This article explores why the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Reconstruction Act (ZDERA) cannot be classified as a sanction. It delves into the legal and practical distinctions between sanctions and the provisions of ZDERA, highlighting Zimbabwe’s debt challenges, its historical ties to multilateral loans, and its intervention in the Congo. The post also examines how ZDERA differs from traditional US sanctions, clarifying key legal aspects, and questions Zimbabwe’s current fiscal strategies. Written by Rutendo Matinyarare, the article provides a critical perspective on Zimbabwe’s economic landscape.