With strong prospects that Zimbabwe’s economy is on a verge of a boom, Zimbabweans are hopeful that the year 2012 will definitely present better opportunities for individuals and the country at large.

The curtain came down on 2011 and all the challenges and sorrows of yesteryear are now being forgotten with most people in Harare expressing hope that life will improve as the prospects for economic growth are high.

For many people in various suburbs in Harare, 2012 presents opportunities for personal development with some expecting to get married, others to buy cars whilst the unemployed are hopeful that employment opportunities will increase.

"2011 was not that bad, so we expect to carry on with the positives of the previous year and improve in certain areas. As entrepreneurs, we expect more business in 2012," said one businessman in Harare.

For some, unity and peace are critical for socio-economic development and as such, they have called for such virtues to be promoted by ordinary people and politicians alike.

Meanwhile, as the country is celebrating the beginning of a new year, many mothers in government hospitals in Harare and Chitungwiza were celebrating the birth of over 18 babies as at midday this Sunday.

Year 2011 marked the beginning of good fortunes for Zimbabwe as the economy is on a recovery path and hopefully the positive changes are expected to cascade down to the ordinary Zimbabweans this year and beyond.