Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube is expected to announce the country’s annual budget today

It comes at a time the country is facing a huge deficit, with predictions the economy could shrink by 7%.

The economic crisis has seen hospitals virtually shut with health workers on strike over pay.

Nearly half of the country’s 16 million people faces the threat of starvation, in part due to the worst drought in four decades.

The government is expected to put in place measures to boost confidence in the new local currency, and some attempts will be made to end the long running strikes.

It is almost two years since President Emmerson Mnangagwa came to power – deposing long-time president Robert Mugabe.

Mr Mnangagwa promised long awaited reforms, a crackdown on corruption and to control government expenditure. Few of his critics expect to see those promises fulfilled today.