In assessing microfinance institutions (MFIs) and civil servants' perspectives on borrowing in Zimbabwe, we examine the purpose and rationale of MFIs establishments. Thus, in an attempt to understand the reason behind high borrowing, we also considered loan terms, the nature of loans issued, and the uses of MFIs borrowed funds among households. Driven by the exploratory approach, qualitative research involving semi-structured interviews and observation methods were applied in this study. Using, the purpose of the loan, pricing of loans, repayment terms, and loan terms, interview questions were designed and conducted. Our results show that MFIs loans are: short term loans, income (salary) based; and, these loans are mainly for immediate household consumption needs not an investment. This study also indicates that loan application requirements are more favorable for employed households, especially public sector employees. Even though civil servants have a better advantage in accessing MFIs loans, in the long run, they are likely to remain in poverty; since their purpose of borrowing is geared towards family expenses. Also, MFIs prevailing interest rates (high), evidenced with shorter repayment periods, reflect their failure to pull borrowers out of poverty; however, creating an interdependence syndrome of continuous borrowing. Since we focused on lending practices of households, our results serve as a basis of a joint policy formulation in combating poverty. Thus, understanding poverty through the borrowing of employed citizens aids in grasping the interconnectedness of sectors; which, is an essential tool for sustainable development and strategic planning.

In assessing the short run and the long-run effects of fixed investment and economic growth among Southern Africa countries, we evaluated the economic progress of the SADC (Southern African Development Committee) region. Our objective is to determine how variables (GDP, purchasing power parity, inflation, electricity, balance-of-payments, and unemployment) can be affected by the fixed investment. In determining how fixed investment affects economic activities and policies among the states, the ADRL estimation approach is applied. Using data from 13 countries in the SADC region from the period 1992-2018, we enumerate the variables’ marginal returns against the fixed investment component. The results of diagnostic and other tests show that all statistical procedures are robust. The result proves that the benefits of fixed investment are yielded over a long period rather than short periods. As a result, the cost in the short term cannot be compared to the benefits that will be enjoyed later by an economy as it becomes productive. Furthermore, the lack of consistent fixed investment among countries will eventually lead to insufficient cash flow, which will negatively affect the currency. These results would seem to suggest that the introduction of policies that promote investment will massively contribute to increased productivity and positive economic growth in the region.