightened attitude towards reconstruction and recovery. The government contains capable, intelligent and dedicated people. The main challenges are the negative perceptions of the West and the unwillingness of some people/institutions, internally and externally who can effect real change in the country to commit to this task.

Here are a few reasons why Zimbabwe cannot be discounted:

• Zimbabwe still has an infrastructure that can be quickly turned around using relevant technologies, processes and new thinking.
• Zimbabwe has many capable, educated people with the skills and the dedication needed to rebuild the country. Zimbabwe’s productive years were not so long ago that we have forgotten how to produce.
• There is willingness and an understanding from the top that Zimbabwe needs to allow conditions for private enterprise to grow on a micro and macro level.
• Zimbabwe has the natural resources and capacity to ensure continual growth and solvency with the right investment.
• Change in Zimbabwe has come about through an opposition’s commitment to democracy. Sacrifices have been made and are still being made for these ideals. However, the commitment to these principles stands the country in good stead.

You talk about the need for strategies, the need for process and the adoption of best practices. You understand that profitability is one on the most fundamental cornerstones of building sustainable communities. You ask: “If someone knows how to take philanthropic money and create good governance in Zimbabwe I’d love to hear it”. You have already provided the answers.

Zimbabwe needs a robust recovery plan. It needs to integrate and align all internal and external efforts and direct them towards a Zimbabwean solution. Most of all, it needs genuine assistance from foundations, institutions and governments with no hidden agendas and no “prefabricated” solutions. Zimbabwe does not need disparate efforts and good intentions; it needs a collective, collaborative and communicated strategy. It needs the leadership and skills that a foundation like yours can provide to work with Zimbabwe’s leaders, businesses and stakeholders to bring all the relevant players together. This will ensure that the resulting strategy is relevant, aligned to available resources and executable. Zimbabwe needs partnerships and dialogue, not handouts.

I share your view that an empowered population will be less dependent on government. They will have choices and options. They will have the resources to educate their children, pay for medicines and to feed themselves. A population that does not rely on the state ensures the state is answerable to its citizens.

I am saddened by your remarks in Qatar. You have the power to do so much good for the country, and you have the influence and the right approach to make a real difference. So many Zimbabweans have sacrificed so much to get to where they are today. To hear you say this on the eve of our rebirth is devastating and counterproductive. I ask you to reconsider your remarks, and I challenge you to reach out and engage with Zimbabwe in an effort to understand what we need and then decide whether you still feel it is too late for Zimbabwe.
Sincerely

Alasdair Munn
Zimbabwean.