Western donors remain sceptical about a government still headed by Mugabe, and say money will be provided only when reforms are implemented.
Luke Zunga, a South African based Zimbabwean economist, told us the lack of funding is expected to hamper plans to meet the humanitarian needs of millions of Zimbabweans and help in the early recovery programmes.
Although the world is going through financial turmoil, western countries have the resources and ability to kick-start the country's recovery programme. But there are human obstacles standing in the way,' Zunga said.
The lack of funding is a vote of no confidence by the donor community against Mugabe and his security and military leaders, notorious for their history of oppression, corruption and the destruction of what had once been a thriving economy.
The international community has not forgotten Zimbabwe. The money has not come in because there is a lack of transparency, accountability and lack of the rule of law. What makes it worse is that Mugabe has not repented and continues to use combative language instead of urging reforms,' Zunga said.
Meanwhile, it's reported South Africa is considering opening credit lines to help the Zimbabwe rebuild it's shattered economy.
The South African Financial Mail quotes Finance Minister Trevor Manuel as saying credit lines made sense, given that most of the goods needed in Zimbabwe would be bought in South Africa.
Zunga pointed out that while a credit line will not solve the country's funding problems, it will allow private banks to lend money to wholesalers, retailers and producers to purchase goods using credit, and ultimately give millions of poor Zimbabweans easier access to essential products.
Finance Minister Tendai Biti said the country needs US$1 billion now to get farms, schools and hospitals working, and another $5 billion later to fully rebuild the economy. Food and fuel are scarce and the currency virtually worthless, leading to widespread use of the U.S. dollar and South African rand.
A high-level International Monetary Fund mission will visit the country next week, after a two year break, to assess the economic situation and humanitarian crisis.
The visit is not expected to lead to financial aid, but will give lenders an idea of the direction of the government's economic policy.
swradio