Harare — Zimbabwe will raise public-sector pay by 10% starting in July, a move likely to widen the budget deficit as President Emmerson Mnangagwa tries to curb strikes by public workers before elections, expected later this year. Last week, Mnangagwa, facing his first presidential vote set for July, promised better conditions for government workers as he delivered his ruling Zanu-PF party’s election manifesto. Mnangagwa is under pressure to revive Zimbabwe’s economy. The country suffers from a shortage of dollars that have curbed imports, a dilapidated infrastructure, and an unemployment rate estimated to be as high as 80%. Apex Council, the top body that represents all government workers, said on Tuesday that the government offered to increase salaries and allowances for all its workers. The offer followed strikes by doctors and nurses in March and April, the first such action since Mnangagwa took over from Robert Mugabe, who resigned after a de facto military coup in November. Mna...
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